Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby set the tone seconds into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in San Jose, by taking a swing at the back of Joe Thornton's leg just after the opening faceoff.The Sharks forward responded with a cross-check of his own. Neither player was penalized on the play.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Note: Video includes language NSFWIn no uncertain terms, Cuba Gooding Jr. explained what the San Jose Sharks must do to force a Game 7 in a live interview with NBC's Jeremy Roenick in advance of Game 6.The Academy Award winner and long-time hockey fan broke character - but for just a moment - and managed to complete the scene.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks will honor Gordie Howe in advance of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.Players will wear these Howe decals on their helmets during pregame warmup:

James Reimer can't help but look ahead.Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to the trade deadline, Reimer has served as backup to Martin Jones during San Jose's run to the Stanley Cup Final. And while he's played well for the Sharks in limited minutes, he admits to being aware of potential suitors who may come calling when he hits unrestricted free agency at season's end."You kind of know what teams are in the market and might need a goalie," Reimer said Saturday according to Mike Zeisberger of Postmedia. "I’ve kind of heard too that people who go into free agency, they have their short list of two or three teams they think are in the market. Plus there always are teams that come in from left field. You kind of see here or there potential teams that need goalies."For now, however, his attention remains fixed on the present.“Right now you’re focused on the job at hand. I’m trying to get that silver thing,” he said, referring, of course, to the Stanley Cup.Reimer has made only one playoff appearance in relief of Jones, but sparkled for the Sharks in eight regular season appearances down the stretch, with a record of 6-2-0 and a .938 save percentage.The Sharks are down 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final series with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Reimer can indeed get his name on the Cup if his teammates can scratch out two more wins against the Eastern Conference champions.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sunday's mass shooting hit particularly close to home for Garret Sparks.The goaltender in the Toronto Maple Leafs' system shared a heartfelt message in the aftermath of the early morning attack on a gay nightclub that left 50 people dead.Sparks played for the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears for parts of two seasons and appeared in one game for the club in 2015-16.The American netminder made his feelings on gun violence clear Sunday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Peter DeBoer insists the San Jose Sharks aren't feeling any more pressure than they have at any other point this spring.After winning Game 5 on the road to force Game 6 at home, the Sharks head coach isn't bothered by the fact that the Stanley Cup will be in the arena Sunday night."No more pressure. It was in the building last game," DeBoer told reporters at a press conference Sunday afternoon. "We can't win it tonight. It doesn't put any more pressure on us than we've had throughout the playoffs."Making their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, the Sharks dropped the first two games to the Penguins, then lost Game 4 on home ice Monday to hand Pittsburgh a 3-1 series lead.

If the San Jose Sharks force Game 7, they'll do it without Tomas Hertl.The forward will not appear in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer told reporters Sunday afternoon.Hertl has missed four straight games with what the team is calling a lower-body injury.DeBoer declined to specify whether Hertl has been skating, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.The 22-year-old center had six goals and 11 points in 20 playoff games before the injury.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins missed an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup on home ice for the first time ever in Game 5, but history could be on their side for Game 6.Sunday marks the seven-year anniversary of the Penguins' Cup title in 2009.

The Lake Erie Monsters are AHL champions after winning the Calder Cup in thrilling fashion, completing their sweep of the Hershey Bears in overtime Saturday night.Related: Watch: Oliver Bjorkstrand scores Calder Cup winner in OTThat title, though, was won with a heavy heart, as the Monsters just lost longtime equipment manager Phil Simon, who died at 83 Thursday after a battle with leukemia.In a touching moment, Monsters fans chanted "Thank you, Phil!" at Game 4 on home ice.

Logan Couture is having a dream postseason, but his 2016 could have been a nightmare.The San Jose Sharks forward feared for his life after discovering arterial bleeding in his thigh back in December."On the plane back (from a game), I noticed something was wrong. (Former Sharks goaltender) Alex Stalock actually had to take me off the plane on a wheelchair because I couldn't walk," Couture told Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Saturday."They had to stop the bleeding somehow. They were able to do that fortunately. It was just continuously filling with blood. It could could have gotten to the point where - you don't know what's going to happen - if you're going to lose your leg or you're going to die."Couture suffered the injury two games after returning from missing 23 contests due to a broken leg."I was in the hospital and I got an MRI. Eight or 10 doctors were staring at my MRI, so I knew something was seriously wrong," he said. "The doctor came and talked to me one-on-one. It was tough. He assured me everything was going to be OK but you never know."The 27-year-old center gained a new perspective on the game while dealing with the ailment."I think at that point when I had that injury," he said. "You just realize it's just a sport and there are bigger things you have to worry about than hockey."Couture was limited to 52 regular-season games because of his injuries, but upon returning in late December, he helped carry the Sharks into the postseason and eventually, into the Stanley Cup Final."Our team was struggling until he came back from his injury," teammate Joe Thornton said. "Once he came back, our team kind of exploded. He's such an important part of this team. He had a great regular season. He's doing the same in the postseason. He shows up game after game. He's a big presence for us."Couture leads all skaters with 20 assists and 29 points in 23 playoff games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks are home, and they're ready to go.Fighting for their lives, San Jose was able to escape Game 5 in Pittsburgh thanks to an otherworldly performance from goaltender Martin Jones, and now, the Sharks will need a better performance all-around to do it again.Here are three reasons why San Jose will get it done.Martin JonesExpecting Jones to perform the way he did in Game 5 may be a little unreasonable, but there's no reason to doubt he can dictate another game.The 26-year-old has easily been the Sharks' best player to this point, producing a 2.16 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in 23 starts this postseason.If San Jose manages to erase the entire 3-1 series deficit - such a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 1942 - Jones will likely be adding a Conn Smythe Trophy to his mantle.Home-ice advantageThe SAP Center has been kind to the Sharks.San Jose has posted a record of 8-3 at home in the playoffs, out-scoring opponents 37-22.In addition, Jones has played his best on home ice.LocationGPWLGASv%SOHome1183200.9322Away1266310.9141Similarly, Sharks forward Joe Thornton also has excelled at home, scoring 14 points to only seven on the road.San Jose notoriously has one of the most raucous crowds in the league and Sharks fans will be going full force in their final home game of the season.Logan CoutureIt doesn't matter where's he's playing, Logan Couture has been lights out the entire postseason.Leading the league with 29 playoff points, Couture scores at a torrid pace when it matters most.GameOpponentPoints5Kings35Predators16Predators17Predators35Blues16Blues35Penguins3Couture has continuously stepped up while his fellow superstar teammates remain mostly quiet, and suffice to say, if it weren't for the 27-year-old, the Sharks wouldn't be where they are.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Braden Holtby is used to rocking the red, but the Washington Capitals goaltender can also rock the rainbow.Holtby and his wife, Brandi, led the team's contingent at the Capital Pride Parade in D.C. on Saturday, marching alongside PA announcer Wes Johnson, the Red Rockers, and other members of the organization.

A playoff defeat can be difficult to rebound from for any goaltender, let alone a rookie, but whenever Matt Murray has taken the ice following a loss in these playoffs, the 22-year-old has been simply dominant.The Pittsburgh Penguins netminder is sporting a 5-0 record with a 1.75 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in the postseason after a defeat, and head coach Mike Sullivan discussed Murray's veteran-like demeanor with reporters Saturday."Well, I think he has a quiet confidence about him," Sullivan said. "I think he believes in himself. He knows he's a good goalie. He has shown a maturity level beyond his years in a lot of ways."But probably the most impressive way is just his ability to deal with any of the adversity that he faces along the way," he continued. "If one goes in that he thinks he should have had, he has the ability to stay in the moment, try to make the next save. He's a real competitor. We love that about him."His ability to calm himself down was certainly evident in Game 5. After the Sharks took a quick 2-0 lead in the opening three minutes, Murray admitted he was "a little jittery" in the first period, but was proud of the way he and his team fought back, despite their 4-2 loss."I thought I played really well the last two periods," Murray said, according to Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "As a team, we really settled down after a tough start. We came back, stayed resilient."Though he hasn't been tested near as much as opposing goalie Martin Jones in the series, Murray has been able quiet the San Jose Sharks' high-powered offense for the majority of the Final, and has backstopped his team within a victory of the Stanley Cup.With a win in Game 6 on Sunday, Murray would not only clinch his franchise's fourth championship, but he would also break an NHL rookie record with 15 wins in a single playoff year - after starting just 13 games in the regular season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As tributes continue to pour in after the loss of Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby spoke to reporters Saturday about what Mr. Hockey meant to him."When you think of hockey, that's what you think of. You think of Gordie Howe - the way he played, the way he conducted himself. He was a role model for a lot of people, including myself," Crosby said, according to ESPN's Craig Custance."I had the opportunity to meet him and feel pretty fortunate to have done that."ESPN's Joe McDonald also had a discussion with Crosby about the possibility of the Penguins and San Jose Sharks wearing No. 9 jerseys during warmups prior to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, and No. 87 said "he's all for it" and would ask the league if they could make that happen.Crosby wore No. 9 in honor of Howe for a season, while playing at Shattuck-St. Mary's Boarding School in Minnesota as a 15-year-old.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaromir Jagr now has a beer named in his honor.Ontario microbrewery Block Three Brewing Company is paying tribute to Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr with the new "Jaromir Czech Jagr," a five percent Czech-style pilsner.The beer is available in bottles and on draft at the brewery, which is located in St. Jacobs, Ontario.

From one legend to another.Kind words and memories continue to pour in for Gordie Howe a day after his passing at the age of 88.The latest such honor comes from one of golf's all-time greats, as Jack Nicklaus recalled his memories of time spent with Mr. Hockey.

The Arizona Coyotes aren't ruling anything out when it comes to forward Martin Hanzal.While discussing an extension with the 29-year-old, the team has asked for his "trade list," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman notes.Hanzal still remains under contract with the club through the 2016-17 campaign at a cap hit of $3.1 million, and will become an unrestricted free agent thereafter."It sounds like Arizona would like to add at least one defenseman, maybe two," writes Friedman. "But, if Hanzal fetches one, they will also be looking to replace him down the middle."Despite being limited to just 64 games this season, Hanzal set a career high with 41 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Scott Hartnell could be on the move.The 34-year-old has reportedly agreed to waive his no-movement clause, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, citing sources.According to Friedman, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Hartnell's agent Matt Oates didn't comment on the report, but sources say that the list of teams provided by Hartnell is "decent-sized".Hartnell is coming off his second season with Blue Jackets and saw an 11-point decline this campaign, collecting 23 goals and 49 points while under the guidance of Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings' meeting with Pavel Datsyuk - where his decision regarding his playing career will be discussed - has been postponed.Datsyuk, his agent Dan Milsten, and general manger Ken Holland had originally planned to meet on Wednesday, but will now convene next week so the three men can all attend the funeral of Gordie Howe on Wednesday, Milsten told Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.The 37-year-old is expected to sign in the KHL next season and has already received an offer from SKA St. Petersburg.However, Datsyuk's party has assured that no decision will be made until a meeting is had with Red Wings representatives.Datsyuk still has one year remaining on his contract with the Red Wings at a cap hit of $7.5 million, a contract Holland has reportedly already begun shopping.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There will never be another Mr. Hockey.On Friday the hockey world said goodbye to Gordie Howe, the only man to ever appropriately don the ultimate nickname that encompasses everything the rugged and finesse game is about.But while he last took to the ice as a member of the NHL in 1980, his impact can still be seen on it nightly.The players of today's NHL who take to the ice with the same unmatched skill, physicality, and dominance that Howe once delivered to his opponents every time he touched the ice, are a testament to how No. 9 played the game.Here are five current players that have continued to emulate arguably hockey's greatest.Corey PerryHowe's play was tough, sometimes bordering on dirty - just ask Bobby Baun - quite reminiscent of Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry.While Perry has been one of the most electric goal scorers in the game over the last handful of seasons - with 212 goals since the 2010-11 season and having only failed to hit the 30-goal plateau during the lockout-shortened 2013 season - his dirty side has also been prevalent.Just ask Finnish prospect Patrik Laine, who encountered as much at this year's World Championship.Jonathan ToewsAs Howe was during his time, Jonathan Toews has been referred to by many as the best all-around player in the world.While Toews' offensive production is marginally less on the scale set by Howe - with no scoring titles to his belt - his leadership and incredible well-rounded game make him a star in every sense of the word.Captain Serious is not afraid to go into the corners, drop the gloves, and earn every inch of the ice, but he also boasts silky soft hands capable of fooling defenders and beating goaltenders, a true Howe trait.Brent BurnsFew people in the NHL tower over San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns, as few did Howe in his time.While Burns has become a finesse player with a sly skating ability and wicked shot, he might most emulate Howe in how he takes care of his body.While he clearly takes care of his flowing beard, the 31-year-old can also always been seen donning a military-style backpack prior to games. A pack that holds protein, tea, and a blender among other oddities.Of course Burns is also the last player to achieve the infamous "Gordie Howe Hat trick".Alex OvechkinAs far as offensive accolades go, no one on the list rivals Howe quite as closely as Alex Ovechkin does.Ovechkin has three Hart Trophies to his name - still only half as many as Howe - and with 525 career goals, it would seem that staying healthy is all Ovechkin needs to do to one day amass Howe's mark of 801.Goal scoring aside, few players play with the intensity, passion, and will to win that Ovechkin does nightly. The Washington Capitals captain not only leads on the scoreboard, but is not afraid to lay the body out in order to create room for himself and his teammates, or just simply to ware down the opposition.Jamie BennJamie Benn is a human bulldozer.Not only does he have the hands and scoring touch to finish first and second in league scoring the past two seasons respectively, he has the size and brute strength to impose his will on the ice.Like Howe, Benn also remains humble off the ice, but with 64 penalty minutes in three-straight seasons, it's no question he is a warrior and can beat the opposition on the scoreboard or in the alley.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens locked up Sven Andrighetto for another year, the team announced Saturday.The club signed the forward to a one-year deal, with the 23-year-old set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.Andrighetto enjoyed his longest tenure with the Canadiens this season, after being drafted by the team in the third round in 2013. He played a career-high 44 games, chipping in with seven goals and 17 points.He also contributed 10 goals and 23 points in 26 points with the St. John's IceCaps of the American Hockey League.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Filip Forsberg and Calle Jarnkrok could be calling Nashville home for years to come.Both forwards will become restricted free agents this summer and each appear to have swayed general manager Dave Poile into considering long-term deals for the pair."I think with Filip and Jarnkrok, if the figures were right, we'd be very excited to enter into longer-term contracts with them," Poile said, according to Adam Vingan of the Tenessean. "It's all about the fit for each and every player, and if we can get that right fit for them and for us, I think multiyear contracts would be great."Agent J.P. Barry - who represents Forsberg - admits that both sides have been in constant communication and are in the stage of hammering out a respected term."There's a range of contracts out there for players this age," Barry said. "The longer-term ones, there's several at the five-, six-year mark and there's only a couple that go as far as eight, so we're trying to pinpoint the range that's the most comfortable to both of us."After leading the club in scoring the last two seasons, Barry admits to using fellow players who have had stellar seasons coming out of their entry-level contracts as a jumping off point for Forsberg's next contract.Both Forsberg and Jarnkrok enjoyed career-years this season. Forsberg hit highs with 33 goals and 64 points, while Jarnkrok did the same collecting 16 goals and 30 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For a pit stop in Gordie Howe's home province of Saskatchewan, country star Garth Brooks paid homage to Mr. Hockey, wearing his No. 9 sweater with the Detroit Red Wings on stage at Sasktel Center.

The Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils have made a minor-league trade that includes a noteworthy NHL contract.The Panthers have acquired forwards Paul Thompson and Graham Black from the Devils in exchange for Florida's 2018 second-round pick and center Marc Savard.The 38-year-old center has not played since the 2010-11 season due to a series of major concussions, but his contract remains on the books, meaning the Devils are now on the hook for the $4,027,143 cap hit next season.The Panthers now have over $20 million in available cap space (according to general fanager), while the Devils now have an extra draft pick in the arsenal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The tributes continue to pour in for the late Gordie Howe, who passed away Friday at age 88.The latest words were penned by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada, both of whom lauded Mr. Hockey as truly a man to remember.From President Barack Obama:

A phenom on the ice, but not so much on the mound.Edmonton Oilers star center Connor McDavid tossed the first pitch at Friday's Toronto Blue Jays game, and it most certainly was not a strike.McDavid was sporting the World Cup jersey to be worn by his North American team, with the tournament set to be played in Toronto in September.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Torchetti hoped for more time to prove himself behind the Minnesota Wild bench.After taking over as interim coach in February, he led the team to a record of 15-11-1 and a playoff spot, but the team jumped at the chance to hire Bruce Boudreau once he became available.Since hired as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings, Torchetti admits it was tough to be passed over for the job."I just think in the little time we had, I felt we had some chemistry going, and I wish we had some more time to prove it," Torchetti told Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press, adding he wishes nothing but the best to those making the decisions within the organization.The Wild did offer Torchetti the opportunity to resume his post as the club's AHL head coach, but the big leagues is where he ultimately wanted to remain."They had given me a great offer, and I appreciate that," Torchetti said of the Wild. "That shows you they were rewarding me for my hard work with the team."But I just felt I wanted to be back in the NHL at this time, and I got a great opportunity with this Red Wings staff. This is a team on the upswing with some young players."Torchetti is set to work with Detroit's forward group, as well as oversee the power play.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

More information on the NHL's prospective expansion draft, which could take place as early as this time next summer, have apparently been released to NHL clubs.Here are a few of the latest conditions believed to have been provided to the teams, who must start making preparations for the potential introduction of a 31st franchise.Via Sportsnet's Chris Johnston and James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail:

In hockey, there's a specific criteria that fits into an existing ideal.This isn't to say that what's revered hasn't taken on any adaptation in more than a century of competition. But for those who play the sport, everlasting traits and archetypal aspects synonymous with what it means to be truly special, to be respected, will endure.We're reminded of certain time-honored values in intermissions, interviews, and, in our own, predominantly short-lived playing careers, often in the back seat of minivans. The postgame lectures inducing interminable eye rolls, of course.But for the most part, we all come to appreciate the same things; speed, skill, strength, toughness, and doing right by the game. We can credit this fact to lessons from our fathers, their fathers, and other sources we depend on to teach us such nuances. Or, just rely on human tendencies to appreciate and admire what goes beyond a basic athletic threshold.Today, we thank Gordie Howe for manifesting this ideal for multiple generations and over the course of a career that spanned six decades.Mr. HockeyHowe, the man most applicably nicknamed Mr. Hockey, died Friday morning at age 88. He leaves behind a Hall of Fame family, legions of hockey fans, and a legacy that goes beyond his longevity, and insurmountable collection of records in hockey: It's the superlative manner to which he established the standard on how to compete and conduct oneself in a pro hockey setting.You can read this information in an instructional manual. He co-authored "Hockey, Here's Howe," in 1963, a how-to hockey book that found itself in the impressionable hands and minds of many of the greats that followed Howe into the NHL. This includes the man who broke many of his records: Wayne Gretzky.But regrettably, and unlike Gretzky, this latest generation of player and fan is limited to its reading. We didn't grow up watching this prolific attacking force who finished in the top five in NHL scoring for 20 straight seasons. We never saw the 23-time All-Star who was as lethal with his elbows as he was dazzling with the puck on his stick. We don't know the man who returned to professional hockey in 1973 - almost 30 years after his NHL debut - to not only share a line with his sons, but dominate the opposition with his offspring.We weren't witness to his legend, but it has still undeniably impacted us.Magnificence and meanWhat separates Howe from the rest of the game's greats, and even more so than his longevity - a quality that contributed in him maintaining 19 pro hockey records - was his ability to blend magnificence with mean. This was a genetic freak but also a trail blazer in terms of conditioning. And for that, and his truck-like build, he was unlike any player in his era.He was impossible to push off the puck, often punishing those who tried. And in his defense of his territory, he essentially sent out an open invitation to settle disputes with fists. Though after the damage he did to the face of Lou Fontinato, rarely did he have takers.A natural goal-scorer, playmaker, and enforcer, the Gordie Howe hat trick was coined for his deeply layered dominance. Now, and until fighting is abolished, single-game performances that include a goal, assist, and fight will come with a badge of honor, and a chance for players to have their name mentioned in the same breath as Gordie's.Affable giantFor all his intimidation on the ice, Howe was charming, shy nearly to the point of submissive, and the definition of class. He was the epitome of humble, graciousness, and avoided controversy in his decades in the limelight. But most of all, he was considered the ultimate family man.If there was any real criticism of Howe, it was that he didn't protest for higher wages. Imagine that.This was a farm boy from rural Saskatchewan, who was content with a Detroit Red Wings-branded jacket as his signing bonus after inking his first contract with the organization he eventually led to four Stanley Cups.Howe never professed his greatness, but certainly understood his impact and place in history. He visited the rinks that Gretzky played at to ensure he was present when his records fell, and left but only a few awaiting hands without his signature as he toured in his post-playing career.These moments, and in his time conversing with his admirers, are where fans who weren't around in his era can appreciate his greatness - the looks adorn on the faces of those he touched being the best place to start.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the eyes of many, Gordie Howe typified the game of hockey.Both on and off the ice, Howe encapsulated the traits and qualities that one admires in a professional hockey player, in a husband, in a father, in a man doing his best to make it in this world.There will never be another Mr. Hockey.Here's a small sampling how he's being remembered after passing away Friday at 88.Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated:

On the Fly, theScore's NHL roundtable series, continues. This week, we're sharing personal thoughts about what Gordie Howe meant to us as hockey fans.Josh Gold-Smith: Gordie Howe's myriad accomplishments and unmatched longevity are impressive enough on their own, but to me, his legacy will be defined by his remarkable character.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Brett Ritchie to a one-year contract, the club announced Friday.Ritchie played only eight games with Dallas this season, registering one assist, but scored 28 points in 35 games in the AHL.The 22-year-old was selected by the Stars 44th overall in the 2011 draft.Terms of the deal were not disclosed.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Gordie Howe was a legend in so many ways, and there are plenty of anecdotes to prove it.The most enduring figure in NHL history died Friday at age 88, and tributes are pouring in from around the hockey world.Beyond his on-ice accolades and accomplishments, Howe's character is defined by the countless stories being retold in tribute to his life and career.Here are nine of the best anecdotes that help define Mr. Hockey's legacy.There was the time he taught another legend a lesson:

Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman are two of the Detroit Red Wings' most iconic figures.Though generations apart, both shared similar success on and off the ice in Motown, and Yzerman - now general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning - issued a statement Friday in the wake of Howe's death."It was very saddening to hear the news of Gordie's passing this morning," Yzerman wrote. "He has been an icon not only in Detroit, but throughout the entire hockey world for as long as I can remember. As one of the greatest players to ever play in the NHL, the majority of his career being in Detroit, it was an honor to wear the same uniform, spend time with, laugh, joke, and seek advice from him. Gordie's humility and kindness left a permanent impression on me, greatly influencing how I tried to conduct myself throughout my career."His impact on the Red Wings organization is still evident today. I travel the world and constantly hear stories from people who love the Wings and share memories of the glory days when Gordie and his teammates ruled the NHL. For all players fortunate enough to play for the Wings, we should take time to thank and honor Gordie, for he is a significant reason why Detroit is such a special place to play."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wayne Gretzky is The Great One, but he believes Gordie Howe was the greatest."He was a special person, he was a great ambassador for the game of hockey, he was a great father and great grandfather," Gretzky said on The Dan Patrick Show on Friday."To me, he was the greatest hockey player who ever played."Gretzky recalled meeting his idol for the first time, admitting such an experience can be disappointing, but said Howe couldn't have made a better impression."The first time I met him, I was 10 years old, and my dad said to me, 'How was it meeting Mr. Howe?' and I said, 'It was the greatest day of my life.'"Gretzky compared Howe's legacy to that of another iconic athlete who recently died."He went on to do so many great things for so many people and he's going to be sorely missed, as (Muhammad) Ali (was). They're special athletes who were special people and you just don't replace them, so it's a sad day not only for the hockey world but the Howe family, because he was a special man."Gretzky was inexorably linked to Howe throughout his career, and he passed him on the all-time goal-scoring list in 1989.Mr. Hockey still holds the record for games played, appearing in 1,767 NHL contests over five decades.Gretzky later added to his sentiments on Twitter.

Upon retiring as the NHL's all-time leader in goals, points, and games played, Gordie Howe's colossal legacy is perhaps most remembered for a statistic he hardly ever recorded.A goal, a fight, and an assist, in one game - known simply as the "Gordie Howe hat trick" - is one of hockey's most illustrious single-game performances.Related: By the numbers: Looking back at Gordie Howe's incredible careerSkill and toughness - the two mainstays of Mr. Hockey's inimitable style of play - ironically only resulted in two Gordie Howe hat tricks throughout his career, one in 1953, and one in 1954.Yet with 801 career goals, 1,049 assists, and 1,685 career penalty minutes in his NHL career, the title is only suitable for a legend like Howe.There is no stat for Wayne Gretzky, nor Bobby Orr. Just for Howe, who patrolled the ice while feared for both his relentless physicality and his unprecedented knack for scoring.The all-time leader in the unique statistic is Rick Tocchet, who recorded 18. Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan and Brian Sutter are tied in second with 17.The most recent came from San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Bruns on March 7, 2016.As fights in the NHL continue to decline, the Gordie Howe hat trick has become an antique, but the accomplishment still garners notoriety and respect from peers, all because of No. 9.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch understands what Gordie Howe meant to the organization and the league as a whole."Today is a sad day for the Detroit Red Wings and the entire hockey world as together we mourn the loss of one of the greatest hockey players of all time," Ilitch said in a statement Friday.Howe died Friday morning at the age of 88."The Red Wings organization and the National Hockey League would not be what they are today without Gordie Howe. There is no nickname more fitting for him than 'Mr. Hockey,'" Ilitch said."He embodied on and off the ice what it meant to be both a Red Wing and a Detroiter. He was tough, skilled, and consistently earned success at the highest level. His achievements are numerous and his accomplishments immeasurable. It is truly a blessing to have had him both in our organization and our city for so many years. He will be deeply missed."Howe played 25 seasons with the Red Wings, setting countless records. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.Related - By the numbers: Looking back at Gordie Howe's incredible career"People that aren't even associated with the National Hockey League understand how important Gordie is to our country," Red Wings general manager and fellow Canadian Ken Holland said.Howe played three seasons with the New England/Hartford Whalers in the WHA and NHL toward the end of his career from 1977-80."Gordie Howe was a true legend in every sense of the word, and we are proud that he and his sons are a part of our organization's history," Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement."I was lucky to have the opportunity to take the ice with him during my time in Hartford, and his impact on our sport is immeasurable. The Carolina Hurricanes organization sends its deepest condolences to the Howe family and everyone affected by his loss."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Gordie Howe's impact has touched everybody in the hockey community.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman weighed in on the loss of Howe, issuing a touching statement about Mr. Hockey on Friday:"All hockey fans grieve the loss of the incomparable Gordie Howe."A remarkable athlete whose mastery of our sport was reflected by the longevity of his career and by his nickname, ‘Mr. Hockey,’ Gordie’s commitment to winning was matched only by his commitment to his teammates, to his friends, to the Red Wings, to the city of Detroit, and - above all - to his family. His devotion to Colleen through her illness and the fact that he extended his playing days into a fifth decade so he could play with his sons are only two examples of that true priority in his life."Gordie’s greatness travels far beyond mere statistics; it echoes in the words of veneration spoken by countless players who joined him in the Hockey Hall of Fame and considered him their hero."Gordie’s toughness as a competitor on the ice was equaled only by his humor and humility away from it. No sport could have hoped for a greater, more-beloved ambassador."NHLPA executive director Don Fehr also offered condolences Friday.“With the passing of Gordie Howe, the game of hockey has lost an icon," Fehr said in a statement."Gordie, or ‘Mr. Hockey’ as he was known to legions of fans, was a true legend who had an immense impact on the game, the players who followed him, and the fans who revered him. On behalf of the players and staff of the NHLPA, we join Howe's family, friends, and fans on mourning his loss.”Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here's a look at some of the most incredible numbers associated with hockey legend Gordie Howe, who passed away Friday at age 88:

A man bigger than the game he perfected.In the wake of Gordie Howe's death Friday, here are some of the most iconic pictures of the pride of Floral, Saskatchewan.Gordie and Mark Howe, 1980Two Howes in the Hall.Howe with a 12-year-old Wayne Gretzky.

The NHL lost a true icon Friday as Gordie Howe died at the age of 88.Mr. Hockey is one of the most beloved players in the history of the game, and his enormous impact on the sport crosses generations.Players, teams, and media alike paid tribute to Howe via social media.

The hockey world lost one of its most legendary players and most beloved figures Friday morning with the death of Gordie Howe at 88.

Five games in, and we finally have some intrigue in the Stanley Cup Final.The San Jose Sharks staved off a furious Pittsburgh Penguins attack Thursday, living to fight another day and forcing Game 6 in California on Sunday night.It may not have been the performance San Jose was searching for, being outshot 46-22, but it was certainly the end result they needed.Here are three keys to the Sharks extending the series.Martin JonesIn record-setting fashion, Jones stole the show. After making 44 saves, the 26-year-old became only the third goalie since 1987-88 to make 40-plus regulation saves in the Stanley Cup Final.Additionally, Jones set a franchise record for regulation saves in the postseason, and made the most stops in a Stanley Cup elimination game since 1968.

Call it un-Finnished business.Niklas Backstrom signed a one-year contract with HIFK Helsinki on Friday.The veteran goaltender played four games for the Calgary Flames this season after being traded from the Minnesota Wild on deadline day.He was the odd man out in Minnesota due to injury as well as the emergence of both Devan Dubnyk and Darcy Kuemper.Backstrom left as the franchise's all-time leader in wins, shutouts, and games played at the goalie position.The 38-year-old spent the first 10 years of his hockey career in his native Finland, playing parts of four campaigns with HIFK.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Through the first four games, the Stanley Cup Final followed a predictable script.The Pittsburgh Penguins, continuing to account for a larger slab of total shots, were duly rewarded with three wins to one loss. They asserted themselves, and implemented their scheme more effectively than the San Jose Sharks, and the series' scoreboard reflected as such. Plain and painfully simple.With an upshot apropos, pundits and onlookers didn't need to pay heed to the work of those between the pipes - a fact that in itself deviates from the norm. Because they didn't have to.Matt Murray was winning games for the Penguins, not stealing them. And Martin Jones couldn't be blamed for the losses that were added to his record. This was about one team breaking down another, not two goaltenders. And for this, the end result seemed inevitable. Until it wasn't.Jones derailed the narrative Thursday in Game 5 with perhaps the greatest individual performance of these playoffs. And for his work, he supplied a much-needed jolt to the Stanley Cup Final, and perhaps kick-started the process of turning the NHL's championship series on its head.Jones survived an all-out blitzkrieg from the Penguins, who so desperately wanted to celebrate a world championship in front of their fans inside the Consol Energy Center, and tens of thousands more waiting outside."He's been doing this all year," Joe Thornton said of his goaltender, via NBCSN. "He's the backbone to our team."Jones made 44 stops, or more than any netminder has when facing elimination in nearly a half century, on 46 shots. In addition to that, he loaded up for 76 total shot attempts, made double-digit total saves in each period, and survived 19 high-danger scoring chances at even strength, or the most a Sharks team has allowed in the post-lockout era."He's always tapping us on the pads, saying we did a good job, and he's usually the one bailing us out," defenseman Justin Braun said, according to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.On the other side of the rink, the rookie Murray, if but only for a period, finally showed his inexperience. He allowed three goals on seven shots, compared to the Pens' 15, in the opening frame, or a deficit that Jones would never let the Penguins crawl out of.The 2016 Stanley Cup Final required something spectacular to shake it from its intended route.We'll find out Sunday in San Jose if Jones can continue steering.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Logan Couture is quietly having an excellent postseason.With a goal and two assists in a Game 5 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Couture now sits on 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 20 playoff games, six points ahead of teammates Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski and seven up on Phil Kessel."I haven't done too much this series," Couture told NBC's Pierre McGuire after the game. "You want to contribute. We knew what the series was at, what a loss would have meant to us, so wanted to try to force the game back in San Jose."That's exactly what the Sharks were able to do, with Game 6 set for Sunday in California.In the first four games of the series, Couture had recorded two assists, both of which were recorded in Pittsburgh. His three-point effort Thursday gives him at least one three-point game in each round of the playoffs.Looking ahead, the extra game or two allows Couture the opportunity to build on his point total, which is already the fourth highest in the playoffs in the salary cap era. Since 2006, only Evgeni Malkin (36) and Sidney Crosby (31) in 2009, and Daniel Briere (30) in 2010 have been more productive in the postseason.A couple more wins and Couture will put himself in the Conn Smythe conversation, with Martin Jones likely the front-runner if the Sharks are to win the Stanley Cup.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.