Colby Cave and his wife, Emily, were working toward adding a third member to their family before he died earlier this month.The couple had planned a trip to Haiti to pursue the adoption of a child, Emily told The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman."Instead of celebrating our first anniversary, we thought, 'Let's go back and see if we find a kid that we'd love to be a part of our family,'" she said. "Unfortunately, we won’t be doing that."Emily booked a trip to the Caribbean country in November but had to cancel when the Oilers demoted Colby to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, after which she said he felt terrible.They were looking into a solution early in 2020 but had to postpone again when the Canadian and American governments both cautioned against traveling to Haiti due to protests there.The adoption process can take years to complete, so they were trying to get the ball rolling, according to Nugent-Bowman. Emily wanted to give birth first, then adopt one of the opposite gender, before having a third. She wanted a child from Haiti because her father had worked at an orphanage and missionary facility there."I know Colby would want me to go back," she said. "When the time is right, I wanna go back for sure - just not necessarily to adopt anymore. That was a big plan in our future, kids and adopting."Colby died at the age of 25 in a Toronto hospital on April 11, several days after undergoing emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst causing pressure on his brain. He'd been hospitalized following a brain bleed and was placed in a medically induced coma following the procedure.Emily, who turns 27 on Sunday, and Colby got married last July.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen thinks it's only fair that the NHL broaden its playoff bracket if the league jumps right into the postseason upon its pending return."If you go directly into the playoffs, I think it has to be expanded from 16 teams," Kekalainen said, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "Otherwise, you'd have to cut it right off, and how do you cut it off when teams had different schedules, different strength of schedules, more home games or less homes games? ... All these differences, where you've arrived at a certain amount of points in a different amount of games."With the season on pause, the Blue Jackets occupy the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference based on total points. However, the club has played two more games than the New York Islanders and would fail to qualify if the league awarded playoff positions based on points percentage.Kekalainen is well aware of his team's situation and has made his proposition known to the league office."I'm lobbying for getting into the playoffs," Kekalainen said. "Obviously, we want to be a part of it. When the play paused, by points percentage, we were not in (the playoffs), but by points, we were in. What's the fair way to do it, if you continue to go right into the playoffs?"It's hard to say. Points percentage is one thing, but you still have to earn those points, and we already did. We're above the line."The Blue Jackets, who've made the playoffs in each of the last three campaigns, have been one of the most surprising stories this season after watching several core players walk in free agency last summer.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With sports events around the globe currently on pause, many fans are turning to sports movies to get their fix. But just how much have you retained from those flicks? Take our quiz below to see if you can win a sports Oscar.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Longtime NHL executive Anthony LeBlanc has joined Senators Sports and Entertainment as its president of business operations, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk announced Monday."I am thrilled to be appointed to the position of president of business operations with the Senators," LeBlanc said. "Having been a diehard Senators fan since the Sens rejoined the league, this opportunity is truly an honor. I look forward to working closely with the entire staff as we prepare for an exciting chapter in the history of the Senators."I am confident that my experience in the NHL, as well as my sales and marketing background in the technology sector, will be put to good use here in the National Capital Region."LeBlanc's hiring comes about six weeks after former CEO Jim Little was reportedly fired over abuse allegations his ex-wife made toward him. Little spent just 54 days on the job.LeBlanc previously served as president, chief executive officer, co-owner, and alternate governor of the Arizona Coyotes franchise from 2013-17. He also worked in several roles at BlackBerry from 2000-08, including as the vice president of global sales.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren got a taste of the NHL this season and is hoping to earn a permanent stay at the top level next year."That's my goal, to be with the team all year," Liljegren told TSN's Mark Masters in an interview April 16. "Once you get those games in, you just want to be out there every day, so that's where I'm focusing now, to work hard and to eventually be out there (for) a full year."The 20-year-old played 11 games in the NHL this season. He averaged 10:18 minutes of ice time per contest and recorded one assist.Liljegren spent the majority of his time in the minors during 2019-20. He played top minutes with the AHL's Toronto Marlies and recorded five goals and 25 assists in 40 games."I think I was pretty consistent," Liljegren said of his AHL season. "I think I started off pretty good and then I just kind of kept it on the same level and just got better every week, every game. Eventually, I got that NHL debut against Chicago and it was a dream come true. ... Once you get that first game, you just want to play more games. Once I came (back) down to the Marlies after that first game, I just tried to work harder so I could go up there again."Liljegren was slotted behind Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci on the right side of the Leafs' defense while up at the NHL level. However, both veteran defensemen are impending free agents.With a potential opening on the blue line up for grabs next season, the Swedish defenseman understands that his game still has room to grow."Just keep working on everything, basically," Liljegren added. "Just get stronger to be able to hold onto guys in the defensive zone. Just try to work on playing the same type of game I play with the Marlies, (but) up in the NHL, to get that confidence to be able to do that."Liljegren was selected 17th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Consider Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie on board with neutral-site games if the NHL deems that a viable solution to its hiatus."I want to play. It doesn't necessarily matter too much to me where it is," Oshie said Monday, according to The Athletic's Tarik El-Bashir. "Obviously, North Dakota is probably the No. 1 place I'd want to play in the world, so that would be amazing."But with our team and with just how much effort, not only us and myself personally but everyone in the league puts forth during the regular season, all the blocked shots, all the injuries, all that stuff, that all is geared toward getting in the playoffs and having a chance to raise the Cup, and to not have that possibility is a hard pill to swallow. So if it's a neutral site, if that's what you have to do to have a chance to win a Cup, I'm all for it."Multiple cities have contacted the NHL about hosting games since the league shut down March 12. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Grand Forks, North Dakota - where Oshie played for the University of North Dakota from 2005-08 - are all reportedly interested.At the time of the shutdown, the Capitals occupied first place in the Metropolitan Division with 90 points through 69 games. Oshie had recorded 26 goals and 23 assists.He put up 21 points in 24 playoff games to help the Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to Puck Pursuit, a podcast hosted by John Matisz, theScore's national hockey writer.Sean O'Leary and Josh Wegman of theScore join today's show to compete in a lighthearted game of NHL trivia. Categories include individual awards, Stanley Cup winners, nicknames, and miscellaneous.Subscribe to Puck Pursuit on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Spotify.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo admitted his status as one of the NHL's top unrestricted free agents this offseason has been complicated by the coronavirus stoppage."There are so many variables that you can bring into this that you don't really know," Pietrangelo told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "There are so many unknowns. We were thinking about it for a while; my wife and I certainly had some discussions between us. But it certainly gets pushed aside when you’re sitting at home chasing around these little rug rats all day. I've got family members going through it right now - they're being laid off, they're not being able to work the same way they were a few months ago."Pietrangelo's seven-year, $45.5-million contract is set to expire after the 2019-20 season, barring an extension. It's unclear if the NHL will be able to resume the current season, and it's also not clear when the free-agency period could begin and what the salary cap will be for the 2020-21 campaign.On top of the league's uncertainties, the Blues' cap situation as they try to retain their leader is equally complicated. St. Louis has over $79 million committed to next year's roster against a salary cap that is unlikely to grow substantially from this season's $81.5-million limit.Pietrangelo is poised for a considerable raise over his current $6.5-million cap hit, and general manager Doug Armstrong also needs to sign promising blue-liner Vince Dunn, a restricted free agent.Pietrangelo was in the midst of a Norris Trophy-caliber season when the league shut down, posting 52 points in 70 games for the Central-leading Blues. Last postseason, the 30-year-old averaged over 25 minutes per game en route to claiming the Stanley Cup.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Mikhail Grigorenko to a one-year deal for the 2020-21 season, the team announced Monday.It's a $1.2-million contract, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Grigorenko spent the last three seasons with the KHL's CSKA Moscow. While Friedman reports he received better offers to stay in the KHL, Grigorenko wanted to try to make a comeback in the NHL.The 25-year-old spent five seasons in the NHL after the Buffalo Sabres drafted him 12th overall in 2012. He managed 22 goals and 42 assists in 217 games while playing for the Sabres and later the Colorado Avalanche.In the KHL, Grigorenko posted 46 goals and 116 points in 147 games. He captured the Gagarin Cup with CSKA Moscow in 2019 and won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Games with the Olympic Athletes from Russia.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers were poised to make their second playoff appearance in 14 years before the season was suspended in March, and general manager Ken Holland is finding it hard to come to grips with the disappointment."From Dec. 31 on we played at a high level and I think everybody was excited," Holland said, according to TSN."We positioned ourselves so that we controlled our own fate, believing that we were going to play our way into the playoffs and when you get to the playoffs, you never know," he added. "When you look at the recent results of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, you can throw the regular season stats out the window and it's wide open."So I think that's the disappointment of not being able to continue on, but certainly we all understand what's going on in the world today."With the season on pause, Edmonton sits second in the Pacific Division and would hold home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Over half of the club's roster - including blue-chippers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl - have skated in 15 or fewer playoff games, and Holland understands how crucial a late-season period like this is for his inexperienced team."The 11 regular-season games that were coming up were going to be really valuable for our young players, and we were hopeful we could play our way into the playoffs and then again you play another two weeks and you hope to move onto the next series," he said. "So those are very, very valuable times for all players and for a team."Holland, who the Oilers hired last May, also expressed how important a postseason run would be as he evaluates his new roster."We're trying to obviously build a program here and identify players that we want to go forward with and also identify roles for the team," he noted."The young players (Kailer) Yamamoto, Ethan Bear, and Caleb Jones, and I probably missed one or two. Those were the really young players that these games were of the utmost importance in their long-term development," Holland continued.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said the league is doing its best to explore all options to resume the season, which includes playing games without fans and hosting contests at neutral sites.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Wayne Gretzky is confident the NHL will find a way to overcome its current coronavirus-induced pause and resume the 2019-20 campaign in a few months."I really believe somehow, someway, that the leadership in this country and in Canada, that we’re going to figure this out," Gretzky told The Canadian Press. "And I really believe that we’ll see hockey and some sort of other sports in June, July, and August, albeit in a different way, but I really see it coming to fruition. I think it’s going to happen."The NHL halted business operations March 12, and has stated teams will play games into August if they have to. The league is currently weighing numerous scenarios, including how to determine a fair postseason format for teams on the playoff bubble, and whether neutral-site games are feasible while considering border closures and travel restrictions.It's evident there are plenty of hurdles for the NHL to clear before a potential return, but Gretzky remains positive."Maybe I’m wrong," Gretzky said. "Maybe I’m too optimistic. I think I’m not. I hope that that’s a good sign for everyone that we’re moving on in life, in business, in sports. I really see in the next couple months something good happening."All major sports leagues around the world remain shut down for the foreseeable future. The PGA Tour is the only organization to unveil its contingency plan, recently announcing a return to action without spectators for June 11.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL players and executives have been tuning in to classic broadcasts during the league's hiatus, and the differences between modern hockey and that of yesteryear aren't lost on them."It's hilarious how much the game's changed equipment-wise (and) penalty-wise," Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner told The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton. "It's kind of funny seeing the hooks and holds, and how you're allowed to do it and allowed to get away with it."Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot also finds it amusing to see how the league was officiated back in the day."That's pretty much all I've been watching on TV, those rewind games," Chiarot said. "It's hilarious when you see Bobby Orr skating and some guy's got his stick wrapped around his waist the whole trip from blue line to blue line. Sometimes I think, 'That wouldn't be too bad if I could just latch my stick on someone and slow him down.'"The NHL cracked down on obstruction following the 2004-05 lockout with several rule changes meant to reward speed and skill."What the hell was a penalty back then?" Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving quipped. "It's unbelievable watching some of these games and just the manslaughter that took place every shift."Shortly after the NHL paused its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league began streaming classic games on YouTube. It's now doing so four times a week. Television networks like Sportsnet in Canada have also been airing certain historic contests.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the pandemic suspending sporting events worldwide, athletes suddenly have tons of time on their hands. In the latest installment of our weekly NHL series, we look at how they've been keeping themselves entertained - and in shape - while self-isolating.Greiss puts pups to the test

Vegas Golden Knights forward Max Pacioretty knows that if the league does resume this season, there will be an all-out battle for the Stanley Cup."I think this will be the hardest Stanley Cup to win out of all of them. Look at all the obstacles," Pacioretty said, according to team reporter Gary Lawless. "Who knows when we're going to play, where, fans or no fans, everything is up in the air. With that being said, whatever teams that have been banged up are healing up right now."They're getting their bodies ready and you better believe everyone around the league is trying to get every advantage possible in terms of recovery and getting in whatever shape they can. Most teams go into the playoffs beat up, but that won't be the case this year."The 31-year-old has rebounded this season, lighting the lamp 32 times in 71 games before the league's pause on March 12. The Golden Knights looked primed for another deep playoff run, sitting first in the Pacific Division as the season neared its conclusion.Pacioretty hopes the campaign he and his teammates put together won't be for nothing, and he'll do anything to get a shot at the Stanley Cup."I mean, if we had to wait six months and play in Antarctica, I'd be willing to do that," Pacioretty said. "We have a special group. We want to do whatever we can to finish out this year because we feel we have a group that's capable of doing special things and it's up to us as a group to try and achieve that when we do get started."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings outplayed the Washington Capitals over the first three games of the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, and while they won each of those contests, they did so by a margin of one goal each time. Nevertheless, the Red Wings were on the verge of completing the sweep and capturing consecutive championships for the first time since they accomplished the feat in 1954 and 1955.Watch a replay of the stream below:Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Jersey Devils interim general manager Tom Fitzgerald isn't breaking a sweat after Jack Hughes didn't dominate as a rookie during the currently suspended 2019-20 season, but he's aware that there's plenty of room for improvement."He's going to be a fun player to watch," Fitzgerald said, according to NJ.com's Randy Miller. "With that being said, what does he need to work on? I think we all know what the audience is. He went from being on tour after being drafted to not having an NHL summer and now he has that time."All he has is time to get stronger, get bigger, get thicker, and get faster. The sky's the limit with this young gentleman once he hits his maturity."New Jersey selected Hughes with the first overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old struggled to adjust to the NHL right away, though, registering just seven goals and 14 assists in 61 games while averaging 15:52 minutes of ice time per game.Devils interim head coach Alain Nasreddine said earlier in April that Hughes' lack of size and strength is "basically what's holding him back" in the early stages of his pro career.Fitzgerald said Hughes' numbers could have benefited from a few more fortunate bounces, but he added he was still impressed by what he saw during the young forward's debut season and believes Hughes will only improve as he gains muscle and NHL experience."I'm not saying (Hughes) underestimated the NHL by any means, but I don't know if you realize that he would be the first to admit - like he did to me - how good (NHL) defenseman defend ... their reach, their skating ability, how they close, how they take the time and space away," Fitzgerald said."I'm not sure that was something that he prepared himself for. That's one of the things he's learned. I think he's learned that it's a tough league for an 18-year-old, but with all that being said, I'm very proud of what he accomplished."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.NHL players are putting off deciding what to do with their final paycheck of the season until May 15, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Players have reportedly been mulling whether to return all or some of the last payment in order to bolster escrow amid the postponed campaign.They will receive last season's escrow return next week, according to LeBrun. Approximately $140 million will potentially be owed to the players on the final paycheck, he adds.When the NHL paused its season due to the coronavirus pandemic on March 12, the league reportedly told team owners to give the players their final three payments, two of which were to come in March with the other scheduled for April.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.After nearly a decade of staying mum about the Buffalo Sabres, Larry Quinn is speaking up.The former Sabres minority owner broke his silence Friday to question the mass firings made by the team's parent company, Pegula Sports and Entertainment, earlier in the week."As you've noticed, I have not made a single comment about the Sabres since we left," Quinn told The Athletic's John Vogl on Friday. "I have practiced that religiously. But this is - I just don't understand. It's just wrong.""Treat them right - and this is not right. ... It's just staggering to me," Quinn added.PSE fired 21 employees - reportedly including three longtime members of the organization - and furloughed 104 more on Tuesday, though The Athletic's Tim Graham clarified that only the furloughs were due to the coronavirus pandemic and that cutbacks were planned before the NHL paused its season.Quinn was part of the club's previous ownership group led by former majority owner Tom Golisano. They sold it to its current owners, Terry and Kim Pegula, in 2011.The former minority owner said he didn't want his comments to be seen as an "attack" on the Pegulas, but he did question the current owners' treatment of their tenured employees."There's something wrong. I don't know what it is," Quinn said. "I know there's challenges in the business, and I understand that people from time to time have to make economic choices. But you treat the people well that have worked for you for a long time if you've got to part ways, and I just don't get it."The Sabres were one of the only NHL teams that refused to pay their hourly workers for shifts lost amid the shutdown.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Despite multiple cities contacting the NHL about potential neutral-site playoff games, the league hasn't yet discussed such an outcome with the players' association."Other than the general understanding that they're looking at all possibilities, which includes neutral sites - neutral being defined as a place that isn't a home base for an NHL team," NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr told Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN. "We haven't had those discussions yet."Grand Forks, North Dakota; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Manchester, New Hampshire, have all reached out about potentially hosting games. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu confirmed this week that playoff games in his state are "on the table."While using new locations is an option, Fehr said there are still plenty of factors to consider before the league and players commit to any such decision."You're going to want to know what the CDC says, without any question at all. But in addition to that, as we all know, the state governors and the provincial prime ministers have the basic responsibilities over their own jurisdictions, so you're going to have to work with them, too," Fehr said. "The implication of the question is whether it's OK to play in some places and not others. I don't know if that's true. I assume it's certainly possible. If it is, we'll see what makes sense."Another hurdle the league faces is border closures. Canada and USA's agreement to close their connecting border was extended on Friday by another 30 days, and dozens of European-born players who flew home to isolate could face travel restrictions.Fehr said that "it's going to be very difficult to do anything" if borders remain closed.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

From the 1997-98 season through the 2003-04 campaign, hooking, holding, and obstruction - plus silly rules like two-line passes - made it difficult to generate offense in the NHL. For those seven seasons, scoring peaked at 5.52 goals per game in 2000-01 and plummeted as low as 5.14 in 2003-04 (for reference, there were 6.04 goals per contest in 2019-20). Thus, those seven seasons are considered the dead-puck era.During this time, skill and creativity were not encouraged like they are today. Big, slow defensemen who would've had no business in today's game were able to carve out long careers because they could use their sticks and hands to slow down smaller, speedier players.This list will highlight 10 skaters from this era who would've benefited most from playing in today's wide-open speed game. Hall of Famers are omitted from this list, as their careers were recognized enough to be enshrined among hockey's greats - this means no Paul Kariya or Pavel Bure.Additionally, only players who spent the bulk or primes of their careers in the dead-puck era were included. So, stars like Alexander Mogilny or Theo Fleury, who tore up the league in the early '90s, were not considered.(Statistics are from the 1997-98 season through the 2003-04 season)Ziggy PalffyRobert Laberge / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP25-31443217260477Palffy was not only one of his generation's most talented forwards, but one of the most underappreciated players of all time. He played on some porous New York Islanders and Los Angeles Kings teams, so he rarely received national recognition, playing in just 24 career playoff games (racking up 19 points).The 5-foot-10 winger played 42 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005-06 before retiring due to a lingering shoulder injury at just 33 years old. He played in the Slovak league - which he tore up - in 2007, but never returned to the NHL. Even though his tenure in Pittsburgh was brief, he left a lasting impression on former teammate Sidney Crosby."Ziggy was unbelievable," Crosby said during an appearance on the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast in August. "He just toyed with goalies, could just knock any puck down. You give him any pass, anywhere, he was incredible. So underrated for how good he was."Pavol DemitraB Bennett / Bruce Bennett / GettyAgeGPGAP23-29486201289490Demitra wasn't overly flashy, but he was so smart and skilled. He peaked in 2002-03, posting a career-high 93 points in his age-28 season. The Slovak winger capitalized a bit when the game opened up in the post-lockout era, but by then, he was on the wrong side of 30. Unfortunately, Demitra died in the 2011 Lokomotiv plane crash at just 36 years old.Markus NaslundJeff Vinnick / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP24-30551241277518Only three players had more points than Naslund during the dead-puck era: Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic, and Mats Sundin. The longtime Vancouver Canucks captain was particularly dominant right before the 2004-05 lockout, putting up 90, 104, and 84 points, respectively, in the three seasons prior.Naslund was the main driver of the famed "West Coast Express" line, which also featured Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison. The Swede probably won't end up in the Hall of Fame, but he could've made a more compelling case had he received a chance to shine in a higher-scoring era.Alex KovalevElsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP24-30534199266465Few players in league history have possessed as much raw skill as Kovalev. He was big, fast, could stickhandle in a phone booth, and had a rocket of a shot. Heck, he could even go top shelf with one hand. However, Kovalev drove many of his coaches mad with his inconsistent effort.During his time with the New York Rangers, head coach Mike Keenan famously made Kovalev stay out for a five-minute shift as punishment for not changing lines when he should have, but he ended up drawing two penalties and scoring a goal.Despite being labeled as an underachiever, Kovalev still managed a career-high 44 goals and 95 points in 2000-01 with the Penguins. Perhaps he could've put more seasons like that together had he spent more of his prime years in the modern game.Patrik EliasB Bennett / Bruce Bennett / GettyAgeGPGAP21-27540205249454"Elite offensive threat" may not be the first words that come to mind when thinking of Elias. He was known as a versatile, reliable two-way forward in the latter half of his career, reaching the 70-point mark just twice after he turned 30. However, it's easy to forget how dynamic he was in his younger days, as he tallied a career-high 96 points in 2000-01.While Elias' career year came in a season in which the New Jersey Devils led the league in scoring, they were generally a defense-first team for the duration of his 1,240-game career, and he still managed 1,025 points.Sergei SamsonovDave Sandford / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP19-25459146193339Samsonov may not be on the same level as the players listed above him, but he was a special talent with a playing style that would've seamlessly transitioned to today's game."Mighty Mouse" stood at just 5-foot-8, but he could skate like the wind and had a lethal wrist shot. He had back-to-back 29-goal, 70-plus-point campaigns at age 22 and 23. Unfortunately, a major wrist injury limited him to just eight games in 2002-03 and he was never the same player.Steve SullivanB Bennett / Bruce Bennett / GettyAgeGPGAP23-29527157245402Sullivan was like Samsonov in many ways. The diminutive 5-foot-9 winger was also a tier below most players on this list, but his style of play was tailored to today's game. He was a highly intelligent player with exceptional hands and a nose for the net.Sullivan was also held back by injuries. After racking up 128 points through his first 126 games in the post-lockout era, he suffered a debilitating back injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the 2006-07 season and the entire 2007-08 campaign. He was never able to top his personal-best season in 2000-01 with the Chicago Blackhawks, when he registered 34 goals and 75 points.Sandis OzolinshBrian Bahr / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP25-3146079212291Ozolinsh was a prototypical offensive defenseman. With his speed and 6-foot-3 frame, he would've shined in just about any era, but his aggressive, offense-first nature certainly would've been more embraced in today's game.Prior to 1997-98, Ozolinsh had seasons of 64, 54, and 68 points, respectively, before his scoring decreased. Even after the fact, he still maintained impressive production, putting up the ninth-most points among defensemen in the dead-puck era, even though injuries limited him to 100 fewer games than leader Nicklas Lidstrom.Bryan BerardGraig Abel / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP20-2642851167218Berard is mostly remembered for suffering a severe eye injury from a high stick just after he turned 22 while a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury, which left the blue-liner without vision in his right eye, overshadowed how good of a player he was, and how great he could've been.The first overall pick in 1995 by the Ottawa Senators, Berard could absolutely fly and loved joining the rush. He won the Calder Trophy with the Islanders and produced 158 points in 290 games before his injury. He missed the entire 2000-01 season but still wound up having some productive years. He recorded 47 points in 58 games (with basically one eye, mind you) in 2003-04, which stands as the NHL's lowest-scoring season since 1955-56.Oleg TverdovskyRobert Laberge / Getty Images Sport / GettyAgeGPGAP21-2641554139193Tverdovsky's prime and his career altogether were short-lived, but he was a superb offensive talent in his heyday. He tallied three 50-point seasons as a defenseman before his 25th birthday, but never surpassed 32 points again.Perhaps if he spent his prime years in today's game, we would've seen more goals like this spin-o-rama beauty (but without the Luc Robitaille water-skiing).Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Blake Wheeler has one word for Donald Trump.On Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets captain responded directly to the U.S. president's plea to end Minnesota's lockdown on Twitter.

If the NHL eventually returns to conclude it's 2019-20 campaign, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang believes the playoffs will be open as ever."Momentum won't carry for anyone," Letang told Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "Everyone will start back at square one."Letang's Penguins sat third in the Metropolitan Division after 69 games when the NHL went on pause March 12 and were slated for a first-round matchup with the rival Philadelphia Flyers.All 31 teams were close to the 70-game mark on their respective schedules, but the playoff bracket was far from determined. Three teams in the Eastern Conference were within three points of the final wild-card spot, while four squads were within four points of the postseason in the West.In the 2019 playoffs, seeding hardly mattered, as all four wild-card teams advanced past the first round. To ensure the parity has a chance to continue, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently said the league will have to come up with something fair for the bubble teams if the current season returns.The league recently extended its self-quarantine period for players and employees until April 30, and will likely have to stage games deep into the summer if a return is deemed viable.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames goaltender Cam Talbot believes he's proven himself this season and can return to being a starting goaltender next year."I knew that if I came to camp healthy and in the right situation, I was confident I was going to be able to get back to that form," Talbot said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "I think I played through some stuff that maybe I shouldn’t have played through the year before and toward the end of the year before that, so that had a lot of mitigating factors behind my declining play those years."But I think my record shows that when I'm healthy and on top of my game, I can be one of the best in the league."Talbot signed a one-year deal with the Flames last summer after posting an .892 save percentage over 35 games during a disastrous 2018-19 season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.The 32-year-old appeared in just 26 games this season, while teammate David Rittich played in 48. Talbot managed a respectable 12-10-1 record with a .919 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average. Rittich, meanwhile, posted a .908 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against average.Talbot, a pending free agent, believes his numbers were good enough to earn him a starting job in the future, potentially outside of Calgary if need be."I obviously wouldn't mind coming back here, either. I loved it here. It's a great situation, a great locker room and, obviously, I have a really good relationship with Ritter and Siggy (goalie coach Jordan Sigalet)," Talbot said. "So I mean, I wouldn’t rule out coming back, but, obviously, my goal coming here was to show the rest of the league that I still have it in me to be a starting goalie and I think I accomplished that."Talbot added he would be open to a return if he could get "a fair chance off the bat" to be the starter, something he felt he didn't receive this season.Rittich is signed through the 2020-21 campaign.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is officially a free agent after he and the Winnipeg Jets resolved their lengthy dispute by having his contract terminated Friday.Whether or not the 35-year-old is looking to continue playing in the NHL remains to be seen. If he is, Byfuglien will likely garner a fair amount of interest from teams looking to bolster the back end for 2020-21. His fate could also depend on what teams are willing to pay him, especially with next season's salary cap up in the air due to revenue losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.Assuming Byfuglien is healthy and wishes to continue his NHL career, and that any team signing him will exercise caution by giving him a one-year "show me" deal, here are a few spots where the blue-liner would fit best.Montreal Canadiens Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Canadiens need to add a difference-maker following another mediocre campaign, and a healthy Byfuglien could help the middling club go from a playoff hopeful to a team capable of a deep postseason run.Here's an example of what the Habs' blue line could look like with Byfuglien in the mix:LDRDBen ChiarotShea WeberBrett KulakJeff PetryVictor MeteDustin ByfuglienAlongside Shea Weber and Jeff Petry, Byfuglien would give the Canadiens an embarrassment of riches at one of the most coveted positions in the league: right defense. Each of those three is at least 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, so the addition of Byfuglien could make that side of the ice an absolute nightmare for Montreal's opponents. With his strong offensive game and cannon of a shot, Byfuglien would also provide another much-needed weapon for the club's 22nd-ranked power play.The Canadiens should be able to make things work financially, as each of the top four defensemen listed above is already under contract through next season. The only core players in need of new deals for 2020-21 are Victor Mete and forward Max Domi, who will both be restricted free agents this summer.Toronto Maple LeafsRene Johnston / Toronto Star / GettyByfuglien would help the Maple Leafs improve their two most glaring weaknesses: defensive depth on the right side and a lack of physicality. Assuming Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci find new homes in free agency, the Leafs will also have a heightened need for a right shot on the blue line.Here's a rough idea of how Toronto's defensive unit could stack up in 2020-21 if the team takes a chance on Big Buff:LDRDMorgan RiellyDustin ByfuglienTravis DermottJake MuzzinRasmus SandinJustin HollThe 6-foot-5 rearguard would immediately become the Leafs' most intimidating presence, and though he isn't the fastest skater, he could also fit the club's offensive blueprint thanks to his savvy awareness in that end. Byfuglien should also appeal to Toronto's analytics-driven approach: His teams have owned the advantage in Corsi For rating, expected goals percentage, and high-danger scoring chances with Byfuglien on the ice at five-on-five during nearly every season of his career.It's no secret the Leafs are tight against the salary cap, and with next season's upper limit still in question, it's currently impossible to determine whether Byfuglien would be a realistic option. Letting Barrie and Ceci walk would free up nearly $7 million in cap room, though, and a one-year deal for Byfuglien wouldn't threaten Toronto's ability to re-sign players beyond next season. The Leafs are in a plug-and-play situation as they look to surround a pricey core with cost-effective supplementary pieces. Byfuglien could be a fit - depending on his asking price.St. Louis BluesIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBlues general manager Doug Armstrong had himself a busy week with a slew of signings. Most noteworthy was a four-year extension for defenseman Marco Scandella - a deal that's put pending unrestricted free agent Alex Pietrangelo's future with the team into further question.St. Louis is also likely to re-sign restricted free-agent rearguard Vince Dunn, who's proven to be a valuable contributor at just 23 years of age. Unless the Blues move a core player with a high-end cap hit, keeping their captain doesn't seem realistic. But what if Byfuglien - who'd undoubtedly come far cheaper than Pietrangelo - could fill that spot on the right side for at least one season and help the Blues push for another Stanley Cup?Let's assess what a Blues back end featuring Byfuglien might look like:LDRDVince DunnColton ParaykoMarco ScandellaDustin ByfuglienCarl GunnarssonJustin FaulkThe following graphs illustrate the respective on-ice impacts of Pietrangelo and Byfuglien since 2016.Pietrangelo: 76 total games tracked from 2016-19A3Z player comp tool: Corey Sznajder, CJ TurtoroByfuglien: 124 total games tracked from 2016-19A3Z player comp tool: Corey Sznajder, CJ TurtoroIt's highly unlikely, of course, that Byfuglien ever again comes close to his previously elite level of play, but these numbers prove the veteran's game was recently on par with Pietrangelo's in many respects.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Some of the greatest moments in sports history have been immortalized through iconic photos. But how much do you know about the stories behind these legendary events? Take our quiz below to find out.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each current NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and character.Pacific Division | Metropolitan | CentralBoston BruinsWinslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY SportsWhen the Bruins signed Zdeno Chara as a free agent in 2006, the team immediately handed him the "C." Though they missed the playoffs in his first season as the team’s leader, there’s been nearly nothing but success since.As Boston's captain, Chara has led the Bruins to the postseason 10 times, including one Stanley Cup victory and three Cup Final appearances. While he trails franchise legend and former captain Ray Bourque in most statistical categories for defensemen, Chara's impact with the Bruins has been incredible. A towering menace on the ice who's instilled fear into opponents for quite some time, he's shown himself to be a gentle giant off of it and as good of a leader as they come.Buffalo SabresRick Stewart / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Sabres have had a remarkable 16 captains since the turn of the century, but none brought more success than Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, who both shared the "C" from 2003-04 to 2006-07. The pair put up the best numbers of their respective careers while leading the club to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting a brief but exciting era in Buffalo. Their tenure ended bitterly, as both players departed as free agents in the same summer, leaving a hole that wasn't filled until the arrival of Jack Eichel in 2015.Detroit Red WingsYou can't really go wrong when choosing between "Stevie Y" and perhaps the best defenseman to ever grace an NHL blue line, but if we're talking 2000s, Nicklas Lidstrom takes the cake for Detroit. The Hall of Fame rearguard earned the Norris Trophy three times during his run as captain and led the Red Wings to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in 2008 and 2009, capturing the championship in the former year.Dominant at both ends of the ice, the Swedish sensation led all blue-liners in points during his tenure with the "C," and his plus-152 rating during that span was 51 better than the next-closest defenseman.Florida PanthersLen Redkoles / National Hockey League / GettyWhile the Panthers didn't have much team success with Olli Jokinen as captain, he almost takes this spot by default. Jokinen is the only Panther to serve as captain for more than two seasons since 2000, and he had some pretty impressive individual years over that span. He posted 89 points in 2005-06 and followed that up with a career-high 91 points the next season. Aleksander Barkov will likely take over this spot in a few seasons, but for now, Jokinen stands tall.Montreal CanadiensRichard Wolowicz / Getty Images Sport / GettyTied with Jean Beliveau as the longest-tenured captain in franchise history, Saku Koivu holds a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans. From 2000-01 until his departure in the summer of 2009, Koivu led the Canadiens to the postseason five times.One of the most enduring memories of Koivu was when he made an unexpected and remarkable comeback in 2002 after being diagnosed with cancer. Originally set to miss at least the entire season, he returned for the Habs' third-last game of the campaign and fans gave him an emotional eight-minute standing ovation. One of hockey's greatest moments illustrated what Koivu meant to the city of Montreal. His resilience and dedication to the Canadiens make him one of the best captains of all time for the historic franchise.Ottawa SenatorsShaun Best / REUTERSDaniel Alfredsson is a shoo-in choice, as he captained the Senators for the majority of the last two decades. From 2000 until his departure in 2013, Alfredsson led the Senators to the playoffs 10 times. That didn't include a Stanley Cup victory, but he got extremely close in 2007 before losing in the final.He's the franchise leader in goals, assists, and points, while sitting in second for games played, trailing Chris Phillips by just one game. Alfredsson also became the first player in modern Senators history to have his jersey retired. He left his mark in Ottawa over his 17 seasons there and will forever be enshrined in the rafters because of his accomplishments as captain.Tampa Bay LightningChristian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettySteven Stamkos has personified the perennial powerhouse Lightning since breaking out in his second NHL season back in 2009-10. The superstar forward - who was named captain in 2014 after Martin St. Louis was dealt for Ryan Callahan - has authored by far the best offensive numbers of any Bolts captain since 2000-01. He's also worn the "C" for Tampa Bay for longer than anyone else since that campaign.While the team won the Cup in 2004 with captain Dave Andreychuk and reached the Eastern Conference Final led by Vincent Lecavalier in 2011, Stamkos helped the club reach the playoffs in five of six seasons prior to this year, including two conference final berths and a trip to the Cup Final in 2015.Toronto Maple LeafsGraig Abel / National Hockey League / GettyThe all-time leader in goals (420), points (987), game-winners (79), and much more for the 102-year-old Maple Leafs, Mats Sundin is a lock. The towering Swedish pivot and Hall of Famer was the face of the franchise for its most successful era in a generation, and despite a lack of competent linemates, he continued to produce big numbers when Toronto entered a decline after the 2005 lockout.Sundin served as captain for 10 seasons, and in the seven campaigns applicable to this exercise - at ages 29-36 - he ranked eighth among all players with 533 points in 539 games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.The deal carries an average annual value of $2.8 million, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.Korpisalo, 25, set career highs in wins and games played in 2019-20 and was set to become a restricted free agent this summer. He compiled a 19-12-5 record with a .911 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average in 37 games for Columbus during his first year as a starter.The Finnish netminder was selected to the 2020 All-Star Game but was forced to bow out due to a knee injury that also sidelined him for 25 regular-season games."Joonas had the opportunity to play a lot of games for us early in the season before he was injured and responded by playing at an All-Star level," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. "He is a young, talented goaltender with a great work ethic and desire to succeed and we are very excited to see his continued development and improvement moving forward."Originally selected by the Blue Jackets in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Korpisalo has put together a 60-43-14 record with a .908 save percentage and 2.80 goals-against average in 127 career games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

No one can say Doug Armstrong is slacking during the NHL's hiatus.The St. Louis Blues general manager finalized his third signing in as many days Friday, inking forward Mackenzie MacEachern to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $900,000. It's a one-way contract that begins in 2020-21.MacEachern, who was a pending restricted free agent, collected seven goals and 10 points in 50 games before the pause. The 26-year-old is in his second season with the Blues, who drafted him 67th overall in 2012.St. Louis signed defenseman Marco Scandella to a four-year extension Thursday after agreeing to a new two-year pact with forward Sammy Blais on Wednesday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dustin Byfuglien is officially a free agent.The Winnipeg Jets and the veteran defenseman have resolved their dispute by terminating his contract effective immediately, the NHL and NHLPA announced Friday.The pact would have expired following the 2020-21 season and would have paid him a base salary of $6 million during that campaign, according to CapFriendly. The deal carried a $7.6-million cap hit."Obviously, this was never our desired outcome or ending with Dustin," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said, according to The Athletic's Murat Ates.Cheveldayoff added: "As you can see, this isn't about money for Dustin. We wish him well. I look forward to the day when he comes back into the arena and we have a great night for him."Byfuglien filed a grievance through the players' association after the Jets suspended him without pay in September for failing to report to training camp as he contemplated his future.The 35-year-old underwent ankle surgery in October and reportedly started rehabbing it two months later while consulting with the club.His camp argued that he suffered the injury last season but it never fully healed. However, the Jets claimed Byfuglien had passed his end-of-season physical following the 2018-19 campaign.Byfuglien ranks third on the franchise's all-time assists list, tied for fifth in points, fifth in games played, and eighth in goals.The imposing rearguard played eight seasons with the Jets after suiting up for one campaign with the Atlanta Thrashers before their move to Winnipeg. He was instrumental in the club's run to the Western Conference Final in 2018, racking up 16 points in 17 playoff games that spring.The Jets landed Byfuglien in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks after he helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2010.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era.Pacific | Metropolitan | AtlanticChicago BlackhawksIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettySelecting Jonathan Toews is a no-brainer. "Captain Serious" has been the Blackhawks' leader since the 2008-09 season, and no other player has worn the "C" for more than two campaigns in Chicago throughout the 2000s.During Toews' tenure, Chicago has won the Stanley Cup three times while also rattling off nine straight postseason appearances before missing out in 2017-18. Toews doesn't put up monster offensive numbers, but he's been a steady presence and often elevates his game in the playoffs.Colorado AvalancheMichael Martin / National Hockey League / GettyJoe Sakic bolstered his first-ballot Hall of Fame credentials when he captained the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup for the second time in 2001, adding the Hart Trophy to his mantle later that summer. He led the Avalanche as captain for 16 of his 20 NHL campaigns after doing the same as a Quebec Nordiques co-captain earlier in his career.During the era in question, Colorado qualified for the playoffs in six of Sakic's eight years as captain, including a conference final appearance one season after the aforementioned title.Dallas StarsSean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Stars were a powerhouse at the turn of the century, but Mike Modano was their captain then for only two seasons. As such, Jamie Benn gets the nod here over the original face of the franchise, as well as grittier predecessors Derian Hatcher and Brenden Morrow.Benn's production has fallen off over the past two seasons, but he was one of the top left-wingers in the game at his peak. His run as leader in Dallas includes three playoff appearances, three postseason All-Star nominations, a scoring title, and a Hart Trophy nomination.Minnesota WildBruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / GettyThe Wild didn’t name a permanent captain until Mikko Koivu was given the honor in 2009. But Koivu still deserves the recognition, even if he was one of the easiest choices on the list.The franchise leader in points and games played, Koivu has devoted his entire career to the Wild since Minnesota drafted him sixth overall in 2001. He’s led the team to the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, and although the veteran hasn't been able to take Minnesota beyond the second round, Koivu has been nothing but class during his long tenure with the club.Nashville PredatorsChristopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsNot only was Shea Weber indisputably the Predators' best captain, he's also the most important player in the club's brief history. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner quickly asserted himself as one of the NHL's top defensemen, garnering attention for the team leaguewide with his dynamic play.Weber helped lead the Predators to the playoffs during eight of his 11 seasons in Nashville, including four as captain. That came after the Predators had made the postseason just once in six prior campaigns.Although he never won the Norris Trophy, Weber finished among the top four in voting for the award four times as a captain, and was twice a runner-up. He also holds the franchise record for games played, goals, and points by a defenseman.St. Louis BluesBruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyPlenty of worthy captains have led the Blues over the last two decades. However, Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis each only wore the “C” for two years apiece in the 2000s. Dallas Drake (two years) and Eric Brewer (four years) were noble leaders, too.St. Louis also enjoyed plenty of success with David Backes as captain for five years, and it’s easy to forget how effective he was in his prime. However, Alex Pietrangelo is still the easy pick here after leading the Blues to a championship last season. While the impending free agent's future with the club is uncertain, he’s been a franchise pillar his entire career, and some of Pietrangelo's best seasons have come during his four campaigns as captain.Winnipeg JetsElsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyBlake Wheeler is the no-doubt choice. The Atlanta Thrashers didn't experience much success in their existence, mustering just one playoff appearance. But since the move to Winnipeg, the Jets have made the playoffs three times, and Wheeler has been the captain for two of those runs, including a trip to the Western Conference Final in 2018.Wheeler is a selfless leader, as he’s switched from his preferred position of right wing to play center on multiple occasions for the betterment of the team, sometimes for long stretches.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has held discussions with the NHL about the city of Manchester potentially hosting neutral-site games if the season resumes, he told "The Greg Hill Show" on Friday.Manchester was among a group of cities including Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, that recently reached out to the NHL to offer to host 2019-20 playoff games."There is truth to that," Sununu said. "I have had discussions about that. I don't know whether it's going to happen, but we are talking about it. That's all I can really say right now."I can tell you it would be a very interesting opportunity for New Hampshire, but even the venues would have to say, 'Yes, we want this,' because we have to make sure what are the liabilities here; what if a team were to get sick, how is it going to be managed? So we're working on some of those logistics. But that's on the table, for sure."From 2001 to 2019, Manchester was the host city of the Monarchs, a minor-league affiliate that played in both the AHL and ECHL.The NHL has considered numerous options since halting operations March 12. The league recently extended its self-quarantine period for players until April 30 and prefers to include a training camp, regular-season games, and a "fair" playoff format for teams on the bubble if the campaign is resumed.On Thursday, United States President Donald Trump said professional sports will likely have to return without fans.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.United States President Donald Trump has begun to lay out a potential road map for the post-coronavirus return of professional sports.Trump expects that whenever sports leagues do return, they'll have to do so in empty facilities."Many of them are gonna be starting without the fans, so it'll be made for television. The good old days, made for television," Trump said, according to Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times. "And it'll go that way, and then the fans will start coming in, maybe they'll be separated by two seats. And then ultimately, we want to have packed arenas."When the virus is gone, we're going to have packed arenas, and we're gonna be back to enjoying sports the way they're supposed to be. ... So at a certain point in time, when the virus is gone, we're gonna be back to normal."His remarks come one day after Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the chief medical experts on the administration's coronavirus task force, made similar comments about sports returning without fans.The president also confirmed he sought the advice of the commissioners of "almost every sport" Wednesday, according to Aaron Rupar of Vox. Earlier this week, Trump announced he reached out to the commissioners of the four major sports leagues, as well as those of MLS, NASCAR, WWE, the WNBA, and the PGA Tour, among others.Most pro sports leagues in North America are on hold due to the pandemic. At least one already has a plan to return, as the PGA announced Thursday that it will resume hosting golf tournaments without fans in June.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov announced his retirement from professional hockey Thursday, the team announced.Montreal selected Markov in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, and he went on to spend his entire NHL career with the club. The 41-year-old played his last three seasons in the KHL after his contract with the Canadiens expired at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign.Over 16 seasons in Montreal, Markov racked up 119 goals and 453 assists in 990 games. He ranks second in franchise history among defensemen in games played and points, trailing Larry Robinson in both categories.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was one of the league's top performers inside the crease this season, and while he's honored that his name is in Vezina Trophy talks, he says his focus remains on something else."It would be a great milestone and it would definitely be one of my goals achieved, but at the end of the day, what I truthfully want is the Stanley Cup and a chance to win it," Hellebuyck said, according to the Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck. "So anything that gets me closer to that, I would do for sure."Hellebuyck had put together an impressive 31-21-5 record alongside a .922 save percentage and 2.57 goals-against average when the NHL hit the pause button March 12.He helped keep the Jets competitive all season long, backstopping one of the worst defensive teams in hockey. He started the second-most games in the league (56), faced the most shots (1,796), and saw the most high danger shots (509).The 26-year-old says his secrets to success were greater amounts of preparation and experience coming into the season."I think I came in with the right mindset," Hellebuyck said. "I was ready to prove myself. I had another year under my belt, so I had a little more experience. Not only that, I had this new chest pad that I finally had figured out. It took all training camp to really fine-tune some things. Once I finally had my trigger, which I'm going to keep as a secret for me, once I had that figured out, things were falling into place."The Jets sat in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference when play was halted.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar says the three players on his team who tested positive for COVID-19 have all seemingly recovered."All of our guys are doing well," Bednar said, according to NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "Some of them were even doing well before they had their test results. As far as I know, they're all doing good and are back with their families and continuing to follow the guidelines given to us."Those guys were lucky that there wasn't anything too serious with their symptoms and they were able to come through it without any major complications."The league paused games March 12 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The first positive diagnosis in the Avalanche organization occurred March 26.Eight NHL players have tested positive for the coronavirus, with three on the Avs and five on the Ottawa Senators. Bednar admitted he wasn't shocked when learning of the positive diagnoses within his organization."(Given) what's going on and the number of people who are testing positive, I'm sure we all know people who have tested positive or read about people that we know who tested positive, so I can't say that surprised me," he said.Bednar also confirmed not every Avalanche player has been tested, only those who have shown symptoms."Our guys, we're giving them the information, and if they're not feeling well, we relay that information to our medical staff. In turn, they'll get tested and away we go," he said. "It's the same as the rest of the country and the world; not everyone is getting tested."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is in contact with the Canadian government and has made "a plan to connect directly" with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss potential testing for the coronavirus, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading.""There's a number of developing options that could be available, promoting some optimism at least within the National Hockey League," Dreger said.The league extended its self-quarantine period for players and staff for a third time Tuesday, pushing the recommendation through April 30.Bettman continues to explore all options for completing the season, which was suspended March 12. Potential alternatives include playing games without spectators as well as hosting contests at neutral locations.Some players around the league, including Los Angeles Kings star Drew Doughty, are not as optimistic about the season resuming.Eight players - five on the Ottawa Senators and three on the Colorado Avalanche - have tested positive for the virus. All have since recovered.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to Puck Pursuit, an interview-style podcast hosted by John Matisz, theScore's national hockey writer.Subscribe to the show on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Spotify.Kyle Raftis, general manager of the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, joins the show to discuss a variety of topics, including:

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Marco Scandella to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.275 million, the team announced Thursday.Scandella, 30, was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens prior to this season's trade deadline in exchange for a 2020 second-round pick and a conditional fourth-round selection in 2021. Montreal will now receive that fourth-rounder due to Scandella re-signing with St. Louis.The veteran defenseman dressed in 11 games with the Blues this season, recording one assist. Overall, he appeared in 62 contests during 2019-20 before play was suspended, recording four goals and 13 points.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite being voted both the best and worst trash-talker for the second straight year in the NHLPA's annual player poll, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand claims he's been holding his tongue on the ice."I don't really trash talk anymore," Marchand said Thursday, according to Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media Network. "Too many microphones. Referees too. Too many It's just not the generation anymore. Nothing I'm really overly interested in anymore."The longtime Bruins pest has been known for terrorizing opponents mentally and on the scoresheet throughout his 11 year NHL career. "I might have caught a couple guys with some good ones back in the day," he said, according to Mike Porter of The Boston Globe.However, Marchand added that he's steered clear of hurling chirps at linemate and four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron."I absolutely would never - I don't bite the hand that feeds me. I'm a little smarter than that," Marchand said, according to NESN's Mike Cole. "I think the most we've ever got into it is when Pasta (David Pastrnak) and I are getting into it, and Bergy's gotta yell at both of us to stop yelling at each other."Before the NHL suspended play on March 12, Marchand was enjoying another elite campaign with 28 goals and 87 points through 70 games for the league-leading Bruins.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Akim Aliu is taking the high road.The target of Bill Peters' racism released a statement after the head coach landed a KHL job on Thursday."Hockey is for all. I believe in second chances for everyone, that we can all find forgiveness in our heart, and that real, positive change is coming if we continue to work together," he said, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. "I don't resent a man for finding work, but I will fight to make sure those same opportunities are available to everyone, on and off the ice, regardless of the race or ethnicity."Aliu tweeted in November that Peters directed the N-word toward him multiple times 10 years ago while the two were members of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Peters was the head coach, and Aliu was an up-and-coming prospect.Peters, who was the head coach of the Calgary Flames when the allegations surfaced, resigned less than a week later.Aliu spoke with the NHL in December and was optimistic about the meeting, saying there's "big change coming.""I'm also patiently looking forward to the outcome of the NHL's investigation. Only with the past behind us can we focus on the future," he continued in his Thursday statementr. "That means bringing hockey to the underprivileged youth in order to make the game more diverse, affordable, and accessible to all regardless of race, gender, and economic background. Stay tuned #TimeToDream."Aliu said in January that he believes Peters "ruined and deterred" his career. He ended up playing seven NHL games after the Chicago Blackhawks drafted him in the second round in 2007.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman expressed his desire to stick with his hometown team for the long haul on Thursday."I would love to stay in Toronto," Hyman said on a conference call, according to Yahoo's Justin Cuthbert. "It's where I grew up. I want to be a Leaf for a long time."Hyman isn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2020-21 season, and his current deal counts for $2.25 million against the salary cap. He's eligible to sign a contract extension at the start of the new league year, which is traditionally July 1, but that date is now unclear due to the league's coronavirus stoppage.The 27-year-old is glad he doesn't need to negotiate a new deal amid such uncertainty."Everything will probably be sorted out with the cap by then and whatnot," Hyman said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The Maple Leafs acquired Hyman from the Florida Panthers in 2015 in exchange for Greg McKegg and a conditional seventh-round pick. He's gone on to develop into a key cog in Toronto's attack, playing an important role on both the Auston Matthews and John Tavares lines over the past two campaigns.Hyman was in the midst of a career season before the hiatus, posting 21 goals and 16 assists in 51 games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era. The Vegas Golden Knights aren't included because they've never named a captain.Metropolitan | Central | Atlantic (April 17)Anaheim DucksAllen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / GettyScott Niedermayer may not have served as the Ducks' captain for as long as Ryan Getzlaf, but it's impossible to argue against the results that came with Niedermayer wearing the "C."After winning multiple Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils, Niedermayer was the piece that pushed Anaheim over the top, helping the Ducks claim the title in 2007 while winning the Conn Smythe Trophy along the way. Niedermayer also posted his best individual seasons while captaining the Ducks, recording the three highest point totals of his career.Arizona CoyotesChristian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyShane Doan was the Coyotes' unquestioned leader and face of the franchise for much of his career. He was the team's captain for 13 of his 21 seasons while spending his entire NHL career with the organization before retiring in 2017.The former forward is the team's all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and games played. While Arizona didn't experience much playoff success during his time as captain, Doan helped the club make three straight postseason appearances from 2010 to 2012 (the Coyotes' only three berths since 2001-02), including a run to the Western Conference Final in 2012.Calgary FlamesMitchell Layton / Getty Images Sport / GettyIf you created an NHL captain in a laboratory, they probably still wouldn't be as well suited for the role as Jarome Iginla.The Flames' all-time leading scorer was everything you could ask for in a leader. If his team needed a big goal, the two-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner would find the back of the net. If a flip in momentum was required, the captain would deliver a thunderous hit. Mess with his teammates? Be prepared to eat some knuckles.Calgary made the playoffs in each of Iginla's first five seasons donning the "C," with a run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final highlighting that stretch.Edmonton OilersAndy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettySome well-respected, blue-collar players have led the Oilers over the last couple of decades, including Jason Smith, Ethan Moreau, and Shawn Horcoff. However, the franchise hasn't had a leader like Connor McDavid since Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky were around.McDavid is the new face of the NHL. He's handled some rough times in Edmonton with maturity, and his fearless work ethic was shown during McDavid's grueling knee rehab this past summer. He's the no-brainer choice.Los Angeles KingsBruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyWhile Anze Kopitar is clearly the superior player, the Kings enjoyed their best years with Dustin Brown as their captain, claiming the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.Brown isn't a superstar, but he was the heart and soul of a mostly competitive squad as Los Angeles' captain for eight seasons. Meanwhile, the more talented Kopitar's production has been inconsistent during his nearly four campaigns wearing the "C," and the Kings have been one of the NHL's worst teams over the last two years, though that's certainly not the veteran's fault alone.Conversely, with Brown leading the charge, the Kings made the playoffs five straight times from 2010 to 2014, including a conference-final berth in 2013 between their Stanley Cup wins.San Jose SharksThearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyThere was a tough competition for the Sharks' top captain, with Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, and Patrick Marleau each given the honor for four seasons in San Jose.All three produced remarkably similar point totals during those spans, with Pavelski registering 276 points, Thornton notching 263, and Marleau collecting 283. However, Pavelski gets the edge due to his postseason results, with the team advancing as far as the conference finals twice during his tenure, including the franchise's only trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016.Vancouver CanucksJeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / GettyHenrik Sedin took over as captain from Roberto Luongo (remember that fun experiment?) for the 2010-11 season, beginning his run as the greatest captain in Canucks history.Vancouver went to the Stanley Cup Final that season in its first of back-to-back Presidents' Trophy-winning campaigns. Hank posted 498 points in 602 games as captain, and his No. 33 was appropriately retired alongside his twin brother Daniel's No. 22 this past season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era.Pacific | Central | Atlantic (April 17)Carolina HurricanesJim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe hockey world has gotten a better sense for Rod Brind’Amour's leadership since he took over as head coach of the Hurricanes prior to the 2018-19 campaign. Brind’Amour the coach isn’t all that different from Brind’Amour the player: emotional, fearless, gritty, and a tireless worker.When the leader of your team - whether it’s a coach or captain - is the hardest worker, that motivates everyone else. That's "Rod the Bod" to a tee. He wore the “C” in Carolina for his final five seasons, leading the franchise to its only Stanley Cup win in 2006. Both Ron Francis and Eric Staal were great captains too, but Brind’Amour is on another level.Columbus Blue JacketsAndy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyRick Nash only served as the Blue Jackets' captain for five seasons, and he wasn't given the role until midway through the 2007-08 campaign despite blossoming into a superstar not long after Columbus drafted him first overall in 2002. However, his impact on the organization was ultimately profound.In his first full year as captain, Nash led the Blue Jackets to their first playoff appearance, and he'd eventually become the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists, and points. He also won the NHL's Foundation Player Award in 2009 for his charitable work. Nash exemplified what it meant to be a captain on and off the ice. While his tenure wasn't long, his legacy as Columbus’ greatest player and captain of all time lives on.New Jersey DevilsB Bennett / Bruce Bennett / GettyScott Stevens may have only been the Devils' captain until the 2003-2004 season, but the team's results during his tenure vastly outweigh those of his successors.New Jersey captured the Stanley Cup in 2000 (with Stevens winning the Conn Smythe Trophy), lost in Game 7 of the Cup Final in 2001, and won it again in 2003. He didn't put up big offensive numbers, but no one intimidated opposing skaters like Stevens, and his leadership during the Devils' glory years was unquestioned.New York IslandersAndy Marlin / USA TODAY Sports Islanders fans are going to despise this choice, but John Tavares is the team's best player over the last 20 years. He donned the “C” for five seasons, putting him tied for the second-longest tenure as captain in franchise history. He’s also one of two captains since 1992-93 to lead the Isles out of the first round of the playoffs (Anders Lee is the other).There’s a case to be made for Michael Peca, a gritty, heart-and-soul, two-way center who guided the Islanders to three playoff berths in his three years as captain. But he never won a playoff series with New York, and his tenure was brief.Tavares is considered a villain these days on Long Island after leaving in free agency for Toronto, but he did more for the club during his time as captain than Peca.New York RangersClaus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyThis was the toughest pick to make, and it's important to note the era in question. Mark Messier is arguably the greatest Ranger of all time and one of the best-ever NHL players, but his glory days as New York's captain came in his first stint during the 90s. His second stint wasn't as successful for both himself and the team, with the Rangers missing the playoffs in all four seasons.New York's lone Stanley Cup Final appearance over the last two decades came after the club traded captain Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014. Therefore, the choice is Ryan McDonagh.Under his guidance, the team made the conference final in 2015. He matched Messier for the longest tenure as the Rangers' captain in this era, and New York made more trips to the playoffs with McDonagh as captain (three) than it has with anyone else since 2000-01.Philadelphia FlyersClaude Giroux has led the charge for the Flyers since 2012-13, and while the club hasn't gone on any playoff runs in that span, he's one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history.With one more full season under his belt, Giroux should move into second on the team's all-time points and games played lists behind only Bobby Clarke. His production ranks strongly among both Flyers greats and the best players of this generation. Since Giroux became a captain, only Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and Alex Ovechkin have recorded more points.Pittsburgh PenguinsDave Reginek / National Hockey League / GettyIn just his third NHL season, a 19-year-old Sidney Crosby became the youngest player ever at the time to be named captain. By the end of that decade, "Sid the Kid" had already captured the Art Ross, Hart, Lester B. Pearson (now Ted Lindsay Award), and "Rocket Richard" trophies, in addition to leading the Penguins to a championship in 2009.Since then, it's been much of the same from No. 87. Crosby ranks second in points and assists this decade, and fifth in goals, even while sitting 110th in games played. Pittsburgh has made the postseason in each of his 12 campaigns at the helm, and in 2017, the team became the first in 19 years to capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, with Crosby earning the Conn Smythe Trophy each time.Washington CapitalsBruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe best player in franchise history is also by far its greatest leader. The Capitals have missed the playoffs just once during Alex Ovechkin's 11-year run as captain, and they captured their first Stanley Cup in 2018 with him leading.In addition to the club's success, Ovi's individual accolades as captain put him in rarified air. "The Great 8" is one of just three players - along with Steve Yzerman and Mario Lemieux - to notch five 50-plus-goal seasons as captains. Had the 2019-20 campaign not been suspended, Ovechkin would have likely become the first captain to achieve that feat six times.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Most hockey fans aren't too fond of Gary Bettman, but New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban sees a lighter side of the NHL commissioner."Gary and I have crossed paths many times. I know that his nephews are huge Devils fans. With red carpets and awards shows, I've gotten to interact with Gary more than a lot of players have. And Gary's hilarious, in my opinion," Subban told ESPN's Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski.He added: "He's got a great personality. It's just tough to show that sometimes when you're the commissioner of a league. I think he does a good job of balancing it, and not taking himself too seriously."NHL fans boo Bettman during drafts, Stanley Cup presentations, and other various public appearances, though he seems to embrace it by this point.Bettman was named the league's first commissioner in 1993 and has held the position since. Under his reign, the NHL has grown rapidly across North America, placing several teams in non-traditional hockey markets to varying degrees of success. He's also been at the helm for three work stoppages, including the 2004-05 lockout that canceled the entire season."He's obviously a very smart businessman, to have the NHL grow to what it is now. It was very cool to have him on the show," Subban, who's hosting "NHL Hat Trick Trivia," said of Bettman's appearance on the show. "I think he's hilarious. Compared to the other (pro sports) commissioners, I'd rank him really high."Bettman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin will do battle on April 22 in a charitable series of NHL 20 in a clash dubbed "The Great One versus The Great Eight Showcase," the two confirmed to Scott Allen of The Washington Post.The best-of-three series will be streamed on the Washington Capitals' Twitch channel and raise money for the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and the Edmonton Food Bank to benefit the coronavirus relief effort.Gretzky came up with the idea after seeing a video of Ovechkin and his son playing NHL 20.

Star KHL goalie Ilya Sorokin chose not to sign an extension with CSKA Moscow and will instead ink a deal with the New York Islanders once his contract expires on April 30, according to Sports-Express' Igor Eronko.Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed Sorokin will move to the NHL next season.Sorokin's arrival has been highly anticipated by Islanders fans since the team drafted him in the third round in 2014. The 24-year-old enjoyed a decorated career in the KHL, never posting a save percentage below .929 or a goals-against average above 1.61 in five seasons as CSKA's starter.The 6-foot-2 netminder won a Gagarin Cup with CSKA in 2019 and was awarded playoff MVP honors, sporting a .947 save percentage and a 1.19 goals-against average in 20 postseason contests. He also took home a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Games with the Olympic Athletes from Russia, though he played only one contest during the tournament.Sorokin is expected to share the crease with fellow Russian Semyon Varlamov, who signed a four-year, $20-million deal as a free agent last summer. Thomas Greiss, who's split time with Varlamov this campaign, is a pending unrestricted free agent.The move brings with it the potential for an intriguing Russian goaltending rivalry in New York after Igor Shesterkin shined for the Rangers in 12 games following a midseason call-up this year.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

What is believed to be possibly the oldest known hockey stick in existence is up for grabs through Goldin Auctions.The auction house's description says the stick dates back to the time period between the 1850s and 1870s, prior to the first recorded indoor hockey game in Montreal on March 3, 1875. It has been appraised at a value of $3.5 million.The item has been dubbed the "Morse Stick" after its owners, Gary and Germaine Morse. It was gifted to the couple by Germaine's brother, Anthony Bean, who found it after purchasing their grandmother's house in Northfield, Vermont, in 1980.International Hockey Hall of Fame board of directors member J.W. "Bill" Fitsell examined the stick twice and wrote in a letter to Gary Morse that he found "it to be a unique and most interesting artifact that fills the void in 19th century hockey history between shinny, ice polo, and ice hockey." The Hockey Hall of Fame has also expressed a desire to have the stick displayed there.The auction has an opening bid of $100,000 and runs until May 16.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers believes his club is on the verge of something special."I think we have such a good, solid core group of guys," Myers said Wednesday, according to Sportsnet's Ian MacIntyre. "You add in a piece here and there to keep developing your team."I guess what I’m trying to say is we're close. We're close to that point of becoming a winning team. It's just a matter of experience and getting that feeling of what it takes to win. And part of that is getting that experience in the playoffs."The Canucks haven't made the playoffs since 2015, but they sit tied for the Western Conference's final wild-card berth with the season on hold.Vancouver has a budding young core to thank for much of its success in 2019-20. Five of the club's top seven scorers, including blue-chip talents Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, are 25 or younger."With all of our young guys, they're such drivers of the team right now," Myers said. "The development they showed this year, I think, was more than people were expecting. I think the mix of those young guys with a few more veterans we have in the room now, it came together really well."The NHL suspended its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday any format for a return to action would need to be "fair" and give bubble teams - like the Canucks - the chance to battle for a playoff spot.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If the 2019-20 season is able to resume, Arizona Coyotes star Taylor Hall hopes the NHL stages some kind of qualifying event to determine the final playoff teams.“I think there should definitely be a play-in to the playoffs,” Hall said, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "I know I’m biased in saying that but if there are two to three exhibition games and then a mini-series to see who goes into the playoffs, maybe that’s smart.When the NHL suspended play on March 12, Hall's Coyotes sat four points back of the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 12 games remaining. If the league went straight to the playoffs and awarded the final seeds based on points percentage, the Coyotes would still miss out."Maybe we try and play eight regular-season games and make wins count as three points," Hall said. "I’m not really sure. You can make the games worth more. But you can’t go right into the playoffs. There’s no way, I think that’s obvious.’’NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday that the league's return would need to be fair to bubble teams, which had all played varying amounts of games before the season was put on pause.Several other players on those clubs, including Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov and netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, said it would be unfair if the league jumped right into the playoffs. New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin shared the same sentiment.The Coyotes acquired Hall in December in an attempt to end their seven-year playoff drought, the NHL's second-longest postseason dry spell.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers didn't take long to make a name for themselves following the NHL's first expansion in 1967. The "Broad Street Bullies" won two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and '75, and they were looking for another against Guy Lafleur and the revered Montreal Canadiens in the 1976 final.Flyers star Reggie Leach set the record for most goals in a single postseason (19) and claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy, but the Canadiens proved to be too much, completing the sweep in Game 4 with a 5-3 win at The Spectrum for their first of four consecutive titles.Watch the footage below:Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.