This year a coin flip will decide the winner of the Hart Trophy.OK, not really, but given how tight the race for arguably the biggest individual award in hockey has been this season, it appears to be as good a system as any as we head into the final weeks of the season.As it stands, a serious case could be made for nearly a dozen potential candidates. However, we'll try to narrow that down as we look at the five most-likely candidates and a few honorable mentions to bring home MVP honors.1. Nikita KucherovThroughout the season several players have entered and exited the MVP conversation, but Nikita Kucherov has remained a constant.The Tampa Bay Lightning forward sits atop the NHL's points list with 87 in 66 games and has not conceded his throne since Dec. 13.Kucherov has had one three-game pointless streak and another of two games, and outside of those has not gone consecutive games without a point.The 24-year-old been the pinnacle of consistency while tormenting goaltenders, and is poised to lead the Lightning to what stands to be a franchise-best in points and the team's first-ever Presidents' Trophy.2. Nathan MacKinnonOne year removed from the worst season in the salary cap era, the Colorado Avalanche are knocking on the door of the playoffs and they have Nathan MacKinnon to thank for it.MacKinnon has 32 goals and 79 points in just 59 games this season, demolishing his previous career highs (24 goals, 63 points) set during his rookie campaign. In fact, he currently leads the league with 1.34 points per game.If it wasn't clear how valuable he's been, it should be noted that only Calgary's Sean Monahan has more than MacKinnon's 10 game-winning goals.3. Taylor HallTaylor Hall finally saw his historic point streak come to an end Thursday night.Prior to Thursday, the New Jersey Devils forward had strung together a point streak of 26 games. That run helped Hall set a career high in goals, and leaves him just six points shy of his career best (80).Besides being in the top 10 in scoring, he's also put up an astounding 33 more points than the next closest Devil. He also leads the team in power-play points, game-winning goals, shots, and overtime goals.Meanwhile, his performance has the Devils sitting in a playoff spot, which would halt a streak of five seasons without postseason hockey.4. Evgeni MalkinIt's not outlandish to think that if Malkin had been able to stay healthy over the last eight seasons he may very well have captured a few more Hart Trophies.Malkin has played more than 70 games in a season just once since the 2009-10 season when he dressed in 75 in 2012. Last season he tallied 72 points in 62 games - a 95-point pace. And this season he's on pace for 107.Malkin is just two goals off Alex Ovechkin's league-leading 40 and just two points back of Kucherov with a game in hand. If he keeps this up he could soon lead both categories and subsequently lead this list.5. Alex OvechkinPatrik Laine, Eric Staal, and Malkin are making late-season pushes for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. But let's face it, Ovechkin is still the favorite to capture the award for the seventh time in his career.Ovechkin paces the league as the only 40-goal scorer this season. The 32-year-old has already surpassed last year's output of 33 goals and 69 points with 40 and 72, respectively.His bounce back in offense has the Capitals within a point of top spot in the Metropolitan Division with a game in hand on the Penguins and him in pursuit of his fourth Hart Trophy.Honorable MentionsConnor McDavidHistorically the Hart Trophy is usually awarded to players on playoff-bound clubs, but if McDavid keeps producing as he has, it will be hard to deny him his second straight Hart Trophy.While playing on the fifth-worst team in the league, the Edmonton Oilers captain has still managed to put up 31 goals (a career high) and 81 points. In fact, he's factored in on over 42 percent of all Oilers goals this season.The Hart Trophy is summarized as "the player most valuable to his team" and it would be hard to argue that any team relies more on one player than the Oilers do on McDavid.Steven StamkosBefore Kucherov grabbed the scoring race by the horns, it looked as though Stamkos was going to run away with it.The Lightning captain has since slowed down a bit, but still remains in the top 10 in scoring.After being limited to just 17 games last season, it's quite clear that Stamkos has returned to being one of the elite producers in the game.Claude GirouxThe Philadelphia Flyers appear playoff bound after missing last year's postseason, and that's thanks in large to the play of Giroux.The captain sits fourth in league scoring with 80 points in 68 games. He's already posted his highest point total since the 2013-14 season and has been instrumental in linemate Sean Couturier shattering his previous career highs in goals and points.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Scott Darling has not taken the NHL by storm during his first season with the Carolina Hurricanes.The goaltender was acquired from the Blackhawks and signed a four-year contract with Carolina last summer, but posted a record of 10-16-7 with an .889 save percentage heading into Thursday's game in Chicago.Darling stopped 22 of 24 shots in a 3-2 win, his first since Feb. 9. Needless to say the positive result against his old team was a big relief."Any win right now is good," he said after the game, according to NHL.com's Charlie Roumeliotis. "I feel like I've been playing well but I haven't been getting the results. Tonight it was a good time to get it."The win came a day after new team owner Tom Dundon relieved general manager Ron Francis of his duties. It was Francis, of course, who made the call to install Darling as the supposed starter for the foreseeable future, a decision that has not paid off to date.With the win, the Hurricanes pulled to within four points of a wild-card playoff spot, and more strong play from Darling would certainly help the cause.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Austin Watson scored a short-handed goal late in the second period and the Nashville Predators beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Thursday night to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 10 games.The Predators also matched Colorado for the longest winning streak in the NHL this season. The victory kept Nashville's edge at six points ahead of Winnipeg and Vegas for the Western Conference lead.Pekka Rinne made 31 saves to improve to 18-1-1 over his last 20 games.Craig Smith, Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson each scored. Filip Forsberg had two assists for Nashville, which honored David Poile before the game for becoming career wins leader among NHL general managers with his 1,320th victory last week.Rickard Rakell scored twice in the third period for the Ducks, who snapped a three-game winning streak. Rakell's second goal at 16:35 pulled the Ducks within 3-2 before Arvidsson scored over goalie John Gibson's glove with 1:46 left.The Predators swept the three-game season series against the Ducks, the same team they beat for the Western Conference championship last year.The puck didn't drop until after a pre-game ceremony for Poile, who got the record March 1 in Nashville's 4-2 victory at Edmonton. That win pushed him past Glen Sather (1,319). NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was on hand for the festivities Thursday.The Predators didn't miss a beat after the delay as Smith scored at 5:26 of the first period with a wrister that beat Gibson glove-side. Then Forsberg found Johansen at the edge of the crease with a pass, and Johansen redirected it for his 10th goal at 15:10.The Ducks went on the power play late in the second period, and the Predators quickly turned that into a 3-0 lead. Colton Sissons skated up and took a shot, then Watson scored off the rebound with 1:18 left for his third short-handed goal this season - tied for second in the NHL.Ducks center Ryan Kesler and Johansen fought on the ensuing faceoff.Anaheim opened the third taking the first few shots. Arvidsson hit a post for Nashville, then the Ducks came back the other way with Rakell scoring on a pass from Corey Perry at 6:04 of the period. Rakell made it 3-2 with his 30th goal of the season.Notes: Nashville improved to 30-2-3 when leading after two periods. ... Smith has 21 goals this season, three away from matching his career best. ... Ryan Hartman has four points (two goals, two assists) in six games since Nashville picked up him in a trade from Chicago. ... Forsberg has five points (two goals, three assists) in his last five regular-season games against Anaheim. ... Rakell has a five-game point streak (seven goals and two assists).UP NEXTDucks: Visit Dallas on Friday night.Predators: Host Devils on Saturday night.---Follow Teresa M. Walker at www.twitter.com/teresamwalker---More AP hockey: https://apnews.com/tag/NHLhockeyCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brad Marchand is carrying the Boston Bruins in Patrice Bergeron's absence.In the five games that Bergeron has been sidelined with a foot injury, Boston has gone 5-0-0, and Marchand's high level of play has been no small part.Case in point: The winger scored late in Thursday's game to seal a win over the Flyers, and that came after he potted overtime goals in Boston's previous two contests.

Taylor Hall's remarkable 26-game point streak has finally come to an end, as the New Jersey Devils superstar was held off the scoresheet for the first time since Dec. 30 in a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.Hall was on the ice for both of New Jersey's goals, and registered two shots on goal in 22 minutes of action.It was a truly impressive stretch for Hall, who became just the eighth different player in NHL history to have a point streak reach 26 games, and first since Patrick Kane matched the feat in 2015-16.The 26-year-old accrued 18 goals and 20 assists over his torrid stretch, and entered Thursday's contests sitting 10th in league scoring with 74 points in 62 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Braden Holtby appears in line to get some rest down the stretch.Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz tabbed Philipp Grubauer as the starter for Thursday's game in Los Angeles, giving Holtby a break after he was pulled from three of his last six starts."Right now, (it's probably best) to get a little reset for him," Trotz said. "Every elite goaltender, they go through stretches. You look around the league, a couple of the big names have gone through that. It’s actually probably good for Holts. It’s another thing that he has to work through."Holtby has posted a record of 29-15-4 for the season, but with an uncharacteristically low .907 save percentage (career .920).In steps Grubauer, at least for the time being. The backup has earned Trotz's trust thanks to a .922 save percentage this season, albeit with a record of just 8-7-3 in 25 appearances."Grubi’s been going good so we’re going to go with Grubi here," Trotz added. "We’ll take it one game at a time. We’ll get a reset and a lot of individual time with Braden and I think he’ll be elite again as he always is. He hasn’t lost anything, just had a tough stretch here."Washington's next game will be Saturday in San Jose, with the starter very much to be determined.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed goaltender Zane Kalemba to a professional tryout so that he may serve as emergency backup to starter Connor Hellebuyck during Thursday's game in New Jersey.This after the club attempted to recall Michael Hutchinson following a lower-body injury suffered by Steve Mason at the morning skate, only to see Hutchinson's flight delayed.Kalemba played with Jets captain Blake Wheeler as a member of the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL back in 2004-05. He most recently suited up for the EIHL's Manchester Storm in 2015-16, posting an .888 save percentage in 52 appearances.

The Vancouver Canucks might be mired in a season most Canucks fans want to forget, but there's hope on the horizon with 19-year-old sensation Elias Pettersson, who is currently having an unforgettable year in Sweden's top league.Pettersson's four-point night Thursday vaulted his season total to an impressive 55 in only 44 games. With the four-point outburst, Pettersson broke the 42-year-old SHL record for most points in a season by a player under 20 years old.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed free-agent defenseman Zach Whitecloud to a three-year, entry-level contract on Thursday, the team announced.Whitecloud is coming off his second season at Bemidji State and is expected to join the team in Buffalo on Friday ahead of its game against the Sabres on Saturday afternoon.The 21-year-old potted four goals and 19 points in 36 games this season, giving him seven goals and 36 points over 77 games during his NCAA career.Whitecloud recently suited up for Canada at the Karjala Cup - one of the team's pre-Olympic tournaments - where he tallied one assist in two games.On Thursday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported in his 31 Thoughts column that the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning were also believed to have interest in Whitecloud.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele won't play against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, and is considered day to day with an upper-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice told Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.The good news is Maurice revealed that Scheifele has no structural damage from the injury he suffered on Tuesday against the New York Rangers.Maurice also said the ailment is unrelated to the upper-body injury that held him out for 16 games earlier this season, per Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun.With 51 points in 50 games, Scheifele is having another spectacular season. However, with the deadline addition of Paul Stastny, the club is better equipped to handle his loss, meaning captain Blake Wheeler won't need to shift from wing to center as he did during Scheifele's previous absence, according to Jets TV Reporter Mitchell Clinton.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Dundon insists removing Ron Francis as the Carolina Hurricanes general manager wasn't an effort by the new owner to seize more control over hockey decisions.Dundon shed more light Thursday morning on the move to strip Francis of the GM title and appoint him president of hockey operations, attempting to dispel the notion that the change was about giving himself more control.“I think what I’m looking for, is we have to be comfortable with each other. That’s the most important thing,” he told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman when asked what he wants in a new GM. “I actually like to disagree and argue. I don’t want someone to come in and just do what I say, and I don’t want to make decisions. (I want) someone to create a structure of how something is a good idea, and now we are going to get it (done).”The new GM will report directly to Dundon rather than to Francis, and the owner explained that the two executives simply have vastly different approaches.“I want to use Ron’s experience and knowledge with a different style and structure,” Dundon said. "He is a valuable resource. But our styles couldn’t be any different. It is no more complicated than that.”Dundon officially took over as the Hurricanes new majority owner in January. Francis had been the GM since 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Jan Rutta to a one-year contract extension on Thursday, the team announced.The deal will reportedly pay Rutta $2.25 million, a source told The Athletic's Scott Powers.Rutta is in the midst of a one-year, $1.35-million contract and was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.The 27-year-old has been one of the bright spots in what has been a rather dark season for the Blackhawks. In 43 games, Rutta has six goals and 19 points, good enough for second in scoring among all Blackhawks defenders.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NEWARK, N.J. - Exactly how you count Taylor Hall's point streak is up to you. It can be 19 straight games heading into the New Jersey Devils' clash with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night, or it can be 26 consecutive appearances, as the 26-year-old left-winger missed three games in late January with a right thumb injury.Whichever way it's added up, there's no debate that Hall is in the middle of not only his greatest run of form, but his best season. With 15 games remaining, he has registered his first 30-goal season, set a new career best with 17 power-play assists, and is nine assists and six points away from matching his career highs set with the Edmonton Oilers in 2013-14. He also has 66 takeaways - 10 away from his most ever."It's cool," Hall said. "It seems like everything is bouncing the right way for me lately, especially on the power play. It's great to chip in. It's great to contribute. I'm out there to get points and score goals and play well that way. So, I just want to keep going, but at the end of the day, I just want to be on a team that gets to the playoffs and gets some more wins down the stretch."Hall's season is more than the streak, because even before it began, it was his surging performance that was instrumental in lifting the Devils from doormats a year ago to playoff contenders. Over the past two months, though, he has been on another level, to the point where it's impossible to take your eyes off of No. 9 in red."He's been on a mission, and he's been our best player all year," said Devils center Travis Zajac. "He's brought momentum through over these past 25, 26 games for us, and he's grown as a player and a leader. It's great to see."(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)It's hard to quantify leadership, but it does stand out that Hall's 74 points are the most on the Devils - more than double everyone on the team other than his linemate, No. 1 draft pick Nico Hischier, who has 41. His leap from stardom to being among the game's elite has come with not only the Swiss teenager on his line just about all season, but also 19-year-old winger Jesper Bratt.Not that Hischier and Bratt aren't talented - they're top-line forwards on a team in playoff position - but rookies always have ups and downs. Hall staying steady, and even getting better as the season has gone on, doesn't fully exemplify leadership, but it shows his commitment to taking on that role."I wouldn't say there's one thing that sparked him," Devils coach John Hynes said. "I think that he's a very motivated player. Probably, getting traded was a little bit of a wakeup call for him, and I think that in the environment he's in now, he feels comfortable and he feels supported, whether that's from the general manager, the ownership, the coaching staff. I think he sees the guys in the locker room, that the team is going in the right direction."Those things are all motivational for a player, and then you have a young guy - he's only 26 - he's learned a lot of lessons in the National Hockey League. He's a guy that has superstar talent, but what you're seeing now is it's all the things surrounding his talent. It's his attitude, it's his leadership, it's his work ethic, it's his consistency, it's his buy-in."Those are the reasons for the success that he's having this year. It's great to see, and that's what it takes to be a superstar. You have to have the talent, but now you're starting to see the maturity of all the things that allow great talent to be that."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Over the course of the 2017-18 season, theScore will run a series of interviews with former players in which they recall some of their greatest career moments. This edition focuses on Rick Tocchet, the current Arizona Coyotes head coach who won the Stanley Cup once as a player and twice as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins.On what he remembers about his first NHL game:I'm pretty sure it was against the Washington Capitals, and obviously making the (Philadelphia Flyers' roster in 1984-85) was a thrill, but I think we had a five-on-three and (head coach) Mike Keenan put me on the point on the power play, and that was probably the most scared I've ever been.I don't remember ever being on the point on the power play (before that), and he stuck me out there on a five-on-three, so that was one memory. Also, I took a penalty in the game, came out of the box, and got a breakaway, (but) didn't score, so those were the two things I remember.On who influenced him most as a player:Mark Howe and Brad McCrimmon were really instrumental, just on the way they approached the game and being a professional, and Dave Poulin, who was our captain (with the Flyers). Everybody in that organization (helped me), but those three guys were really good for me, teaching me to become a pro.On the biggest trash talker he ever encountered:Claude Lemieux was pretty good at it, (as a) trash talker and an agitator. Dale Hunter a little bit, more as an agitator but still, he'd be chirping. Those two guys were pretty good at it.On being part of the Stanley Cup-defending Penguins in 1991-92:(Toward the end of my time) with Philadelphia, they were kind of rebuilding, so when I got traded, it was almost like (joining) an All-Star team, there were so many Hall of Famers on that (Penguins) team, so for me, it rejuvenated me in the sense that, 'Hey, I've got a chance to win the Cup.' This (wasn't) a rebuilding program where you had to stick with it for three years. Winning was now, and that was an incredible feeling to be part of that.On the dressing room atmosphere of March 2, 1993, when Mario Lemieux returned from his cancer treatments:That was one of the (career) highlights for me, to experience not only the human being Mario Lemieux coming back and defying (the odds) - he didn't skate that much because of the treatments, and to be able to come back and play at a high level (was remarkable) - but to me, it was the ovation he got in an archrival building in Philadelphia.As the visiting team, (it was) the most fun place to play, because they're good there about getting on the (opposing) team's best player, and for them to give him a standing ovation, it was just ... it actually gives me goosebumps to even think about it.On the hardest part of playing for six teams in an eight-year span:Getting acclimated (to a new place). You've got new friends, more people in your life, and the people who were in your life aren't in your life as much any more. So some players have a tough time adjusting ... I'd been traded, so I was kind of used to it.It's the family that gets affected, (and some) people don't understand ... the pressure of the family, but for me, it wasn't as bad as other players because I dealt with it a little differently. To me, it was a job, and your job is important, but there are other aspects that sometimes players don't understand. There's family, and there are other issues. It's not just about yourself.On the most underrated player of his era:Keith Tkachuk, when I was in Phoenix (with the Coyotes), the way he played the game. He played a hard game. I noticed the years I was there (1997-98 to '99-2000) how hard he played and the way he could score. Before (I got there) he had 50 goals, and the way he'd score in the tough areas (was admirable). So ... I just always thought, 'This guy's a really good hockey player.'On the best hockey story he hasn't shared with many people:I liked the pranks, and there were a lot of different types of pranks and stuff like that. (One time) we were in Philadelphia, and I'm not going to name names because it's embarrassing, but we told one rookie that when you go over the Walt Whitman Bridge - which has a toll - because you play for the Flyers, you don't have to pay, all you do is yell 'Flyers' at the toll basket, and the gate will go up.So the player went to the bridge, and there was another player with him who confirmed the story. (The rookie) went up and said, 'Flyers!'. Well, it didn't open up, and he yelled it again, 'Flyers!' So now people are honking their horns, telling them they've got to move.So one of the managers of the toll company goes, 'What's wrong?' and (the rookie) says, 'I play for the Flyers. I yelled it into the basket.' And the guy goes, 'I don't care who you play for, you've got to put a dollar in!' and (the rookie) started getting into an argument with the guy, so I thought it was a pretty funny joke. But little did he know it was a prank, so that's something people don't know about. That was a good prank.Rapid FireBest player he ever played with: Wayne Gretzky and Mario LemieuxBest player he ever played against: Gretzky and LemieuxBest goalie he ever played against: Martin BrodeurBest coach he ever had: Best bench coach: Scotty Bowman. Best coach for me: Mike Keenan.Favorite arena and/or city to play in: Madison Square GardenFact FileBorn: April 9, 1964, Scarborough, Ontario.Drafted: Sixth round (121st overall), 1983, Philadelphia FlyersTeams: Philadelphia Flyers (1984-92, 2000-02), Pittsburgh Penguins (1992-94), Los Angeles Kings (1994-96), Boston Bruins (1996-97), Washington Capitals (1997), Phoenix Coyotes (1997-2000).Awards: Stanley Cup (1992 as a player, 2016 and 2017 as an assistant coach)Other entries in this series:

In the 850th game of his career, Sidney Crosby recorded his 1,100th point.

Newly minted Carolina Hurricanes owner Thomas Dundon didn't wait long to shake things up in Raleigh, as the team announced Wednesday that general manager Ron Francis will move out of his current role to become president of hockey operations.The new GM will report directly to Dundon, the Hurricanes confirmed. The club didn't specify a timeline for the GM search.Francis was hired at the end of the 2014 season, and previously served as the team's vice president of hockey operations. Carolina is in the midst of its fourth losing season with Francis at the helm.Dundon reportedly wants to have direct dealings with his coaches and players, choosing to run his team in the model of Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, according to Sportsnet's John Shannon.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

He does a lot more than crush hot dogs.When Pittsburgh Penguins sniper Phil Kessel took the ice Wednesday for a Metropolitan Division clash against the Philadelphia Flyers, he made a little bit of history in the process.Kessel has now played in 900 career regular-season games, making him the only player selected in the 2006 draft to accomplish the feat.He's also on an impressive 678-game ironman streak, having not missed a contest since Nov. 3, 2009.The 30-year-old winger is in the midst of a career season, on pace for a sensational 93 points. He's seventh in league scoring, but we already know how he feels about the Art Ross Trophy.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mark Scheifele appears to have avoided another major injury.The Winnipeg Jets center is reportedly doubtful to play Thursday against New Jersey, but an upper-body injury suffered Tuesday in New York isn't believed to be serious, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.Scheifele missed 16 games with an upper-body injury earlier this season, but head coach Paul Maurice said the latest ailment is not related.Through 50 games, Scheifele has recorded 21 goals and 30 assists.An official update is expected prior to Thursday's tilt with the Devils.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins forward David Backes was handed a three-game suspension Wednesday by the NHL Department of Player Safety for his hit on Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen.Backes caught Nielsen with a late, high hit in the first period of Tuesday's game and was assessed a two-minute penalty for roughing. Nielsen left the game and did not return.The NHL Department of Player Safety noted that Backes made substantial contact with Nielsen's head, and the puck was clearly no longer in Nielsen's possession when he laid the hit, leading to the three-game penalty.This is the first suspension of Backes' 848-game NHL career.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens signed forwards William Bitten and Michael Pezzetta to three-year, entry-level contracts, the team announced Wednesday.Bitten was drafted in the third round in 2016 with the 70th overall selection. In his second season with the Hamilton Bulldogs, he's contributed 19 goals and 61 points in 58 games.Pezzetta was selected in the sixth round, 160th overall in 2016. The 19-year-old has split this season with the Ontario Hockey League's Sudbury Wolves and Sarnia Sting where he's put up 22 goals and 50 points in 58 contests.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL players have some hot takes.On Wednesday, the NHLPA published the findings of its annual poll, in which more than 500 players answered a slew of hockey-related questions.Most of the questions elicited unsurprising responses, but there were a handful of interesting results:Some consider Carey Price the greatest goalie everThere's no denying the Price has had a terrific career to this point, or that he's one of the best active netminders, but the Montreal Canadiens goaltender got a bit too much love in this survey. Here's how 361 players voted when asked who they believe is the best goalie of all time:PlayerPercentPatrick Roy39.3Martin Brodeur33.2Dominik Hasek13.6Carey Price3Ken Dryden3Somehow, Roberto Luongo didn't make the top five despite ranking fourth all time in wins and sitting in the top 10 in save percentage. Also, where were Jacques Plante, Terry Sawchuk, and Ed Belfour?Chalk it up to recency bias and the respect players around the league have for Price, but it still didn't make much sense.Overwhelming support for the current point systemWhen asked whether they like the way points are awarded for a win or a loss in the regular season, the players reached a clear consensus, with 77.7 percent support among the 412 who answered.That's somewhat surprising, considering the "loser point" (the awarding of a single point for an overtime or shootout loss) has plenty of critics in hockey circles and is arguably a major reason for the increase in parity in the NHL standings.Somewhere, Stan Bowman is sighing.Tim Peel is surprisingly well-respectedThe fact that Wes McCauley received the most votes when the players were asked to name the best referee wasn't a shock, but Peel somehow garnered 4.4 percent support among 113 players, finishing third behind only McCauley and Kelly Sutherland.Peel is without a doubt the NHL's most controversial official. He has a lengthy history of blown calls, and who could forget his interview with Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski that was conducted at a bar and got Peel suspended?Perhaps it's simply a matter of name recognition, but clearly other referees were more deserving.Ott more popular as a coach than RuffSteve Ott might be better liked behind the bench than he was as a player.The former pest and current St. Louis Blues assistant coach got 5.1 percent of the votes among the 216 players who answered when asked which current assistant coach should be the next head coach.D.J. Smith of the Toronto Maple Leafs (first with 8.3 percent), Todd Reirden of the Washington Capitals (second with 7.4 percent), and Ulf Samuelsson of the Chicago Blackhawks all finished ahead of Ott, but the fact that he got more support than longtime NHL bench boss Lindy Ruff (fifth with 4.2 percent) was a bit of a head-scratcher.Some think Peter Forsberg was the best forward of all timeNHL players love them some Foppa.Peter Forsberg got the most votes among the 379 players who replied when they were asked to name their favorite player growing up (8.4 percent, edging out Steve Yzerman at 8.2).More interestingly, though, 2.3 percent - or the fifth-highest total - of 388 players responded with Forsberg's name when asked to pick the best forward of all time.Sure, the Colorado Avalanche legend was a great player, albeit in a career cut short by injuries, and yes, most of the players made more reasonable choices (Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, and Jaromir Jagr rounded out the top four) but the fact that Forsberg was mentioned before the likes of Gordie Howe, Maurice "Rocket" Richard, and Mark Messier made it clear that some of the current players could use a history lesson.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

David Backes will appear before the Department of Player Safety.The Boston Bruins forward is facing supplementary discipline as a result of an interference call on Detroit Red Wings center Frans Nielsen during Tuesday's contest. Backes was whistled for a two-minute minor on the play.In 47 games this season, Backes has notched 11 goals and 16 assists.Backes' last suspension came in 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nearly every team in the NHL has at least one contract it would like to get rid of. For some teams, that deal is a significantly bigger albatross. Here is every team's worst contract, not including players on LTIR, graded from 1-10 (10 being the worst) based on the following criteria:

If you weren't a big hockey fan before Tuesday night, taking in the madness that ensued in the NHL would have probably been enough to change that.Permanently.You name it, the nine-game slate had it: fights, natural hat tricks, overtime winners, historic winning and point streaks extended. It really was one of the wildest and most exciting nights of the 2017-18 season.After such a prestigious night, we've compiled a ranking of the most notable highlights for your viewing and reading pleasure.Here's a look at the five best performances from Tuesday:5. Steve Mason, 31-save shutout, win(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)In his first start in almost two months, Mason was simply sensational for the Winnipeg Jets, stopping all 31 shots he faced to record his first shutout of the year and 34th of his career.Mason's tenure in Winnipeg hasn't exactly gone to plan, but if he can string together a few performances like Tuesday night's, the Jets' investment of $8.2 million over two years won't seem like the complete waste it has for most the season.Without Mason between the pipes Tuesday, Winnipeg's neat-and-tidy shutout win could have looked a whole lot different.4. Torey Krug, 4-point nightWhile a player a little farther down this list stole the show for the Bruins, Krug had an unreal game of his own. Two goals, two assists, and three shots on net in just over 20 minutes of ice time is more than good enough for the Boston blue-liner to make the list.Here's a look at Krug's first-period rocket, scored only 37 seconds into the game:

What's wrong with Braden Holtby?The Washington Capitals netminder was yanked from Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks after allowing three goals on nine shots.Heading into Tuesday's game, Holtby had a .908 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average on the season, but those numbers will surely take a hit after his most recent outing.Unfortunately for Holtby and the Caps, this kind of performance hasn't been an irregular occurrence these days. He's been especially shaky as of late, going 5-5-4 with a .886 save percentage in his last 14 games.Holtby is a year removed from taking home the William M. Jennings Trophy, and two years on from winning the Vezina Trophy. However, if he doesn't regain his past form come springtime, it could be another early playoff exit for the Capitals.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators set a franchise record with their ninth straight victory by defeating the Dallas Stars 2-0 Tuesday night, the team announced.The Preds now lead the Western Conference with 95 points - just one back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for first in the NHL.Here's a closer look at their win streak:Win No.OpponentScore1Senators5-22Red Wings3-23Sharks7-14Blues4-05Jets6-56Oilers4-27Canucks4-3 OT8Avalanche4-3 OT9Stars2-0In total, the Predators have outscored their opponents 39-18 over the last nine games. While there is still lots of regular-season hockey to be played, Nashville is red hot and seems primed for another deep playoff run this spring.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a wild night in Saint Paul.The Minnesota Wild scored four goals in 3:28, setting a new franchise record for the four fastest goals in franchise history, according to the team's public relations department.It all went down early in the second period. Nino Niederreiter notched his 16th tally of the year 23 seconds into the frame, followed by this Zach Parise goal, which was set up by beautiful passes from Jared Spurgeon and Mikko Koivu:

Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele sustained an upper-body injury in Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers, the team announced.Scheifele started the contest and played 10:44 before exiting late in the second period for further evaluation. He did not return for the third.The Jets pivot missed 16 games earlier in the season with another upper-body injury, but according to head coach Paul Maurice, the latest problem is unrelated to Scheifele's previous issue, reports Ken Wiebe of Postmedia. Scheifele will be re-evaluated Wednesday.Through 50 games this campaign, he has 21 goals and 30 assists.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Reinforcements are on the way for the reeling Philadelphia Flyers, as head coach Dave Hakstol announced Tuesday that winger Wayne Simmonds will be making his return to Philly's lineup Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to Sam Donnellon of the Philadelphia Inquirer."He’s a big part of our team," coach Hakstol said. "He looked good. Nice to have him back in our lineup."A big part of the team, indeed. In addition to his 37 points in 59 games this season, Simmonds is a key contributor for the Flyers at both ends of the ice, playing heavy minutes, chipping in on special teams, and playing with an aggressive edge that has become his trademark.Simmonds has been dealing with an upper-body issue since getting injured on Feb. 18 in a game against the New York Rangers. He has not suited up for any game action since.The Flyers have lost three straight but will look to right the ship when they meet the Penguins for a clash of Metropolitan Division heavyweights Wednesday night in Philly.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A world junior gold medal-winning goal and a stellar WHL season that's included 44 goals and 54 assists in 51 games have translated into an entry-level contract for Canadian teenager Tyler Steenbergen.The Arizona Coyotes inked the Swift Current Broncos forward to a three-year deal Tuesday.In addition to scoring the big goal for Team Canada in January, Steenbergen was already a proven clutch performer, notching 15 postseason points in 18 games for the Broncos over the last two seasons.Arizona selected Steenbergen in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft with the 128th overall selection.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's been a changing of the guard.Legendary coach Scotty Bowman will be replaced by NBC hockey analyst Pierre McGuire on the Hockey Hall of Fame's Selection Committee, chairman Lanny McDonald announced in a statement Tuesday, according to Sports Illustrated's Alex Prewitt.Bowman had been on the committee since 2003, and his 15-year term ended Dec. 31, 2017."I am very pleased to welcome Pierre to the Selection Committee, as he brings a wealth of knowledge that will complement the committee's deliberations," McDonald said. "... I also extend the utmost appreciation and gratitude to Scotty for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the Selection Committee."McGuire probably wouldn't be where he is today without Bowman. The two met while McGuire was an assistant coach at St. Lawrence University, where Bowman's daughter attended school. When Bowman became director of player development and recruitment with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he gave McGuire a job as a scout. McGuire then joined the team as an assistant coach when Bowman became interim head coach."To receive a call from Lanny McDonald asking me to accept a position on the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee is something I never thought was possible," McGuire said. "I am honored and excited to know that I will be a part of this amazing group of hockey people whose mandate is to uphold the hall's standards of excellence."McGuire became the youngest head coach in NHL history when he took over the Hartford Whalers at age 32 in November 1993, but he was fired after the season. He's gone on to a successful broadcasting career with TSN and NBC.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don't look now, but just four weeks remain in the NHL's regular season.With the trade deadline in the rear-view mirror, teams are now jockeying for playoff position ahead of the final stretch.However, several clubs on the postseason bubble are playing their worst hockey of the campaign as we speak. And to make matters worse, some of their deficiencies could have been eradicated - or at the very least improved - had management addressed them at the deadline.Instead, these three teams could be kicking themselves for their lack of trade activity come season's end:New York IslandersAs it's been all season, the Islanders' goaltending and defense is a tire fire.New York is giving up 3.57 goals per game - the worst mark in the league - but is also scoring the eighth most.The Islanders were just two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot heading into the deadline, and now sit four back.So, with the team so close and with John Tavares - to whom New York wants to prove its commitment to win - set to hit free agency, it seemed likely that general manager Garth Snow would address one of the major issues.Instead, the Islanders made just one move at the deadline, flipping fourth-line forward Jason Chimera to the Anaheim Ducks for fourth-line forward Chris Wagner - not exactly a deal that moved the needle.Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers acquired goalie Petr Mrazek from the Detroit Red Wings for two conditional draft picks - a small price to pay for a critical part of any team's success. New York should have done the same.Calgary FlamesThe Flames have also dealt with goaltending issues of late, but for a different reason.The club had been set between the pipes with Mike Smith - who'd been Calgary's MVP by posting a .921 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average in 47 games - but he went down with a groin injury in mid-February.The club has lost eight of 11 since Smith last played while giving up the second-most goals in the league.Related: Flames' leaky goaltending continues with 4th straight lossAnd it's gotten even worse since the deadline, as the Flames have lost four straight, but they should have seen this coming, as they gave up more than 3.7 goals per game between Smith's injury and the last day to make deals.Like the Islanders, the Flames had a chance to add a goalie at the deadline - with the likes of Buffalo's Robin Lehner thought to be available - but elected to stay the course.They now sit 11th in the West, three points back of the final wild-card spot, and struggling to keep pucks out of their net.Smith was expected to miss the next two games of Calgary's current three-game road trip, but after taking the ice in Buffalo on Tuesday, perhaps good fortune is on its way. The Flames could really use it.Dallas StarsThe Stars are in a slightly different position than the two clubs above.Unlike the Islanders and Flames, Dallas currently occupies a playoff spot, as it's holding down the first wild-card position in the West. However, the Stars have struggled a bit of late, dropping six of their last 10 games.The biggest issue has been a lack of secondary scoring. The Stars have been spoiled by the play of Alexander Radulov, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin, who've combined for 82 goals, or just over 42 percent of Dallas' goals throughout this season.Alarmingly, only three other Stars have reached double-digit goals to date (Mattias Janmark, Tyler Pitlick, and Radek Faksa).Overall, the club ranks 15th in goals per game (2.89) this season, while only four other teams in playoff spots have scored fewer.The Stars' last 10 games have been especially poor, as the team has scored just 20 goals, the second fewest of any club during that time.General manager Jim Nill chose to stand pat at the deadline, suggesting he trusts the quality of his team, but if the offense doesn't get back on track, it's hard to imagine the Stars will go far after choosing to rely solely on their top three scorers.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's some light at the end of the tunnel for the Calgary Flames.On Tuesday, injured netminder Mike Smith joined the team in the midst of its three-game road swing, as he took to the ice in Buffalo:

Toronto Police are on the hunt for a man who broke into a display case at the Hockey Hall of Fame and made off with two championship rings donated by former NHL star Paul Kariya, investigators told CBC's Nick Boisvert.The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 11, when a man entered through the Hall of Fame's gift shop and then went into a storage closet that connects to a case where the rings were on display for the public.The suspect nabbed the rings and then reportedly fled in a rented U-Haul truck. Police say the choice of vehicle is also being considered, as it can transport a wide range of goods."That is part of the greater picture of this investigation," constable Caroline de Kloet said.The rings are from the 1993 World Junior Hockey Championship and the 1994 World Championship.Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald informed Kariya of the theft, and the latter was understanding of the situation, according to a Hall of Fame spokesperson.The incident comes just four months after the former Anaheim Ducks captain was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame after amassing 402 goals and 989 points in 989 career NHL games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser is likely done for the season.The rookie sensation was diagnosed with a soft-tissue injury and a small non-structural, non-displaced fracture in his lower back that will require four-to-six weeks of recovery time, the team announced Tuesday.The injury occurred late in the club's eventual overtime win over the New York Islanders after Boeser went in for a hit but was propelled back-first into an open door on the Canucks' bench.The 21-year-old was then taken to hospital for what head coach Travis Green initially labelled precautionary reasons.The injury likely concludes an incredible rookie campaign that has seen him tally 29 goals and 55 points in 62 games, both team highs. It also likely brings an abrupt end to the Calder Trophy race, as while Boeser leads all first-year players in goals, he trails Islanders forward Mathew Barzal by 14 points.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ryan McDonagh's debut as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been pushed back.Upon being acquired from the New York Rangers on trade deadline day, McDonagh stated he was five-to-seven days away from returning to the lineup, but after speaking to the media Tuesday, head coach Jon Cooper noted McDonagh won't be back until at least the weekend, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.The latest update means McDonagh will not suit up against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday or his former club, the Rangers, on Thursday.McDonagh has not played since Feb. 7 as he continues to deal with an upper-body injury. Luckily the club has gone 6-0-1 in its last seven and now has a six-point cushion atop the Atlantic Division.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse language0-4-3.That's the New York Islanders' record over their past seven outings and, quite frankly, head coach Doug Weight has seen enough."It's f---ing getting old," Weight told Arthur Staple of The Athletic following Monday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks, a game in which the Islanders held a 2-0 lead midway through the second period."Fifteen shots in the first and we just want to screw around, walking it down the pipe, backdoors, BS," Weight continued. "And we should've won the game. We should've had a 3-0 lead, but we just stopped shooting. Played fine. They didn't have much. Same story - they get a chance, goes in. Couple bonehead plays."As the losses pile up, frustrations with the Islanders' inability to lock down a playoff position have escalated.With 67 points in as many games played, New York now sits four points outside of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, while the team's recent slump has allowed both the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers to climb back into the playoff chase.It's no secret that New York struggles to keep pucks out of its own net - the Islanders have allowed a league-leading 241 goals against - but the team's sudden inability to create its own offense has come at the worst possible time. Once neck and neck with the NHL-best Tampa Bay Lightning, New York has tallied just 16 times in its past seven outings.Not only does a playoff berth hang in the balance, so too does the future of captain John Tavares, an unrestricted free agent this summer. That makes it all the more critical that the Islanders punch their ticket to the postseason, if they hope to sign the franchise pillar to a long-term extension.The Islanders return to the ice Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, when they will aim for their first win since Feb. 16.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Erik Gustafsson is staying in the Windy City, as the Chicago Blackhawks announced a two-year extension with the 25-year-old defenseman.In 19 games this season, Gustafsson has tallied a goal and four assists while averaging nearly 18 minutes of ice time.Gustafsson made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks in 2015-16, when he appeared in 41 games and notched 14 points. He spent last season with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.The native of Sweden was a fourth-round draft choice by the Edmonton Oilers in 2012. He joined Chicago as a free agent in 2015.This season, Gustafsson's cap hit is $650,000, according to CapFriendly. While financial terms of the extension were not disclosed, TSN's Mike Kelly believes the contract could pay as much as $1.25 million per season.On Tuesday, the Blackhawks also announced a one-year extension with minor-league forward Tyler Sikura.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy sprained the MCL in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced Tuesday.The injury occurred early in the first period of the Bruins' clash with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.It's a big blow to Boston, which is already without forward Patrice Bergeron, who's expected to miss at least one more week with a fractured right foot.McAvoy paces all rookie defensemen with 32 points in 59 games and trails only Torey Krug in scoring among Bruins defenders.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL is headed to Europe.Next season, the league will host three regular-season games in Europe, highlighting the native country of star players from each participating club.Here are the key dates:

Rookie sensation Brock Boeser was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons following the Vancouver Canucks' game against the New York Islanders on Monday after crashing into the boards while the bench door was open late in the third period, head coach Travis Green said.Boeser attempted to check Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck, but was thrown backward while the Canucks were engaged in a line change. He appeared to smack his lower back into the open gate.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock appears to be fed up with the lack of clarity on what's goalie interference, and what isn't.During the Leafs' 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, the officials ruled there was no goaltender interference on Johan Larsson's goal seen below:

Regardless of how good a team is, losing a starting goalie can be a crippling blow. So, when Calgary Flames' No. 1 netminder Mike Smith went down with injury on Feb. 11, it's safe to say the expectation was for the team to struggle.And struggle they have.With unproven NHL goaltenders David Rittich and Jon Gillies as the backup options, a netminding tandem that owns just two combined starts prior to this season, Calgary has seen itself fall out of a playoff spot with losses in eight of its 11 games since Smith went down.The Flames lost a close one Monday night to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Gillies allowed four goals and looked completely lost at times, and Rittich hasn't fared much better.Take a look at both of their numbers since Smith's injury. Forewarning: it's not exactly pretty.GoalieGPRecordSV%GAADavid Rittich61-4-1.8644.00Jon Gillies72-2-1.9012.42It should be noted Gillies has been the better guy in the blue paint, but that's not exactly saying much as his two wins came against the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche.The Flames currently sit three points adrift of the final Western Conference wild-card slot with 15 games remaining, so they are very much still in contention for postseason puck.However, Smith's timetable for return is still unclear, and he has yet to be activated from injured reserve. Calgary, therefore, will likely have to get the job done by relying on their shaky duo down the stretch.The Flames are next in action when they visit the red-hot Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop suffered a lower-body injury in the first period of Monday's game against the Ottawa Senators, the team announced, and he did not return.Following the game, head coach Ken Hitchcock said Bishop won't play Tuesday or Friday, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.Bishop appeared to hurt himself when defenseman Dan Hamhuis fell on him.

The hockey community is stepping up in support of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School hockey team.In the wake of a deadly mass shooting that took the lives of 17 staff and students at the school in Parkland, Fla. almost three weeks ago, teams, players, and executives from around the NHL have been doing what they can to turn a tragedy into something positive for a group of high-schoolers who have obviously been going through tough times.Related: Stoneman Douglas HS hockey team wins state championship 11 days after shootingAfter winning the state championship at the end of February, the Stoneman Douglas hockey team has been in need of a lift to the national championship in Minnesota. Enter the Florida Panthers. Team management is reportedly stepping up to pay for the team's trip at the end of March, according to Matthew DeFranks of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.The Panthers' offer is the latest gesture on behalf of the NHL in support of the team.First, it was Philadelphia Flyers defenseman and Stoneman Douglas alum Shayne Gostisbehere meeting with the team following Sunday's game against the Panthers:

Minnesota Wild forward Luke Kunin will be sidelined seven months after suffering a torn ACL, general manager Chuck Fletcher announced Monday.Kunin sustained the injury in Sunday's contest against the Detroit Red Wings, and is expected to have surgery in the next few weeks.In 19 games this season, the 6-foot-3 rookie has tallied two goals and two assists.The Wild selected Kunin with the 15th overall pick in 2016.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Todd McLellan is sticking up for Connor McDavid and questioning the actions of some unruly individuals who heckled the Edmonton Oilers captain.Here's how the head coach responded when asked about a viral video originally posted to Reddit and later shared by TSN's BarDown, which showed several fans giving McDavid a hard time outside a restaurant while he was with his family."I haven't seen it, but he would be the last one I would heckle if I (were) a fan," McLellan told reporters Monday, via CTV Edmonton's Adam Cook. "He gives the community everything he has, and I'm not just talking about on-ice (contributions)."McLellan cited McDavid's frequent charity work and said the hecklers should consider how their own actions make them look."I often sit in the lunchroom and I ask him, 'What are you guys doing today?', and about every second day, Connor says, 'I'm going to a hospital, I've got to go see these kids, I'm going to go do that, so the individuals that choose to heckle him (need to) look in the mirror."McDavid declined to comment on the matter Monday."Honestly, it's so not a big deal, I'm not even going to say anything on it," the Oilers superstar told reporters, via TSN. "This weekend I had my parents in town, so it was nice to have them around and show them around Edmonton. They've been here a few times now, but I haven't seen them in a while ... so I definitely was missing them and (was) happy to have them in town for a bit."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Martin will return to the lineup Monday versus the Buffalo Sabres after sitting the previous 18 games as a healthy scratch.Martin's last appearance came Jan. 22, when the Maple Leafs fell 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche.While he has stayed positive from the sidelines, he's happy to get another shot against the Sabres."When it first starts, you think it's just going to be a couple (games). I think we hit a month," Martin told TSN's Kristen Shilton. "It definitely dragged on for a while. Some days are harder than others."In 47 games this season, the winger has picked up 11 points and 45 penalty minutes.He's signed through the 2019-20 campaign at a $2.5-million cap hit.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.