Jake Guentzel has a place in the record books.The Pittsburgh Penguins freshman tied former Minnesota North Stars winger Dino Ciccarelli's record for most playoff points by a rookie, picking up his 21st of the postseason Thursday.The point came as an assist on Conor Sheary's goal to put the Penguins ahead of the Nashville Predators 4-0 in Game 5.With 13 goals in the playoffs, Guentzel is also one shy of tying the all-time mark for playoff tallies by a rookie, a record also claimed by Ciccarelli in 1981.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby and P.K. Subban aren't too fond of one another.In case that wasn't made clear through their odd Listerine conundrum, the point was further nailed home on Thursday during the first period when the two got in a wrestling match behind the Pittsburgh Penguins goal.In the end, both players were assessed minor penalties. But Crosby was surely the victim, being so close to Subban's bad breath and all.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Evgeni Malkin knows all.Ahead of Game 5, the Pittsburgh Penguins center told reporters that linemate Phil Kessel would score Thursday after the 29-year-old had gone six straight games without a tally.

The Pittsburgh Penguins wasted no time making a statement in Game 5 on Thursday night.The club erupted with three goals in the opening frame to take a commanding lead over the Nashville Predators into the first intermission.Related: Saros starts 2nd period of Game 5 after Rinne allows 3 goalsJustin Schultz got things started by wiring a shot from the point just a minute and a half in, snapping the Penguins' 0-for-15 streak on the power play.Just five minutes later, Bryan Rust took advantage of a great Chris Kunitz pass and wired a backhand over the catching glove of Pekka Rinne.Finally, Evgeni Malkin delivered the final dagger with just 11 seconds remaining in the period, as he rifled a one-timer past Rinne's catcher once again.The three goals also spelled the end of the night for Rinne, who was replaced with Juuse Saros to start the second.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators turned to Juuse Saros to start the second period after Pekka Rinne allowed three goals on nine shots against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5.It was a stark contrast for Rinne, who allowed just two goals over the past two games on home ice, turning aside 50 shots in the process.The change by coach Peter Laviolette did little to calm the Penguins' offensive attack Thursday, as Conor Sheary put Pittsburgh ahead 4-0 on the team's first shot of the second period.Saros also came into Game 2 in relief of Rinne after the starter allowed four goals on 25 shots. Saros played the final 16:32, stopping both shots that were directed toward the Predators' net.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks appear well on their way to locking up two key cogs on their back end.Nearly three months after defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic admitted that he would like to finish his career with the Sharks, his agent Bob Sauve spoke to NBC Sports California and noted that talks are "going well" between Vlasic and general manager Doug Wilson, according to CSN Bay Area's Kevin Kurz.Vlasic has one year remaining on his current five-year, $21.25-million contract and will make $4.25 million next season. He has become one of the team's most dependable shutdown defenders, while his play in recent years has also earned him spots on Team Canada's 2014 Olympic Roster and World Cup of Hockey squad where he captured gold with each.Meanwhile, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Wednesday that the Sharks remain in talks with goaltender Martin Jones on an extension which could come as early as July.Jones has one year remaining on his current three-year, $9-million deal.It's looking to be a busy next few weeks for the Sharks.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winner basically wins the Stanley Cup.Game 5 of the final is set for Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Here's what you need to know ahead of another probably very entertaining Penguins-Predators tilt:

The similarities are starting to get eerie.Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis shares a name with a race car driver - an entire name, it turns out.

He may coach at Alabama, but when it comes to hockey, Nick Saban's allegiances lie in the state of Tennessee.The legendary Crimson Tide frontman, who attended Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final clad in a Nashville Predators jersey, admits he's fully swept up by the team's improbable run to the championship round."I got the fever," Saban told Chandler Rome of the Anniston Star. "I took a liking to the way their team competes."It isn't shocking that the hard-nosed coach enjoys watching a team known as "Smashville," although it's certainly jarring for Crimson Tide fans to see their coach supporting a team from Tennessee.Saban is no stranger to hockey, growing up about 90 miles south of Pittsburgh in Fairmont, W.Va. The fact he's rooting for the Predators when the Penguins are the opposition has caused a little tension with his friends back home."They're giving me a hard time," Saban admitted.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Naheed Nenshi wants Brian Burke to stop riling people up."Don't try to make headlines," Calgary's mayor told the Calgary Sun's Rick Bell when asked if he had any advice for the Flames president of hockey operations Thursday. "Don't try to inflame people.”Nenshi was critical of several comments the Flames' president of hockey operations made at a public speaking engagement Wednesday, including Burke's soft threat of relocation if the hockey club doesn't get a new facility and the executive's comparison of the Flames' plight to the Edmonton Oilers' arena situation.The mayor says he saw right through what he believes Burke was trying to do."Seriously, it's the script," Nenshi said. "We've seen this movie before. The point is we need a different ending here in Calgary.”The Oilers moved into their new arena, Rogers Place, last fall, and that building was constructed with more public money than Nenshi wants used on any future Flames facility."I want it to end in something that doesn't look like Edmonton, that is a deal where any public money is very clear and it absolutely leads to public benefit," the mayor said.He added, "(The Oilers) had a very different situation. They had a derelict part of their city. They hadn't had a skyscraper built in the downtown in who knows how long. They needed to try and really revitalize their downtown. We are a completely different environment. To ask for that deal in a completely different environment isn't going to fly with taxpayers. It can't just be, 'Give us the deal the guys up the road got.'"Flames president and CEO Ken King was quick to engage in damage control Wednesday, addressing Burke's comments with a brief statement insisting Burke "is not our spokesperson regarding a new events center for our city."Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome is the oldest arena in the NHL that hasn't undergone extensive renovations, having opened in 1983.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

David Poile has been general manager of the Nashville Predators since their inception in 1998. His ability to adapt to the changing NHL landscape and style of game has allowed him to keep the Predators competitive and make the playoffs in 10 of the past 13 seasons.While he embraced the growing involvement of analytics in the game, it's Poile's mastery of an age-old trade style which has brought his team to within two wins of its first Stanley Cup.Here's a look back at Poile's five biggest moves of acquiring NHL-ready talent:5. Neal for Hornqvist and Spaling(Photo courtesy: Action Images)The most lateral of Poile's five moves in recent years, it's tough to announce either team a winner of the James Neal/Patric Hornqvist swap. Nick Spaling played just one season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 27 points in a full 82 games. He split the following year between the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks, and spent this season in the Swiss-A League.Here's how Neal and Hornqvist have fared in the three seasons with their current teams since being traded ahead of the 2014-15 season:NealHornqvistGP219216G7768A5978P136146SOG692700The clear difference has been in Hornqvist's number of assists, as he has predominantly played alongside center Evgeni Malkin with Pittsburgh. Hornqvist blocks more shots and hits more than Neal, even though the latter has been used much more heavily by the Predators in terms of average time on ice.This trade likely hasn't changed the course of history for either team, though Neal has cost an extra $750,000 per season. Both players are signed through the end of next year.4. Johansen for JonesImagine the Predators' defense corps with Seth Jones still part of the team?This was an excellent trade of excess talent for a much-needed piece on the part of Poile. With the team already possessing stars Shea Weber and Roman Josi and up-and-comers Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis on defense, they flipped their No. 5 defenseman for the elite No. 1 center they lacked since entering the league.Tighter Western Conference play and the Predators' more defensive style kept Ryan Johansen from reaching his career-best mark of 71 points in 82 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2014-15. He finished with 61 points in 82 games in his first full season with the Predators.The Predators have found a way to remain competitive without Johansen for this Stanley Cup Final, but he left the postseason with 13 points through 14 games. He'll be a restricted free agent at season's end and will be due a significant raise from the $4 million he earned this season.With the Predators projected to have roughly $17 million in cap space this offseason, Poile should be able to further demonstrate his brilliance and lock Johansen up with a long-term contract.3. Forsberg for Erat and Latta(Photo courtesy: Action Images)In a win-now move by the Washington Capitals, they added forward Martin Erat in the middle of the 2012-13 season on the heels of a 58-point campaign, giving up 2012's 11th overall draft pick. Erat flamed out in his one-and-half years with the Capitals and has been out of the NHL since the end of the 2014-15 season.Filip Forsberg played just five NHL games toward the end of the 2012-13 season and 13 the following year. He has since played 82 games in each of the past three seasons, putting up 185 points in 246 games. Forsberg twice led the team in points and finished third this year. He leads the team with nine goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games.Forsberg is signed through the 2021-22 season at an average cap hit of $6 million, and hasn't reached his offensive peak.2. Subban for Weber(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)A trade deemed a wash for potential 2016-17 impact was viewed as a long-term play by Poile in order to obtain a younger, cheaper player. While this holds true, P.K. Subban has had a much larger effect than originally expected.It's rare to see an NHL team trade a current captain, especially one as tenured and dear to fans as Weber. Subban has brought a much more prominent personality to a Predators franchise that's never had a true spokesperson.Subban fell short of his Norris Trophy-winning performance in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, but he injected star power into a Predators' roster often called boring by outsiders.1. Fisher for 1st- and 3rd-round draft picks(Photo courtesy: Action Images)It was another ho-hum 42-point season by Mike Fisher in 2016-17, but a strong rebound from his 23 points in 70 games in 2015-16. His playoff performance has been lackluster, failing to score and contributing just four assists in 18 games. As a player, Fisher has been merely average for the Predators.Fisher's true value has come via his hand in turning Bridgestone Arena into what opposing players and the media have called the toughest place to play during the playoffs. The Predators have lost just one home game, in overtime, during their playoff run. Fisher and wife Carrie Underwood have turned Predators games into the thing to do in Music City. Ticket prices are astronomical and game-day traditions have been travelling with the team.With Fisher and Underwood combining with Poile to turn the team into a perennial contender for years to come, Nashville is set to remain a hockey hot bed.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Blake's been on the job for less than two months, but he's already showing he's more than cut out to be a general manager.The Los Angeles Kings GM checked another significant item off his offseason to-do list Wednesday, signing Tyler Toffoli to a three-year, $13.8-million extension.It's the second team-friendly contract he's negotiated in less than a month after convincing Tanner Pearson to put pen to paper on a four-year, $15-million pact on May 9.Pearson has improved from a production standpoint in every one of his four NHL seasons, and he ranked second in goals (24) and third in points (44) on an offensively-starved Kings club this season. Oh yeah, and he's only 24 years old.Toffoli took a step back in 2016-17, posting his lowest goal and point totals since his first full season, but the 25-year-old missed 19 games with an injury and is a year removed from a 31-goal, 58-point campaign.Both players would have been eligible for restricted free agency July 1, so getting the Kings' two most promising young forwards signed at affordable rates was clearly a top priority for Blake.That he was able to do it quietly and efficiently after being promoted to the GM position on April 10 shows just how much he absorbed in his four years as Dean Lombardi's assistant GM.Blake has been busy in his early days as Lombardi's successor, getting a fourth-round pick from the Dallas Stars for goaltender Ben Bishop's negotiating rights on the same day the Pearson extension was announced.Getting something for Bishop, who clearly wasn't in the Kings' plans and who was a pending unrestricted free agent himself, was yet another successful maneuver by Blake.The GM's first task upon being elevated to his new role was replacing Darryl Sutter, the Kings former head coach who was fired along with Lombardi.Blake wasted little time promoting John Stevens, Sutter's longtime assistant and associate coach, to the top job, and while it remains to be seen whether that move pays off, there's no doubting Stevens' experience or his familiarity with the players he'll now lead.As for Blake, he still has some work to do - namely ridding the team of some unsavory contracts and finding more offense to kick-start a stalled but gifted possession team - but so far, so good.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The winner of Game 5 will have two opportunities to win the Stanley Cup, so yeah, Thursday's contest is a big deal.The Penguins jumped out to an early 2-0 series advantage, but behind the rocking crowds in Nashville, the Predators knotted things up heading back to Pittsburgh.Momentum has swung in the Predators' favor, but still, the home team has won each of the first four games. With that in mind, here are five keys to Thursday's Game 5.That damned Pens power playIt's a dead horse that deserves beating once again - the Penguins' power play is struggling.Those struggles are baffling, considering the firepower at their disposal and how potent the unit was early in the postseason.The Penguins still have the fifth-ranked power play in these playoffs (20.8 percent success rate), but it's been awful in this series.They have one power-play goal in 16 opportunities, which came in Game 1 on a two-man advantage. Taking things even further, Pittsburgh has only seven shots with the man advantage all series.Goals don't come easy in the postseason, so the Penguins need to start taking advantage of their opportunities.Rinne needs road improvementPekka Rinne remains in the thick of the Conn Smythe race, and if he can just tighten up his game on the road, he'll be on his way to guaranteeing himself the award ... and a Stanley Cup.Overall, Rinne has been spectacular all postseason, but a quick look at the numbers shows he's been less sharp away from Bridgestone Arena.HomeStatAway9Wins51Losses51.44GAA2.36.949SV%.913In fact, Rinne's numbers in Games 1 and 2 in Pittsburgh were even worse. The 34-year-old posted a .778 save percentage and a 4.69 goals-against average across the first two road games, allowing eight goals on 36 shots.Rinne must be better in Game 5 if the Predators want to avoid falling behind in the series again.Can Crosby, Malkin dominate the same game?They're the two most talented players in this series - that's a fact.But for whatever reason, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have had trouble finding the back of the net on the same night.The Penguins have played 23 games this postseason - Crosby missed one - and while the duo has combined for 17 goals in those games, only once have they both scored in the same contest - in Game 2 of the opening round against Columbus.Crosby and Malkin are arguably the most dangerous duo in the game today, and both of them breaking through Nashville's defense on the same night could be the key to the Cup.Murray's glove handThe word is out on Matt Murray's weakness.Through four games, the Predators have seemingly found Murray's kryptonite - his glove hand. Over the course of the series, the goalie has allowed 12 goals with seven of those coming on shots to his mitt.You can give him a pass on Pontus Aberg's beauty in Game 2, James Neal's tally in Game 3, and even Calle Jarnkrok's opening goal in Game 4, but that still leaves five others.The Predators have caught on, and if Murray doesn't tighten that up, Nashville should continue to exploit it.Nashville's balanced attackWhat often makes the Predators' offense so hard to shut down - besides the fact that a ton of their offense begins with their defense - is that there isn't one dangerous superstar to focus on.Ryan Johansen was forced from the playoffs last round, and while Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson remain the club's deadliest options up front, the Predators are winning games by committee.Through four games this series, rookie sensation Frederick Gaudreau is the only Predator to have found the back of the net more than once. In fact, the Predators have goals from 11 different players in the final.To put that into perspective, the Penguins have goals from just six different skaters.It's hard to game plan against such a balanced attack, so if the Predators continue to get contributions from everyone, they might have a chance to win the Cup on Bridgestone ice in Game 6.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Concussions are simply part of the game.That's the stance of Brian Burke, the president of hockey operations of the Calgary Flames, who spoke Wednesday at the Canadian Club of Calgary.While the discussion largely focused on the team's efforts to build a new arena in the city, the longtime executive also voiced his opinion on hockey head trauma."The notion that we're going to get rid of concussions in hockey, I say to people give your head a shake," Burke said, according to the Canadian Press. "It's a full-contact sport. If you choose a full-contact sport, there is a good chance you'll have a serious injury ... If you don't want to get a concussion, you can be a swimmer."The NHL has implemented various measures in recent seasons to reduce concussion counts and impact. In 2011, the league mandated that players showing concussion-like symptoms would need to temporarily leave the game and undergo a medical examination. This season, concussion spotters were added to detect players showing concussion-like symptoms and to recommend that player's removal from the game.The protocol has proven to have early success, according to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. At a press conference held prior to the opening of the Stanley Cup Final, Bettman told reporters, "We take player safety very seriously. In a meaningful double-digit percentage number concussions are down this season."In 2013, a group of former players launched a class action lawsuit against the NHL, alleging the league failed to warn players of the effects of concussions and head trauma. The case remains ongoing.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle hockey fans shouldn't hold their breath.Despite the city beginning negotiations for a possible renovation of KeyArena, there is no guarantee the NHL will soon set up shop in Seattle."We haven't made any commitments to Seattle," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told NHL Network Radio on Wednesday. "We're not making any commitments to expand. We're not planning on moving anybody."Seattle has long been rumored as a future destination for the NHL. However, due in part to no NHL-ready arena in the city, Seattle did not submit a bid during the 2015 expansion process. The NHL received proposals from Las Vegas and Quebec City, with Las Vegas chosen to begin play next season.Still, the commissioner didn't rule out of the possibility of the NHL looking at Seattle in the years to come."If (Seattle) sorts out the building arrangement and somebody actually puts a shovel in the ground, my guess is there will be people knocking on our door saying, 'We'd like to have a team play in that building,'" Bettman said. "If and when all that happens, then we'll focus on it, and decide if we have any interest in expanding and if we have any interest in expanding to Seattle."Beyond that, there is no reason for anyone to think a team is imminent right now in Seattle."In February, the Arizona Coyotes denied a report the team explored the possibility of relocation to Seattle. The NHL, which held ownership of the Coyotes for a four-year period beginning in 2009, has remained steadfast about the market and franchise, much as it did with the Nashville Predators.In 2007, former Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie attempted to gain control of the Predators and relocate the team to Hamilton, Ontario before a group of local business owners stepped forward to keep the team in Tennessee. Now, 10 years later and the Predators are two wins away from capturing the Stanley Cup, marking both of their victories in the Finals before packed and enthusiastic crowds at Bridgestone Arena."Sometimes, the commentary around our franchises is a little too frenetic when it comes to the state of a franchise," Bettman added. "If you think about Tampa before (owner) Jeff Vinik purchased it, Pittsburgh before Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux stepped ... the fact is, our teams are in great markets, but as franchises, as businesses, as hockey teams, you sometimes go through difficult periods."It doesn't mean the market isn't a good hockey market or won't support the team. There are sometimes other factors at play, and our goal is always to work through those issues and give the great, loyal fans that have supported our team in a particular place an opportunity to make it work for them."Should the NHL add its 32nd team to Seattle, local hockey fans will have a little hockey history on their side. While the city has never iced an NHL team, it is home to the WHL's Thunderbirds. Furthermore, the Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association were the first American team to win the Stanley Cup, doing so in 1917.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Tyler Toffoli to a three-year, $13.8-million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.The 25-year-old - who will make $4.6 million annually - was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.Toffoli is coming off a down year that saw him post just 16 goals and 34 points in 63 games, his lowest marks since the 2013-14 campaign. His goal count was still good enough for third among all Kings players in 2016-17.He's also just one year removed from a career-high season that saw him post 31 goals and 58 points in 82 games.The new contract means Los Angeles has locked up its two future stars (Toffoli and Tanner Pearson) for at least the next three seasons at a combined $8.35 million per year - not bad value.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If Mike Smith is going to be traded this summer, the Arizona Coyotes now know from whom to take inquiries.Smith, who has two years remaining on a deal that carries a cap hit of $5,666,667, has submitted a list of eight teams he is against being dealt to in accordance with his modified no-trade clause, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.Related: Is Mike Smith a fit for the Flames' crease?Meanwhile, LeBrun adds, John Chayka is in "listening mode" only, which falls in line with the general manager's recent assertion that while Smith is the team's rock, his standing isn't so firm as to render him untradeable."His value is extremely high but if someone wants to pay an even higher value for him, that's the industry," Chayka said.Smith, 35, posted a record of 19-26-9 with a .914 save percentage in 55 appearances with the Coyotes this past season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Calgary Flames are trying to extinguish a bit of a public relations fire.Hours after Brian Burke - the team's head of hockey operations - brought up the possibility of relocation should a new arena not be built, team president Ken King released the following statement on the Flames' website:

The Edmonton Oilers appear intent on ensuring Kris Russell remains in the fold.The team and the pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman's agent spoke briefly Tuesday to "get the ball rolling" on a new contract, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN.Back in May, general manager Peter Chiarelli said, "I want to have Kris back. I thought he was really good for our team."Russell played 2016-17 on a one-year, $3.1-million deal with the Oilers, and registered one goal, 12 assists, and 213 blocked shots in 68 games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Stanley Cup Final will resume Thursday as a best-of-three affair.Game 5 is set for 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins won the first two contests of the series. At the other end of the ice will be the Nashville Predators, who quickly evened things up with a pair of home wins of their own.So who will come out on top in this pivotal contest and take a 3-2 advantage in the championship series?Before making a selection, here are game odds courtesy of Bodog.TeamSpread MoneylineTotalNAS+1½ (-235)+1355½ (+110)oPIT-1½ (+195)-1555½ (-130)uCast your vote below:Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Craig Berube is a man in high demand.The bench boss of the AHL's Chicago Wolves has interviewed for two NHL head coaching positions this offseason, having chatted with the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.The Sabres and Panthers are currently the only two teams with vacancies at head coach.Berube has coached the Wolves for one season. He previously spent two years as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers before being fired following the conclusion of the 2014-15 season, in which he posted a 33-31-18 record.The Wolves, who will affiliate with the Vegas Golden Knights next season, were most recently the farm team for St. Louis, leaving open the possibility Berube could join the Blues as an associate coach to Mike Yeo.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brian Burke went there.The Calgary Flames president of hockey operations brought up the possibility of relocation Wednesday while speaking to the public at the Canadian Club of Calgary, according to CTV's Chris Epp.

Ron Hextall has good things to say about Charles Barkley - for the most part.The Philadelphia Flyers general manager was asked Wednesday about the NBA analyst and former Philadelphia 76er's declaration Monday that Hextall was his favorite player ever."I laughed when I heard that," Hextall told reporters, according to CSN Philly's Enrico Campitelli. "We had a bit of a relationship back in the day. He was at a lot of our games obviously. There's a mutual respect there. I certainly liked the way Charles played - a hard game, very emotional, gave it all he had out on the court."Barkley was invited to Nashville by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for Game 4 of the Cup Final on Monday night, where "The Round Mound of Rebound" crashed Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey's press conference and spoke glowingly of both Hextall and the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a whole."I started following hockey actually in Birmingham, Alabama," Barkley said. "They had a team called the Bulls back in the day. That was my first recollection of hockey. Then when I got to Philadelphia, my favorite hockey player of all time is Ron Hextall. I got to know him and Eric Lindros going to a bunch of Flyers games. Then Mike Wilbon, one of my mentors, takes me to the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Blackhawks the last few years."The Flyers GM said Wednesday he was more than just amused by the shoutout."I'm honored to be talked about by Charles, for sure."Still, Hextall couldn't finish talking about Barkley without taking a shot at his notorious golf game."I do remember seeing Charles play (golf) and I thought to myself, 'Jeez, I'm not going to be the worst one out here today.'"It's not surprising that the two Philadelphia sports heroes would have mutual respect for another considering the tenacity and occasional mean streaks they were both known for on the ice and the court, but Barkley's NHL fandom is truly the gift that keeps on giving.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Going six games without a goal is normal for some, but for the likes of Phil Kessel - one of the purest snipers in the NHL - it's an eternity.At least it feels that way, as the magnitude of the Stanley Cup Final drastically ramps up the pressure on the game's biggest players, and the Pittsburgh Penguins need something from their prized goal-getter, who hasn't found the back of the net since a 7-0 rout of the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.Related: Penguins assistant wants Kessel back to shoot-first philosophyHowever, Kessel's teammate, Evgeni Malkin, doesn't think the slump will last much longer.

Pekka Rinne has been one of the biggest reasons for the Nashville Predators' success, and he appears to be doing it despite some less than spectacular play during the first two games of several playoff series this spring.The Predators goaltender has a 1.62 GAA and .943 save percentage in these playoffs if you remove Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, as pointed out by The Tennessean's Adam Vingan.In fact, Rinne has bounced back with strong performances after struggling over the first two contests in each of the last three rounds.Let's take a closer look.2nd RoundRinne was merely average in the first two games against the St. Louis Blues, going 1-1 and giving up six goals.GameSVSASV%12730.90021720.850Combined4450.880But he played much better after that, winning three of the next four games while allowing only five.GameSVSASV%32223.95743233.97053032.93862324.958Combined107112.955Western Conference FinalRinne played well in a Game 1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, but struggled in a Game 2 defeat.GameSVSASV%12729.93122226.846Combined4955.891Then he once again raised his game over the rest of a series.GameSVSASV%31920.95043437.91953233.97063841.927Combined123131.939Stanley Cup FinalRinne had his worst two-game stretch of these playoffs in the first couple of contests against the Pittsburgh Penguins, conceding eight goals and being pulled early in the third period of Game 2.GameSVSASV%1711.63622125.840Combined2836.778Things turned around for Rinne in Games 3 and 4, as the Predators won both affairs, thanks in part to his strong play.GameSVSASV%32728.96442324.958Combined5052.962This trend wasn't evident in the opening round, as Rinne was dominant in the first two games against the Chicago Blackhawks, posting back-to-back shutouts to kick-start the Predators' eventual four-game sweep.And while he clearly played worse in the first two games of each subsequent series than he did in the later contests, it's worth remembering the wild-card Predators have opened all four matchups on the road by virtue of being the lowest seed.Rinne has simply been lights out in Nashville, but not so much when playing away from Bridgestone Arena.Rinne (2016-17 Playoffs)RecordGAASV%Home9-11.44.949Away5-52.36.913His mid-series improvement is noteworthy, though, and it shows he's been able to shake off subpar performances in hostile territory as playoff matchups have progressed.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers have hired Kris Knoblauch as an assistant coach, general manager Ron Hextall announced Wednesday.Knoblauch had been head coach of the OHL's Erie Otters since November 2012 and posted 50-win campaigns in each of his four full seasons behind the bench. Erie won the OHL championship this past season, but lost to the host Windsor Spitfires in the Memorial Cup final."Kris has had great success at the junior level with the Erie Otters and Kootenay Ice," Hextall said. "He's coached a lot of good young offensive gifted players. We feel he is a real good fit with our group and we're excited to have him in our organization."Former Otters players Knoblauch coached who are currently in the NHL include forwards Connor McDavid, Andre Burakovsky, and Connor Brown, as well as Arizona Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Alex DeBrincat.He also worked with top young talent as an assistant for Canada at the 2017 World Junior Championship, where the team won silver.Knoblauch was a seventh-round pick of the New York Islanders in the 1997 draft, but never played an NHL game. He did play professionally in the Central Hockey League and in France.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joel Quenneville is reportedly reuniting with a former teammate.The Chicago Blackhawks will name Ulf Samuelsson assistant coach to fill the vacancy created by Mike Kitchen's firing, a source told Arizona Sports' Craig Morgan.Samuelsson was seen as the leading candidate for the role, the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc reported last month.The former NHL defenseman served as head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, this past season, guiding them to a 39-29-7-1 record and a first-round appearance in the Calder Cup playoffs.He was an assistant coach with the New York Rangers from 2013-16 and associate coach of the then-Phoenix Coyotes from 2006-11.Kitchen was fired after the Blackhawks were swept out of the first round by the Nashville Predators in April. The move was reportedly made to send a message to Quenneville and didn't sit well with the head coach, who spent seven years with his former assistant in Chicago and several more in St. Louis.Samuelsson played five seasons with Quenneville as members of the Hartford Whalers from 1985-86 to 1989-90.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Jan Rutta to a one-year contract, the club announced Wednesday."Jan has been on our radar for a number of years and he has shown great progress on the ice during that time," general manager Stan Bowman said. "His addition to the organization makes our defense more dynamic and he has shown he can contribute offensively as well."Rutta was reportedly fielding multiple NHL offers after suiting up for his native Czech Republic at the World Championship in May.The 26-year-old is listed at 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, and is a right-handed shot. He's spent the last four seasons with Chomutov Pirati of the Czech league, netting a career-high 32 points in 46 games in 2016-17.Rutta's deal with Chicago is the latest instance this offseason of an NHL club dipping into the European market for blue line help. The Toronto Maple Leafs gave entry-level contracts to Swedish defenseman Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman last month, while the Vancouver Canucks lured 25-year-old Philip Holm on a one-year agreement in May.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Through four games of the Stanley Cup Final, the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins are square, but a few underlying numbers suggest the series might not be as close as it seems.The Predators were able to even the series at two games with victories in Games 3 and 4, and while the Penguins took the first two contests, they haven't necessarily been the better team.TeamCorsiSV%SH%PDOPenguins44.4192.3811.25103.6Predators55.5988.757.6296.4(All statistics are at five-on-five and courtesy of Natural Stat Trick)The numbers above suggest the Predators are controlling play against the Penguins, which is also apparent in the shooting numbers, which favor Nashville 123-91.Meanwhile, the Predators' 96.4 PDO (shooting percentage plus team save percentage) suggests they're slightly underperforming, while the Penguins are actually playing above the norm. An average team's PDO should be at 100, and suggests how lucky or unlucky a team has been.Here, the Predators should have more to give, whether it be a better shooting percentage or even better play from Pekka Rinne. Judging by how the last two games have gone in Nashville, one would expect that improvements in these two categories will drastically shift the series in the Predators' favor.What might be more surprising is that in Games 1 and 2, the Predators had the advantage in Corsi (63.64 to the Penguins' 36.36), despite dropping both games by a combined 9-4 margin.Sure, the series is tied 2-2, but unless the Penguins start making some adjustments, they're in danger of falling behind, and that's not a good thing with Game 6 looming back in Smashville.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wojtek Wolski is back on the ice less than a year after a headfirst dive into the boards that left him with two broken cervical vertebrae, spinal cord trauma, and a concussion.The former NHL winger took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce he's preparing for the new KHL season, capping off a long road to recovery that began back in October. Wolski was playing for the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk at the time of the accident and subsequent diagnosis.Drafted 21st overall by Colorado in 2004, Wolski has spent the past four seasons in the KHL after finishing his NHL career with a brief stint in Washington in 2013.He'd registered five goals and five assists in 19 games prior to the injury, after helping Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup as KHL champions in 2016.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has indirectly put to rest any thought that Marc-Andre Fleury would replace Matt Murray in net for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.Following a Game 4 loss to the Nashville Predators, Sullivan was asked about a potential goalie change, and he quite understandably didn't come right out and back Murray, saying, "We just finished up a game about a minute and a half ago."Related: Rinne, Murray trending in different directions as Cup Final progressesThe issue was raised again Tuesday, and while Sullivan again didn't officially name Murray as the starter, he also deflected any blame away from his netminder."We haven't lost games because of our goaltending," Sullivan said.When further pressed, he gave a similar answer:

The Nashville Predators' centers and the Pittsburgh Penguins' defensemen have a lot in common.The Predators have been without their No. 1 center, Ryan Johansen, for the entire series. Outside of him, their depth down the middle is relatively thin.Meanwhile, the Penguins are missing star defenseman Kris Letang for the entire playoffs, while Justin Schultz - arguably their second-best blue-liner - doesn't appear to be playing at full health.When it comes to evaluating each team's positional units, these two injury-riddled corps stand out as the weakest groups on their respective squads:RankPredsPens1DefenseCenters2GoaltendingGoaltending3WingersWingers4CentersDefensePittsburgh's goaltending and wingers could arguably be flip-flopped in the chart above, but both teams are strong in both areas regardless. Nashville's top-four defensemen are arguably the best in the NHL, and, well, Pittsburgh has Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.While hockey is a team game and certainly comes down to much more than position groups, the fact that Nashville's depleted group of centers is outplaying Pittsburgh's weakened defensive corps is a major reason why the Predators own every fiber of momentum in this series, despite it being even at two games apiece.Here's how Nashville's unheralded centers have performed in this series so far:PlayerGAPATOIMike Fisher04418:30Colton Sissons11217:35Calle Jarnkrok13416:39Frederick Gaudreau30311:33Though it's unfair to compare Nashville's centers to Pittsburgh's defense from an offensive perspective, the Penguins have received no goals and just seven combined assists from their six defensemen through the first four games.But more importantly, Pittsburgh's defensemen, who head coach Mike Sullivan called "a simple bunch," have had trouble moving the puck out of their own end, thanks to Nashville's heavy forecheck.This is proving to be a major problem for the Penguins. Their inability to get out of their own zone is a big reason why the trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Phil Kessel has just three goals and four assists through four games.Nashville's centers versus Pittsburgh's defense is the matchup nobody talked about leading up to the series, but it's proving to be as crucial as any.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Smith is among the NHL's most underrated goalies, and despite him playing on a club that finished tied for third-last in the league this season, rumors continue to swirl around the netminder's future.Coyotes general manager John Chayka set the record straight Monday, affirming the value of his man between the pipes."If it's being viewed as me making Mike available and starting a bidding war, that's not the case," Chayka said, according to Craig Morgan of ArizonaSports.com. "We're taking calls on players every year. I don't think anyone is untradeable, but like we talked about last year with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, he's up as high on that list as anyone."Related: Is Mike Smith a fit for the Flames' crease?While Ekman-Larsson isn't leaving anytime soon, Smith is someone Chayka may be willing to part with due to his age (35) and injury history (he's started in 65 games or more only once in his 12-season career). With that being said, he posted solid numbers, including a 2.92 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage, while playing behind a Coyotes squad that allowed the third-most goals per game last year at 3.15.Regardless, the GM recognizes Smith's value, and won't let him go unless the price is right."There's a value to our team that Mike has, being an All-Star and our rock," said Chayka. "His value is extremely high but if someone wants to pay an even higher value for him, that's the industry."As Morgan pointed out, Arizona's options in goal after Smith are shaky at best, with Louis Domingue and third-round pick Adin Hill being the immediate alternatives.In 26 NHL starts last season, Domingue recorded 11 wins, a 3.08 GAA, and a .908 save percentage. Adin, meanwhile, posted a 3.16 GAA while going 16-14 for the AHL's Tuscon Roadrunners.Those numbers suggest Smith will be back in the Coyotes' crease next season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Corey Hirsch is a former NHL goaltender who spent parts of seven seasons with the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.I think we can all agree on one thing: the city of Nashville has raised the bar in terms of entertainment during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.I can’t be the only one who is a bit bummed to see the final headed back to Pittsburgh for Game 5 (and possibly Game 7). Sorry, Pittsburgh, you’re a great city, but not even Mario singing the national anthem can save you.When it comes to setting the standard for entertainment at a championship game, the Super Bowl has long been considered the pinnacle. But beware, NFL - the NHL is coming for you.Um ... did the needle on the record player just break and the music stop?With the atmosphere the city of Nashville and its country music stars have created, each playoff game has been like a Super Bowl. The only thing missing is the late and legendary Prince playing his electric guitar in the rain.The NHL PR machine caught a huge wave on this one, the perfect storm happening right in front of our very eyes. The process has been long, but it’s all coming together in what has been one of the most memorable finals in the history of the NHL - and maybe in all of sport, for that matter.Three moments in Predators history brought us to this point.Seven years ago, Mike Fisher married Carrie Underwood, a budding country music star out of "American Idol." In 2011, he's traded from Ottawa to Nashville so he can be closer to his wife. The bigger star Underwood became, the more hockey's popularity surged in Nashville.Last summer, David Poile makes one of the boldest moves in NHL history when he trades arguably his best player, Shea Weber, for the most flamboyant, outgoing player in the NHL in P.K. Subban.Subban's exciting playing style and interview candor immediately brought more attention to the Predators, who are no longer the NHL’s small-market runt. Like him or not, Subban is a media darling - and that sells the game.Cue Charles Barkley, one of the biggest sports celebrities in the world. He states - in front of millions on live TV - that the 2017 NBA playoffs have been a disaster, and that the NHL playoffs have been way more exciting. It’s an enormous free plug for the NHL, exposing it to a huge new audience of viewers.Barkley then gets a personal invite from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to join the party, flying to Nashville on an off day and going on NBC to help promote the game.You can’t make this stuff up.Truth be told, I was planning to use this article to make my picks for the Conn Smythe Trophy , given annually to the best player in the playoffs. And here they are:Nashville - Pekka Rinne

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry continues to prove that her city is where the party's at this Stanley Cup Final.Following the Predators' 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night, Barry tweeted out a letter excusing all Preds fans for turning up late to work Tuesday morning.

Predators captain Mike Fisher is on the verge of making history - but probably not in the way he hoped to.If Nashville wins two of the next three games and Fisher doesn't find twine, he will become the first player to captain his team to the Stanley Cup without scoring a goal in the playoffs (while playing at least one playoff game) since Maurice Richard went goalless in four games (while missing seven) during the 1959 playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens.Fisher scored 18 goals during the regular season, so it's not like he's offensively inept. Regardless, Predators head coach Peter Laviolette isn't concerned with his captain's offensive production."Again, I've taken on questions about Mike," Laviolette told reporters following the Predators' 4-1 victory in Game 4 on Monday. "People will say it's time to produce. He's been unbelievable. He's an unbelievable captain. He's been great in the locker room. He lives his life and lives his hockey life every day in a manner that you would want to follow."Fisher finished third among Predators forwards with 18:11 of ice time in Game 4, spending the bulk of it matched up with Sidney Crosby. Crosby managed one breakaway goal, but was otherwise contained by the 37-year-old Fisher."Mike has skill. I think the second part more than anything, it's will. He's got will. Tremendous will, tremendous heart, tremendous character. He's the heartbeat of our team," said Laviolette.There was one play in particular during Game 4 where both Fisher's skill and will were on display in the very same moment.During the second period, Fisher dove and poked the puck forward in the neutral zone to send speedster Viktor Arvidsson in on a breakaway. Arvidsson made no mistake, giving the Preds a 3-1 lead.Laviolette said Fisher's poke to move the puck forward was "typical" of his captain.Fisher likely doesn't care at all whether he scores in the postseason, as long as his team is able to win two of the next three games and take home the Stanley Cup.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Bieber defended his apparent bandwagon fandom in a Twitter rant Monday.The Canadian pop star caught flak for posting an Instagram photo of himself in a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey prior to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier in the playoffs. But as Bieber explained, he considers himself more of a casual sports fan, and will rock any team's jersey "that looks cool."

Nashville's Cup Final hero is fine not having a stall of his own in the Predators' dressing room.Rookie Frederick Gaudreau has scored his first three goals of his career in the Cup Final - with two serving as game-winners in Games 3 and 4 - but still he remains without a proper stall in the Predators' dressing room.Related: Gaudreau becomes 2nd player to score first 3 career goals in Cup FinalHowever, the 24-year-old is not discouraged and is just happy to be with the team for their Cup run."As far as the stall, I could be sitting on the floor and I'd take it," Gaudreau said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "I'm just happy to be here."

Home appears to be both where the heart is and where goalies play their best hockey in the Stanley Cup Final.After an abysmal opening two games of the series, Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne has rebounded formidably, helping his team even things up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, Matt Murray's numbers have taken a dip over the past two games, much to the delight of the heckling masses inside Bridgestone Arena.Here's a look at how the two goalies have stacked up through four games, with each playing their best on home ice.RinneGames 1 + 2Games 3 + 4Save %.778.961MurrayGames 1 + 2Games 3 + 4Save %.938.873The series is now a best-of-three affair, with Pittsburgh set to host Game 5 and a possible Game 7.Murray's track record at home would seem to bode well for the Penguins, but if Rinne can steal one on the road, the Predators could be on their way to their first Cup win.Still plenty of hockey yet to play, though.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Great One met up with one of country music's best at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.Wayne Gretzky was in attendance as the Nashville Predators hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carrie Underwood - who's married to Preds captain Mike Fisher - took the opportunity to snap a pic, as one does.

Playoff experience is overrated if you ask Frederick Gaudreau.The Nashville Predators rookie tallied his third goal of the playoffs in the second period on Monday on a wild play. After it looked as though Matt Murray made an incredible save on Gaudreau's wrap-around effort - play was blown dead after the league deemed the puck had crossed the line.With the goal, Gaudreau's first three goals of his NHL career have now come in the Stanley Cup Final, making him just the second player in NHL history to have started his career in that fashion.

Your move, Nashville Predators fans.The atmosphere inside Bridgestone Arena has been nothing short of electric during the Stanley Cup Final, with Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray bearing the brunt of some organized chanting.Next time he's in town, Roberto Luongo expects to hear it too.

For only the fourth time in his illustrious career, Sidney Crosby has scored in a Stanley Cup Final game.Held without a goal in a championship series against the San Jose Sharks last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain had not scored in a Cup Final game since 2009, until Game 4 against the Nashville Predators.Here's how it happened:The play actually began when Crosby lost a defensive zone faceoff to Mike Fisher (No. 12). After an ensuing shot attempt from Roman Josi (No. 59) went wide of the net, Crosby played it along the boards with his backhand. With two Penguins and two Predators fighting for the puck along the boards, Crosby - pictured below at the far right - kept a watchful eye on the play, attempting to anticipate in which direction it would move.The puck eventually came loose, and Crosby - guessing right - was able to swoop in, gobble it up, skate through the crowd and clear the zone.With Nashville's defense stuck after pinching to keep the puck in Pittsburgh's zone, the responsibility of tracking the puck fell to James Neal (No. 18), who immediately sent it across the ice while pressured by an attacking Crosby.The pass was not received by a Predator, but instead by Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin (No. 8), who no doubt had eyes on Crosby (top left), who has skated over center after failing to strip Neal of the puck.Dumoulin (bottom right) played the puck off the boards and fired it up to Crosby (still top left), who had snuck in behind, well, everyone.Crosby broke in all alone on Pekka Rinne (No. 35), and dropped a devastating backhand move before anyone could catch up.Here's the play in its entirety.

It's never a good idea to give Sidney Crosby a breakaway.The Nashville Predators did just that and the Pittsburgh Penguins captain made them pay, scoring his eighth goal of the postseason to tie Game 4 at 1-1.For Crosby, the goal was his first in six games and his first in a Cup Final game since 2009.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.