The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights had Tuesday's date circled for a long time. The game at PPG Paints Arena marks the return of longtime Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.As emotional as that will be, there's an aspect to the matchup that is likely a surprise to most in the hockey world compared with what was expected entering the season.Vegas (35-13-4) is leading the Western Conference in its first NHL season. The expansion team isn't stumbling and bumbling the way many first-year pro sports teams have.Coach Gerard Gallant has gotten used to being asked at every stop the team makes about the Golden Knights' sustained play at a high level. He has a standard answer, pointing to the club's 8-1 start in October."I think the guys built a lot of confidence from Day One," he said Monday after the team practiced in Pittsburgh. "When you get off to a start like we got off to, the guys believe in themselves. That's the biggest thing. They believe in themselves. They believe we're a good team."In fact, Vegas has a better record than the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins (29-22-3), who are third in the tight Metropolitan Division.So instead of a juggernaut against a newbie, Tuesday's game pits two of the top teams in the league."What they've done this year is unbelievable," Pittsburgh defenseman Ian Cole said of the Golden Knights."Their record obviously shows that, but they are certainly a team that they never give up. I don't know how many late-game rallies they've had, but it seems like you'll look at a scoreboard and they're down 2-1 and you think, 'Hey, they might actually lose tonight.' And they come back and win 3-2. And they've done it multiple times this year."Vegas is 5-7-1 when trailing after two periods."From the start, the expectations weren't that high," Fleury said. "We have a good group of guys here, good leadership group, guys that have played a lot, been through a lot and won games."I don't think any of us wanted to be satisfied with just being OK. I think we wanted more than that. Life in hockey goes quick. I think you've got to make the most out of it. Winning makes a lot of things better, for sure."Fleury, selected from Pittsburgh's roster by Vegas in its expansion draft last summer, arrived there as the promoted face of the new franchise. He missed several weeks earlier this season because of a concussion, but his numbers are stellar -- 15-4-2, 1.84 goals-against average, .939 save percentage.He and the Golden Knights beat Pittsburgh 2-1 in their first meeting, but that was in Las Vegas.It's expected to be an emotional return for Fleury to PPG Paints Arena after he won three Cups with the Penguins and set club records for wins (375), shutouts (44), playoffs wins (62) and postseason shutouts (10)."It's going to be special," Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang said. "He was a big part of our team for a long time, a great teammate. He's a guy that was loved by the fans also. It's going to be an emotional night for him especially and for a bunch of guys who played with him for a long time."If Fleury gives up a goal to his longtime close friend, Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby, it will stand as the 400th of Crosby's career.Fleury will receive his latest Cup ring from the Penguins after Tuesday's morning skate, and the Penguins will air a tribute video to him during the game's first TV timeout."You always want to win, but I don't want to block everything out either," Fleury said. "It's going to be a special moment for me, playing the first game back here. I want remember it and remember my time here."On the injury front, the Penguins announced Monday that forward Patric Hornqvist is week-to-week with a lower-body injury after being injured by a hit from defenseman Brooks Orpik in Friday's win over the Washington Capitals.Hornqvist is fourth on the Penguins with 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) this season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a roster move in advance of Monday's game against Anaheim.Roman Polak has been activated off injured reserve while Andreas Borgman has been loaned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies.Polak last played on Jan. 25, missing three games due to illness. The veteran defenseman was paired with rookie Travis Dermott in the morning skate, according to Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star."Polak is important," said coach Mike Babcock. "A good player for us, a real good penalty killer. We gave up two power play goals last game (against Boston). Polak fits in and Dermott really seems to move the puck."Polak has recorded two goals, four assists, and 27 shots in 32 games this season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets have recalled forwards Brendan Lemieux and Nic Petan from the AHL's Manitoba Moose, the team announced Monday.In a corresponding move, forward Adam Lowry was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 1.Both Lemieux and Petan have spent brief stints with the Jets this season, but will be given another chance with the big club. In 30 games with the Moose, Lemieux's notched 12 goals and 16 assists, while Petan ranks second on the team with 41 points in 39 contests.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the midst of serving his sixth NHL suspension, Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand admits old habits die hard.Marchand can return to the lineup Wednesday after sitting five games for elbowing New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson in the head, and he's hoping to shed the reputation of being a dirty player once and for all.Easier said than done, however."I've tried for a while now to try and get away from that role and I just can't seem to escape it," Marchand said Monday, per NBC's Joe Haggerty on Monday. "I think obviously you look back on the last few years, I've turned into a decent player and it's tough to be branded with that name consistently."Honestly, it's from my own doing but it's tough to escape it a bit. Devil's advocate there, it's what I had to do to get in the league. So, I'll never say that I wouldn't go back and play the same way again coming into the league and it's what I had to do to earn a job."Marchand has indeed developed into quite a skilled scorer, with 97 goals in 195 games since the beginning of 2015-16. He was on the brink of a 40-goal season in 2016-17, but had to settle for 39 after being suspended for the final two games after spearing Tampa Bay's Jake Dotchin.Now would be a good time to walk that walk, as the Bruins sit fourth overall in the standings and can ill afford to lose one of their best players down the stretch for undisciplined behavior.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rick Nash is preparing for the likelihood of being traded ahead of the Feb. 26 deadline.On Monday, he confirmed a report that the New York Rangers asked him for his 18-team no-trade list. Nash is a pending unrestricted free agent, and with the club expected to be sellers, it's likely he'll be dealt. That'll be hard for the 33-year-old veteran, especially given his 3-year-old son, McLaren, has become a huge Rangers fan."You think about your family and your kids and the best situation to win (a Cup)," Nash said, according to Newsday's Steve Zipay. "I have no idea how I'm going to explain to my son that he can't cheer for the Rangers, that definitely went through my head. Every time he sees a goal, he starts singing the song."Nash admits he was surprised when the team asked him to provide his list - likely in part because the Rangers are just two points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference - despite expecting he might be asked to do so."When I got asked, I was definitely in shock at first. You expect it's going to happen, but don't know the feeling until it actually happens when they ask you to submit a list," he said. "My one goal is to win a Cup with the Rangers and have a successful season, so it's unfortunate.""You've got to be a professional about it ... even though it sucks, you've got to show up and put your work boots on and play for the guys in this room," he added. "I've been on the other end of this a lot of times, I've seen guys go through it, now it's my turn and it's not fun."During his six years with the Rangers, Nash has tallied 142 goals and 249 points in 367 games. This year, he's potted 15 goals and is on pace to record 20 or more for his 13th season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After a slow start to their season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have played some of their best hockey of late, winning nine of their last 12 games. The hot streak has elevated them to third place in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division.Despite the recent success, the Pens still have one glaring weakness to fix if they plan on three-peating: a third-line center.Here are five players who would slot in nicely behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin:Derick Brassard: The ideal fitThe Ottawa Senators sit second-last in the Eastern Conference and are prime candidates to be sellers at the deadline. Derick Brassard is signed through 2018-19 with a $5-million cap hit, so there's no urgency to trade him before Feb. 26, but the Penguins would be smart to pursue him aggressively.Brassard is a solid two-way center. He's responsible in his own end and can produce offensively when surrounded by the right talent. More importantly, he's a proven playoff performer, with 22 goals and 55 points in 78 postseason games.The Penguins project to have just shy of $2 million in deadline cap space, per Cap Friendly, so they would have to get creative to take on his contract.Kevin Hayes: The low-risk, high-reward choiceThe Rangers have reportedly committed to being sellers at the trade deadline, and their clearance sale could include 25-year-old Kevin Hayes. He's on the last year of his contract ($2.6-million cap hit) and is set to hit restricted free agency.Hayes is probably miscast as New York's second-line center, but would slot in nicely on Pittsburgh's third line, especially since they can surround the hulking 6-foot-5 forward with speedy wingers.All but one of Hayes' 20 points this season have come at even strength. This is key because the Penguins don't need help on special teams (they own the league's best power play and fifth-best penalty kill), but could stand to improve their five-on-five play.Tomas Plekanec: The veteran rentalAt 35 years old, Tomas Plekanec is a shadow of his former self. He has just five goals and 15 assists this season and certainly lost a step or two.Regardless, he would be an upgrade over Riley Sheahan. And with one year remaining on his contract and the Canadiens a sure bet to be deadline sellers, they would likely move him for next to nothing and swallow most of his $6-million cap hit in the process.Plekanec would help an already strong penalty kill, and perhaps moving to a far superior offensive team would help him rediscover his lost offensive touch.Derek Ryan: The unknown optionThe average NHL fan probably has no idea who Derek Ryan is. After a solid junior career, he played CIS hockey, then played overseas in Hungary, Austria, and Sweden before returning to North America with Carolina's AHL team. He may be 31, but he's enjoying a solid sophomore campaign with 11 goals and 15 assists in 51 games for the Hurricanes.If the Canes fall farther out of the playoff picture, they could become sellers at the deadline. That would make Ryan expendable, given he's a pending unrestricted free agent.Not only does his $1.425-million cap hit fit nicely for the Penguins, but they could also use a right-handed center for faceoff purposes, and Ryan has won 56.1 percent of his draws this season.Tyler Bozak: The long shotBozak would be an excellent fit in Pittsburgh. Like Ryan, he's a right-handed shot who's skilled at faceoffs, is a pending UFA, and can produce offensively. A move to Pittsburgh would also represent a reunion with his old buddy, Phil Kessel.Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely the Leafs and Penguins - two contending teams - would agree on a deal. Instead of wanting picks and prospects for Bozak, the Leafs would want immediate help on the blue line or down the middle - something the Pens likely can't offer.In order for this to work, a third team would have to be involved. Though three-team trades are rare, nothing can be ruled out with two veteran general managers in Jim Rutherford and Lou Lamoriello.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A pair of hits Saturday in Nashville have left the New York Rangers down a couple players.Forward Jimmy Vesey, who was hit by Filip Forsberg, is dealing with a concussion, the Rangers announced Monday. Head coach Alain Vigneault said there's no timetable for his recovery, per Steve Zipay from Newsday.Forsberg was suspended three games for the hit.In addition, defenseman Marc Staal, who was hit by Alexei Emelin, has been diagnosed with a cervical strain, and will be re-examined in New York. Emelin saw no supplemental discipline for the hit.The Rangers face the Stars in Dallas on Monday, and head home to take on the Bruins on Wednesday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes are not actively shopping forward Max Domi, general manager John Chayka confirmed to Richard Morin of AZCentral.com.Reports surfaced over the weekend, including one from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, that the Coyotes had let it be known Domi was available via trade.Chayka dismissed that talk, but did note that while the team might not be actively seeking a deal, they will "listen on anything," according to Morin.Domi is currently in the midst of his least productive season since entering the league two years ago. With three goals and 22 points in 52 games, he's on pace to finish with just four goals and 34 points, which would both be lower than the respective marks he set last season, despite only playing in 59 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist is week to week with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.Hornqvist didn't play in the team's last game against the Devils on Saturday, and has now missed a total of five games on the year.Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan explained the magnitude of Hornqvist's absence."We're going to miss Hornqvist's energy," he said. "This game is rooted in emotion and passion. Hornqvist epitomizes that. We need to bring that up in order to be successful."Hornqvist ranks fourth on the team with 16 goals, 31 points, and 96 hits in 49 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Evgeni Malkin is on his way to claiming his second straight Player of the Month title.The Pittsburgh Penguins forward had a monster seven days, pacing all skaters with six goals and eight points in three games to earn first-star honors.Last week, Malkin was named January's first star after putting up 12 goals and 19 points in 12 games. His recent surge has him up to 60 points on the season, just six back of Nikita Kucherov for the league lead.Florida Panthers netminder Harri Sateri was named the second star after going 3-0-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. The trio of victories were the first three of his career and come after a difficult stretch that saw the Finn concede 14 goals in three contests.Vegas Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith rounds out the three stars after putting up four goals and five points in four games. Smith sits fourth in team scoring with 41 points.The 26-year-old is on pace to match his career-high of 25 goals and surpass his career-best 51 points, both set during the 2013-14 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rick Nash gave the New York Rangers his 18-team no-trade list Sunday upon their request, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie. He can now be traded to the 12 omitted clubs.Nash would prefer to stay in the Big Apple but said he understands the situation, Steve Zipay of Newsday Sports reports.The Rangers have already reportedly made it clear they intend to be sellers at this year's trade deadline, so asking for Nash's no-trade list isn't all that surprising.The 33-year-old winger is in the final year of a contract that comes with a cap hit of $7.8 million. He has 15 goals and 10 assists in 52 games, but has been marred by an uncharacteristically low shooting percentage of 9.3.The veteran has never won a Stanley Cup in his career, so the 12 teams left off his no-trade list are likely the ones he feels give him the best chance of a ring.There are several contending teams in need of a top-six winger, so a proven goal-scorer such as Nash will certainly be in high demand from now until Feb. 26.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Josh Leivo wants to play hockey, plain and simple.The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has served largely as a healthy scratch this season - dressing in just 12 games - and hasn't seen game action since Dec. 31. Subsequently, he's reportedly requested a trade, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos said Saturday during Hockey Night in Canada's "Headlines" segment.Following the team's morning skate on Monday, Leivo told reporters he would prefer to stay with the Maple Leafs, but he wants to play."I just want to play hockey," he said, according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel. "I do want to play for the Maple Leafs. That's why I signed another year. But at the same time, I just want to play.""Twenty games in two years is not enough," he added.But while Leivo hopes to play regularly, he's been firm in saying he won't consider a conditioning stint in the AHL."I've played enough in the AHL; I want to play in the NHL now," he said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.Leivo's agent, Ian Pulver, spoke to Siegel on Sunday, but wouldn't confirm the Kypreos report. However, he noted the 24-year-old is hungry to return to the lineup regularly."Josh is a player who would stand in front of a train for the Toronto Maple Leafs," Pulver said. "Josh was drafted by the Leafs and he wants to be a longtime Leaf. He would love to be in the lineup Monday night, and every night thereafter. Having said that, he hasn't been in the lineup for a long time, and hasn't played much in the past two seasons. He has reached a point in his career where he simply needs to play regularly."Lou Lamoriello has had open lines of communication with Josh on this issue. Not unexpectedly, the Maple Leafs in general and Lou in particular have been nothing but first class."Leivo has struggled to become a regular for the Maple Leafs, having suited up for 53 games during his five-year career and just 25 since the start of last season.The Innisfil, Ontario, native is signed through next season, when he'll earn $925,000.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Fisher disagrees.The Nashville Predators forward rejoined the team Wednesday after coming out of retirement and is wasting little time making his voice heard.The veteran center tweeted Sunday after teammate Filip Forsberg was handed a three-game suspension for interference, calling the ban a "joke."

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters was not happy with his team following a 3-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday afternoon."They were better than us, better than us from the start of the game," he told reporters afterward, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer. "I was really disappointed in our compete (level) today. ... We got what we deserved."The effort today was unacceptable, period."A win would have allowed the Hurricanes to leapfrog the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers for sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they remain on the outside looking in.With a key matchup against the Flyers looming Tuesday, Peters insisted he won't ice the same lineup."You can't put that group out again," he said. "The effort and the intensity we played at was similar to something you probably see at a neutral-site game in September. I'm very disappointed in the way we played today, disappointed in some of the guys you can count on."Here's the lineup the Hurricanes sent out Sunday, according to Left Wing Lock.LWCRWSebastian AhoJordan StaalTeuvo TeravainenBrock McGinnVictor RaskJustin WilliamsJeff SkinnerDerek RyanElias LindholmJoakim NordstromMarcus KrugerLee StempniakLDRDJaccob SlavinJustin FaulkNoah HanifinBrett PesceHaydn FleuryTrevor van RiemsdykGCam WardIt's unclear whether Peters will simply shake up the forward lines, or perhaps look to a call-up from the AHL to provide a spark.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg has been handed a three-game suspension for interference following a hit on New York Rangers winger Jimmy Vesey.Midway through the second period of Saturday's contest, Forsberg hit Vesey behind the New York net after he played the puck. However, Forsberg was not whistled for interference on the play in question.He hadn't been subject to supplemental discipline prior to Sunday.After missing 11 games with an upper-body injury, Saturday was just the second game for Forsberg since returning to the lineup. His latest absence is a key loss for the Predators, as he sits second in team scoring with 38 points.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chalk up a win for the Canadians.Team Canada defeated Team Latvia 2-0 on Sunday in the first of three pre-tournament games leading up to PyeongChang 2018.Defensemen Marc-Andre Gragnani and Mat Robinson provided the offense for Canada, while netminder Ben Scrivens turned aside 27 shots for the shutout.Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, a third-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014, stopped 21 of 23 shots in the defeat.Canada has two games remaining in pre-tournament action against Belarus and Sweden before opening its schedule against Switzerland on Feb. 15.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights rallied to defeat the Washington Capitals on Sunday, with the deciding goal providing no shortage notable moments.First, a look at the play in question:

Barry Trotz achieved a career milestone Sunday, passing Lindy Ruff and moving into fifth on the NHL's all-time games coached list.

Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg is the latest to make his voice heard after another baffling goaltender interference non-call.Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau scored a late game-winner that was held up following a lengthy review, leaving Zetterberg rather confused, to say the least."The inconsistency in this league right now, if it's the refs or it's the (review team) in Toronto or if it's the suspensions or if it's the fines, it's hard for us as players to know what rules we are playing under," Zetterberg said after the game, per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press."You see it over and over again," Zetterberg continued. "Losing a game like this that is really important, the points are really important, on a call that yesterday could have been goalie interference and tonight it's not. Probably tomorrow that will be goalie interference again. That's what's frustrating for us. They have to find a way to deal with this."During All-Star weekend in Tampa, commissioner Gary Bettman said officials need to stop overthinking these decisions, and it appears the issue will need to be even more closely looked at in the near future.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to have settled on a goalie tandem for the balance of the season, recalling Tristan Jarry from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to complement starter Matt Murray.Murray was recently absent from the team following the death of his father, while Jarry had been sent down in lieu of Casey DeSmith, who has now been returned to the AHL affiliate after allowing three goals on 38 shots in a loss to New Jersey on Saturday.Jarry won all three of his starts during his minor-league stint, stopping 80 of 85 shots for a .941 save percentage. In 18 NHL appearances this season, he's posted a record of 9-4-2 with a .919 save percentage.Murray is expected to get the lion's share of the starts as the playoffs draw near.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Few expected an expansion team to be potential buyers at the trade deadline.But that may very well be the case for the Vegas Golden Knights, as general manager George McPhee's club sits first in the Western Conference and second overall with the deadline quickly approaching.The belief was McPhee might look to flip pending free agents for picks and prospects, but the team's success has surely made him reassess that plan."We still don't know what we're going to do at the deadline," McPhee said Sunday, per Vegas Insider Gary Lawless. "We're still three weeks away. We'll know more when we get there. Every team in the league has needs... We'll see. I like our group. I don't know if we're going to do a lot, if anything."According to Sports Club Stats, the Golden Knights have a 100 percent chance of clinching a playoff spot, meaning they'll be a first-year postseason team barring complete disaster.As such, dealing leading scorers like James Neal and David Perron - who can become unrestricted free agents on July - does not seem likely.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils have recalled goaltender Eddie Lack from the AHL's Binghamton Devils, sending Ken Appleby the other way.Lack was acquired from the Calgary Flames in late December. In five appearances with the Devils' minor-league club, he has a 1-2-2 record and .915 save percentage.Devils' starting goalie Cory Schneider remains sidelined with a groin injury, meaning Lack will serve as backup to Keith Kinkaid.The surprising Devils, meanwhile, are hanging onto the second seed in the tough Metropolitan Division.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg will have a hearing Sunday for interference on New York Rangers winger Jimmy Vesey.Here's a look at the play in question:

P.K. Subban continues to be a model of consistency when it comes to point production.The Nashville Predators star scored a goal and added an assist in a victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday night, giving him 40 points in 50 games so far this season.It's the fifth consecutive campaign that Subban has posted at least 40 points, and he's now matched his total from last season in 16 fewer contests.Coming into Saturday's action, he was one of only three defensemen leading his team in points, along with San Jose Sharks rearguard Brent Burns and John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars, who's now tied with Alexander Radulov.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nashville Predators rearguard Alexei Emelin better clear his schedule, as the NHL's Department of Player Safety will surely speak to him about the dangerous elbow he delivered to New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal's head.Staal has dealt with serious injuries before, suffering three concussions throughout his 11-year career. He left the game halfway through the second period and didn't return due to what New York called an upper-body injury. Emelin, meanwhile, wasn't assessed a penalty on the play.The controversial hits didn't end there, as Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey was rocked with a high hit from Filip Forsberg later in the period.

There are hot streaks, and then there's what Tuukka Rask is currently on.The Boston Bruins have collected a point in 20 straight games when Rask is between the pipes, as the netminder owns an 18-0-2 record over that stretch. The streak is the fourth longest in Bruins franchise history, per NHL Public Relations.

He might be dealing with a nagging knee injury, but Jaromir Jagr can still rack up the points.Related: Jagr dealing with knee problems; will play for Czech team this weekendThe 45-year-old Czech forward returned to his hometown team, the Kladno Knights, Saturday evening and didn't disappoint, netting three assists after receiving a hero's welcome from the capacity crowd.

Justin Holl will head back to the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL club with his head held high.The 26-year-old rookie defenseman was sent back to the Toronto Marlies on Saturday to accommodate the return of Morgan Rielly, who was activated off injured reserve.Holl scored in both of his first two NHL games after being summoned by the Leafs on an emergency recall, etching himself in the history books in the process.With his goal against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, Holl became the first defenseman in franchise history and the sixth blue-liner in league history to score in each of his first two NHL games.He tallied a goal in his debut against the New York Islanders one night earlier.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Petr Mrazek has been arguably the league's best goaltender over the last two weeks. Strangely, that's not ideal for the Detroit Red Wings.Detroit's reportedly already made it known that the club will be a seller ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline. For the first time in years, the Red Wings look to be in the process of stockpiling young assets and draft picks, and should be in line to select a top-level prospect in June.There is just one problem with this plan: Mrazek is playing some fantastic hockey.Since Jan. 14, Mrazek has gone 4-0-1 with a 1.02 goals-against average, a .967 save percentage, and two shutouts. If he keeps this up, he could realistically play the club out of a potential top-10 pick in this year's draft.That's why the Red Wings should take a cue from Tim Murray and the 2014-15 Buffalo Sabres - who endured a similar situation - and work the phones to deal Mrazek.* * *Some might recall that the 2015 draft was headlined by a guy named Connor McDavid. Teams were salivating at the possibility of selecting the league's next generational talent, and none more so than the Sabres.That season, Buffalo got off to another horrid start after finishing the previous season with the NHL's worst record, falling 18 points behind the league-leading Montreal Canadiens by Dec. 1. It started to become evident that the Sabres had a far greater chance to finish with the best lottery odds than to secure a playoff spot.A couple of months later, with the club last in the standings, two things started to jeopardize that status: Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)From Jan. 29 to Feb. 10, Enroth put together a stretch of 2-3-0 - which isn't great - while rocking a .931 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average. That was too good for a team trying to tank. So, on Feb. 11, the Sabres dealt Enroth to the Dallas Stars.With Enroth out of the picture, the net belonged to Neuvirth, but the problem recurred. Neuvirth went 3-2-2 from Feb. 15 to Feb. 28, constructing a record of 3-2-2 with a .941 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average.That earned Neuvirth a ticket to Long Island - Buffalo dealt him to the New York Islanders on Mar. 2. Ultimately, the Sabres did secure the best lottery odds, but we all know how that turned out.* * *Ken Holland and Co. should consider this sell-off strategy with Mrazek.The Red Wings currently sit 24th in the standings, giving them a 5.8 percent chance of winning the draft lottery and the right to pick Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.However, he's not the only quality prospect expected to go within the first 10 selections. Players including Andrei Svechnikov, Adam Boqvist, Filip Zadina, Quinn Hughes, and Brady Tkachuk have all piqued the interest of scouts and should intrigue general managers as well.Related: NHL releases midseason scouting rankings for 2018 draftThat's why things are looking dicey for the Red Wings. The club is just six points back of the Philadelphia Flyers for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and currently has the eighth-best chance of winning the draft lottery. It's not out of the realm of possibility that an extended hot streak could vault Detroit up the standings and entirely out of contention for a top-10 pick.Of course, finishing in the basement doesn't guarantee anything. Last season, the New Jersey Devils won the right to select Nico Hischier first overall after finishing with the fourth-worst record; the Flyers jumped up to second after finishing with 40 more points than the last-placed Colorado Avalanche; and the Dallas Stars rounded out the top three after finishing 24th overall. Meanwhile, those 2015 Sabres had to settle for Jack Eichel instead of McDavid.But if the Red Wings want to give themselves the best possible chance at nabbing a top-10 selection, dealing Mrazek should be their first move.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens forward Jonathan Drouin left Saturday's contest against the Anaheim Ducks after taking a slap shot to the ribs from teammate Karl Alzner.Drouin left the ice following the play and was taken to hospital for X-rays as a precaution, with the Canadiens later announcing he would not return to the game after being limited to just 6:08 of ice time.Following Montreal's 5-2 victory, head coach Claude Julien provided an update on Drouin's status:

T.J. Oshie laments the extra discipline given to him following an incident involving Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.Oshie was fined $5,000 Saturday after his cross checks on Letang went too far in Friday's meetup between the Penguins and Washington Capitals.The Capitals winger voiced his frustration with the leadership of the NHL Department of Player Safety, headed by former enforcer George Parros."George is old school, and fought, which I think is respectable, so I figured that was the reason there would be no suspension or fine," Oshie told Tarik El-Bashir of NBC Sports Washington. "Last night, Letang got two free shots at my face. One sucker punch, then I dropped the gloves. Apparently, he didn't want to. Then he got another one in once the ref came in."Hopefully we figure out a way to get some consistency. It seems like it really depends on who the hitter is, how many games they've played, and who they play for."Oshie was initially assessed a minor penalty on the play, while Letang was whistled for roughing after he retaliated.According to the winger, the in-game penalty was enough justice for the infraction."I agree it's a penalty, but I don't look down and target," Oshie said. "First of all, I don't hit his head. I don't know what replay or secret angle (the NHL) had."Oshie was particularly annoyed to receive a fine - the first time he has faced supplemental discipline in his 10-year career - as he was on the receiving end of a questionable call earlier this season that did not get any further attention."It's hard to figure out what you're doing to get fined and suspended for, and what you're not," Oshie continued. "I got a concussion a little over a month ago after I got hit. I don't know what the norm is ... I got a concussion on the play and I was out."He was sidelined for six games as a result of that play.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Charlie McAvoy is back in action.The Boston Bruins rookie blue-liner will return to the lineup Saturday versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, less than two weeks after undergoing a procedure to correct an abnormal heart rhythm.The Bruins posted a 3-1-0 record in McAvoy's absence and currently sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 68 points. The Maple Leafs trail the Bruins by three points, despite having played four more games.McAvoy has been one of the NHL's top freshmen this season, as he's tallied 25 points in 45 games. He ranks third in scoring among rookie blue-liners and sits four points behind teammate Torey Krug for second among Boston defensemen.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will welcome back their top defensive pairing on Saturday night as Morgan Rielly and Ron Hainsey will be in the lineup when the club takes on divisional foe the Boston Bruins, head coach Mike Babcock confirmed, according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.Rielly has missed the Maple Leafs' last six games with an upper-body injury, while Hainsey returns after a two-game absence with an illness.The two will join a club that is currently playing some of its best hockey of the season. The Maple Leafs have won four straight and are coming off back-to-back shutouts on consecutive nights with 5-0 and 4-0 victories over the New York Islanders and New York Rangers.With the team's top pairing back in the fold, Justin Holl who scored in each of his first two career games this week, will sit as Travis Dermott and Connor Carrick man the club's third pairing.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

T.J. Oshie will pay the piper.The Washington Capitals forward was handed a $5,000 fine Saturday, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, for a cross-check he delivered to Pittsburgh Penguins blue-liner Kris Letang on Friday.

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask and Torey Krug will be cheering on their Boston-area compatriots the New England Patriots in Sunday's Super Bowl.Though Rask has become good friends with Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski over the years, the Finnish netminder admits he'll be watching the game just like every other fan on Sunday."It's fun," Rask said, according to NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin. "We're just hoping that he makes the kick, like all over New England, everybody else. You're just a fan. But obviously you're just hoping for the best and trusting him that he's going to be the clutch player like he usually is."As for Krug, growing up in Michigan he's always been a fan of the Detroit Lions, but with few reasons to celebrate in recent years, he's become more of a Patriots fan during his time with Boston."The Lions have never won a playoff game since I remember watching, so it's been a long time coming," Krug said. "But it's been refreshing being here and becoming a Patriots fan too because the way that they accomplish things and the way they go about their everyday business is pretty fun to watch."As far as predictions for Sunday's game go, Krug thinks people shouldn't sleep on the Philadelphia Eagles, but that you can never count out the Patriots - as recent history has shown."I just think their strength is their character," Krug said. "They're down but never out. So many comebacks that are indicative of that. I just think that's their biggest strength. Obviously you have (quarterback) Tom Brady leading the way, it's easy to listen to what he says and fall in line and let him be your leader, for sure."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Zach Aston-Reese is getting his opportunity.The first-year forward was recalled by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday after the club placed Conor Sheary on injured reserve.Related: Penguins' Sheary week to week with lower-body injuryA highly sought-after college free agent last offseason, Aston-Reese's potential suitors reportedly included the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, and Vancouver Canucks. He ultimately inked a two-year deal with the Penguins.The product of Northeastern University was a Hobey Baker finalist in 2016-17, as he tallied 63 points in 38 games.Aston-Reese has registered nine goals and 20 assists across 41 contests this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins' AHL affiliate.The 23-year-old could make his NHL debut as early as Saturday, when the Penguins face off against the New Jersey Devils.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to have woken up from their early-season slumber thanks in large part to the most dominant trio of scorers the league has to offer.Sure, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel recording multitudes of points isn't exactly breaking news at this point in their remarkable careers, but they've all been on a different planet as of late.In 13 games since the calendar flipped to 2018, including Friday's 7-4 win over the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh's big three forwards have been simply unstoppable.Player Goals Assists Multi-Point GamesCrosby3207Malkin1497Kessel7137Additionally, Crosby is currently riding an 11-game point streak, Malkin was recently recognized as the NHL's first star of the month, and Kessel has moved into second in league scoring (62), just two points behind leader Nikita Kucherov.It's no coincidence that Pittsburgh is one of the NHL's hottest teams, capturing 20 of a possible 26 points so far in 2018 and surging to second place in the Metropolitan Division after sitting in seventh on Dec. 31.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin will apparently remain with the Vancouver Canucks through the trade deadline.General manager Jim Benning said Friday that the Canucks organization and the Sedins have agreed to play out the rest of the season and then revisit the matter before the franchise points leaders' contracts expire July 1, according to Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre.The twin Swedish forwards met with Benning on Wednesday, but didn't provide him with a definitive answer regarding what they want to do when their deals run out in the summer."They're still undecided about what the future holds for them," the GM told MacIntyre. "We've all agreed let's just play out these final games and we'll see where we're at. At the end of the year, we'll sit down again and see what they're thinking. We'll tell them what we're thinking and we'll figure it out from there."Last week, Henrik told TSN 1040 that he and Daniel would try to let the Canucks know by the Feb. 26 trade deadline whether they wanted to either agree to a hypothetical deal to a contender before the deadline, re-sign with the club at season's end, or retire at that point.Both are pending unrestricted free agents in the final campaign of dual four-year, $28-million contract extensions inked in the fall of 2013.The 37-year-olds have spent their entire 17-year careers with the Canucks. Henrik ranks first in team history in assists, points, and games played, while Daniel sits first in goals, second in both assists and points, and second in games played.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adam Larsson will take as long as he needs before returning to the Edmonton Oilers.The defenseman will be out indefinitely after the death of his father, Robert, according to NHL.com's Derek Van Diest.The elder Larsson had a heart attack while visiting Edmonton from Sweden on Jan. 25. He was 50 years old.The blue-liner left the morning skate that day and didn't play in that evening's game against the Calgary Flames or Thursday night's contest against the Colorado Avalanche."Adam is dealing with that, it's affected our room immensely, and we'll continue to support the Larsson family, and you won't see him here for a little while because we're going to give him the time that he needs to spend and take care of things," Oilers head coach Todd McLellan said Friday, according to Van Diest.General manager Peter Chiarelli and the NHLPA offered their condolences to the Larsson family Friday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens have recalled forward Nikita Scherbak from the AHL, the team announced Friday.Scherbak, 22, played two games with the club earlier in the season, and will be available for both of Montreal's contests this weekend. The Habs host the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, and the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.In 24 games with Laval this season, Scherbak, a first-round draft pick in 2014, has recorded seven goals and 23 assists.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the New York Rangers crumbling - losing seven of their last 10 games - goaltender Henrik Lundqvist affirmed his commitment to the club Friday.The Rangers have been ravaged by injuries to key players, and are reportedly exploring all opportunities to sell major assets ahead of the trade deadline. But even on the precipice of missing the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, Lundqvist is sticking by the only franchise he's ever known."The competitor in me wants us to have the best team possible right here and now. I'm not hoping we have a contending team in two or three years," Lundqvist told Larry Brooks of The New York Post. "But at the same time, even though it's hard to say because it kind of goes against myself, I feel so much for this organization, that whatever path they take, I'm in."I want to play for one organization. This one. I love it here. I want to be here and battle through the ups and downs, the good and the bad. It's important to me."Lundqvist, 35, has three seasons remaining on the seven-year, $59.5-million contract he signed in 2013. He said he can't envision himself joining another team in pursuit of a Stanley Cup - the one omission from his Hall of Fame resume."The question has come up before about maybe having to go somewhere else to win it, but I don't think that way," Lundqvist said. "I've never felt the need for that."The Rangers have missed the postseason just once during Lundqvist's tenure, and as the team's elder statesman, he's certainly done his part in keeping New York in the mix in 2017-18. In 42 starts, Lundqvist owns a .919 save percentage and he recently became the first goalie in NHL history to record at least 20 wins in 13 consecutive seasons.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson was suspended two games Friday for cross-checking Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck.Larsson was given a major and a match penalty after hitting Trocheck in the face with both hands on his stick Thursday night.The league said Larsson made the case that he wasn't aiming for Trocheck's head, but the NHL countered with the fact that "players are responsible for their sticks at all times, and when a player attempts to intentionally use his stick to deliver a blow to an opponent, he cannot necessarily be excused of all responsibility when the blow lands in an unintended place."The incident occurred late in the third period of the Panthers' 4-2 victory.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks defenceman - and 2014 Sochi Olympic Gold medalist - Marc Edouard Vlasic was so disappointed by the NHL's decision not to let players participate in the PyeongChang Olympics that he considered risking arrest and contract termination in an effort to play."Do you want to do that?" Vlasic asked about the possible legal action, according to Ross McKeon of the San Francisco Gate. "You’re getting pretty far into the legal department there."When the NHL announced in April it wouldn't send players to the Winter Games, it ended a run of five Winter Olympics that included the world's best talent.Vlasic was so persistent in his efforts to eschew the league's decision that his lawyers told him that he risked termination of the eight-year, $56-million extension he signed in July, would be subject to a court order, and a possible arrest if he refused to obey the rules."I don’t think it would have gone that far, but it’s a possibility," Vlasic said.But don't expect Vlasic to pull up a chair to watch the PyeongChang games, though."Am I going to watch the hockey? I'll probably see the highlights. I won’t sit down and watch it," he said.The 30-year-old Montreal native holds out hope he'll be able to represent his country at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing."I would love to in 2022," he said. "I'm fighting not only for myself in '22 but for every other player who gets a chance to do it in 2026, ’30, ’34 and down the road. I’m not just thinking of myself, I’m thinking about all the players who deserve to go.”Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A teenager had a dream come true at an outdoor rink in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec last month.Nineteen-year-old hockey player Guillaume Ouimet was skating in the ski resort town when none other than Pittsburgh Penguins superstar center Sidney Crosby came by."He asked me a question about the ice and if I was alone, and then I tell him I'm alone and I can see he just wants to skate and not be bothered by a lot of persons," Ouimet said, per Kalina Laframboise of CBC News.Crosby then laced up his skates and joined Ouimet on the ice, and the pair partook in passing drills for about an hour."He's so good. It's not even comparable to what you see on TV," said Ouimet. "I was just so impressed."After the skate, Crosby - who was vacationing in Quebec with the Penguins during their bye week - toured the nearby indoor arena, where Ouimet is the captain of the Mont-Tremblant Diables."It's how great of a human being he is - just really keeping both feet on the ground, not thinking he's better than anyone, very generous with his time," Ouimet concluded.Ouimet shared a few photos of the experience on Instagram:

Ottawa Senators winger Bobby Ryan will miss at least two games with a hand injury, and possibly much longer:

Light has been shed on why Antti Raanta was absent from Thursday's loss to the Dallas Stars.The Arizona Coyotes goaltender was shaken up after being involved in a rear-end car accident prior to the game, according to Craig Morgan of NHL.com.Head coach Rick Tocchet was informed of the incident a few hours before puck drop, and decided to start Scott Wedgewood as a precaution.

Kyle Palmieri doesn't believe a two-minute penalty for interference is enough for Radko Gudas.The Devils forward was the recipient of a dangerous-looking hit from the Philadelphia Flyers defenseman in Thursday's win, and Palmieri hopes the NHL takes a closer look."After certain events and a certain history, you lose the benefit of the doubt of saying it was an accident," Palmieri said, per Chris Ryan of NJ.com. "His history speaks for itself. I know it's a fast game, stuff happens out there, but like I said, you lose the benefit of the doubt after a couple incidents and reckless plays."It's not my decision to make, but it seems more than likely that he's run out of second chances."Here's the hit, as well as the ensuing melee:Gudas, who received a minor penalty as a result of the hit, was suspended 10 games earlier this season for a violent slashing incident.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson will have a hearing Friday for cross-checking Florida’s Vincent Trocheck, the NHL announced.Here's a look at the incident: