The Philadelphia Flyers will retire Eric Lindros' iconic No. 88 ahead of Thursday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs.The ceremony will recognize his eight seasons with the black and orange - an era in which the then-Flyers captain was seen as hockey's "Next One."Here are our top five most memorable "Big E" moments from his time in Philadelphia:Philadelphia debutFans packed the Spectrum to witness Lindros' first game in Philadelphia in October 1992. He didn't disappoint.After scoring his first goal in his NHL debut - a road game versus the rival Pittsburgh Penguins - Lindros extended his streak to two games when he stripped the puck from future Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer and tucked it by New Jersey Devils netminder Chris Terreri.No stick, no problemWith this kind of fancy footwork, maybe he could have had an MLS career.Losing his stick wasn't enough to keep the puck away from Lindros, as shown by his impressive battle along the boards in the 1997 playoff opener against the Penguins. He wrapped the night with one goal and one assist.Playoff penalty shotA miscue by Buffalo Sabres goaltender Steve Shields and a subsequent trip on the Flyers captain led to this penalty shot showdown in the 1997 playoffs.Charging toward the net, Lindros beat Shields for the first playoff penalty-shot goal in Flyers history, then tapped the brakes just enough to avoid barreling over linesman Gerard Gauthier.Two tallies vs. NordiquesNordiques fans were sour enough that Lindros refused to play in the Quebec capital, but scoring twice in his first trip to the city? Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.That was the story in October 1992, as Lindros pocketed a pair of goals at the raucous Colisee, bringing his total to four goals and an assist through his first four NHL games.Conference final hat trickScoring in the playoffs is difficult enough, but Lindros made it look like child's play in this 1997 conference final contest against the New York Rangers, as he slid three goals by New York netminder Mike Richter.Years later, fans of the Broadway Blueshirts welcomed Lindros as one of their own, as the "Big E" was traded to New York during the 2001 offseason.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Charlotte Checkers played a game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Wednesday in front of ... well ... nobody.The game was was closed to the public due to inclement weather in the area.

Tuukka Rask and the Boston Bruins continue to roll.The Bruins thumped the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 on Wednesday night, and with the win, Rask has now helped Boston to at least a point in his last 15 games, going 13-0-2. He overtakes Tampa Bay Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy (13-0-1) for the longest such streak this season, according to NHL Public Relations.During this stretch, Rask has put up a .939 save percentage and a 1.65 goals-against average. More importantly, he has helped the Bruins put together a staggering 14-2-4 record in their last 20 games and has them making a charge for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Louis Domingue was ready to give up.In a recent interview with Matt Sammon and Brian Engblom of the "Lightning Power Play" podcast, the 25-year-old goaltender said he hit rock bottom after a slow start this season, left with the feeling that his playing days were over.Through seven games with the last-place Arizona Coyotes, Domingue came up winless, seemingly losing his confidence before losing his spot to AHL call-up Adin Hill and newcomer Scott Wedgewood.In late October, the Coyotes waived him. Ultimately clearing, he didn't follow the usual path of an assignment to the minors, as the organization's AHL team already had three netminders, Coyotes correspondent Craig Morgan reports. However, an assignment to the team's ECHL affiliate was on the table.Domingue declined, choosing to bide his time while Arizona worked to find him a new home. A deal materialized just over two weeks later, when he was traded to Tampa Bay and subsequently assigned to the Lightning's farm club in Syracuse.He got his game back on track with the Crunch, finding the win column 11 times through 15 games while posting a .921 save percentage and 2.07 goals-against average.When an injury to the Lightning's veteran backup, Peter Budaj, opened up an NHL spot, Domingue's performance was enough to earn him the call.He made his return to the show on Jan. 7, turning aside 34 shots and backstopping the Lightning to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings.It was his first victory since April 6 of last season."If you would have called me a month and a half ago or so, I was going to Europe in my head," Domingue told Sammon and Engblom. "I was looking for answers. ... Honestly, I almost quit hockey."Domingue has been rewarded for his play, as he remains on the roster while Budaj recovers from a leg injury. And while his time in the desert ended on a down note, he remains thankful to the Coyotes for giving him his start in the big leagues."Maybe if I was drafted somewhere else, I would have never played in the NHL," he said. "I'm very fortunate to have gotten a chance with Arizona. I'm very grateful for that."- With h/t to Raw ChargeCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins home games won't be the same following the end of the 2017-18 season.That's because longtime anthem singer Rene Rancourt will retire at the conclusion of the season, the team announced on Wednesday.Rancourt has sung the anthem since the 1975-76 season, a stretch of 42 years. Of course, he will be remembered most for his signature fist pump which was inspired by former Bruin forward Randy Burridge's "Stump Pump."The team will honor Rancourt during the club's final game of the regular season on April 8 against the Florida Panthers.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are giving Matt Murray all the time he needs to grieve.Murray's father, James, died Tuesday in Ontario, and the Penguins goaltender will now miss an indefinite period of time to be with his family, the club revealed Wednesday.He left the team last week and hasn't played since Jan. 7, when he came on in relief of Tristan Jarry in an overtime victory over the Boston Bruins.The Penguins begin a three-game California road swing Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Jussi Jokinen off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, the team announced.Jokinen has already suited up for two clubs this season, playing 14 games for the Edmonton Oilers after signing a one-year deal in July, and 18 for the Kings following a November trade.Through those 34 games, Jokinen has only managed one goal and five assists in just under 12 minutes of ice time per night.The 34-year-old Finn was placed on waivers by L.A. on Tuesday, but is a career 39 percent shootout taker, scoring on 36 of 92 attempts.Jokinen's addition was made necessary due to the torn oblique suffered by Blue Jackets rookie Sonny Milano, who will miss four-to-six weeks with his injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As NHL teams continue to jockey for playoff positioning, front offices around the league will do some maneuvering of their own in an attempt to construct Cup-winning rosters.This year's NHL trade deadline falls on Monday, Feb. 26, giving general managers exactly 40 days to try to swing a deal to put their clubs over the top. Certain teams are much more than just a piece or two away from competing for that coveted silver piece of hardware, but some clubs are tantalizingly close to being a championship-caliber squad, and one player in the right position could be the difference between early trips to the golf course and springtime hockey.Here's a look at three teams that could become legitimate threats to win the Stanley Cup with the right deadline deal:New York IslandersThere's no denying it: the Islanders are a team on the come up, but they're top heavy.A forward group that includes the likes of Anders Lee, John Tavares, Josh Bailey, and rookie phenom Mathew Barzal has developed New York into a club that can put the puck in the net with the best of them. Those four are all having career years and also find themselves in the top 30 in league scoring.PlayerGoalsAssistsPointsGWGCF %John Tavares243054250.4Josh Bailey123850248.7Mathew Barzal163147354Anders Lee261541250(Stats courtesy: Hockey Reference)New York sits second in the NHL with 156 goals - only the Tampa Bay Lightning have more (159). Unfortunately, the Islanders also excel at allowing goals, conceding a league-high 167 (seven more than the lowly Arizona Coyotes) to go along with a goals-allowed per game rate of 3.63, also good for most in the league.With all that said, it's evidently clear that New York is in need of help on the back end.Injuries to top-four rearguards Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Haan make the need for defensive help all the more crucial, as Boychuk's return date is still uncertain and De Haan is done for the year. Sprinkle in the fact that goaltenders Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss own goals-against averages of 3.22 and 3.89, respectively, and the need for blue-line help becomes most dire.If GM Garth Snow can manage to pair one of his four picks in the first two rounds of the 2018 NHL Draft with the right player to secure the appropriate D-man, the Islanders have more than enough firepower to go on a deep postseason run. Calgary FlamesAll puns aside, the Flames really are on fire, as seven straight Ws have Calgary holding down the third spot in the always-tough Pacific Division. But, the Flames are still missing one or two key pieces up front to round their roster into one that will be truly tough to beat.

The New Jersey Devils desperately needed this one.Mired in a season-long six-game losing streak, New Jersey defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 on Tuesday, putting some much-needed breathing room between the two clubs in a tight Metropolitan Division.Heading into this one, the Devils had not yet won in 2018:DateOpponentResultDec. 29BuffaloL 4-3 OTDec. 30WashingtonL 5-2Jan. 2St. LouisL 3-2 SOJan. 4DallasL 4-3Jan. 7IslandersL 5-4 SOJan. 13FlyersL 5-3A regulation win for the Islanders would have put them level with the Devils at 52 points. The New Jersey victory, however, elevated the Devils to 54 points, allowing them to maintain a hold on the second spot in the division.The Islanders remain outside of the playoff picture, demonstrating just how tight the division is and the importance of busting out of that losing streak.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Henrik Lundqvist has achieved a feat no other goalie before him ever has.With a near-perfect performance on Tuesday night, turning away 25 of 26 shots thrown his way by the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers netminder became the first goalie in league history to record 20 wins in 13 consecutive seasons, according to NHL Public Relations.With win No. 20 under his belt, Lundqvist also becomes just the sixth goaltender to record 13 or more 20-win campaigns.

There appears to be a mounting belief that Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford could be sidelined for the remainder of the season, reports Mark Lazerus of the Sun-Times.Head coach Joel Quenneville said 10 days ago that Crawford was expected to return from an upper-body injury at some point, but apparently it's not quite that cut and dry.From Lazerus:

"Only God knows why."That appeared to be the consensus on Twitter following the NHL's announcement that "Multiplatinum-selling singer/songwriter Kid Rock will headline the entertainment for the 2018 Honda All-Star Game in Tampa."

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed defenseman Jon Merrill to a two-year contract extension worth $2.75 million.The new deal will keep him with the club through the 2019-20 season, and carries an annual average value of $1.375 million.The signing comes a day after general manager George McPhee handed a one-year extension to defenseman Deryk Engelland.Merrill, who came to Vegas from the New Jersey Devils in the expansion draft, has recorded one goal and one assist in 14 appearances this season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We've seen NHL logos mashed up with horror characters, and now another graphic artist has created a series imagining what each team's logo might look like as a flag.John Lenard pulled inspiration from existing city, state, and provincial flags for many of his designs. You can see the full collection and Lenard's explanations here.Arizona Coyotes Buffalo SabresDetroit Red WingsMontreal CanadiensNashville PredatorsPittsburgh PenguinsSt. Louis BluesToronto Maple LeafsVegas Golden KnightsWashington CapitalsCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the NHL becomes a league shaped primarily by teenagers and 20-somethings, veteran players remain crucial pieces for any team hoping to make a run at the toughest trophy to win in professional sports.With the Feb. 26 trade deadline approaching, general managers across the league will look to augment their rosters with the right mix of experience and skill.Here are four veteran players who can still contribute and could be dealt before the deadline.Radim Vrbata, Florida PanthersVrbata may currently be struggling to fill the back of the net, but the 36-year-old journeyman would still make an excellent addition to any playoff-bound club looking for some scoring depth.Despite being hindered by illness this season and playing with offensively challenged linemates (Vrbata has been skating with Connor Brickley and Denis Malgin on the Panthers' third line), he still has 13 points in 32 games played.Those numbers don't exactly jump off the page, but come on: Brickley and Malgin?Throw Vrbata into the mix with some offensively minded, top-six-caliber forwards and he could prove to be just the type of veteran presence a club is looking for.Antoine Vermette, Anaheim DucksAt 35 years young, Vermette still holds value as a responsible two-way player who can win big faceoffs and chip in with timely goals.The veteran pivot also brings a winning pedigree, as he was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2015 deadline and went on to win the Stanley Cup. He registered seven points in 20 games while serving in a key bottom-six role for Chicago.Vermette is perhaps most attractive to potential trade partners at the faceoff dot, where the experienced centerman owns stellar win-loss numbers. This season for the Ducks, Vermette is winning his draws at an almost 60 percent clip and has a career mark of 56.8.Anaheim is still in the playoff mix and might not be willing to move Vermette, but expect his skill set to be coveted by quite a few postseason-bound teams.Johnny Oduya, Ottawa SenatorsAnother player whose name is seemingly mentioned at every trade deadline, Oduya continues to demonstrate his worth as a cheap, reliable option for GMs in search of some blue-line stability.Through 37 games for the Senators, Oduya has put up respectable numbers, registering six points and a minus-4 rating while logging just under 17 minutes of ice time per night.Again, those stats aren't much to write home about, but any team looking to acquire Oduya is interested in his leadership and playoff experience, not his numbers. He won't be winning the Conn Smythe anytime soon, but he does have two Cups and 106 career postseason games to his credit.Don't be shocked if Oduya is on the move once again.Thomas Vanek, Vancouver CanucksAdded to Vancouver's roster in the offseason to very little fanfare, Vanek is experiencing something of a renaissance with the Canucks, tallying 13 goals and 19 assists across 45 games.On pace for his highest point total (58) since notching 68 for the Sabres during the 2013-14 season, Vanek's trade value grows with each passing week.Obviously, Vanek is benefiting from playing alongside Brock Boeser, one of the best young players in the game, but Vanek himself can still bury the biscuit.A wicked slapper, nose for the net, and soft hands make him the perfect veteran addition to any group in need of offensive help.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sweden announced its roster for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics on Tuesday, and a 17-year-old is the star attraction.Rasmus Dahlin, a virtual lock to be the No. 1 overall pick in June's NHL draft, was named to the team, just weeks after representing his country and winning silver at the world juniors in Buffalo.Here's a look at the rest of the roster, which features former NHLers Jhonas Enroth and Viktor Stalberg, among others:

The Edmonton Oilers could sure use this trio right about now.Already owning arguably hockey's most dynamic line in captain John Tavares flanked by Anders Lee and Josh Bailey, there is no doubt when rounding out the rest of the top six - the Islanders have the NHL's best secondary scoring: Jordan Eberle, Mathew Barzal, and Anthony Beauvillier.Thank you, Peter Chiarelli.With two trades made over the last three years, the Islanders pieced together their second line from a pair of deals courtesy of the Oilers.It began at the 2015 draft, when the Islanders flipped former fourth overall pick Griffin Reinhart to Edmonton - an odd pickup by the Oilers, given the young blue-liner had made little progress since his own draft three years earlier, but seemingly enough for Chiarelli to pay top dollar.The Oilers parted with two draft choices to acquire Reinhart - first- and second-round picks in 2015. A steep price for sure, and the Islanders went to work.With the first of the two picks, New York called Barzal's name, a top-scoring center from the WHL who pocketed 57 points in 44 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds in his draft year. Scouts were deterred by Barzal's diminutive size - he now stands 6-feet and nearly 190 pounds - but the Islanders liked what they saw, picking Barzal with the 16th selection, eight slots below his final draft ranking.And for the Islanders' next trick? General manager Garth Snow attached his team's own third-round pick - the 72nd selection - to the Oilers' second-rounder - pick No. 33 - to move up five slots in the draft order.That set the table for the Islanders to return to the draft podium for the second time that night, and they wasted little time by adding a Shawinigan Cataractes standout in Beauvillier, who scored a team-leading 42 goals and 94 points in his draft year, good for eighth in QMJHL scoring that season.As for Reinhart? He played all of 29 games with the Oilers, picking up a single point, before he was set free in last summer's expansion draft. He's now lacing up for the Vegas Golden Knights' minor-league club.Meanwhile, Barzal and Beauvillier, one rookie and one sophomore, are both producing this season, forming a second-line combo that is proving to be a tactical challenge for opposing teams who are already exerting plenty of effort to try to keep Tavares off of the scoresheet.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)The sort of secondary scoring is what's missing in Edmonton this season.Despite owning both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers seemingly struggle to score - Edmonton's offense sits in the NHL's bottom third.Take away McDavid and Draisaitl and it gets even uglier, as the Oilers then have only 100 goals on the season, just above two a game, and with only 79 of those tallies coming from the forward corps.If only that's where the dealing had stopped.But Snow then revisited the Chiarelli vending machine this offseason, parting with another former top pick who had failed to live up to expectations in Ryan Strome to return Jordan Eberle, a five-time 20-goal scorer.While the deal gave the Oilers cap relief - which they subsequently spent on extending Kris Russell - the skill side of the equation never favored Edmonton. Only twice previously has Strome scored more than 10 goals. It was an all too familiar scenario from a year earlier, when the Oilers moved Taylor Hall for a middle-pairing defender in Adam Larsson.The Eberle trade was a bad deal then and has only gotten worse, as he's been a tremendous fit with the Islanders, while Strome is still struggling to meet to his original billing. In all, Eberle has more than doubled Strome's production this season.There was no better showing of the Islanders' second line than Monday night, when the trio combined for six points to power New York to victory over the Montreal Canadiens. It was a key win for the Islanders, who are fighting for a playoff berth in hockey's most competitive division.Among Monday's top producers was Barzal, who picked up a goal and two assists to push his point total to 10 in his last three outings, as he continues to build a safe cushion on Vancouver Canucks freshman Brock Boeser for top spot in rookie scoring.And the Oilers? They're 10 points from a playoff position and soon to be back in the all-too-familiar territory of the draft lottery.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's been that kind of season for the Montreal Canadiens.Coming off a shootout loss to the rival Boston Bruins on Saturday, Claude Julien's club came out firing Monday against the New York Islanders, finishing the contest with a 56-24 shot advantage.According to Hockey Reference, 56 is the highest number of shots recorded by Montreal in a single game since an 11-1 win over Pittsburgh on Feb. 24, 1990.Instead of coming away with the win, however, the Canadiens dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to the Islanders, backed by a career-high 52 saves from Thomas Greiss and secured by a John Tavares goal - his second of the night - in the extra frame.

Nathan MacKinnon is emerging as one of the NHL's most valuable players.Here's a quick look at why he should be included in the conversation for the Hart Trophy at this point in the season:The numbersThe Colorado Avalanche center scored his 20th goal of the season Monday against Anaheim, a second-period tally that served as the game-winner - his sixth of the season to date. His 34 assists boost his point total to 54, good for a share of second in the NHL.PlayerGamesGoalsAssistsPointsNikita Kucherov44273360Johnny Gaudreau45153954Claude Giroux43144054Nathan MacKinnon43203454These numbers put MacKinnon well on pace to break his previous career highs of 24 goals and 39 assists set as a rookie back in 2013-14.On top of that, 46 of MacKinnon's 54 points are primary in nature, meaning either a goal or the first assist. Monday's goal pulled him level with Kucherov for tops in the NHL, per Corsica.His six game-winners also slot him second in that category, one behind both Calgary's Sean Monahan and Tampa Bay's Brayden Point.And while it's not outside the realm of normalcy for a No. 1 overall draft pick to score big goals and average a point per game or better, what makes MacKinnon's performance to date so noteworthy is the context.The backgroundFor starters, let's not forget Colorado is coming off a historically awful season, finishing 2016-17 with the lowest point percentage in the shootout era. But following Monday's win over the Ducks, the Avalanche - who sit two points out of a wild-card spot - now boast a record of 24-16-3, earning more wins and points through 43 games this season than all of last.Related: Avalanche push win streak to 7 gamesLeading that charge, of course, is MacKinnon, whose 54 points put him 13 ahead of Mikko Rantanen and 21 ahead of captain Gabriel Landeskog, the next most productive players on the roster.All this after MacKinnon was thrust further into the spotlight following the departure of Matt Duchene, who ranked third behind MacKinnon and Landeskog in total points over the past five seasons - including the beginning of the current campaign.With no immediate help brought in through the Duchene trade, MacKinnon is now quite literally the offensive driver in Colorado, and is putting up career numbers while drawing increased attention from the opposition's top defensemen.The caveatThere's plenty of season to go, and there's certainly no shortage of worthy candidates, beginning with Nikita Kucherov, who could very well end up with both the Art Ross and Maurice Richards trophies. Right now, he's the clear-cut favorite.And even with usual suspects Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid lagging in the scoring race, there's fresh faces like Johnny Gaudreau, Phil Kessel, and Blake Wheeler to contend with, among others.But if MacKinnon remains near the top of the scoring leader board and the Avs can go from worst team in over a decade to the postseason, then he'll be as worthy as anyone in being judged as most valuable to his team.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion and a lower-body injury following a hit by Calgary Flames blue-liner Mark Giordano, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

The Colorado Avalanche are flying high.A 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday pushed the Avalanche's win streak to seven games, as Colorado continues to show that last season was simply an aberration.The Avalanche are the NHL's hottest team, alongside the Calgary Flames, who have also won their past seven matchups.It's the longest win streak since the Avalanche pieced together eight straight victories during the 2005-06 campaign.The latest triumph gives Colorado 51 points on the season, three more than the team finished with last term.The Avalanche return to the ice Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, when they will look to keep their streak rolling with an eighth consecutive win.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a one-year contract extension worth $1.5 million.Engelland is currently making $1 million and was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.The 35-year-old has recorded 13 points (three goals, 13 assists), 16 penalty minutes, and 83 blocked shots in 41 games this season for the Golden Knights. Engelland is averaging 19:38 of ice time per game, fourth among Vegas defenders.The Golden Knights still have four defensemen in need of new deals at season's end: Luca Sbisa and Clayton Stoner will both be unrestricted free agents, while Jon Merrill and Colin Miller will fall into the restricted category.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mark Giordano is apparently off the hook.The Calgary Flames captain will not be suspended or fined for his hit on Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho on Sunday, according to Postmedia's Wes Gilbertson.Giordano was given a match penalty early in the third period for this:Aho exited and didn't return to the game.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Just a smidge past the season's midway point, now isn't the time for NHL teams teetering on the brink of playoff contention to admit defeat, but based on recent results, the New York Rangers may want to start thinking about it.After falling 5-2 Sunday to the Pittsburgh Penguins - one day after surrendering seven goals to the New York Islanders - the Rangers have lost three straight, and have gone 10 consecutive contests without a regulation win.The Rangers are clinging to the East's final playoff spot with 49 points, one clear of the Flyers, Islanders, and Hurricanes as the Metropolitan Division remains utterly ridiculous. While they're in the thick of the dogfight for a wild-card spot, the Rangers find themselves stuck in an intriguing juxtaposition as the trade deadline inches nearer: should they see things through and try to squeak into the dance, or begin a firesale?For general manager Jeff Gorton and the rest of New York's front office, it's the latter that may be the better fit for the organization.Entering the 2017-18 season, the Rangers made a few changes, most notably the Derek Stepan trade, which brought back a decent return but kept the team on the fringe of playoff contention. With several expendable assets available to be shipped out before the deadline, Gorton would be wise to start making calls on all his potential trade chips with an eye to the future.Who should be moved?(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Of the Rangers' many expiring contracts, the most appealing is Rick Nash's. While the 33-year-old is a shell of his former self in terms of goal-scoring dominance, Nash still generates a ton of shots and scoring chances, and could be a valuable addition to several teams in the market for wing depth. Salary hurdles and his no-trade clause would need to be overcome, but Nash could feasibly fetch a strong return, and anything is better than risking him walking away for nothing in free agency.In addition, the following players are unrestricted free agents July 1:Player Postion Points SalaryMichael GrabnerRW23$1.65MDavid DesharnaisC19$1MNick HoldenD8$1.65MGrabner would add speed to any lineup, and his team-leading 19 goals could drive up his price. Desharnais is bottom-six center at best, but there's numerous teams seeking improvement in that area, and he proved to be reasonably effective as a deadline acquisition for the Oilers last season.Holden isn't the flashiest name, but has been serviceable in a porous defensive scheme despite starting in his own end for 63.9 percent of his shifts. If he can fetch a draft pick, send him packing.The big pictureSurrendering hope at competing for a Cup obviously wasn't in Gorton's plans for 2017-18, but an inconsistent season has warranted him little choice. The Rangers were dreadful in October, then were propped up by Henrik Lundqvist's timeless brilliance before falling back to earth of late.The recent slew of injuries, most notably to Chris Kreider and Ryan McDonagh, have had a profound effect on New York's struggles, but it could be a blessing in disguise if it leads to opportunities to acquire picks and prospects to build around promising 2017 first-rounders Filip Chytil and Lias "silver-medal-chucking" Andersson.Besides, with only $2 million in projected cap space available this season, a trade to push this outfit over the top is much more difficult than simply accepting what's in front of the Rangers, and ultimately gearing up properly for the future.As such, it's clear the Rangers should be one of the more active teams ahead of the trade deadline.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens forward Phillip Danault is day to day with concussion symptoms, the team announced Monday.Danault was stretchered off the ice and taken to hospital after taking a Zdeno Chara slap shot to the side of the head in Saturday's game versus the Boston Bruins.He was released from the hospital Sunday.

Jason Spezza is a surprise omission from the Dallas Stars' lineup Monday.He is a healthy scratch for the Stars' matinee game against the Boston Bruins.The Stars initially didn't go into much detail as far as the reasoning behind the move, calling it a "coach's decision," but general manager Jim Nill shed some light on it shortly thereafter.

The San Jose Sharks put veteran defenseman Paul Martin on waivers Monday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.General manager Doug Wilson said Sunday the club has been working with Martin and his agent, Ben Hankinson, to "explore options" on a potential trade.The 36-year-old has played only three games this season due to an ankle injury and hasn't appeared in a game since Dec. 7.Martin is on the books this season and next at a cap hit of $4.85 million per campaign, according to CapFriendly.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two key pieces to the Calgary Flames' seven-game winning streak have been recognized for their recent outstanding play, as Johnny Gaudreau and goaltender Mike Smith were named the NHL's first and second stars of the week, respectively.Gaudreau notched two goals and six assists in four games, pushing his season total to 54 points, which is tied for second in the league.Smith, meanwhile, won all three of his starts, posting a .963 save percentage in the process.The third star went to Pittsburgh Penguins winger Phil Kessel after he registered five points in two games, including the game-winning goal in each contest. The 30-year-old also recorded his 700th point in Sunday's win over the New York Rangers.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our eighth installment was put together by editors Josh Gold-Smith, Cory Wilkins, and Flip Livingstone.1. Vegas Golden Knights (29-10-3)Previously 1stThe expansion darlings have won three of their last four games since the calendar flipped to 2018, and that eight-game run that started in December proved they're for real. - Gold-Smith2. Washington Capitals (28-14-3)Previously 2ndThe Capitals split a home-and-home with the Hurricanes last week. They've taken two of three from Carolina since our last edition and slid past the Blues and Canucks to punctuate a five-game win streak. - Gold-Smith3. Boston Bruins (24-10-7) ▲Previously 8thThe Bruins are once again a force to be reckoned with. They blew out the Islanders and Hurricanes, lost an overtime thriller to the Penguins, then beat the Canadiens in a shootout Saturday. Boston is 8-0-2 in its last 10, and still has three games in hand on the first-place Lightning. - Gold-Smith4. Toronto Maple Leafs (25-17-3)Previously 4thThe Leafs haven't won in regulation since last year - OK, Dec. 28, 2017 against the Coyotes, to be exact - but they did pick up a couple of shootout victories and nabbed a point in an overtime loss to the Blue Jackets. - Gold-Smith5. Winnipeg Jets (26-13-7)Previously 5thBack-to-back losses to Central Division foes in Chicago and Minnesota sting, but Winnipeg basically did what it was supposed to do before that, knocking off the Sabres twice and earning a convincing win over the Sharks. The Jets have largely remained on course. - Gold-Smith6. Nashville Predators (25-11-6) ▲Previously 9thThe Predators' rise here is more a reflection of other teams slipping than their own success, but Nashville has won two straight games over the Kings and Oilers, respectively. - Gold-Smith7. Los Angeles Kings (24-14-5) ▼Previously 3rdThe bye week didn't seem to help the Kings - at least not immediately - as they dropped one to the Ducks on Saturday after losing to the Flames and Predators before their break. - Gold-Smith8. Tampa Bay Lightning (31-10-3) ▼Previously 6thVictor Hedman's absence is really going to test the Lightning, who've lost three of six since our last rankings update, including the crushing 5-1 defeat to the Flames in which their anchor on the back end was injured. - Gold-Smith9. New York Islanders (22-18-4) ▲Previously 16thThe Islanders bounced back impressively against a couple of regional rivals after dropping three straight to begin the calendar year, eking out a shootout victory over the Devils, then destroying the Rangers behind Mathew Barzal's second five-point game of the season. - Gold-Smith10. Edmonton Oilers (20-23-3) ▲Previously 14thEdmonton looked like its old self Saturday night in a big road win against the Golden Knights in overtime, and any team with the reigning Hart Trophy winner is always a threat, regardless of the rest of the roster's flaws. - Gold-Smith11. San Jose Sharks (22-13-6) ▼Previously 7thThe Sharks inability to score is a cause for concern as the team enters the stretch drive. Only Montreal, Arizona, and Buffalo have scored fewer goals than San Jose. - Wilkins12. Dallas Stars (24-17-3)Previously 12thAlexander Radulov has caught fire, tallying seven points in his last four games, making his signing look like a shrewd move by general manager Jim Nill. - Wilkins13. Minnesota Wild (24-17-5) ▲Previously 18thThe top line of Jason Zucker, Mikko Koivu, and Mikael Granlund is running hot, doing its part to pull Minnesota into a wildcard position in the West. - Wilkins14. New York Rangers (22-17-5) ▼Previously 11thThe Broadway Blueshirts are having trouble finding the back of the net in recent weeks, and that's bad news in the super-competitive Metropolitan Division. - Wilkins15. Colorado Avalanche (23-16-3) ▲Previously 23rdThe Avalanche are the comeback kids after a disastrous season a year ago. Nathan MacKinnon could join the conversation for MVP consideration. - Wilkins16. St. Louis Blues (26-17-3) ▼Previously 13thWith starter Jake Allen struggling - he owns a 6.42 goals-against average in his last two outings - backup goaltender Carter Hutton is providing an intriguing option for the Blues. - Wilkins17. Philadelphia Flyers (20-15-8) ▲Previously 24thAfter a slow start to the season, the Flyers are making noise. The playoffs are once again a possibility in Philadelphia. - Wilkins18. Anaheim Ducks (20-15-9) ▼Previously 17thNetminder John Gibson has been a wall in the new year, owning a .933 save percentage through three January appearances. - Wilkins19. Pittsburgh Penguins (24-19-3) ▲Previously 21stThe back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are finally showing signs of life, holding down a wildcard position and striking fear into the teams at the top. - Wilkins20. Chicago Blackhawks (22-17-6)Previously 20thAlready a top scoring team, the Blackhawks could have another weapon in their arsenal if they can unlock the offensive potential from newly acquired forward Anthony Duclair. - Wilkins21. Columbus Blue Jackets (25-18-3) ▼Previously 15thSergei Bobrovsky can't do it all. Just six Blue Jackets have scored in the team's past six games. - Wilkins22. Calgary Flames (25-16-4) ▲Previously 30thAn offseason favorite to compete for a Cup, Calgary is finally starting to look like a team that should be in the mix come June. Seven straight wins see the Flames heating up once again. - Livingstone23. New Jersey Devils (22-12-8) ▼Previously 10thNew Jersey is still clinging to third in the Metropolitan Division, but just by a thread. Losses in six of their last 10 contests have the Devils slipping out of contention. - Livingstone24. Carolina Hurricanes (20-17-8) ▼Previously 19thThe see-saw season continues for Carolina. And until the Hurricanes can find some consistency between the pipes, the up-and-down campaign should continue for Bill Peters and Co. - Livingstone25. Montreal Canadiens (18-20-5) ▲Previously 26thDespite sitting firmly outside of a playoff spot, the Canadiens still have a pulse, as points in three straight games have breathed a bit of life into a club struggling to find its identity. - Livingstone26. Florida Panthers (18-19-6) ▼Previously 22ndJust when it looked like the Panthers were rounding into form by winning five in a row to end December, they reeled off four losses in their last five to start January. - Livingstone27. Detroit Red Wings (18-18-7) ▲Previously 28thA tidy shutout victory over the Blackhawks Sunday has the Wings trending in the right direction once again. And, with five home games out of its next six, Detroit has an excellent chance to continue that trend, as the Wings have points in 16 of 23 games at Little Caesars Arena. - Livingstone28. Ottawa Senators (15-18-9) ▲Previously 31stMassive victories over the Lightning and Maple Leafs have Senators fans feeling optimistic for the first time in weeks. However, Ottawa allowed an eight-spot to the Blackhawks in between those wins. The Sens still have a lot of work to do if they want to be seriously considered as a playoff threat. - Livingstone29. Vancouver Canucks (18-21-6) ▼Previously 25thBo Horvat's injury has hindered Vancouver's ability to put in the puck in the net, as the Canucks have scored more than two goals in a game only twice in the past six contests. Expect Vancouver to continue its fall back to earth until Horvat returns. - Livingstone30. Buffalo Sabres (11-24-9) ▼Previously 27thBuffalo has already allowed a staggering 25 goals this month and they've only played six games. Quite simply, nothing has gone right this season for the lackluster Sabres, as the team has easily been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2017-18 campaign. - Livingstone31. Arizona Coyotes (10-28-7) ▼Previously 29thThe Desert Dogs have points in five of their last 10 contests, but until they can string wins together with any kind of consistency, the club will remain firmly entrenched in the bottom few spots on our list. - Livingstone(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. 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Mark Giordano could soon be spending some time on the sidelines.The Calgary Flames captain was handed a match penalty Sunday following a hit he delivered to Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho.With Aho driving toward the Flames' net, Giordano bumped the Hurricanes winger, then caught him when he stuck out his back leg.Aho was injured on the play, favoring his leg as he left. Hurricanes coach Bill Peters had no update on Aho's status following the game but noted he absorbed the hit to both his head and knee.Giordano was assessed a match penalty on the play, meaning an automatic ejection from the game, plus a further review by the league:

The Calgary Flames are red-hot.A 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday gave the Flames their seventh consecutive victory, moving them to 54 points and into second place in the Pacific Division.While there is no single reason for the team's uptick, Calgary has pieced together five straight wins since coach Glen Gulutzan's stick-throwing tantrum in practice earlier this month.The Flames now enter their bye week and will return to the ice Saturday vs. the Winnipeg Jets.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks are hoping to give Paul Martin a fresh start.The veteran defenseman reportedly seeks a move elsewhere, and Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is doing his part to accommodate him, reports Kevin Kurz of The Athletic.While there is no timetable for the potential deal, Martin's agent, Ben Hankinson, suggests "the sooner the better."Hankinson indicates there has been some interest in Martin's services, but what sort of return he would draw is unclear. An ankle injury has limited the veteran defenseman to just three games this season, in which he's been held off the scoresheet.Martin finished last season with 26 points in 81 games.The 36-year-old has one year remaining on his contract, carry a $4.85-million cap hit.Wilson did not rule out the possibility of placing Martin on waivers if the Sharks are unable to find a deal.Martin will not go with the Sharks on their upcoming three-game road trip, and the possibility exists he could be sent to the minors as Wilson works on a trade. Earlier this season, Martin fulfilled a four-game conditioning stint with the Sharks' AHL club, registering one assist.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano was handed a two-game suspension Sunday for his hit on Los Angles Kings forward Adrian Kempe, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.Cogliano caught Kempe with a hit to the head in the first period Saturday night and was assessed a two-minute minor for interference, as the puck had clearly left Kempe's possession when Cogliano laid the high hit.Here is the play in question:This will be the first time that Cogliano has faced any kind of supplemental discipline in his 11-year career, and the suspension will end his consecutive games played streak at 830 - the fourth-longest iron man streak in NHL history.The longest active consecutive games played streak now belongs to Florida Panthers rearguard Keith Yandle (676).Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.T. Brown is headed to a new organization.The Anaheim Ducks claimed the forward off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.Brown was waived by the Lightning on Saturday, and general manager Steve Yzerman said shortly thereafter he was planning to send Brown down to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch if he went unclaimed.The 27-year-old right winger was made a healthy scratch multiple times in 2017-18, posted only four points in 24 games, and averaged fewer than 10 minutes of ice time.He became the first NHL player to peacefully protest racial injustice and police brutality this season when he stood with a raised fist during the U.S. national anthem before a game in early October.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Phillip Danault is on the mend.The Montreal Canadiens forward was released from a local hospital Sunday and is now resting at home, according to the club.Danault was hospitalized after taking a Zdeno Chara slap shot to the head in Saturday night's game against the Boston Bruins. He stayed there overnight after being stretchered off the ice late in the second period.Chara stood near Danault in the immediate aftermath as medical personnel attended to the Canadiens center, and then expressed remorse and concern for Danault in his postgame comments.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageJozy Altidore sent a clear message to the president of the United States in the caption of his picture with P.K. Subban and Usain Bolt on Saturday.

Andrew Cogliano might finally be forced to miss a game.The Anaheim Ducks forward will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety on Sunday to answer for his headshot on Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe Saturday night.

The Anaheim Ducks-Los Angeles Kings rivalry is alive and well.Less than three minutes into the first period, three fights broke out within a span of four seconds of play.The combatants?

The Colorado Avalanche are the comeback kids.A win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday gave the Avalanche 49 points on the season, one more than they finished with in a disastrous 2016-17 campaign.Related: How the Avalanche rose from rock bottom to playoff contentionLast year was the worst full-season finish since the first year of the Atlanta Thrashers, when the former club finished with 39 points.But it's been a big turnaround in Colorado this year, led by a rejuvenated Nathan MacKinnon and a sensational sophomore showing from Mikko Rantanen.The Avalanche now own a 23-16-3 record and sit just two points shy of a playoff position.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the first meeting between the top two picks from the 2017 NHL Draft, it was a high pick from 2011 who came up big.First overall pick Nico Hischier and the New Jersey Devils hosted second selection Nolan Patrick and the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.Sean Couturier - the eighth overall pick in 2011 - stole the show, however, scoring two goals and adding an assist to maintain a streak of red-hot play.

A scary scene developed late in the second period of Saturday's game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara fired a slap shot that struck Canadiens center Phillip Danault in the side of the head.Danault dropped to the ice and was eventually stretchered off after a lengthy examination and deliberation by team doctors. The incident occurred with 1:37 left in the frame. Players were sent off for an early intermission.Chara, it should be noted, waited by Danault's side as he was being tended to and offered a quiet word as he was leaving the ice.

The Arizona Coyotes could be one of the busier sellers ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline.It's been a miserable season in the desert, as the Coyotes have languished in the basement, having won just 10 of 44 games.That means change is in order, and blue-liners Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niklas Hjalmarsson could be wearing different jerseys come March, reports Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.It's a steep asking price for Ekman-Larsson, with Coyotes general manager John Chayka seeking two top-flight roster players in addition to a first-round draft choice for the star blue-liner.On a poor performing Coyotes team, Ekman-Larsson has recorded 19 points in 44 games this season and is a key piece of the team's leadership core following the retirement of former captain Shane Doan.Signed through next season, a trade for Ekman-Larsson ahead of this year's trade deadline means the acquiring team would get the Swedish defenseman for two playoff runs before his contract expires. The Coyotes used the same selling point when they dealt Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers ahead of the 2015 trade deadline.Meanwhile, the Coyotes are also shopping Hjalmarsson. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has had little time to make an impact in Arizona after he was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks last offseason, as a series of injuries have limited Hjalmarsson to just 18 games this year.Like Ekman-Larsson, Hjalmarsson is signed through 2018-19, though his cap hit comes in slightly lower, as he's owed $4.1 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's iconic Winter Classic is zeroing in on the Sunshine State, and it's possible the Tampa Bay Lightning could host the event in the coming years."Tampa is absolutely on the shorter list of places that we're considering (for an outdoor game)," NHL executive vice president Steve Mayer told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "I think given the stadium, given the team, given the market, I think it's a great candidate."The sites for the 2020 and 2021 outdoor games will be announced this offseason. The Lightning would play at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Buccaneers, which seats more than 65,000 fans.The team ranks sixth in NHL attendance this season, averaging more than 19,000 fans a game at Amalie Arena, according to ESPN.Related - Bettman: Outdoor game at NC State 'not out of the question'Tampa's hosting the 2018 All-Star Game in February.A staple on the league calendar since 2008, the NHL schedules multiple outdoor games each year. Two have already taken place this season - in Ottawa and New York City, respectively - and a third is set for Annapolis, Md., in March.Two previous games were held in warmer climates - Los Angeles in 2014 and Santa Clara, Calif., in 2015 - and potential weather challenges won't deter the NHL."The way we're doing the ice (for outdoor games) has changed and evolved over the years. It can handle extremes," Mayer added. "You can never play an afternoon game. But nighttime (in Tampa) it gets cool and could easily handle an outdoor game."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mathew Barzal now tops the rookie charts.The New York Islanders sensation moved to No. 1 in the rookie scoring race Saturday following a five-point outing against the rival New York Rangers.It's the second time this season Barzal has recorded a five-point game after he tallied five assists against the Colorado Avalanche in a November contest. He picked up two goals and three assists Saturday to bring his total to 44 points on the season.Saturday's showing saw Barzal leapfrog Vancouver Canucks rookie Brock Boeser for the top spot. Boeser has recorded 40 points on the year, a safe distance ahead of Arizona Coyotes first-year winger, Clayton Keller, who sits third with 33 points.As for Barzal, the freshman trails only John Tavares and Josh Bailey in team scoring, who stand at 52 and 50 points, respectively.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.T. Brown's time with the Tampa Bay Lightning may be drawing to a close.The club put the right winger on waivers Saturday, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said Brown will be assigned to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch if he clears waivers at noon Sunday, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Joe Smith.Brown has four points in 24 games this season, scoring his only goal on Nov. 12, and has been a healthy scratch multiple times while averaging a career-low 9:22 in ice time.Brown is a pending unrestricted free agent carrying a cap hit of $1.25 million, according to CapFriendly.He became the first NHL player to peacefully protest during the U.S. national anthem this season when he stood with his fist raised during the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a game on Oct. 7.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jack Johnson is reportedly seeking a trade, but there are a number of reasons why that wouldn't be a smart move for the Columbus Blue Jackets or any potential trade partners.From the rest of the league's point of view, the veteran defenseman is a pending unrestricted free agent, so there's a good chance he'd merely be a rental player if another team were to acquire him before the Feb. 26 trade deadline.More importantly, though, Johnson's game and role have both diminished significantly this season.He's averaging a career-low 19:24 in ice time for Columbus in 2017-18, having never finished below 20 minutes per contest in any of his previous 11 NHL campaigns. He has seven points in 46 games, and his 0.15 points per game mark his lowest offensive output since his rookie season 10 years ago.Johnson also has an even-strength Corsi For mark of only 46.3 so far this season and has never hit 50 percent to drive possession over a full year in his career.The 31-year-old was already passed on the depth chart by Zach Werenski and Seth Jones, and now he's been supplanted by Markus Nutivaara. He's playing on the Blue Jackets' third pairing alongside Scott Harrington.Another issue is the money. Johnson's cap hit is $4.36 million this season, according to CapFriendly, and even if the Blue Jackets retain a portion of that, other clubs aren't likely to be clamoring to take on that kind of hit for a third-pairing blue-liner whose game is declining.From the Blue Jackets' perspective, it wouldn't be ideal to move him, either.Despite his diminished skills and pending free-agent status, Johnson is Columbus' second-oldest player, and the Blue Jackets are the youngest team in the NHL, according to NHLNumbers.While getting something for him at this point might be beneficial, it wouldn't make much sense for the Blue Jackets, who will undoubtedly be buyers ahead of the deadline, to deal away their most experienced player in advance of a playoff run.Johnson's reported motives - wanting a bigger role and looking to set the table for his unrestricted free agency in the summer amid his well-documented financial troubles - are somewhat understandable, but his value has arguably hit rock bottom at the moment.He's not unhappy in Columbus or with his teammates, according to the report, so perhaps the situation can be smoothed over from within. That would clearly be the best outcome, as it's evident a trade would be a mistake for all teams involved.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A 21st birthday is cause for celebration - particularly in the United States, where young men and women are can partake in certain fun activities they weren't legally allowed to enjoy the day before.Edmonton star Connor McDavid officially joins the over-20 club Saturday - and in the party capital of North America, no less, as the Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights. You can't blame McDavid for being a bit distracted - but regardless of how he fares, it'll be interesting to compare his performance to those of other NHL greats who hit the ice on their 21st birthdays.Here's a list of the five most notable players to have done just that:Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings (March 31, 1949)GAP+/-PIMSOG101--2--"Mr. Hockey" celebrated turning 21 in style, scoring the final goal of a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of their Stanley Cup semifinal. It was Howe's sixth goal of the series; he added a seventh in a Game 6 loss before opening the scoring in Detroit's 3-1 triumph in Game 7. Howe's scoring surge ended there, as he was held goalless in a four-game final loss to Toronto.Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins (March 20, 1969)GAP+/-PIMSOG101023Like Howe nearly 20 years earlier, Orr had a successful 21st birthday, scoring to help the Bruins earn a 5-5 tie in the first of a home-and-home series with the Chicago Blackhawks. It was the 21st and final goal of the regular season for Orr, who added 43 assists in 67 games. He would officially make the leap the following season, recording 120 points to cement his place as one of the greatest defensemen to ever lace up a pair of skates.Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (Jan. 26, 1982)GAP+/-PIMSOG112003Birthday, Valentine's Day, garbage day ... there wasn't a slot on the hockey calendar where Gretzky wasn't a threat to score. And that goes for "The Great One's" 21st birthday, as he potted a goal and an assist in a 6-4 triumph in St. Louis. It was Gretzky's fifth consecutive multi-point game, and kick-started a five-game goal streak in which he lit the lamp seven times. #GOATDale Hawerchuk, Winnipeg Jets (April 4, 1984)GAP+/-PIMSOG000-105We hope Hawerchuk had a huge piece of cake after this one. The future Hall of Fame center was on the wrong end of a 9-2 thumping at the hands of the Oilers in the opener of their first-round playoff series; Gretzky, Jari Kurri, and Paul Coffey combined to record 11 points and effectively ruin Hawerchuk's special day. Winnipeg went on to lose the series in three games.Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks (Nov. 19, 2009)GAP+/-PIMSOG112103Kane is no stranger to big performances - and his 21st birthday fits that bill, as he converted one of Chicago's four second-period power-play goals and added an assist 36 seconds later in a 7-1 drubbing of the host Calgary Flames. That win was the fifth of an eight-game streak for the Blackhawks, during which Kane recorded five goals and four assists.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jack Johnson reportedly wants out.The veteran defenseman has asked the Columbus Blue Jackets to trade him, sources told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline on Saturday morning.Johnson's reduced role was cited as a reason for the request, as was his desire to better position himself for free agency in the summer, not that he's unhappy in Columbus or with his teammates, according to the report.The request was reportedly made weeks ago. Neither Johnson nor Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen would comment when contacted by The Athletic on Friday.The 31-year-old, who's one of Columbus' alternate captains, is a pending unrestricted free agent who has plummeted on the team's depth chart this season.He ranks fourth among the club's blue-liners in ice time, but his 19:24 average would be a career-low mark over a full season, and he's now playing on the third pairing with Scott Harrington.Johnson has spent parts of seven seasons with the Blue Jackets after playing parts of six with the Los Angeles Kings.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Al Montoya stepped up when the Edmonton Oilers needed him.The recently acquired backup netminder was pressed into duty Friday after starter Cam Talbot allowed two goals on three shots in 3:17 against the Arizona Coyotes.Montoya steadied the ship from there, stopping all 19 shots faced to earn his first victory with his new team.While it won't go in the books as a shutout, it was the first time Montoya had not given up a goal in six appearances this season, including four games played in 2017 with the Montreal Canadiens.Help for Talbot has been on Edmonton's list of needs for quite some time, and Montoya's performance was encouraging, even if only at the expense of one of the NHL's worst teams.The Oilers have one game remaining before their bye week, and it's possible Montoya will earn the start Saturday in Vegas to give Talbot an extended and much-needed break.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.