Bruce Boudreau might look a little different when he arrives in his old stomping grounds this weekend."I'm growing a beard so they won't recognize me," the Minnesota Wild head coach quipped Wednesday when asked about making his return to Anaheim on Sunday.Boudreau coached the Ducks from 2011-16, qualifying for the playoffs in four of the five seasons but failing to make it past the Conference Final.Anaheim lost that series to the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games back in 2014-15, and fell in seven games to the Nashville Predators in the first round last spring. Both defeats came on home ice, and Boudreau lost four straight Game 7s at Honda Center.What a difference a change of scenery can make, though. Boudreau has rejuvenated the Wild, who sit one point back of the first-place Blackhawks in the Central Division after reeling off a 12-game win streak that was snapped Saturday by the scorching hot Columbus Blue Jackets.The Wild rank fourth in the NHL in goals for per game (3.11), and second in goals allowed per contest (2.06).Boudreau was hired by Minnesota last May.He also coached the Washington Capitals for parts of five seasons from 2007-08 to 2011-12.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

November and December were months to forget for New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider.But after posting uncharacteristically poor numbers for an unusually long period of time, Schneider has kicked off the new year in such a way that gives New Jersey reason to hope for a playoff push down the stretch.It's only been two games, but the Devils could not have asked for a better performance out of Schneider:DateOpponentResultShots AgainstSave %Jan. 2BruinsW 3-0221.000Jan. 3HurricanesW 3-130.967The back-to-back wins were the first recorded by Schneider since early November, a month in which he posted an .893 save percentage, a number that dropped to .887 in December.The Devils sit six points back of a wild-card spot, and recognize Schneider must be at the top of his game in order to remain competitive.

What's the deal with goaltending in Canada?With all due respect to Carter Hart and Connor Ingram, who, remember, are children playing in a world juniors tournament the north takes a little bit too seriously, they've been hilariously bad for Canada over the past week and change.We've looked at Hart's and Ingram's individual numbers. It's when you look at them combined - Canada's goaltending numbers overall - that you realize how bad they've been.The pair has allowed 11 goals in five games. On the surface, based on simple arithmetic, not bad. But those 11 goals have come on 87 shots. That's an .873 save percentage. Only Latvia's goaltending has been worse. (Latvia!)And yet, Canada's 4-1 and will play for a spot in the finals Wednesday. Ingram will be in goal, and he must be better.Yes, the reality is the country's teenagers are really good, always have the puck, and can get by with below-replacement goaltending, but Canada's issues in the crease - never more apparent than this year - are hurting the team at the world juniors.Math don't lieFrom 2002 through 2011, Canada's kids won five golds and five silvers. Dominant. And that's not really surprising, based on the talent Hockey Canada's had to work with over the years - talent that includes some of the best in the NHL, and boasts Olympic gold medals and a World Cup title. You can call them "best-on-best" tournaments if you like, but it's Canada vs. the world - and Canada's coming out on top.But back to the kids. Fact is, Canada's been winning in spite of its goaltending for a while. In 2009, the last of Canada's five gold-medal finishes in a row, starter Dustin Tokarski had a .906 save percentage - fourth among starters. Tokarski, in other words, has Cody Hodgson, John Tavares, and Jordan Eberle - the tourney's top three scorers - to thank for his hardware.The medals have dried up, though. Canada has one gold (2015) and one bronze (2012) to show for its last five world juniors. And while that's going to happen when the country isn't sending its best players (Connor McDavid) to the tournament every year, it means goaltending matters that much more.The numbers from the crease, though, over the past 10 years - and especially the last five - are for the most part downright unCanadian:YearSV%Rank2017.87369th2016.85959th2015.93751st (Gold)2014.88576th2013.89566th2012.93122nd (Bronze)2011.90108th (Silver)2010.90584th (Silver)2009.91492nd (Gold)2008.94971st (Gold)Even the strong numbers, most recently from 2015 and 2012, are deceiving.In 2015, it was the dynamic duo of Zachary Fucale and Eric Comrie in the crease. Fucale never posted a save percentage higher than .907 in junior, and is now in the ECHL. Comrie can't crack .910 in the AHL.In 2012, Mark Visentin and Scott Wedgewood split the duties. Vistentin got into one NHL game and is in the ECHL today, while Wedgewood has played five games outside of the AHL (four in the NHL and one in the ECHL) in the past four years.Visentin and Olivier Roy were on duty in 2011, when Russia stunned Canada in the gold-medal game 5-3 after being down 3-0. Visentin stopped 22-of-27 shots in the final. Roy plays in Austria.Make Canadian goalies great againWhile goaltenders certainly - and rightfully - take a lot longer to marinate, you have to go back a ways to find a Canadian world juniors goaltender who is now a legitimate No. 1, or has spent time as one in the NHL:

It's been quite a month for Reid Boucher.The 23-year-old forward was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks from the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, marking his third NHL club since Dec. 2, with an AHL stint thrown in for good measure.

The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed forward Ty Rattie off waivers from the St. Louis Blues."We feel that Ty has a high skill level and we believe that he can help improve our team," general manager Ron Francis said.Rattie was selected 32nd overall by the Blues in 2011, and has bounced between the Blues and the AHL's Chicago Wolves over the past four seasons.He has appeared in 30 NHL games, with four goals and four assists to his credit.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ten years ago Wednesday, Patrik Stefan made NHL infamy.The former Dallas Stars and Atlanta Thrashers forward was a first overall pick of the now-Winnipeg Jets in 1999, but he'll forever be more widely remembered for an on-ice blunder that both cost his team a sure goal and led to an opposing one.In the waning moments of regulation with the Stars leading the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Jan. 4, 2007, Stefan had a golden opportunity to seal the victory with an empty-netter ... when this happened:The Stars ended up winning in a shootout, but let's be honest, no one remembers that.Thanks to a largely forgettable career and Stefan's status as one of the biggest draft busts in NHL history, the misplay will continue serving as a microcosm of his pro-hockey tenure, although multiple concussions and a slew of other injuries undoubtedly impacted his ability to perform at a high level.Stefan was out of the NHL after that 2006-07 season, playing three games in the Swiss league in 2007-08 before hanging up his skates.He's now an agent in Michigan, and gave George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press some perspective when asked about his NHL legacy last January.“I enjoyed the career I had,” Stefan said. “I had almost 500 (NHL) games. It wasn’t the career I wanted to (have), but I got to play in the NHL. I think people forget it’s really hard to make it to the NHL, and it’s even harder to stay there.”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.Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Wednesday, Jan. 4 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):Triple Threat

As the Colorado Avalanche continue to tumble, Jarome Iginla is open to exercising an escape option.The veteran forward is in the final year of his contract with the last-place club, and, in advance of Wednesday's return to his long-time hockey home of Calgary, Iginla admitted he'd be open to waiving his no-movement clause in order to join a team with postseason aspirations."Yeah, I’d consider it," he said Tueday, per Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun. "I’d love to be in the playoffs and have that chance."A chance at winning the Stanley Cup before he retires is what Iginla is referring to, of course. It's a goal he hasn't been as close to reaching since a 2004 final appearance with the Flames, and one he'd love to add to his Hall of Fame resume."That’s still the dream, and I think it’s still possible," he added "I would love to. I tell you, I’d really appreciate it. I realize over all the years how many good things have to come together and how fortunate all the people that win it are."So yeah, I’d love to do that. I still think it’s possible. All I can do is just keep playing and you keep trying to get better."Iginla has managed only five goals and four assists in 37 games this season, and hasn't appeared in a playoff game since signing with the Avalanche in 2014.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have not been squeaking by.Winners of 16 straight following a 3-1 win Tuesday over Edmonton, John Tortorella's team continued to pile up goals and hold the opposition at bay in a way that leaves no doubt in regards to how good this team really is.Since the win streak began Nov. 29, Columbus has scored 62 goals, second only to Pittsburgh (67). At the other end of the ice, the Blue Jackets have allowed only 27 goals against in the 16 games, five fewer than any team.That amounts to a goal differential of 35, meaning an average of 2.2 goals per game over the course of the streak.A big part of that has been the play of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who's started 14 of the 16 games and held down the fort with sparkling numbers.

It was a moving night in the Music City for Shea Weber.The longtime Nashville Predators blue-liner returned to Tennessee on Tuesday as part of the Montreal Canadiens, his first game back since an offseason deal sent him to Montreal.His presence certainly didn't go unnoticed, with the Predators honoring their former captain with a video tribute, as local supporters gave a standing ovation of the defenseman who spent the last 11 seasons in Nashville."I didn't want to look at the video, to be honest with you," Weber told reporters following the Canadiens' 2-1 overtime win. "I was a little bit afraid I might get emotional."The hometown fans also got their own moment of reflection, as Weber flexed his offensive prowess that he came to be known for in Nashville, scoring the Canadiens' first goal of the game, a wrist shot tally that defied Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne."Obviously, it meant a lot and it was really special," Weber added. "It was special to be back in this building where I spent a lot of years, and even better to pick up the win."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The kids are more than alright. Try exceptional.The Toronto Maple Leafs rookies have produced the most offense of any club's first-year group this season.Following their 37th game of the campaign Tuesday - a 6-5 loss in Washington - Maple Leafs' rookies have been involved in 91 of the team's 112 goals, an astounding 81 percent.The caveat to the impressive statistic is the Leafs boast more rookies than any other team, as eight skaters have suited up and recorded a point for Mike Babcock this season.Either way, the breakdown is eye-opening:Player GAPAuston Matthews201434Mitch Marner101929William Nylander81826Connor Brown8917Zach Hyman51217Nikita Zaitsev11416Nikita Soshnikov134Frederik Gauthier213That's a grand total of 145 points, which is more than the next three teams' first-year outputs - the Jets (48), Rangers (45), and Blue Jackets (41) - combined.It's safe to say the youth movement is working.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Just like old times.In his first game against the franchise he used to captain, Shea Weber provided some dramatics with a laser wrist shot past Pekka Rinne in the third period.A smattering of cheers emerged from the crowd, despite Weber wearing opposing colors.Related: Watch: Predators pay tribute to WeberFittingly, the goal was set up by another former - yet much less loved - Predator, Alexander Radulov.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A troublesome trend is plaguing the growth of the youthful Toronto Maple Leafs.Despite entering Tuesday's contest versus the Capitals on the high of a five-game winning streak, the Maple Leafs let it all slip away in the final frame again, this time coming away on the losing end.It marked the eighth time Toronto has squandered a multi-goal lead in the third period, and, remarkably, the fourth game in a row.The numbers speak for themselves:DateOpponent3rd period leadResultDec. 28Panthers2-0OTWDec. 29Lightning2-0OTWJan. 1Red Wings4-1OTWJan. 3Capitals4-2, 5-4OTLHead coach Mike Babcock has harped about the club's need to close out games to take the next step all season long, and while they've been able to come away with some wins recently, Tuesday's contest was evidence that if you play with fire too many times, you will in fact get burned.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Cam Atkinson and William Karlsson scored powerplay goals and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 on Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to 16 games - one away from the longest ever in the NHL.Nick Foligno also scored for the Blue Jackets, who can tie the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins with a victory Thursday night at Washington. The near-sellout crowd chanted ''We want 16!'' as the clock ticked down.Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 21 shots for Columbus, which started the new year on the right note after winning all 14 games in December. The Blue Jackets haven't lost since Nov. 26 thanks in part to the league's best powerplay unit.Oscar Klefbom scored for Edmonton, which was limited throughout by Columbus' hard-pressing defense. Cam Talbot had 32 saves for the Oilers.The Blue Jackets got on the board 12:32 into the first period when Atkinson's shot ricocheted in off the skate of the Oilers' Andrej Sekera. Atkinson added to his team-leading totals of 18 goals and 38 points, and Zach Werenski and Alexander Wennberg got the assists."That was a nice bounce," said Atkinson, who has 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in his past 13 games.Edmonton managed just four shots on goal against a hustling defense in the opening period.Klefbom evened it 5:39 into the second period with a shot from the slot on an Oilers rush. Shortly afterward, the Blue Jackets' Brandon Dubinsky and the Oilers' Patrick Maroon - who got an assist on Klefbom's goal - slugged each other briefly and went to the box for fighting after Maroon threw a high elbow.Karlsson, skating for Dubinsky during the fighting penalty, put Columbus ahead 2-1 on another power play 10:43 into the second when he ripped a shot from the middle of the left circle past Talbot. Brandon Saad, who fed Karlsson with a perfect pass, got the assist, along with Seth Jones.Foligno put Columbus up by two 2:45 into the third period with an unassisted goal after stepping in front of a pass as the Oilers were trying to get out of their zone.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Auston Matthews: not just a goal scorer.The Toronto Maple Leafs phenom has 14 tallies in his last 17 games, but his playmaking abilities stole the show in the second period versus Washington Tuesday night.Matthews evaded a check from Nicklas Backstrom, then deked past Brooks Orpik, before reversing his direction and finding Leo Komarov in front for a tap in, and his second assist of the game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils will recognize the franchise's original owner, John McMullen, as the first inductee in the team's Ring of Honor.McMullen brought the NHL to New Jersey in 1982 after purchasing the then-Colorado Rockies and moving the franchise to the Garden State.Under McMullen's guidance, the Devils captured three Stanley Cups, in 1995, 2000, and 2003, and were a force to be reckoned with through 1990s and early 21st century.The ceremony takes place at the Prudential Center on Friday, prior to the team's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The family of the late McMullen will attend the ceremony in his honor.

New York Rangers forward Matt Puempel is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with concussion symptoms, the club announced Tuesday.Puempel was claimed by New York from the Ottawa Senators in November for added forward depth.After going pointless through 13 games in Ottawa, Puempel has recorded five goals and one assist with the Rangers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The fans have spoken.After a month-long vote, hockey fanatics have called on Connor McDavid, P.K. Subban, Sidney Crosby, and Carey Price to captain the four divisional squads at the NHL All-Star game.The game takes place Jan. 29 at Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Kings.The All-Star game will be played in the 3-on-3 format, as introduced last season, made up of three games. The two divisions of each conference will face off in a semifinal before the winner of each moves on to the final round.Each All-Star squad will include six forwards, three defensemen, and two goaltenders.Full rosters will be announced at a later date.The All-Star festivities kick off on Jan. 28 with the skills competition. The events include: the hardest shot, fastest skater, breakaway challenge, skills challenge relay, accuracy shooting, and the elimination shootout.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers will welcome goaltender Michal Neuvirth back to the lineup on Wednesday.The 28-year-old was activated off injured reserve and will serve as Steve Mason's backup when the Flyers take on the New York Rangers, the team announced on Tuesday.Neuvirth has been out of action since Nov. 12 when he suffered a lower-body injury against the Minnesota Wild.In a corresponding move, the team has reassigned goaltender Anthony Stolarz to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League.Neuvirth is 4-2-0 in nine games this season, with a 3.54 goals-against average and a .859 save percentage.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The two biggest winning streaks in the NHL have helped two goaltenders earn player of the month honors.Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was named December's first star on Tuesday. Bobrovsky went a perfect 12-0-0 while posting an incredible 1.75 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage as the Blue Jackets went a perfect 14-0-0 on the month and pushed their franchise-high winning-streak to 15 games.Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin took home second star honors after posting a league-high 21 points. Malkin netted seven goals and 14 assists, including eight multi-point games, while also collecting his 800th career point, becoming just the fourth Penguins player in history to reach the mark.Minnesota Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk was named the third star of December after going nearly perfect with a 10-1-1 record while putting up a 1.88 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage.Dubnyk was detrimental in the Wild constructing a franchise-high 12-game winning streak, which was ultimately brought to an end by the Blue Jackets.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The accolades continue to roll in for Auston Matthews.A day after being named the first star of the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward was named Rookie of the Month, the league announced Tuesday.Matthews led all rookies in scoring with eight goals and four assists in 12 games in December. The 19-year-old edged out Winnipeg Jets sniper Patrik Laine, Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, Carolina Hurricanes winger Sebastian Aho, and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray for the honor.Matthews becomes the third winner of the award this year, joining teammate William Nylander and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A foot injury suffered by Jamie Benn will force the Dallas Stars captain to miss at least one game, that being Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.Benn remains listed as day-to-day, and although it doesn't sound too serious, head coach Lindy Ruff is playing it safe with his team not set to play again until Saturday."This is a situation where it’s our responsibility to keep him out," Ruff said, per Sean Shapiro of Wrong Side of the Red Line. "He could probably play, but to what effect he would be and where he would be in a couple days would be a big concern of ours."Here's what the lines could look like in his absence.

Well, the Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine debate just got a lot more complicated.Oddsmakers Bodog have released their most recent odds of who will take home hardware at season's end, and the most interesting line appears to be in the Calder Trophy category, where Matthews and Laine are locked in a tie for the best odds:PlayerOdds on 12/1/16Current OddsPatrik Laine2/11/1Auston Matthews9/41/1Zach Werenski13/49/2Matt Murray17/215/2For the Hart Trophy, Connor McDavid continues to lead the way:PlayerOdds on 12/1/16Current OddsConnor McDavid11/55/4Sidney Crosby5/17/5Devan DubnykOff the board5/1Vladimir Tarasenko10/115/2Carey Price5/18/1Devan Dubnyk is believed to be the man to dethrone Braden Holtby, last year's Vezina Trophy winner:PlayerOdds on 12/1/16Current OddsDevan Dubnyk9/210/11Sergei Bobrovsky20/112/5Carey Price2/312/5Corey Crawford30/15/1Braden Holtby16/112/1Brent Burns is set to win the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman:PlayerOdds on 12/1/16Current OddsBrent Burns7/25/8Erik Karlsson9/29/4Victor Hedman6/115/2Duncan Keith12/18/1Shea Weber3/117/2Finally, Sidney Crosby has been given the greatest odds of capturing both the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer, and the Art Ross Trophy as the league's point leader with 4/15 and 6/5 odds, respectively.Place your bets.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's amazing what a 15-game winning streak can do for a team.The Columbus Blue Jackets' recent run of success has propelled the club to the best odds of winning the Stanley Cup, according to Bodog.The Minnesota Wild also made a big leap thanks to a lengthy winning streak of their own, which was snapped by the Blue Jackets on Dec. 31.Here's a look at today's betting odds by team, in relation to those listed just over a month ago:Team12/1/16Current Odds (1/3/17)Columbus Blue Jackets28/17/1Chicago Blackhawks9/115/2Minnesota Wild20/18/1Pittsburgh Penguins10/18/1New York Rangers10/19/1Montreal Canadiens12/114/1Washington Capitals10/114/1Edmonton Oilers12/116/1St. Louis Blues14/116/1San Jose Sharks14/116/1Anaheim Ducks16/120/1Ottawa Senators28/125/1Tampa Bay Lightning12/125/1Boston Bruins28/128/1Calgary Flames50/128/1Los Angeles Kings25/128/1Dallas Stars25/133/1Nashville Predators22/133/1Philadelphia Flyers50/133/1Toronto Maple Leafs40/140/1Winnipeg Jets33/150/1Florida Panthers33/166/1Vancouver Canucks100/1100/1Unlisted clubs have between 150-1 and 500-1 odds of winning the Cup.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

P.K. Subban won't be able to suit up against his old club, but he's feeling hopeful about being able to return to game action sooner than later.The Nashville Predators defenseman addressed the media in advance of Tuesday's much-anticipated game against the Montreal Canadiens, confirming he's making progress every day from an upper-body injury that has kept him out of game action since Dec. 15.

It's all coming down in Colorado; it's an avalanche you could say.The Denver-based club is struggling to do anything on the ice that would resonate as positive. On the other hand, the Avs are giving themselves the best chances of nabbing the first overall pick in this year's draft with the worst record in the league, having won just one of their last 10 games.All things considered, it would appear as though the organization's mindset should be in rebuild mode. Despite boasting some great young talent, the team is underperforming and needs help all over the ice.Rumors have begun to bubble that the team could ship out the likes of Matt Duchene and/or Gabriel Landeskog in an attempt to acquire young defensemen and draft picks.Related: Report: Avalanche could trade Duchene, Landeskog for young defensemenWith that in mind, here are three teams who should be calling up Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic:Anaheim DucksHeading into the season, it appeared as though it would be a matter of time before the Anaheim Ducks would deal away Cam Fowler.However, that's no longer the case as Fowler now sits tied for second in goals among defensemen while posting a respectable 22 points. Besides Fowler, the Ducks have a number of young defensemen who could be for the taking including Shea Theodore and Josh Manson.With the Ducks in the thick of a playoff race, draft picks could also be had. The team is in the middle of the pack in terms of goal scoring and could use a boost in offense heading into the postseason.Of course, the Ducks would likely need to shed a major contract in the deal with the team currently right up against the salary cap, according to Cap Friendly.New York IslandersFor the sake of his job and any hopes the New York Islanders might have of making the playoffs, Garth Snow should be inquiring about Duchene or Landeskog.The club currently sits with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, a year after reaching the second round of the playoffs. This past year the Islanders watched as last season's second- and third-highest scorers - Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen - elected to go elsewhere.Given that Andrew Ladd has also disappointed since signing as a free agent, the team could use more offensive help. As collateral, this past summer Travis Hamonic made headlines after reportedly requesting a trade.Hamonic has since rescinded the request, but should talks between the two clubs take place, he could be a part of a package going back to Colorado.Nashville PredatorsFollowing their blockbuster trade to acquire P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens, it seemed as though the sky was the limit for the Nashville Predators.Fast forward to the present and the team currently finds itself outside of the playoffs looking in.The team has just three players who have managed double digits in goals, not including Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen who have eight and seven, respectively.The team - and more importantly, these two - could use another offensively gifted player to help get them back on track.It's no secret that the Predators have one of the strongest defensive cores in the entire league. They also have all their draft picks over the next few years and cap space to accommodate either Duchene or Landeskog.All that considered, the Predators and Avalanche could feasibly be able to get a deal done.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.Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Tuesday, Jan. 3 (all advanced stats courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):Triple Threat

Every Tuesday, theScore's editors will examine the fortunes of the north's seven NHL franchises. Welcome to "O Canada."Calgary FlamesPlus: Matthew Tkachuk is the latest Canadian club rookie to make noise in the Calder race. The Flames youngster is playing his most consistent hockey to date, riding a six-game point streak.Minus: Tkachuk is fortunately picking up the slack for Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who've both gone quiet after enjoying hot streaks. The duo has combined for just three points over Calgary's last five games - all coming off the stick of Gaudreau.Take: Having allowed two goals or fewer in five of his last six appearances, Brian Elliott is finally starting to come around. If Elliott can keep it up, it's the boost Calgary needs to remain in a playoff spot.Edmonton OilersPlus: Following a mini-slide, the Oilers have recovered to go 4-0-2 in their last six games, pulling to within two points of top spot in the Pacific.Minus: The team could use a little more offense to start the new year. Last month, the Oilers scored more than three goals in a game just twice over 14 contests.Take: They've hit their bumps in the road, but the Oilers remain firmly in a playoff spot. Barring a major meltdown, Edmonton should finally end its 10-year postseason hiatus.Montreal CanadiensPlus: With points in five of his last seven games - and now up to 15 goals and 15 assists - Max Pacioretty is playing some of his most inspired hockey of the year.Minus: The Canadiens have come back down to earth, going 1-2-2 in their last five games. Their perch atop the Atlantic Division appears safe, but the team - including Carey Price - has shown they are certainly beatable.Take: Alex Galchenyuk still sits tied for third in team scoring despite being out of the lineup since Dec. 7. While his return gets closer with each passing week, the Canadiens could still use more production from their collective.Ottawa SenatorsPlus: The Senators may have found a diamond in the rough in Ryan Dzingel. The 2011 seventh-round pick has found a home on the top line, using his wicked speed to post an admirable 20 points, including six over his last nine games.Minus: Scoring continues to be an issue, as the Senators test the waters for another forward. That being said, they could use a bump from Derick Brassard.The 29-year-old has just 17 points to date, on pace for his lowest total since the 2013 lockout season.Take: With whispers that the Senators could trade away a defenseman for help up front, it's nice to know they have prospect Thomas Chabot coming up the pipeline.Ottawa's 2015 first-round pick has been stellar on Canada's blue line at the world juniors, posting seven points in five games, and at least one in every contest.Toronto Maple LeafsPlus: Auston Matthews. We all know what he did at the Centennial Classic, and after being named first star of the week and sitting second league-wide in goals with 20, it's safe to say the kid is scorching.Minus: While the Maple Leafs are riding a five-game winning streak, Sunday's outdoor game saw the club give up yet another third-period lead.Things are looking good, but Toronto needs to be more polished in the final 20 minutes, lest they give away meaningful points.Take: The Maple Leafs are right in the thick of the playoff hunt, with games in hand on every Atlantic club minus the Buffalo Sabres. More inspired hockey could vault the club up the standings.Vancouver CanucksPlus: Expected to continue as bottom feeders, a four-game winning streak has put the Canucks within a single point of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.Minus: Loui Eriksson continues to struggle. The 31-year-old has just two goals over his last 16 games and has lost his spot next to the Sedins. In turn, the team has experimented with Jayson Megna on its top line.That's a bad sign, especially considering Megna has just three goals in 22 games. Eriksson must be better.Take: For a team whose best interest would be to bottom out for a top draft pick, Vancouver's latest surge keeps fans happy - for now - but could hurt long-term.Winnipeg JetsPlus: The trio of Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, and Nikolaj Ehlers has continued providing the bulk of the offense for the Jets. The trio has combined for 44 goals and 95 points.Minus: Goaltending. Be it Connor Hellebuyck or Michael Hutchinson, the team is not getting any help from its last line of defense, and in turn has the fourth-highest goals against in the league, giving up an average of nearly three per game.Take: The Jets are an anomaly. The team rattled off four wins in five games in late December, but now enters 2017 on a two-game losing streak after a humiliating 6-2 loss to the New York Islanders.Winnipeg can turn it on when it wants, but lacks consistency, likely putting the team on pace for a spot outside the playoffs, but also outside a top-5 pick in next year's draft.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Hurricanes netminder Eddie Lack has been diagnosed with a concussion, the team announced Tuesday.The 28-year-old missed Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with what the team called an illness, leaving equipment manager Jorge Alves to serve as Cam Ward's backup.For Lack, this marks the second time this season he has been diagnosed with a concussion. He was placed on the injured reserve with his first on Nov. 10 and was not activated until Dec. 21.In wake of the news, the Hurricanes have recalled goaltender Daniel Altshuller from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2017 Winter Classic in St. Louis on Monday boasted an announced attendance of 46,556, continuing a run of great success for the NHL.

NEWARK, N.J. - P.A. Parenteau scored his fifth goal in eight games, Cory Schneider made 22 saves and the slumping New Jersey Devils beat the Boston Bruins 3-0 on Monday night.Sergey Kalinin added an insurance goal early in the third period and set up Taylor Hall's empty-netter as the Devils won for only the third time in 13 games (3-9-1).Tuukka Rask had 23 saves for the Bruins, who lost to New Jersey for only the second time in eight games (6-2).Schneider was the difference in picking up his second shutout of the season, and second in his last four starts. He stopped a power-play redirection in front by Tim Schaller with 1:20 left in the first and made an outstanding stick stop on a rebound try by Patrice Bergeron with 3.3 seconds left in the period following a giveaway by Parenteau.The puck lay on the goal line for a second or so before Schneider slapped his glove on top of it inches from being a goal. The play was reviewed and the no-goal ruling was confirmed.Parenteau put the Devils ahead 4:12 into the game with the help of just recalled rookie defenseman Steven Santini and Hall, who returned to the lineup after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury.Santini, a former Boston College product playing in his second NHL game and first this season, took a shot from the right point. Rask pushed the rebound to the left circle and Hall shot it off the goalpost. Parenteau swatted the loose puck off the post and then into the net for his 11th goal. It was Santini's first NHL point.Kalinin gave New Jersey breathing room 1:44 into the third period. Miles Wood, another Boston College player, set up the goal with a rush along the right boards into the Bruins' zone. Kalinin took his centering pass and beat Rask in close for his second goal.NOTES: Bruins RW David Backes missed his second straight game with a concussion. ... This was first of five of six on the road for Bruins. ... Torey Krug and Ryan Spooner had five-game point streaks snapped. ... Boston killed off all six New Jersey power plays. ... Devils centers Travis Zajac and Jacob Josefson were out because of illness. D John Moore missed the game with a concussion.UP NEXT:Bruins: Hosts Edmonton on Thursday.Devils: Visit Carolina on Tuesday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It won't come cheap, but the Colorado Avalanche are willing to listen.The Avalanche, who own the NHL's worst record of 12-23-1 and 25 points, are set to miss the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.That means change is in order. It could also mean that the likes of Matt Duchene and captain Gabriel Landeskog find themselves in a new area code after the March 1 trade deadline.To pull off that blockbuster, good young defensemen or defensive prospects would need to be sent back to Denver, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.But this isn't a total firesale, as Friedman added that Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic isn't willing to part ways with either Nathan MacKinnon or Mikko Rantanen, the team's 2015 first rounder.The blueline remains a major area of concern for the Avalanche, with just three defensemen under contract through next season - namely Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie, and Francois Beauchemin - while young defender Nikita Zadorov hasn't lived up to his initial billing, nor are any blue chip defenders on the way.As for the two forwards, Duchene is under contract for the next two seasons, carrying a $6-million cap hit, while Landeskog is signed through 2020-21, at a $5.57-million AAV.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sin City wants its kids to play in the Windy City.The Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL's newest expansion team that will begin play next season, are in discussion with the AHL's Chicago Wolves to partner as its minor-league affiliate, Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.The Wolves are currently the farm team of the St. Louis Blues, though Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has previously expressed that Vegas will look to share a minor-league affiliate before purchasing its own.The Golden Knights hope to have their own AHL club in the west in the future, with possible homes including Reno, Nev., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Fresno, Calif.Foley has previously stated that he hopes to have the Golden Knights' affiliate finalized in January.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing wrist and elbow surgery."Unfortunately my season is over," Larsson told John Vogl of The Buffalo News.Larsson sustained the injury Saturday versus the Boston Bruins. The 24-year-old has appeared in 36 games this season, recording 11 points.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Weather conditions might not have been great, but they did little to affect the ice as far as Niklas Hjalmarsson is concerned.The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman marveled at the state of the ice at Busch Stadium on Monday, he even went as far as to throw shade at the state of the ice inside at an NHL rink."The ice was really good," Hjalmarsson said, according to Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski. "Probably better than that last game in Carolina."That being said, goaltender Corey Crawford didn't see things quite the same way."The ice was pretty bad," Crawford said, according to Chris Kuc of The Chicago Tribune. "(The puck) was jumping all over the place."Crawford could have a point, since the ice certainly seemed to tilt in the Blues' favor, as the club skated off to a 4-1 victory.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Busch Stadium is widely considered one of the nicest ballparks across baseball, so what could make it even more picturesque? A hockey rink, of course.The host St. Louis Blues and rival Chicago Blackhawks took part in the latest running of the Winter Classic on Monday afternoon, and it was quite a scene.Here are the best photos from the spectacle:The SceneGenerations of StarsSelfie TimeCover Up1 on 1 CelebrateTaking FlightCaptainsFocusVictory FormationCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's going to be real dusty at the Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night.Shea Weber, who spent 11 years - six as captain - patrolling the blue line for the Nashville Predators, returns to the city as a member of the Montreal Canadiens, and it's going to be bittersweet and emotional."You know Shea meant everything to this franchise," general manager David Poile, who traded Weber to the Habs in the summer for P.K. Subban, told reporters Monday. "I think it's going to be emotional for so many people including myself to have him back in our building."Weber's been honest about the emotion that came with a life-altering trade over the summer. The shock's worn off, and he's settling into life as a Canadien, and is fifth on the first-place team in scoring, with nine goals and 12 assists. The 31-year-old's also been honest."I wanted to be in Nashville my whole career," Weber told The Tennessean's Adam Vingan. "Especially a team where you're drafted and you spend so much time, you want to bring the Stanley Cup to that city. That's your goal ... That didn't happen."The Predators will honor Weber on Tuesday, and there will be cheers and tears."When I think of the Nashville Predators, (Weber's) right at the top of the list for me," Poile told Vingan. "I think this franchise would've been in a lot of trouble if not for Shea Weber. It all started with Shea. Shea could do it all."Weber's chapter as a Predator will officially come to an end Tuesday. Closure, for everyone but Subban, who will make his return to Montreal on March 2."I'm not going to lie - there's probably going to be a lot of emotion. I'm human," Weber said. "I spent a lot of time (in Nashville). I put a lot of hard work and effort into everything I did there."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's fitting that Monday's Winter Classic was played at Busch Stadium after Corey Crawford showed off his swing.The Chicago Blackhawks goaltender took exception to an accidental trip by St. Louis Blues forward David Perron, collecting himself before taking a two-handed swing at the 28-year-old.It appears as though Crawford may have missed making contact with Perron and because of that Crawford would go unpenalized on the play.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic will miss at least the next two games after taking a puck to his face on Dec. 30.The San Jose Sharks defenseman was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 31, meaning he can't play for seven days from that time. That means Vlasic can't suit up for home games against Los Angeles on Tuesday and Minnesota on Thursday.Here's how it happened:Vlasic was still able to celebrate the New Year, at least.

Hockey's Twitter master has done it again.With rainy weather threatening to put a damper - or even postpone - the 2017 Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, the Florida Panthers goalie indirectly reminisced over the time he was benched for an outdoor game as a member of the Vancouver Canucks.

Carter Hutton's customized goalie mask earned him special recognition from one of the biggest families in St. Louis Cardinals history.Ahead of the 2017 Winter Classic at Busch Stadium - home of the Cardinals - Blues netminder Carter Hutton revealed he'd be donning a special mask that honors some of the Cardinals' greatest-ever players, including Hall of Famer Stan Musial:

Toronto Maple Leafs star rookie Auston Matthews has been named the NHL's first star of the week, followed by Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins.Matthews led all players with four goals and two assists for six points in three games, with his marquee performance coming during the Centennial Classic on New Year's Day in which he recorded two goals, including the overtime winner.Related: Matthews says outdoor experience one of his 'best moments in hockey'Matthews now leads all rookies in goals and points, and sits second only to Sidney Crosby in goals scored among all players.Kreider also scored four goals - including his second career hat trick - and added an assist for five points in three games.Fleury won three games for the Penguins, stopping 77 of the 82 shots against for a save percentage of .939. He'll be relied upon heavily with in the coming weeks with Matt Murray sidelined with an injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Burmistrov is heading from the new Winnipeg Jets to the old.The Arizona Coyotes claimed the forward off waivers, the club announced Monday.He likely won't play for his new club until Friday's road game against the Anaheim Ducks due to work visa issues, according to the team. That means he probably won't be cleared in time for Wednesday's game in Vancouver versus the Canucks.Burmistrov was placed on the wire by Winnipeg on Sunday. He managed only two points in 23 games with the Jets this season.The 25-year-old never lived up to his potential with the Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise after being selected eighth overall by Atlanta in 2010.He left the Jets for a two-year KHL stint from 2013-15, returning to play for Winnipeg last season. However, he hasn't managed more than his 2011-12 output of 13 goals and 28 points at the NHL level.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's new series, "The Noise," is published every Monday. It kicks off each week with a quick look at three teams or players making headlines, good or bad.Auston MatthewsThe rookie sensation rose to the occasion Sunday, scoring two goals including the game-winner in overtime to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the Centennial Classic at BMO Field.Matthews has been on an incredible roll of late, putting a 13-game goal drought in the rear-view mirror with 14 goals in his last 17 contests.The 19-year-old is tied with Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter for second in the NHL's goal-scoring scoring race with 20, and he leads all rookies in both goals and points (32) with three games in hand on Winnipeg Jets phenom Patrik Laine.Don't think the Leafs are reconsidering their first overall selection last June.Jack EichelOn the same weekend Matthews took yet another positive step in his development, another high draft pick lashed out at his team for their dismal play.Jack Eichel - the Buffalo Sabres' second overall choice in 2015 - reportedly lost it following the club's loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.