Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin missed the last 13 games of the regular season with a shoulder injury, but will be good to go for Game 1 on Wednesday against Columbus, head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed to Wes Crosby of NHL.com.Sullivan also said goaltender Matt Murray is ready to play Wednesday.What's more, there's a "real chance" speedy left winger Carl Hagelin could play in this series, according to Sullivan. Hagelin hasn't played since March 10 due to a lower-body injury.The Penguins are looking to be the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs should have their No. 1 goalie back between the pipes when they kick off their opening-round matchup Thursday against the Washington Capitals.Frederik Andersen took part in practice Tuesday, after which head coach Mike Babcock said he should be ready for Game 1, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.Andersen left Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins early in the second period after a collision with Tom Sestito. He subsequently missed the team's final game of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets.As for defensemen Nikita Zaitsev and Roman Polak, both left Sunday's game with injuries and were not present at practice. They are progressing, but there's no guarantee they will return for Thursday's contest, Babcock said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Lou Lamoriello's notorious clean-shaven rule may be a point of contention in the Toronto Maple Leafs' dressing room ahead of their playoff run. But for one player, it likely won't make a difference.After Toronto's practice Tuesday, rookie Mitch Marner admitted he's not likely to grow much of a playoff beard."Maybe some chin hairs, but that's it," he said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.On Sunday, team president Brendan Shanahan noted the Maple Leafs are allowed to grow playoff beards, but questioned whether much of the team would be able to.For Marner, a trip to the Stanley Cup Final might be his only chance.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Red Wings bench boss Jeff Blashill will coach Team USA at the World Championship in May, USA Hockey announced Tuesday."We're extremely pleased to have Jeff lead our men's national team at the World Championship," assistant executive director of hockey operations Jim Johannson said. "He's been successful at every step of his career and we know our team will be well prepared when the puck drops."It will mark the first time Blashill coaches the national team, though he previously worked as the goaltending coach for the U.S. world juniors in 2009.Earlier Tuesday, it was reported that Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad would represent the Americans. On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets confirmed Andrew Copp, Jacob Trouba, and Connor Hellebuyck would also play.The Americans will look to end a gold-medal drought at the tournament that extends back to 1960.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's worth repeating that the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild will tangle in the playoffs this week. Because of all the first-round matchups, this one is getting the least attention.The season series was almost dead even. The Blues edged the Wild, going 3-2-0 in five games, yet the Wild outscored St. Louis 14-11.This series doesn't have the allure of a No. 1 club or a Connor McDavid-esque superstar, but it still has a lot to offer, and shouldn't be counted out. Here's why:Vladimir TarasenkoDespite his club's roller-coaster play, Vladimir Tarasenko finished tied for the fourth-most goals in the league (39), and recorded a career-high 75 points.He has quickly emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the game, and is a good enough reason on his own to tune into this series.If you aren't convinced, consider he has 19 goals and 26 points in just 33 career playoff games.As for his production against the Wild, in 19 regular-season games, he has eight goals and 15 points against Minnesota - the third- and fourth-most against any team over his career in those categories.It's also worth noting that during the teams' only other series, in 2015, Tarasenko scored six goals and recorded seven points in his team's 4-2 series loss. He feeds off the Wild.Wild fans go crazy come playoff timeThey might not get the respect they deserve, but best believe the Minnesota Wild fans are as rambunctious as they come.The crowd at Xcel Energy Center certainly lives up to the team's moniker, and appears to love seeing its club score goals more than anybody else. Watch a snippet of the video below from the 2015 postseason, and you'll notice the crowd gets fired up anytime a scoring chance is even remotely imminent.You'll feel the energy through your TV screen. The excitement of fans at this time of the year is just part of what makes playoff hockey unlike anything else, and the Wild certainly do it right.Both teams have something to proveBoth the Wild and Blues have unfinished business entering the postseason.The Blues reached the third round for the first time since the 2001-2002 season last year before being trounced by the San Jose Sharks. The Wild, meanwhile, are hoping just to make it past the first round for only the fourth time in their history.The clubs have had interesting seasons, to say the least.The Blues appeared on the brink of missing the playoffs after a poor stretch in which they dismissed head coach Ken Hitchcock and promote Mike Yeo midway through the season. They got back on track, though, to nail down the third spot in the Central.As for the Wild, their season appeared to be in cruise control heading into the All-Star break, until they hit a speed bump down the stretch. They went an ungodly 1-8-1 from March 12-28, due in large part to a Devan Dubnyk slump.Both teams appear to have corrected things in the final week, and enter the postseason on multi-game winning streaks. The season will start over now, and you can expect they'll come out flying. Keep an eye out.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite whispers he might fall from his throne, the NHL announced Tuesday that Nolan Patrick is the top draft-eligible player for the upcoming draft.The league's rankings have the Brandon Wheat Kings forward - despite being limited to just 33 games this season - still in the top spot. The 18-year-old had a strong third season with the Wheat Kings, finishing with 20 goals and 46 points in 33 games.Swiss forward Nico Hischier of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads took the second spot. Hischier had an impressive world junior tournament and posted 38 goals and 86 points in 57 games as a rookie with the Mooseheads.Filling out the top-five North American skaters are forwards Casey Mittelstadt, Gabriel Vilardi, and Michael Rasmussen.Klim Kostin - a forward with Dynamo Moscow - and Elias Petterson of Timra were named the top international skaters.Finally, Jake Oettinger of Boston University was named the top North American goaltender, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of HPK's junior team earned the international honor.The 2017 NHL Draft takes place June 23-24 at the United Center in Chicago.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Three members of the Florida Panthers will be heading to the 2017 IIHF World Hockey Championships in France and Germany, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.Towering center Nick Bjugstad will represent Team USA. The 6-foot-6 24-year-old had an injury-riddled season with just seven goals and seven assists in 54 games, but was coming off three consecutive 15-goal seasons prior to 2016-17. Bjugstad was a member of USA's bronze medal-winning team at the 2013 World Championships.Defensemen Jason Demers and Michael Matheson will head overseas to represent Team Canada. Demers, 28, will provide a stable veteran force on the back end. Matheson, 23, excelled in his first full NHL season, averaging over 21 minutes.Center Vincent Trocheck will not represent Team USA. He has been "fighting through some issues," according to Richards.The World Championships begin May 5.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.With the end of the NHL season drawing to a close, it's time to hand out some end of season awards. theScore's fantasy department wants YOU, the readers and fantasy players, to vote and decide the winner of each award. When voting, value players relative to standard league scoring:SkatersGoaliesGoalsWinsAssistsSV%+/-GAAPPPShutoutsPIMsSOGCriteria: The Fantasy Draft Bust of the Year award should be handed out to the player who drastically failed to meet expectations, after being selected with an early-round pick.Nominee: C Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles KingsGA+/-PPPPIMSOG1240-101928150The case: Given the depth of the center position, Kopitar had become drop-worthy by fantasy playoff time. His shot total plummeted and his goal scoring suffered as a result. As last year's Selke Trophy winner, you figured you could at least bank on a solid plus/minus, but it wasn't the case. If you drafted him in the second round, you probably didn't go too far in your league.Nominee: C Claude Giroux, Philadelphia FlyersGA+/-PPPPIMSOG1444-153138199The case: Giroux, not unlike Kopitar, is an underachieving center who was likely taken in the second round. He too, took fewer shots this season and it resulted in a lackluster goal total. This marks the fourth straight season in which Giroux's point total has regressed. Playing on a poor Flyers team with awful goaltending has resulted in a horrendous plus/minus.Nominee: RW Corey Perry, Anaheim DucksGA+/-PPPPIMSOG193422076215The case: Perry had scored 30 goals in five consecutive non-lockout-shortened seasons heading into 2016-17. This consistency made him worthy of a third-round pick this season. Fantasy owners patiently waited for him to come around all year, but it just didn't happen.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers are going back to the future.Firing general manager and interim head coach Tom Rowe on Monday, the Panthers handed the reins back to former GM-turned-president Dale Tallon.Tallon served as GM of the Panthers from 2010 to 2016, a stretch that included two division wins. Florida's 2012 playoff appearance marked its first trip to the postseason since 2000, ending the league's longest playoff drought.Given that success, it was unexpected when Tallon was ousted from the GM post following their playoff exit last spring, given the Panthers were finally on the upward trajectory after more than a decade in the hockey wilderness.Tallon's dismissal aligned with the ascension of Rowe, who previously served as head coach of the Panthers' AHL squad before a promotion to associate GM and then the top job.Rowe doubled as the interim bench boss this season following a poorly executed firing of Tallon's hand-picked coach in Gerald Gallant, whose 103-point finish with Florida in 2015-16 marked the best season in franchise history. Rowe will remain with the Panthers in an advisory role.Much of the team's struggles this season - one in which the Panthers finished with 81 points - draw back to Tallon's removal from the GM post.Arriving in South Florida after building a championship club with the Blackhawks, Tallon came with all the credentials, having drafted and developed a Stanley Cup-winning team in Chicago.The tenured GM implemented a similar vision with the Panthers, building up the team's crop at the draft tables with key selections in Nick Bjugstad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, Aleksander Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad, among others.Now back in the GM chair, Tallon's focus is hiring the Florida's next head coach. Some stability is sorely needed, as the franchise has gone through 14 bench bosses in its 23-year history. Only Jacques Martin and Peter DeBoer have recorded more than 100 wins as Panthers coach.Tallon told Craig Davis of the Sun-Sentinel the search for the team's next head coach could be in the "months" category, describing his ideal candidate as "a contemporary guy that can handle the younger player today and understands that they still have to be coached and mentored and taught and yet still have that passion to win."

Good luck, Rob Blake. You're going to need it.Blake is the new general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, replacing Dean Lombardi, who was fired Monday. And in addition to finding a new head coach, after Darryl Sutter was let go as well, Blake is going to have to work some miracles in order to fix the Kings.Lombardi and Sutter won two Stanley Cups together, and deserve all the credit in the world for bringing a first NHL championship to Los Angeles. But Lombardi, especially, erred in keeping parts of the aging core of those teams together. And now the Kings are - to put it plainly - screwed.Check out these long-term contracts:PlayerAge at start of 17-18Cap HitSigned ThroughClauseAnze Kopitar30$10M2023-24NMCDustin Brown32$5.875M2021-22MNTCJeff Carter32$52727272021-22NoneMarian Gaborik35$4.875M2020-21NoneDrew Doughty27$7M2018-19NoneAlec Martinez30$4M2020-21NoneJake Muzzin28$4M2019-20NoneJonathan Quick31$5.8M2022-23None(Information courtesy: Cap Friendly)Where do you even begin?We've got no issue with Drew Doughty's deal, and can even live with Alec Martinez's and Jake Muzzin's, but the fact is none of these guys are getting any younger.Lombardi gave Jonathan Quick a 10-year, $58-million deal in 2012, fresh off a Cup win. He gave Marian Gaborik a seven-year, $34.125-million contract in the summer of 2014, when he was in his early 30s, and after he scored 14 goals in the playoffs as the Kings won their second Cup. Winning, like love, is blind.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Believe it or not, it actually gets worse. In July 2013, then-captain Dustin Brown inked an eight-year, $47-million extension. Since then, he's put up seasons of 27, 27, 28, and 36 points, and was stripped of his captaincy.More recently, in January 2016, Lombardi signed Anze Kopitar to an eight-year, $80-million extension. This past season was the worst of Kopitar's career.Each of the players mentioned played integral roles during the Cup years, in addition to guys like Justin Williams and Mike Richards, who have moved on. But what Lombardi did was pay for his players' past performances, pay for the Cup wins, and now the Kings are paying the price - literally and figuratively.Toss in the fact Los Angeles has drafted in the first round only once in the past four years, and the situation gets even worse. Sure, that's the price of winning the Stanley Cup, one the Kings would surely pay again, but locking up an aging core for so long was a mistake that will not easily be undone.Expansion draftLooking ahead to Las Vegas' entrance into the NHL, here's a projection of who the Kings will protect in the expansion draft, with the club going the eight skaters and one goaltender route:

Black Monday ended with a bang in hockey circles, as Los Angeles, Florida, and Vancouver handed their head coaches their walking papers.The dismissals came after Dallas fired bench boss Lindy Ruff on Sunday, while the incoming Vegas Golden Knights have a coaching vacancy of their own.We've matched the right fit for each destination:Dallas Stars(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Out: Lindy Ruff | In: Ken HitchcockWhat's old is new again.Ken Hitchcock coached the Stars to the Stanley Cup in 1999 and could be the perfect candidate again after the Texas club relieved Ruff of his duties.Related: Stars announce Ruff won't return next seasonHitchcock was fired by the St. Louis Blues earlier this season after spending parts of six seasons in Missouri. While he never led the Blues to their first Stanley Cup, he made his best impression a year ago, when St. Louis advanced to the Conference Finals.Hitchcock preaches a strong defensive game, which should help shore up the Stars' woes in their own zone. His style has been criticized for stifling offensive players, like Stars center Tyler Seguin, but the success Hitchcock had with Blues superstar Vladimir Tarasenko should quiet those concerns.A return to Dallas would mark the fifth stop for Hitchcock after previous stints with Philadelphia and Columbus. The tenured bench boss sits fourth all time in wins, behind only Scotty Bowman, Joel Quenneville, and Al Arbour.Florida Panthers(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Out: Tom Rowe | In: Dallas EakinsTom Rowe is out as head coach, but the Panthers' trust in analytics is still very much alive.In that sense, Dallas Eakins is the perfect match. The up-and-coming head coach would see his second stint as an NHL bench boss in joining the Panthers after his previous gig leading the Edmonton Oilers.Related: Panthers name Dale Tallon GM - againThings have changed since his 2015 dismissal. Eakins has spent the past two seasons guiding the AHL's San Diego Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks' minor-league club, pushing the club to the second round of the playoffs a year ago. The squad is poised for a return to the postseason this year, having won 40 of 65 contests.Eakins, 50, was fired in his second season with the Oilers, perhaps in recognition that he wasn't quite ready for the top job in the NHL at the time. He wouldn't be the first coach who made his NHL coaching debut too soon. Just ask Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan, who had a short-lived stint as coach of the Stars at age 40. Gulutzan resurfaced as the Flames' head coach this season, and has been one of the top bench bosses of the campaign.An added bonus? Eakins is a Florida native who spent parts of three seasons of his playing career with the Panthers.Los Angeles Kings(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Out: Darryl Sutter | In: Bob HartleyOne of Rob Blake's first jobs as the new general manager of the Kings will be to appoint the franchise's next head coach. He could turn to a familiar face in veteran Bob Hartley.Hartley's last stint behind an NHL bench came in 2015-16 with the Flames, but Blake's most familiar with Hartley as the coach who led the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 2001, a squad which counted Blake among its defensemen.Related: Kings fire Dean Lombardi and Darryl Sutter, name Rob Blake new GMHartley's resume boasts his winning pedigree, in not only a Cup with Colorado, but also championships in the QMJHL, AHL, and Swiss League.The experienced bench boss pushes an imposing style that could fit the Kings perfectly. The reality is much of Los Angeles' core is locked up long term, from forwards Dustin Brown, Marian Gaborik, and Anze Kopitar, to goaltender Jonathan Quick.It'd be up to Hartley to unleash the most from that group and push the Kings back into the winner's circle.Vancouver Canucks(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Out: Willie Desjardins | In: Travis GreenThe Canucks have begun to embrace a youth movement on the ice, and that could soon extend to the bench as well.Within the organization, Vancouver has one of the most promising up-and-coming coaches in AHL bench boss Travis Green.Related: Canucks fire head coach DesjardinsHe was a hot commodity last offseason, interviewing for the head coaching job with Avalanche, and those inquiries are sure to continue in the future, unless Green climbs the organizational ladder with the Canucks.Green has spent the past four seasons in Utica, with his best season coming in 2014-15 when the Comets advanced to the Calder Cup Finals. Prior to joining the AHL, Green led the Portland Winterhawks to the WHL championship in his first year as a head coach in the junior ranks.Green's success at the developmental levels and his ability to teach and communicate with young players, not to mention his near 1,000 games of experience as an NHL forward, shows he has plenty to offer the Canucks.Vegas Golden Knights(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)In: Darryl SutterDarryl Sutter's time in the unemployment line won't last long. It can't when your name is etched on the Stanley Cup in two of the last five years.That winning pedigree pushes Sutter to the top of the list as the first coach for the expansion Golden Knights. For a team that will largely be made up of rival teams' spare parts - at least initially - Sutter's strength to slow down the game and grind out victories would be invaluable for a squad short on skill.Related: Golden Knights considering '6 or 7' head coach candidatesThat same tactic was used in the early years of the Nashville Predators, when former head coach Barry Trotz had the Predators punching above their weight class.To his credit, and often unmentioned, Sutter's squads in Los Angeles have ranked first in possession. His familiarity with the Pacific Division, which the Golden Knights will join, is an added bonus.The longtime bench boss sits 11th in all-time coaching wins, with 634 victories to his name. His resume also includes stops with the Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Big news out of Hollywood, as the Los Angeles Kings are officially turning the club over to a couple of franchise greats.The club announced the firing of general manager and president Dean Lombardi and head coach Darryl Sutter on Monday, after another disappointing season that sees the Kings miss the playoffs for the second time in three years.Former Kings defenseman Rob Blake, 47, has been named the team's new GM and vice president, while Kings Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille, 51, has been promoted to team president.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Blake will take over the day-to-day operations of the hockey club, while Robitaille - who spent the last 10 years as the Kings' president of business operations - will oversee all hockey and business operations.Dan Beckerman, the president and CEO of AEG, the parent company of the Kings, announced the moves, calling the shuffling "an extremely difficult decision."Lombardi, hired in 2006, was the fourth-longest-tenured GM in the NHL, and leaves as the architect of two Stanley Cup-winning teams, in 2012 and 2014. Sutter was behind the bench for both.Only 58, Sutter took over partway through the 2011-12 season, leading the Kings to their first Stanley Cup. He departs with a 225-147-53 record in six seasons, the most wins by a head coach in Kings history, and is one of only 15 coaches to win over 600 regular-season games in his career.Sutter was under contract through 2018-19 at $3 million a season, according to Cap Friendly. He was forced to run his team out there this season without his No. 1 goalie, Jonathan Quick, for most of the campaign due to a groin injury, but thanks to Peter Budaj and strong team defense, the Kings finished sixth in the league in goals against, allowing only 2.5 per game. The club also had the league's fifth-best penalty kill at 84.5 percent.There's more: Los Angeles was the NHL's top possession team this season, its Corsi coming in at 54.98 percent. That the Kings always have the puck has been a trademark of Sutter's Los Angeles teams.Season Possession Rate Rank2016-1754.98%12015-1656.37%12014-1555.35%12013-1456.8%12012-1356.34%1(Data courtesy: Puckalytics)While the Kings often have the puck, lately they couldn't do much with it, and that ultimately cost Sutter and Lombardi their jobs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks are officially in a war of words.With the two teams set to square off Thursday in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series, Flames general manager Brad Treliving took the opportunity to fire back at Ducks brethren Bob Murray for remarks made last Friday."There were obviously some comments after last game," Treliving told Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald. "But for someone to suggest that Mark Giordano is a dirty player and that was an intentional hit, obviously I think those are asinine comments."Those "asinine comments" came from Murray, who sounded off to reporters after the Flames captain wasn't penalized for a knee-on-knee hit on Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler.

Vancouver Canucks president Trevor Linden met with the media Monday afternoon after the club announced the firing of head coach Willie Desjardins in the morning.Below are some of the more significant takeaways from the press conference.Owning it"(General manager) Jim (Benning) and I sit up here every bit as responsible," Linden said about the disappointing season the Canucks had, finishing second last in the league with 69 points, and the decision to let the coaching staff go.Vancouver ranked 29th in goals per game (2.2), 24th in goals against (2.9), 29th on the power play (14.1 percent), and 28th on the penalty kill (76.7 percent). It was bad, any way you want to look at it.Youth movementCiting Troy Stecher and Nikita Tryamkin as examples of young players who were able to make the team and stick, Benning said the same approach will be used next season.

Get ready for the Penguins vs. Blue Jackets rematch.The Metropolitan Division battle kicks off Wednesday at PPG Paints Arena, with Pittsburgh holding home-ice advantage. The two sides met four times in the regular season, with the Penguins taking the series 2-1-1. The Blue Jackets will now be out to right that record in the games that matter most.Physical foesMost notably, the focal point of a Penguins-Blue Jackets series is the assured battles between Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby and Blue Jackets agitating center Brandon Dubinsky.No other player seems to get under Crosby's skin quite like the Blue Jackets' alternate captain. Fights have been few and far between over Crosby's career, but the last time he dropped the gloves, in February 2015, Dubinsky was on the other end. Shutting down Sidney, and getting the Penguins captain off his game, will be a big help in the Blue Jackets grabbing a hold of the series.If Dubinsky isn't enough to rile up Crosby, what about Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella? In his previous stint with the New York Rangers, the Columbus bench boss infamously referred to Crosby and teammate Evgeni Malkin as the Penguins' two whining stars.Budding rivalryIf rivalries are built in the playoffs, expect to see a budding clash between the Penguins and Blue Jackets.This spring marks just the third playoff appearance for the Blue Jackets in their 16-year history, with their last postseason trip coming in 2014. That year saw the Blue Jackets open against the Penguins, pushing the series to six games. In the end, Columbus didn't come out on the winning side but the two victories marked the first in franchise history.It's a different Columbus squad this time around. Previous iterations squeaked into the spring dance, but that's not the case this year. The Blue Jackets were one of the top teams all season long, a stretch that saw the club post a 16-game win streak, one short of the all-time record (set by the 1993 Penguins). Like the Penguins, the Blue Jackets were one of just four teams to reach the 50-win plateau this season.Crosby factorGive Crosby a puck and stick and it's always must-see TV. The Penguins' leader resumed his role this season as one of the game's top players.Putting up 44 goals this campaign, Crosby captured the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's top goal-scorer. It marked his second time claiming the award, after doing so in 2009-10. The Blue Jackets will need to limit Crosby's chances in the postseason if they're to find victory.Meanwhile, the goals didn't come as often from Columbus skaters, as the team presents a more balanced attack. Winger Cam Atkinson was the only Blue Jackets skater to finish with more than 30 goals (35). It marked a career high for Atkinson, while the next best was captain Nick Foligno (26).(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's the end of an era.University of Michigan head coach Red Berenson announced Monday that he will retire after 33 seasons behind the bench."I've thought about this for a long time and I think this is the right time and it's the right thing to do for the Michigan hockey program," Berenson said in a statement. "My heart will always be at Michigan and I look forward to the team taking the next step and making me proud as a former coach."Berenson won two NCAA championships with Michigan, capturing titles in 1996 and 1998. He recorded 848 victories over his tenured coaching career."Throughout his career, Red has focused on the academic and athletic success of the young men who have come through our program while shaping the sport as we know it today," said athletic director Warde Manuel. "He has developed an astounding 73 NHL players but, more importantly, he has positively impacted hundreds of young men."Prior to joining Michigan, Berenson played in 987 games in the NHL, skating with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings.He later served as head coach of the Blues for three seasons, winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL coach of the year in 1980-81.Berenson will remain with the organization in an advisory role.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bob Probert's family spread his ashes inside the Red Wings penalty box at Joe Louis Arena following the club's final game at the historic venue Sunday, multiple players told Brad Galli of WXYZ-TV Detroit.

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has made it quite clear which type of head coach he's looking for as the successor to Lindy Ruff."Looking for an experienced guy, looking for a good coach," said Nill, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.Nill hasn't wasted any time reaching out to potential candidates, either."Right now I've had three people I've been talking to," said Nill. "I'm hoping this is going to happen pretty quickly. These guys are all good coaches."Based on Nill's comments assessing the poor defensive game of his team, it appears a coach with a defense-first mindset would be ideal.This leaves one candidate who might have a leg up on the rest of the competition: Ken Hitchcock.Though this is just speculation, but Hitchcock would be a great fit. He's coached in the NHL for over 20 years, has a reputation as a defensive wizard, and is without a job. He checks off all of Nill's boxes.Hitchcock, of course, coached the Stars to their lone Stanley Cup title in 1999. He followed that up with stints in Philadelphia, Columbus, and St. Louis, before being relieved of his duties earlier this year.Bob Hartley, Ron Wilson, Brent Sutter, and Mike Keenan would also fit the description, though Hitchcock seems like the best match given his history with the organization.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman doesn't foresee any problems locking up the team's pending restricted free agents, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.Forwards Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson, and Ondrej Palat are all set to become restricted free agents, but the good thing going for the Lightning is that there appears to be a desire among the players to remain with the club."I want to be here," Johnson said, according to Smith. "Tampa is my second home. Hopefully everything works out the way that I want it to."

Could it be a Chicago-Washington Stanley Cup Final? According to Bodog, that is the most likely scenario:TeamOdds to Win CupBlackhawks4/1Capitals9/2Wild8/1Penguins8/1Blue Jackets10/1Ducks14/1Canadiens14/1Rangers14/1Sharks14/1Oilers16/1Flames25/1Bruins25/1Predators25/1Maple Leafs25/1Senators28/1Blues33/1Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A collection of Winnipeg Jets will have the opportunity to represent their countries at the upcoming World Hockey Championship.Related - Report: Scheifele, Duchene, MacKinnon to play for Canada at worldsFollowing Winnipeg's final press conference of the season Monday, the team announced the following participants:PlayerTeamMark ScheifeleCanadaJosh MorrisseyCanadaAndrew CoppUSAJacob TroubaUSAConnor HellebuyckUSANikolaj EhlersDenmarkThe team also noted that rookie Patrik Laine would not be representing his native Finland. Laine appears to have decided not to play in the tournament, according to Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun.The 2017 World Hockey Championship runs May 5-21 in Paris and Cologne, Germany.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Saturday night, the new kids on the block lifted the Maple Leafs into the playoffs - and rest assured, Leafs Nation, this is an entirely different Toronto playoff team: young, fast, and skilled with absolutely zero pressure.So what is it going to be like for teams that have to face these fresh-faced kids vying for what I consider the world's hardest trophy to win?Let me start by saying these kids have no clue what’s in front of them, and how hard it is to capture the Stanley Cup - and that’s a good thing. Being this wet behind the ears means they won’t feel any pressure. It's a team of young players with nothing to lose, and will make life miserable for any team that plays it.The Washington Capitals are probably happy to face such a young, inexperienced team in the first round. But they're about to learn it will be like chasing a toddler around for two-and-a-half hours. They’ll most likely win in the end, but they will be completely exhausted and ready to tap out when that happens.I can only assume it will be like when I play forward in men’s league, and some of my son's Midget AAA teammates come out to play with us fat old guys. I chase them around for an hour, don’t touch the puck, and by the end, I’m ready to throw up.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Okay, those are bad examples. But I do recall playing in my first Stanley Cup playoffs for the Vancouver Canucks in 1996 against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. I was so young and naive, I had no clue what I was in store for. They had Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, and across from me at the other end was future Hall-of-Fame goalie Patrick Roy.Back then it was just another game; I had nothing to lose and I felt no pressure. Kirk McLean had struggled in Game 1 and I wasn’t even supposed to be playing. I was a young kid, and in my mind I was going to get another 20 chances at a Stanley Cup.Well, unfortunately for me, that turned out to be the only chance I got. So if you put me in that situation today and I knew what I know now, I would be a nervous wreck knowing that may be the only chance I’d ever get.This Leafs team, though, is different. Over the course of time, Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner, and William Nylander will eventually win at least one Stanley Cup. Yes, you read that correctly. I predict that this core group will win a Stanley Cup. They remind me a lot of the Chicago Blackhawks. Marner and Matthews sure seem a lot like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. When I think of Nylander, Marian Hossa comes to mind.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Yes it’s early in their careers, they are young, and will most likely be a first-round knockout, but that’s okay. The experience they gain just from getting a taste of the playoffs will make them hungry for even more.I would give my left arm to play in another Stanley Cup playoff game. It was the greatest experience of my life. The atmosphere, the people, the electricity in the building, it’s nothing even remotely like a regular-season game. The first round of the NHL playoffs are the best in any sport.For these young kids, it's about enjoying the experience, and learning something from it. This team wasn’t even supposed to make the playoffs.Oh, and one last thing ... is anyone complaining about them going fishing in Florida now?Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlantic Division's second-seeded Senators will take on the third-seeded Bruins in the first round of this year's playoffs. Ottawa swept the season series 4-0, though each game was decided by just one or two goals. This will be the first time in the modern era that these two clubs have met in the postseason.Here are three reasons why the Bruins will take the series:Puck PossessionThe Bruins ranked second in 5v5 Corsi For percentage and first in 5v5 Fenwick For percentage, according to Corsica.Hockey. The Senators, on the other hand, ranked 22nd in both categories.In addition to these advanced metrics, the Bruins will have the edge in the faceoff circle. Take a look:Bruins (FO%)Senators (FO%)Patrice Bergeron (60.1)Jean-Gabriel Pageau (54.8)Dominic Moore (54.6)Kyle Turris (52.1)David Krejci (51.4)Derick Brassard (50.0)As you can see, Boston's top three centers have the edge in the faceoff dot. Every faceoff, specifically in the offensive and defensive zones, is crucial in playoff hockey. Boston has the luxury of throwing out Bergeron, the best in the business, anytime they need a big win.The more faceoffs Boston can win, the less time Erik Karlsson will have with the puck on his stick. That is by far the best way to neutralize one of the best offensive defensemen of all time.Special TeamsThough there are usually fewer penalties called during postseason play, special teams can still have a huge effect on the outcome of a game. Since the games are so tight, one power play might be all it takes to decide a winner.Boston owned the league's best penalty kill in the regular season and the seventh-best power play. Ottawa had the 22nd ranked penalty kill and the 23rd ranked power play.Part of the reason Boston had the league's best PK was goaltender Tuukka Rask's astonishing .887 high-danger save percentage when Boston was down a man.Road WarriorsNot having home-ice advantage shouldn't be a major issue for the Bruins. Their road record of 21-14-16 was one of the best in the NHL this past season.Furthermore, the club went 18-8-1 once Bruce Cassidy replaced Claude Julien as head coach. With Cassidy at the helm, the club continued their road dominance, going 7-4 away from home.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NHLers Bill Guerin and Chris Drury will be tasked with assembling Team USA's roster for the upcoming World Championship, USA hockey announced on Monday.Guerin currently serves as assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, while Drury holds the same position with the New York Rangers.The Americans will be looking to get back on the podium this time around, after they were decimated 7-2 in the Bronze medal game against Russia last year. They were successful, however, in capturing bronze in 2015 after besting the Czech Republic 3-0.The tournament runs May 5-21, but will see Team USA play a pre-tournament game against Italy on May 2.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's Black Monday in the NHL, and it appears Jets head coach Paul Maurice is safe."For me, Paul (Maurice) has my full support," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said at a press conference Monday.There's no denying that the Jets underachieved this season, but most of that should fall on the goaltending rather than the coaching.The Jets finished with the third-worst save percentage and allowed the third-most goals against in the league. This comes in spite of the fact that they surrendered the 17th fewest scoring chances against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, according to Corsica.Hockey.If the Jets fail to upgrade from the trio of Connor Hellebuyck, Michael Hutchinson, and Ondrej Pavelec this offseason, it could cost Maurice his job next season if he once again fails to bring the Jets to the postseason.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens will be without hard-hitting defenseman Alexei Emelin (lower body) for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday against the New York Rangers, according to the club's official Twitter account.Emelin will be re-evaluated as the week progresses, reports TSN's John Lu.Emelin had only 10 points in the regular season, but set a physical tone with 241 hits and 71 penalty minutes. He also finished third on the team with 127 blocked shots.Look for veteran Andrei Markov and youngster Nathan Beaulieu to play expanded roles as left-sided defensemen.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Craig Anderson has earned the final first star honor of the regular season.The latest player of the week awards were announced on Monday, with the Ottawa Senators netminder earning top spot.Anderson went 3-0-1 with a 1.44 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage in four games, helping his club clinch second spot in the Atlantic Division and home ice for their first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins.Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom was named the second star after pacing the league in both points and assists with seven across four games.The week caps off a career season for the 23-year-old that saw him hit highs in goals (12), assists (26), and points (36), while leading the team's defense core in both goals and points.Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point secured the third star after finishing tied for second in the league with four goals and two assists in four games.Point's week was highlighted by a two-goal output in a pivotal game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was ultimately for naught, as Toronto clinched the final wild-card spot in the East on Saturday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sabres center Jack Eichel clearly isn't the type of person to mince his words.During an end-of-season press conference Monday, Eichel said too many guys in the dressing room are simply happy to just be in the NHL, which is part of the culture that needs change, according to Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News.Eichel has plenty of reasons to be frustrated. First off, the Sabres aren't going to the playoffs for the second straight season. Secondly, Connor McDavid, who was picked ahead of him in the 2015 NHL Draft, won the Art Ross Trophy, will likely take home the Hart Trophy, and will be going the postseason. Lastly, Eichel missed out on a $2-million bonus by 0.01 point."I think guys want to win, but there's a difference between saying you want to win and actually wanting to win and putting the work in and dedicating your life to it," said Eichel, per John Vogl of the Buffalo News.Statistically speaking, Eichel did his part this season. He led the team with 57 points despite missing 21 games due to injury. Aside from Ryan O'Reilly, nobody else on the team was able to crack the 50-point plateau.The Sabres' rebuild has gone slower than expected. It has to be frustrating for Eichel to see a division rival like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are earlier in their rebuild, make the playoffs before his team.With a young core featuring Eichel, O'Reilly, Sam Reinhart, and Evander Kane up front, Rasmus Ristolainen on the back end, and Robin Lehner in net, a playoff berth can't be too far away.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Braden Holtby might need a bigger trophy shelf.After taking home the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender in 2015-16, Holtby is the winner of the William M. Jennings trophy as the goaltender who plays at least 25 games for the club allowing the fewest goals.Holtby posted a record of 42-13-6 this season with a .925 save percentage, a 2.07 goals against average, and a league-leading nine shutouts. He will likely be up for the Vezina trophy once again.Despite all of these awards, there is still one piece of hardware Holtby is without: a Stanley Cup. He and the Capitals will begin their quest for Lord Stanley's mug Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Had the New York Islanders clinched a playoff spot, they still would've been without captain John Tavares into the postseason.Tavares spoke to the media Monday, and he noted he was hoping to return to the Islanders lineup for Game 3 or 4 of the playoffs had they earned a spot, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.Like the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders missed out on the final playoff spot by a single point thanks in large part to a comeback win Saturday by the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Pittsburgh Penguins.As Tavares enters the summer, talk is sure to pick up on his pending free agency. The 26-year-old has one year remaining on a six-year, $33-million contract and could become an unrestricted free agent for the first time.Tavares briefly touched on the subject Monday, only suggesting that a decision isn't likely coming anytime soon, stating: "It doesn't have to be decided tomorrow," according to Staple.

The Vancouver Canucks have fired head coach Willie Desjardins and assistant coaches Doug Lidster and Perry Pearn, the team announced on Monday.The news comes after Desjardins and the Canucks missed the postseason for the second straight season. The 2016-17 campaign was extremely bad, marking the team's worst finish in a full 82-game season since 1998-99 when they tallied just 58 points."We made a very difficult decision to relieve Willie Desjardins of his duties as head coach today," general manager Jim Benning said in a release. "It's been a challenging season and we all share responsibility for the results however, we felt this change was necessary as we continue to develop a young team and look ahead to the future. We're grateful to Willie, Doug, Perry and each of their families for their dedication and hard work and wish them every success."Desjardins has seen a steady regression in points since joining the team for the 2014-15 season. After finishing with 101 points in 2015, the club captured just 75 last year, and just 69 this time around.The 60-year-old has previously served as head coach of the Dallas Stars' American Hockey League affiliate the Texas Stars, where he helped the team win the Calder Cup in 2014.The Canucks saving grace this season is that they will have the second-best chance at winning the draft lottery.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Bruins could be without two stalwarts on the back end for Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators.Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said that Brandon Carlo won't play in Game 1 and that Torey Krug is unlikely to suit up.The 6-foot-5 Carlo has provided Boston with a second tower of power on their first D pairing alongside Zdeno Chara this season. The 20-year-old rookie averaged 20:49 of ice time with a plus-9 rating and 16 points.Krug is coming off a career-high 51 points this season. If he is unable to go, Boston will be losing their top puck mover and primary power-play quarterback.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ryan O'Reilly will be playing for a different kind of championship this spring.The Buffalo Sabres forward said he will represent Canada at the World Championship next month, according to Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio.For O'Reilly, it marks the third straight year he will represent Canada at the tournament, giving him the opportunity to capture his third straight gold medal at the event.Despite his club's failure to make the playoffs, O'Reilly still turned in a productive season with the Sabres posting 20 goals and 55 points in 72 games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Take a big sigh of relief, Sens fans.Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion confirmed that star defenseman Erik Karlsson and gritty forward Zack Smith will play Wednesday in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Dorion also added there's a "very good chance" Karlsson's defense partner, Marc Methot, will also play in Game 1.Karlsson has been dealing with a foot injury after blocking a shot March 28. He was held out of action for two games following the injury but returned for two games. With Ottawa's playoff spot secure, he was held out of the club's final three games.Methot hasn't played since March 23 against Pittsburgh after having a portion of his finger hacked off by Sidney Crosby.Smith has been out since March 30 with a lower-body injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Lightning missed out on a playoff spot by a mere point.Their final crusade down the stretch came up just short, but now that the dust has settled, there's little doubt the Lightning would be preparing for a Stanley Cup run if not for an injury that kept Steven Stamkos sidelined for the majority of the season.Stamkos' knee injury - suffered Nov. 15 - limited him to just 17 games, and while there was growing optimism he could return in the season's final two weeks, it simply wasn't to be as the injury just didn't progress as quickly as expected."There was no setback. It just didn't progress as fast as I originally thought," Stamkos said Monday. "I'm confident I'll be (back to) 100 percent. It just takes time ... I have no doubt I'll be feeling good at the end of the summer."The latter comment is welcome news for the Lightning. As for how the team performed in his absence, Stamkos liked what he saw, especially from his younger teammates."We know what they can do at this level now and that will only benefit us in the future," Stamkos said.

Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.With the end of the NHL season, it's time to hand out some awards for the 2016-17 fantasy hockey season. theScore's fantasy department wants YOU, the readers and fantasy players, to vote and decide the winner of each award. When voting, value players relative to standard league scoring:SkatersGoaliesGoalsWinsAssistsSV%+/-GAAPPPShutoutsPIMsSOGCriteria: The Fantasy Breakout Player of the Year should be awarded to a player who was fantasy irrelevant a year ago, but became one of the best in the game this season. This player was either a final-round flier on draft day or an early season waiver-wire pickup. Factor consistent production, positional eligibility and year-to-year statistical increase into your vote.Nominee: C/LW/RW Mikael Granlund, Minnesota WildGA+/-PPPPIMSOG2643232012177The case: Granlund is one of few players who is eligible at all three forward positions. He spent the majority of his first four seasons in the league playing center, but he excelled with a primary move to the wing this year. His career high in goals and assists heading into this season were 13 and 31, respectively.Nominee: LW/RW Viktor Arvidsson, Nashville PredatorsGA+/-PPPPIMSOG313016928246The case: Many people had no idea who Arvidsson was heading into this season. He scored just eight goals and added eight assists in 56 games last year. He has excelled as an energetic, high-volume shooter on Nashville's top line alongside C Ryan Johansen and LW/RW Filip Forsberg.Nominee: RW David Pastrnak, Boston BruinsGA+/-PPPPIMSOG3436112434262The case: Pastrnak scored 15 goals a season ago. It was reasonable to expect 20 out of him this year, but I don't think anyone saw this type of year coming so soon. He has been an excellent addition to Boston's top line featuring C Patrice Bergeron and LW Brad Marchand. Pastrnak is a major reason why Marchand is having a breakout year of his own.(Photos courtesy Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Charlie McAvoy to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.The deal comes two weeks after the Bruins signed the 19-year-old to an amateur tryout. In that time, he played four games for the club's American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins, where he picked up two assists.McAvoy was chosen 14th overall in the 2016 draft and is coming off a career-best season with Boston University, collecting five goals and 26 points in 38 games.He is expected to join the team for practice Monday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens will get the chance to exorcise their demons from 2014 with a rematch against the New York Rangers.The two clubs will meet in the first round of the playoffs three years after the Rangers defeated the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals 4-2. The clubs enter the series as the tightest matchup of the eight in the first round, with the Canadiens having finished with just one point more than the Rangers.Thanks to the current playoff format, the Canadiens were able to secure home ice after claiming the Atlantic Division title.The Canadiens should head into the series with a sense of swagger after going 3-0-0 against the Rangers during the regular season, outscoring them by an 11-7 margin. However, anything can happen in the playoffs, so let's break this thing down:Players to watchCanadiens: Paul ByronFew people would have predicted at the beginning of the year that the only Canadiens player to reach the 20-goal plateau this year besides captain Max Pacioretty would be Byron, but here we are.Considering Byron had combined for 24 goals in his previous three seasons combined (166 games), it's safe to say this season was a breakout.His season is all the more impressive when you add in that he scored 21 of his goals at even-strength and ranked 18th in the league in goals per 60 minutes with a 1.18 mark.The playoffs usually come down to which team's depth players can rise to the challenge and the Canadiens certainly have an ace in Byron.Rangers: Michael GrabnerGrabner was a goal away from tying Chris Kreider for the team lead in goals this season. Pretty impressive.The 29-year-old scored his highest mark since potting a career-high 34 in 2011. In all, he finished with 27 tallies and 40 points and proved that his rough season in Toronto a year ago was a byproduct of playing on a bad team and having some bad luck.Grabner could be very valuable in this series, not just because he can score, but because of his dynamic speed. It's no secret that the Canadiens elected to sacrifice speed for size and strength at the trade deadline, acquiring the likes of Dwight King, Jordie Benn, Steve Ott, and Andreas Martinsen.Grabner's speed could give the Canadiens a lot of trouble and could help open things up for his teammates.Weakest linksRangers: Shot generationWhile the Rangers didn't struggle to score goals this season - finishing with the fourth-highest goals per game - they did struggle to create chances.The team finished with the 22nd-most shots per game, generating an average of 29.7 per contest. At 5-on-5, they had the sixth-worst Corsi For percentage behind the likes of Detroit and Colorado.If scoring chances are going to be limited - on Carey Price for that matter - that could make for a dramatic drop in goals for the Rangers.Canadiens: Goal scoringSpeaking of goal scoring, as mentioned above, just Pacioretty and Byron hit the 20-goal mark for the Canadiens this season.The Canadiens finished in the middle of the pack in scoring, ranking 15th with 2.72 goals per game. Not terrible, but certainly not ideal.A specific area of concern is with their expected big guns, Alex Galchenyuk, Tomas Plekanec, and Brendan Gallagher, who collectively scored just 37 goals after combining for 63 one season ago.It's simple: These three must be better.PredictionIn all likelihood, this series will go six or seven games. As mentioned off the top, these are two fairly even teams.In saying that, it's safe to assume that - as with most playoff hockey - things are going to get really tight out there and scoring will be limited. It's for that reason that the Canadiens get the edge.If games come down to one or two goals you have to give the advantage to the best goalie in the world in Price. He's had small dips in form during the regular season, but overall has been his same stellar self, especially of late. In 22 career games against the Rangers Price boasts a 15-5-1 record with a .940 save percentage, a 1.82 goals-against average, and seven shutouts.Meanwhile, Henrik Lunqvist has put up career-worst numbers this season. Anything can happen, but as they say, defense wins championships.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You know what they say: Look good, feel good, play good. Thanks to outstanding flows, the following five players have been looking good all season long:(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Jaromir Jagr, PanthersAh, Jagr. The god of hockey hair. There are so many reasons why Jagr playing into his mid-40s is awesome, but the fact that he grew back his signature mullet is definitely near the top of the list. This list easily could have just been a photo gallery of Jagr's legendary flow.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Carl Hagelin, PenguinsIt just wouldn't be a "best hockey hair" list without some traditional Swedish gold locks. Isn't it luscious? Though this picture was taken during last year's Stanley Cup Final, Hagelin has continued to sport this fantastic flow. There are few things better in life than seeing Hagelin's hair flowing through the air while he blazes down the left wing.(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Victor Hedman, LightningHedman makes it two Swedes in a row. What he may lack in gold shine and front door curtains like Hagelin, he more than makes up for with outstanding lettuce. If he ever decides hockey isn't for him, grocery stores across the globe would gladly take him with open arms as the face of their produce section.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Braden Holtby, CapitalsIt's a shame Holtby's great flow is usually hidden behind his goalie mask. The water bottle spray only adds to its greasiness (in a good way) and allure.(Photo courtesy: @Capitals/Twitter)Justin Williams, Andre Burakovsky, CapitalsWhat Williams and Burakovsky sported on Washington's photo day may not be classified as "flow," but it was far too amazing to leave off this list. Did they use hair spray to keep the hair pushed up? Maybe they'll go down as trendsetters.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

"Sooner or later, everything old is new again." - Stephen King.This quote perfectly sums up the Florida Panthers' most recent move. The club has named Dale Tallon as its general manager, replacing Tom Rowe.Tallon, of course, was the team's general manager from May 17, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2016. He wasn't fired as the club's GM, but was instead promoted to President of Hockey Operations. Tallon will still hold that title, along with his role as general manager.Rowe, who served as the club's GM and interim head coach this past season, will stay with the organization as Special Advisor to Tallon.Tallon is probably best known as the architect of the Blackhawks dynasty, having served as Chicago's general manager from 2004-2009. He has done a fine job building the Panthers, too, drafting core players such as Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, Aleksander Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad.The team will begin a search for its next head coach immediately.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Things have gone from bad to worse for Sabres forward Jack Eichel.Not only will his team be hitting the links early, but he also missed out on quite a hefty paycheck.Eichel would have received a $2-million performance bonus had he finished in the NHL's top 10 in points-per-game, according to Cap Friendly, but he finished 11th - by 0.01 point.Had Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl not capped his season with a two-point night against the Canucks, Eichel would be a very rich man. Eichel finished the season with 0.93 points-per-game, while Draisaitl finished with 0.94.Luckily for Eichel, players of his caliber usually get a set-for-life type of contract extension before they hit the open market. His pay day will come, it just won't be today.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings bid farewell to Joe Louis Arena in style on Sunday.Home to the red and white since December 1979, the Wings won their final game in the old barn, a 4-1 decision over the New Jersey Devils.Legends were in tow, as were octopuses. It was also captain Henrik Zetterberg's 1,000th regular-season game. Best of all, Riley Sheahan snapped a 79-game goalless skid, scoring the opening tally of the game and the final goal in the history of the building. How's that for timing?All in all, a special night, and an occasion worth celebrating despite the end of Detroit's magical 25-season playoff streak.Here are some of the best photos from a night to remember in downtown Detroit:Zetterberg, of course, scored in his 1,000th game.Despite PETA's concerns, octopuses were all over the building Sunday. Tradition dies hard.Steve Yzerman is the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning now, but he'll always be a Red Wing.The Joe, as it's known, was named after former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis.Everyone had a good time but the Devils.History.Those steps are special to Red Wings supporters, a right of passage.Sheahan will go down in history for all the best reasons.From above.Salute.(Photos Courtesy: Action Images, Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The best tournament in sports is about to begin.The 16-team field is set to compete for the Stanley Cup, the matchups are confirmed, and below you'll find the schedule for the first round of the playoffs (all times ET).The party begins Wednesday.Eastern ConferenceAtlantic DivisionMontreal Canadiens (A1) vs. New York Rangers (WC1)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Wed. April 127 PMMTLNYRCBC / TVA / NBCSN2Fri. April 147 PMMTLNYRCBC / TVA / USA3Sun. April 167 PMNYRMTLSportsnet / TVA / NBCSN4Tue. April 187 PMNYRMTLCBC / TVA / NBCSN5*Thu. April 20TBDMTLNYRTBD6*Sat. April 22TBDNYRMTLTBD7*Mon. April 24TBDMTLNYRTBDOttawa Senators (A2) vs. Boston Bruins (A3)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Wed. April 127 PMOTTBOSSportsnet / TVA / NHL2Sat. April 153 PMOTTBOSSportsnet / TVA / NBC3Mon. April 177 PMBOSOTTSportsnet / TVA / CNBC4Wed. April 197:30 PMBOSOTTSportsnet / TVA / USA5*Fri. April 21TBDOTTBOSTBD6*Sun. April 23TBDBOSOTTTBD7*Wed. April 26TBDOTTBOSTBDMetropolitan DivisionWashington Capitals (M1) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (WC2)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Thu. April 137 PMWSHTORCBC / TVA / USA2Sat. April 157 PMWSHTORCBC / TVA / NBCSN3Mon. April 177 PMTORWSHCBC/ TVA / NBCSN4Wed. April 197 PMTORWSHCBC / TVA / NBCSN5*Fri. April 21TBDWSHTORTBD6*Sun. April 23TBDTORWSHTBD7*Tue. April 25TBDWSHTORTBDPittsburgh Penguins (M2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (M3)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Wed. April 127:30 PMPITCBJSN360 / TVA / USA2Fri. April 147 PMPITCBJSportsnet / TVA / NHL3Sun. April 166 PMCBJPITSN360 / TVA / CNBC4Tue. April 187:30 PMCBJPITSN360 / TVA / CNBC5*Thu. April 20TBDPITCBJTBD6*Sun. April 23TBDCBJPITTBD7*Tue. April 25TBDPITCBJTBDWestern ConferenceCentral DivisionChicago Blackhawks (C1) vs. Nashville Predators (WC2)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Thu. April 138 PMCHINSHSportsnet / TVA / NBCSN2Sat. April 158 PMCHINSHSportsnet / TVA / NBC3Mon. April 179:30 PMNSHCHISN1 / TVA / CNBC4Thu. April 20TBDNSHCHISN360 / TVA5*Sat. April 22TBDCHINSHTBD6*Mon. April 24TBDNSHCHITBD7*Wed. April 26TBDCHINSHTBDMinnesota Wild (C2) vs. St. Louis Blues (C3)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Wed. April 129:30 PMMINSTLSN360 / TVA / NBCSN2Fri. April 148 PMMINSTLSN360 / TVA / NBCSN3Sun. April 163 PMSTLMINSportsnet / TVA / NBC4Wed. April 199:30 PMSTLMINSN360 / TVA / NBCSN5*Sat. April 22TBDMINSTLTBD6*Mon. April 24TBDSTLMINTBD7*Wed. April 26TBDMINSTLTBDPacific DivisionAnaheim Ducks (P1) vs. Calgary Flames (WC1)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Thu. April 1310:30 PMANACGYCBC / TVA / NBCSN2Sat. April 1510:30 PMANACGYCBC / TVA / NBCSN3Mon. April 1710 PMCGYANACBC / TVA / NBCSN4Wed. April 1910 PMCGYANACBC / TVA / USA5*Fri. April 21TBDANACGYTBD6*Sun. April 23TBDCGYANATBD7*Tue. April 25TBDANACGYTBDEdmonton Oilers (P2) vs. San Jose Sharks (P3)GameDateStart TimeHomeAwayTV1Wed. April 1210 PMEDMSJSSportsnet / TVA / USA2Fri. April 1410:30 PMEDMSJSSportsnet / TVA / NBCSN3Sun. April 1610 PMSJSEDMSportsnet / TVA / NBCSN4Tue. April 1810 PMSJSEDMSportsnet / TVA / NBCSN5*Thu. April 20TBDEDMSJSTBD6*Sat. April 22TBDSJSEDMTBD7*Mon. April 24TBDEDMSJSTBD* If necessaryCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don't worry Colorado Avalanche fans, help is on the way.After manufacturing the worst season in the shootout era, the Avs own the best chances at the top pick in June's draft. After the Avalanche, the Canucks are next in line, while Las Vegas is thrown in the mix with the third-best odds, tied with Arizona.Here's a look at the rest of the odds for those outside the playoff picture:TeamOddsAvalanche17.9%Canucks12.1%Golden Knights10.3%Coyotes10.3%Devils8.5%Sabres7.6%Red Wings6.7%Stars5.8%Panthers5.4%Kings4.5%Hurricanes3.1%Jets2.7%Flyers2.2%Lightning1.8%Islanders0.9%This year's draft will take place June 23 in Chicago, while the lottery order will reportedly be determined April 29.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby added more hardware to his mantle Sunday, winning his second Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal-scorer with the conclusion of the 2016-17 regular sason.The Pittsburgh captain had his feet up Sunday, sitting out the Penguins' season finale and finishing with 44 goals - the second-highest total of his career - in 75 games. Crosby won his first Richard Trophy in 2009-10, when he scored 51 goals, the first and only time he's hit the half-century mark. (Steven Stamkos also had 51 that season.)Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov and Toronto Maple Leafs super rookie Auston Matthews finished second to No. 87 with 40 goals. And ain't no shame in that.Crosby shot 17.3 percent this season, which also ranks second-highest in his career. He was sniping at an otherworldly 19.9 percent in 2010-11, finishing with 32 goals in an injury-shortened 41-game season.His 0.59 goals-per-game average led the league, his 30 even-strength goals ranked second to Matthews, and he scored the opening goal of a game 11 times - third to Matthews' 14 and Patrick Kane's 12.It's been a remarkable year for Crosby. He won his first Conn Smythe Trophy and second Stanley Cup last June, and now adds another Richard Trophy before the Penguins' quest to repeat begins Wednesday.Dominant like no other, you can argue Crosby's never been better.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Century man.Connor McDavid is your 2016-17 Art Ross Trophy winner. It's undoubtedly the first of many for the 20-year-old.The Edmonton Oilers captain wrapped up his eventual Hart Trophy-winning season Sunday with two assists (his 30th multi-point game), and finished his second campaign in the league with 30 goals, a league-high 70 assists, and 100 points.The helpers extended No. 97's point streak to 14 games, the longest by an Oiler since 1987-88, when a couple of guys named Mark Messier (14 games) and Wayne Gretzky (15 games) went on impressive runs.

If you feared Sunday's game might be Jarome Iginla's last, you may be in luck.The 39-year-old's season is officially done after an overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks - in which he became just the 34th player in NHL history to reach 1,300 points - but Iginla revealed he's interested in coming back come October.

Let's go.The NHL's playoff bracket is finally fully set. The Anaheim Ducks earned two points Sunday at home against the Los Angeles Kings, which means three things:

Jarome Iginla is adding to his already legendary numbers in what could possibly by the final game of his career.During Sunday's Los Angeles Kings season finale, Iginla recorded an assist on a goal credited to Dustin Brown, thereby recording his 1,300th career point.