Robby Fabbri is setting records with the St. Louis Blues.At 20 years and 110 days old, Fabbri became the youngest player in NHL history to register three points in a Game 7, according to Elias Sports.The record-setting multi-point performance came in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Dallas Stars, in which Fabbri opened the scoring with a power-play goal and assisted on goals by linemates Paul Stastny and Troy Brouwer.Fabbri now has three goals and 10 assists in 14 playoff games, second only to Vladimir Tarasenko of the Blues. The 13 points put him in a tie for third among all postseason participants.Not bad for the 21st overall pick in 2014.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This series was always going to come down to goaltending.In Wednesday's Game 7, it was the best of times in net for one team and the worst of times for the other as the St. Louis Blues straight up throttled the Dallas Stars.Brian Elliott, who was yanked from Game 6 after allowing three goals on seven shots, responded with a 31-save performance in the series-clinching 6-1 win.He's started all 14 playoff games for the Blues, posting a .929 save percentage while his team has been pushed to the limit in each of the first two rounds.Whether it's the San Jose Sharks or Nashville Predators who join the Blues in the Western Conference finals, St. Louis will have full confidence in its goaltending.The same, however, can't be said in Dallas moving forward.Appearing in his first career Game 7, Kari Lehtonen allowed five goals on eight shots before giving way to Antti Niemi, who didn't fare much better (two goals allowed on 10 shots).Over the course of the playoffs, the alleged 1A-1B tandem combined for a sub-.900 save percentage, which simply won't cut it for any team with serious Stanley Cup aspirations.That general manager Jim Nill is tied to this pair for two more seasons and for more than $10 million is troubling, to say the least.

DALLAS - St. Louis did more than survive a Game 7 this time. The Blues dominated to advance to their first Western Conference finals since 2001.Linemates Robby Fabbri, Paul Stastny and Troy Brouwer each scored a goal and assisted on each other's tallies, as the Blues beat the Dallas Stars 6-1 on Wednesday night.The Blues, in the playoffs for the 40th time and still in search of their first Stanley Cup, will have home-ice advantage in the Western Conference finals against Nashville or San Jose - and for the Stanley Cup as well if they advance. The Predators and Sharks play the deciding Game 7 on Thursday night.David Backes, their captain, and Patrik Berglund also had goals for the Blues, who won their third road game in this series. Vladimir Tarasenko added an empty-netter with 4:40 left.Patrick Eaves had the lone goal for Dallas, which matched its most lopsided playoff loss. The Stars also lost 6-1 in Game 3 of this series.It was the fourth straight game in the series, and fifth overall, won by the visiting team, and a lopsided finish to a second-round series matching the Western Conference's top two teams in the regular season. The Blues were only two points behind Dallas in the regular-season standings for the top seed.Brian Elliott was back in goal for the Blues and had 31 saves. He had been pulled late in the first period of Game 6 after giving up three goals in seven shots - and Dallas held on to win that 3-2 to set up their first Game 7 at home since 2000, and first in the American Airlines Center.St. Louis also needed seven games to win its first-round series this postseason, beating the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on Brouwer's winning goal in the Game 7 clincher at home.In this Game 7, the Blues were in firm control after the first period, even after having a goal taken off the board because of a replay challenge by Dallas.The Blues were ahead to stay when rookie Fabbri scored on a power play 5:23 into the game with a backhander after Kari Lehtonen was unable to control a loose puck in front.Tarasenko took a shot from in front of the left circle that somehow got behind Lehtonen into the net with about 2 minutes left in the first period that appeared to make it 2-0. But replay showed that Tarasenko was just offside before the puck got in the zone, and officials wiped off the goal.St. Louis responded with two goals in the final 1:38 of the period: Stastny first and then Berglund on a shot from just inside the blue line with only 3.4 seconds left before the intermission.Stars coach Lindy Ruff has used two goalies all season, and Lehtonen was replaced after allowing three goals in eight shots. Antti Niemi took over in the second period, when Backes and Brouwer scored, but stopped the other eight shots he faced.NOTES: St. Louis is 5-2 on the road this postseason. ... Ruff is 0-4 in Game 7s as a coach. The first three were with Buffalo, in 2001, 2006 and 2011. ... Blues coach Ken Hitchcock was the Stars coach for their previous Game 7 at home, a win over Colorado at Reunion Arena in the Western Conference final. ... Tarasenko has seven goals this postseason, while Backes has six. ... The Blues blocked 34 shots; the Stars blocked five.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ontario Hockey League can't contain Mitch Marner.Marner's London Knights completed a four-game sweep of the Niagara IceDogs on Wednesday en route to an OHL championship, and the 19-year-old was named playoff MVP thanks to a 16-goal, 28-assist performance over 18 games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have to deal with a healthier Tampa Bay Lightning roster in the Eastern Conference finals.Steven Stamkos is skating with the team but not taking contact, and remains on blood thinners pending a decision from doctors to take him off, but general manager Steve Yzerman didn't close the door on the captain's participation in the third round."I'm not going to rule anything out," Yzerman said Wednesday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "But I can't give you a 'yes' or a 'no.'"For his part, Stamkos said he's able to do everything but get laid out by teammates in practice."I feel like I can play," he said. "It's just (getting the) word now."Defenseman Anton Stralman also practiced Wednesday, and could be available at some point against the Penguins after being out seven weeks with a broken leg.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Change doesn't appear to be afoot for the New York Islanders after a second-round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.General manager Garth Snow has given head coach Jack Capuano and his staff a vote of confidence following a series loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning."There's a great respect from our players to the coaches and vice versa," Snow said Tuesday, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday."Sitting through (exit) meetings with the players, there's a respect that's impressive to me. Our team is prepared, they're in great condition, for me I'm very thankful to have the coaching staff we have."The one caveat here is a change in ownership set to take place July 1, and with new bosses comes the possibility of change.Capuano has been with the Islanders since 2010, guiding the team to a regular-season record of 210-175-56 with three playoff appearances.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The bond between the Dallas Stars and country music legend Shania Twain strengthened Wednesday with some well wishes in advance of Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues.

The St. Louis Blues are ready. How could they not be? It's Game 7.The winner Wednesday in Dallas goes on in the best tournament in sports, and Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo can't wait."This is what we play for, games like this, where we have the opportunity to show up on a big stage," he said, according to Chris Pinkert from the team's website. "I think all the guys in the locker room are thinking the same thing. I expect a big effort from us."It's the second straight Game 7 for St. Louis after they eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks by going the distance in the first round.The Blues have been through a lot this season, dealing with myriad injuries yet still thriving. And it's that resiliency they must channel Wednesday, according to head coach Ken Hitchcock."(The group) was built through adversity," he said. "It's a really proud group. I would be awful shocked if you didn't get our A-game. ... This is a chance to knock off some really good hockey teams to get a chance to play in the conference finals. Our guys should be pumped up to do it."Also working in the Blues favor: They're 6-2 in their last eight games in Dallas, and this will be the first Game 7 for the Stars at American Airlines Center. Pressure's on them.The teams have played three Game 7s before - the Blues own a 2-1 lead, with all three games going to overtime.Nobody will be complaining if the fourth does.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Blaming Alex Ovechkin is easy. He's low-hanging fruit, thanks to the fact his Washington Capitals have never advanced past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But there's so much more to hockey, and to a seven-game series, than one player.Here are three combined reasons on why the Pittsburgh Penguins were victorious and the Capitals were ousted.Puck luckThe Capitals had an 8.3 shooting percentage at five-on-five during the regular season, which ranked second in the NHL. That dropped to 5.2 percent in the playoffs. Only the Islanders, Blackhawks, and Flyers were worse in the postseason.Washington scored 252 goals during its dominant, presidential regular season - most in the Eastern Conference and second in the NHL. The well ran dry at the wrong time. Ask Evgeny Kuznetsov, the club's leading regular-season scorer, who bagged one goal in 12 playoff games despite 39 shots on goal, third-most on the team.That's life.March of the PenguinsThese Penguins are so much more than Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Think about it: Pittsburgh eliminated an excellent Capitals team without Marc-Andre Fleury, and by keeping Crosby and Malkin to only a combined four points.Nick Bonino had 29 points in 62 games during the regular season. He has 10 in 11 playoff games - that's 34 percent of his regular-season production. Kuznetsov must hate him: Bonino scored twice on 12 shots in the series, both overtime winners.There's Phil Kessel, who's proving he actually lives for the playoffs, and Carl Hagelin, who looked so utterly lost as a Duck earlier this season, and who's been on absolute fire ever since he put on the black and gold. Then there is Trevor Daley, and Kris Letang, who had three assists and played over 30 minutes in four of five games.The Penguins finished the season 33-16-5 under Mike Sullivan. This is a formidable team.Murray channels inner HoltbyNow the Capitals know what it's like to be on the opposite side of a young goalie who seemingly comes out of nowhere to steal the show in the playoffs.Braden Holtby started only six games for the Capitals in 2011-12, before being handed the reins in the postseason. He made 14 starts, winning a Game 7 against the Bruins, before losing one to the Rangers. Holtby finished with a .935 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average. It was a sign of things to come.Matt Murray is doing his best Holtby impression, his performance punctuated by the fact he outplayed Holtby in the six-game series - even though Holtby finishes the playoffs with a stunning 94.3 save percentage at five-on-five. (The Penguins, as a team between Murray and Jeff Zatkoff, have the same mark.)Murray's playoff numbers are stupendous: 9-2-1 with a .930 save percentage and one shutout in 13 games. But, yeah, that's Ovechkin's fault.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

P.K. Subban is ready to drop it like it's hot ... on the court.The Montreal Canadiens defenseman is teaming up with Snoop Dogg for a charity basketball game in June.Snoop is expected to choose 22 more players, rounding out the rosters with other celebrities in music, film, and sports, according Bill Brownstein of the Montreal Gazette.Proceeds will go to Subban's Montreal Children's Hospital foundation and the Snoop Youth Football League.The NHL star and legendary rapper connected during a California road trip in March, when Subban gave him a Canadiens jersey on a day off in Anaheim.Snoop has been a hockey fan for years. Who could forget his classic interview with Scott Oake on "Hockey Night in Canada" at the Stanley Cup Final in 2007?The charity game will take place June 11 at the Verdun Auditorium in Montreal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby wanted to put on a show. But he'll take the series win.The second-round series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals was hyped as a rematch of their 2009 second-round series, when Crosby and Alex Ovechkin combined for a whopping 27 points in a seven-game thriller that the Penguins won. About the only similarity this time around was Pittsburgh's victory.While Ovechkin finished with seven points in the series, Crosby had only two assists, his supporting cast picking up the slack - Matt Murray, Carl Hagelin, Phil Kessel, and Nick Bonino in particular."Sorry to disappoint," Crosby said with a smile after Pittsburgh's overtime, series-clinching win Tuesday night, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen."It's not even the same thing, to be honest," he added. "I think you'd be hard-pressed to replicate that (2009 series). Trust me, I'd love to have however many goals in the series, whatever it was, seven or eight. I think that's tough. No series is the same. Different things happen. ..."I don't think you see too many things repeat like that. Different teams, different personnel, but we're happy we won it."Ovechkin would surely trade his seven points in the series to be playing some more hockey. Hell, he'd probably trade his production for a Game 7.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was always going to be Brian Elliott. You knew it. We knew it. St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchock knew it, too. He simply refused to say Tuesday.Cat's out the bag. Elliott will start in the crease for Game 7 against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night, the club tweeted.

There's overtime magic in Nick Bonino's stick.The Pittsburgh Penguins forward scored two overtime winners - including the series clincher - against the Washington Capitals in the second round, and the calls by Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi must be heard.Here's Bonino's Game 1 winner:

Now that Bruce Boudreau and Guy Boucher have landed new NHL coaching jobs, it's Mike Yeo's turn to be in demand.The Calgary Flames have asked the Minnesota Wild for permission to interview him, the Star Tribune's Michael Russo reports.Flames general manager Brad Treliving is serving as Canada's GM at the ongoing World Championship in Russia, and Yeo is one of the squad's assistant coaches.Calgary fired head coach Bob Hartley last week.The Anaheim Ducks reportedly received permission to meet with Yeo on Tuesday. He was also reportedly on the Ottawa Senators' list of candidates before they chose Boucher on Sunday.Yeo was fired by the Wild in February, but the two-year contract extension he signed in 2014 doesn't expire until 2017.- With h/t to Pro Hockey TalkCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's hard to believe that although Washington held Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby to two assists and all-world center Evgeni Malkin to a goal and assist in the second round, the Capitals are still done in six games.Pittsburgh's Carl Hagelin (seven points), Phil Kessel (six points), and Nick Bonino (five points, including two overtime winners) stepped up and did the damage offensively. For Washington, its best players were that: Alex Ovechkin had seven points, T.J. Oshie scored five goals and added a helper, and Justin Williams had five points.Going into this series between two evenly matched teams, the Capitals surely thought they had one significant edge: in goal. Braden Holtby, the presumptive Vezina Trophy winner, against Matt Murray, the rookie.But if you look at the numbers, Murray went save for save with Holtby, finishing with a higher save percentage in six games, and winning two of the three that went to extra time.Braden Holtby Statistic Matt Murray.923SV%.92616Goals Against15209Shots Against202193Saves187The shots were about even. Murray was better. He's playing like he's done this whole Stanley Cup Playoffs thing before. And he'll be in the crease for Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has to be.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Williams knows a thing or two about big moments in the playoffs.The man known as "Mr. Game 7" was brought to Washington to get the Capitals over the hump. But here they are, once again, the class of the regular season and out after the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, ousted in six games by the Pittsburgh Penguins.The Penguins are a phenomenal team, make no mistake, and they're peaking at the right time. And in Williams' view, they were the side that did what had to be done when it needed to be done."We didn't own the big moments," Williams said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "The margin of error is very small in this league, and they owned the big one (Tuesday night)."Nick Bonino owned it. He scored the overtime winner to end the Capitals' season.Williams stuck up for his captain, Alex Ovechkin, who is going to receive the brunt of criticism for another spring failure. But Williams knows the playoffs are about far more than one player."It's about us as a team not being quite good enough."Not when it mattered, at least. The worst part of it all: Williams didn't even get to play in a Game 7 with the Capitals.Maybe next year - the words every Washington hockey fan is probably sick to death of hearing.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Capitals came up short again in spite of - not because of - Alex Ovechkin's postseason play.Those arguing Ovechkin can't win the Stanley Cup gained more fuel for their narrative after the Capitals were eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of their second-round series Tuesday night, but he's hardly to blame for the latest disappointment."He did all the right things. He said all the right things. This certainly isn't on him," Capitals forward Justin Williams said postgame, according to Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski."It's about us as a team, obviously not … quite … being good enough."Ovechkin notched a point per game in his 12 playoff contests this spring, including two goals and five assists against the Penguins.The captain's 62 shots on goal led all playoff skaters - good for 13 more than the next closest player (teammate John Carlson) and eclipsing third-ranked Vladimir Tarasenko by 17, even though the St. Louis Blues sniper has played one more game.Ovechkin squandered several opportunities to score in Game 6, but still finished with a pair of helpers, six shots, and more than 27 minutes of ice time.Certainly, he could have converted on more of his chances, but he still finished tied for fourth in both playoff goals and points.He posted favorable possession numbers in all but three of the 12 postseason contests, according to War-On-Ice, and finished with an even-strength Corsi For rating of 57.4 in the playoffs, per Corsica Hockey.The Capitals won the Presidents' Trophy with the league's best regular-season record, boast the consensus Vezina Trophy favorite in Braden Holtby, and might have more depth than they've ever had. Still, they failed to emerge from the conference semifinal for the second straight season."We lost in the second round. It sucks," Ovechkin said Tuesday night."Every year, (there are) lots of expectations. Lots of great players. There's something we're missing. This group of guys can do better. Can go farther than the second round. I think we have the best goalie in the league. All four lines can play well. We just didn't execute when we had a chance to put the puck in the net."The Capitals qualified for the playoffs in eight of the last nine years, but Washington hasn't advanced past the second round since losing in the Stanley Cup Final in 1998.Despite that, Ovechkin has 82 points (41 goals and 41 assists) in 84 career postseason games.Whatever ingredient is missing, it doesn't appear to be the captain.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A spot in the Western Conference final will be on the line in Dallas on Wednesday, as the Stars host the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of an up-and-down, second-round series for both clubs.The Stars and Blues were separated by two points in the regular-season standings, with Dallas earning the right to host a deciding Game 7.How they got hereRound 1

The hockey season isn't ending just yet for a trio of Washington Capitals.Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dmitry Orlov will play for the Russian national team at the ongoing World Championship in Moscow and St. Petersburg, according to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.The Capitals were eliminated in Game 6 of their second-round series by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.Related - Watch: Bonino OT goal ousts Caps, sends Pens to conference finalsOvechkin led Russia to gold medals at the tournament in 2008, 2012, and 2014. Kuznetsov has represented his home country three times - from 2012-2014 - earning two golds and a silver.Orlov will take part in his second World Championship after winning gold in 2014.Russia sits in second place in Group A at the 2016 tournament with two wins in three preliminary-round games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another year, another second-round exit for the Washington Capitals, who dropped Game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in overtime Tuesday after winning the Presidents' Trophy.Though it was a disappointing end to an incredible year, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz spoke about how far the team has come since he took over as bench boss in 2014, and how far it still has to go."You look at our resiliency, you look at the heart of our team, that's the progress," Trotz said after his team clawed back from a three-goal deficit to send the game to overtime, according to NHL.com.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have defeated the Washington Capitals in six games, and are advancing to the Eastern Conference finals thanks to a Nick Bonino goal in overtime.Pittsburgh held a 3-0 lead late in the second period, only to see the Presidents' Trophy winners tie the game in the third after taking three consecutive delay-of-game penalties.The Penguins outshot the Capitals 7-3 in the extra frame, with the final strike coming courtesy of Bonino at 6:23.Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel registered the assists on the series-clinching goal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brooks Orpik had prime seats for a pair of Pittsburgh Penguins power-play goals during the second period of Game 6.Serving a double-minor after high-sticking Patric Hornqvist, the Washington Capitals defenseman watched as the home team went up 3-0 with a pair of goals scored 33 seconds apart.First, Phil Kessel scored his second of the game after out-waiting and outwitting Braden Holtby.Shortly thereafter, Carl Hagelin deftly tipped the puck past Holtby.And in the blink of an eye, the Capitals' Presidents' Trophy campaign came closer to an early end.(Videos courtesy: NHL.com)Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While it isn't easy for any young player to establish themselves in the NHL, it's impossible to imagine how Vancouver Canucks forward Linden Vey has made it through his first few professional seasons while dealing with an unimaginable murder conspiracy involving his family.In 2013 - the year Vey broke into the NHL - Linden's father, Curtis Vey, and co-accused Angela Nicholson were charged with conspiracy to murder their spouses, including Linden's mother Brigitte, in their hometown of Wakaw, Sask."It changes your life," Vey told The Province's Jason Botchford. "Your life is a certain way for so many years and all of a sudden, you wake up one day and it's totally different."Vey admits it's difficult to play with that kind of situation weighing on his mind, but he doesn't want to use it as an excuse for any disappointing play in the past couple years."I'm not going to sit here and say it's part of the reason I've had two of the worst seasons of my career," the 24-year-old said.After recording 24 points in 75 games in the 2014-15 campaign, Vey failed to make the team to start this season and was not called up until December."I didn't have a very good training camp," Vey admitted. "I thought it got better when I got called up. I think I started playing a little bit better."Curtis Vey and Nicholson will begin trial May 24, and the Canucks forward plans to be with his family in Saskatchewan during the offseason to support his mother."Our family is going to do its best to find its way through it."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta will return to the lineup for Game 6 against the Washington Capitals after missing three games with an upper-body injury, the team announced Tuesday.The 24-year-old was injured during the first period of Game 2 after being hit by Capitals blue-liner Brooks Orpik, who was suspended three games as a result.Maatta is expected to play on the team's second defensive pairing alongside Trevor Daley. Justin Schultz will be a healthy scratch.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Hoffman might not be going anywhere but up.The 26-year-old restricted free agent, who produced in spite of head coach Dave Cameron this past season, was thought to be a trade candidate for the Ottawa Senators this offseason.Until the hiring of new bench boss Guy Boucher, that is.Boucher and Hoffman are quite familiar with one another after the coach guided Hoffman's junior team - the QMJHL's Drummondville Voltigeurs - from 2007-09. Time has passed and both have evolved, but Boucher still believes he can bring out a more complete game from Hoffman all these years later."I think Mike has shown great things in the NHL. He was in the All-Star Game. Let's focus on his strengths, the fact he's a game-breaker. He can shoot, score and change the game," Boucher told Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen on Monday."Does he have things he can improve? Of course, but I'm so excited to be coaching him again. I know him. I know what to do with this guy and I know how to surround him ... I just know in the past we've had a great relationship. Yeah, I pushed him, but I pushed him with respect because I cared like I did with all the other players and it turned out to be something good."Hoffman, 26, recorded 29 goals and 30 assists in 78 games this season, despite averaging only 17:33 per game.There's still the issue of his new contract to work out, with talks reportedly set to intensify with a new coach in place. The hiring of Boucher, however, seems to bode well for the dynamic winger.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Capitals remain in a hole few in their position have climbed out of.Thanks to a Game 5 win that pushed their second-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins to at least six games, Washington still has the chance to become the third Presidents' Trophy-winning club to come all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit.The only two clubs to pull off the feat were the New York Rangers last season (vs. Washington) and the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks (vs. Detroit).Nine other first-place teams have failed to erase the 3-1 series deficit.Game 6 is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting to know Auston Matthews.With a couple of days off at the World Hockey Championship in Russia, Matthews sat down for an interview with TSN's Darren Dreger, and revealed that he met with Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello and director of player personnel Mark Hunter.Matthews called the meeting a "get to know you" type conversation, and said it was the first time he'd met either man."It was nice to meet them, talk to them, see what they thought. Get their thoughts on things," Matthews said.The 18-year-old presumptive first overall pick by the Maple Leafs has already said playing for Toronto would be "special," and echoed those sentiments again to Dreger."It's the Maple Leafs, hockey mecca of the world," he added. "They have a world-class coach."Matthews has four points at this year's worlds.The Maple Leafs haven't had a No. 1 center since Mats Sundin, so despite the recent goal-scoring exploits of Finland's Patrik Laine, it's presumed Toronto will be selecting the American on June 24 at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a jaw-dropping performance.Former NHLer Nigel Dawes, a Canadian-born forward playing for Kazakhstan at the World Championship in Russia, took a two-minute diving penalty for this display Tuesday.Norway beat Kazakhstan 3-2, but at least Dawes is going home with a medal. The diving competition at this year's Worlds is over, and Dawes is clearly the winner. Thanks to everyone who participated.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin will remain out of the lineup for Game 7 versus the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.Seguin continues to practice and recover from an Achilles injury suffered in March, but he didn't travel with the team throughout the series, and hasn't suited up since Game 2 of Dallas' first-round series versus the Minnesota Wild.The 24-year-old's status has been up in the air throughout the second round, as Stars general manager Jim Nill said Seguin would only need "four-to-five days" to return to game-form once he resumed skating.There's no word on Seguin's availability for the Western Conference finals if the Stars are to advance.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bruce Boudreau was introduced as the fourth full-time head coach in Minnesota Wild history Tuesday, and he couldn't be happier about it."It's a complete honor for me to be able to come here and coach in the State of Hockey," Boudreau said.

The Detroit Red Wings added Doug Houda to their coaching staff as an assistant Tuesday, the club announced. He signed a three-year deal, and fills one of two assistant coaching vacancies.Houda was dismissed from his job with the Boston Bruins after the club missed the playoffs. He spent the last 10 seasons in Beantown.The tour in Detroit will be Houda's third. He was drafted by the Red Wings in 1984. The details of his role on Jeff Blashill's staff are unclear at this time.

The quotes are flying ahead of a huge Game 6 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.Down 3-2, Washington faces elimination again after responding in Game 5 to send the series back to Pittsburgh, despite being written off before that contest."Seventy-five percent of people said we were going to lose (Game 5), right?" Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov asked, according to CSN's Chuck Gormley. "We have lots of balls in this locker room."A big game from Kuznetsov - who has only one goal and one assist during the playoffs - would go a long way in forcing a Game 7 on Thursday. His only point against the Penguins - that assist - came in Washington's Game 2 loss."As a coach, you stay positive, show him all the good things he's doing with the puck," Barry Trotz said about his leading scorer during the regular season, according to Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski.Trotz has to be hoping Kuznetsov puts the puck in the back of the net Tuesday.The Capitals also have Justin Williams, who's proven rather adept at Game 7s throughout his career.Meanwhile, the Penguins don't want to go back to Washington."We have to end the series here," said defenseman Olli Maatta, according to Sportnet's Chris Johnston. Maatta's expected to play but officially remains a game-time decision.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic has rescinded the trade requested he made previously, head coach Jack Capuano confirmed Tuesday.Although he wasn't moved, Hamonic's request caused quite a stir at the time, as the 25-year-old's role with the team was increasing and he was developing into a reliable defenseman.Hamonic said he requested the trade prior to the season, but word got out in November. The request centered around a family matter."The root of all this is a personal family matter of mine that I hold dear to my heart," he said at the time. "It has nothing to do with the organization or how I've been treated here for six years of playing and another two or three since I was drafted. I've honestly been treated like gold from the start."He added: "When (general manager Garth Snow and I) talked about this, it was more on a personal level than just a player-GM thing. He understands what this means for me and how difficult it is. He's really been there for me and I couldn't thank him enough."Hamonic revealed Tuesday the issue with the family member has stabilized, and he's happy to remain in New York:

The St. Louis Blues signed Finnish goaltender Ville Husso to a three-year, entry-level contract Tuesday, the club announced.Husso was drafted 94th overall in 2014. He had a solid season in the Finnish league this season, posting a .927 save percentage and five shutouts in 39 games for HIFK Helsinki. He was even better in the playoffs, with a .930 save percentage and four shutouts in 15 games.Husso's 21, stands 6-foot-1, and weighs 182 pounds.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jimmy's finalizing his list.Hobey Baker winner Jimmy Vesey was at the Downtown Harvard Club on Monday night when he was asked about his future - specifically whether it may include the Boston Bruins."I think the Bruins will definitely be on my list of teams," the left winger said, according to the Boston Herald's Stephen Harris.Vesey remains property of the Nashville Predators, who drafted him in 2012, but he's due for unrestricted free agency on Aug. 15 after not coming to terms on a deal with the club - despite the fact Nashville thought it had the Harvard stud signed.When asked whether he'd promised the Predators he would sign, Vesey answered, "No. I think there was probably a little bit of a misunderstanding."He said he'll make his decision on his playing future a few days after Aug. 15, when he's expected to be approached by a long list of teams.The 22-year-old spent four seasons at Harvard and was born in North Reading, Mass., so he's certainly familiar with the Boston area. And since the money on an entry-level contract is standard, it'll be more about fit than anything."I'll look at what a team has in terms of (an) NHL roster, and also what it has in the prospect pool," Vesey said. "I'll also be looking at the coaches and what style of play is going to fit me the best. The city, definitely. There's a lot that's going to to go into it. I'm excited about it and I can't wait to see where I'm going to end up."It won't be Nashville, that's for sure.Vesey's father is a scout for the Maple Leafs, leading to speculation that rebuilding Toronto could be in the mix.- With H/T to Pro Hockey TalkCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nobody on the St. Louis Blues wanted to play a Game 7 versus the Dallas Stars - nobody, except maybe forward Troy Brouwer, who's become quite acclimated with do-or-die games.Brouwer will suit up for a remarkable eighth consecutive Game 7 on Wednesday night, adding to his NHL record.The 30-year-old was eliminated in Game 7 by the Vancouver Canucks in 2011 as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, then proceeded to play five series-deciding contests in three playoff runs with the Washington Capitals.Wednesday, of course, marks the second Game 7 St. Louis will play this postseason, having slayed the Blackhawks in their deciding game in the opening round.Brouwer has a record of 3-4 in his streak of Game 7s, and has only recorded one point: the series-winning goal versus Chicago last month.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Following a first-round elimination last year with the Nashville Predators, Matt Cullen nearly called it quits."After the last game in Chicago, Game 6, I remember sitting, taking a minute," Cullen told ESPN's Scott Burnside. "It was kind of an emotional day. I kind of thought that was probably it. Mike Fisher came in, and we talked for a little bit. I thought there was a real good chance that was it."Now a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cullen enjoyed a renaissance regular season in which he scored 16 goals, and he's riding the same wave in the playoffs with three goals - and two game-winners - to his name.Cullen, a member of the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, said this postseason run is different."I don't know if I've ever had more fun playing the game," Cullen said. "I'm appreciating the opportunity a lot more. And it's just all about making another run trying to win another Cup. You know when you're younger you're always worried about a million different things. For me it's brought me a lot more clarity at this point in my career."The 39-year-old signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Penguins in the offseason to provide a stabilizing presence in the dressing room and ideally contribute some scoring.He's done just that."When the stakes are high, he is about as even-keeled player as you can find," general manager Jim Rutherford said.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Capitals are as close as a hockey team can get. Seriously. Ask Jason Chimera.The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent was asked about his future by CSN Mid-Atlantic's Chuck Gormley, and Chimera was unequivocal: After seven seasons in the U.S. capital, Washington is where he wants to be next season and beyond."I've been here a long time and I wouldn't expect to be anywhere else next year, too," Chimera said. "You want to win with these guys right now and whatever happens next year, happens next year."At this point during the interview, Chimera was kissed on his bald head by Evgeny Kuznetsov, Gormley writes. We told you the Capitals were close."Guys love each other in here. Kisses all over the place. Usually it's on the lips," he added with a laugh. "You don't get on too many teams where you really do enjoy everybody's company. Everyone enjoys coming to the rink and it's a fun place to work and when you get that going for you good things happen."While the Capitals have a good time as a team, it's going to be all business heading into another elimination contest, with Game 6 on tap Tuesday night."It's do or die. Urgency should be pretty high. I think guys are ready for it," Chimera said. "Guys were ready last game and guys are pretty excited again."Chimera said it was Alex Ovechkin who led the way before Game 5."Guys want to win for each other. We've been through a lot together this year. Our captain (Ovechkin) led the way in that meeting. He said some things and really backed it (up). You don't want it to end. If we play our best we're a pretty tough team to beat."Smooches aside, the Capitals will have to be at their very best to move on, needing to beat the Penguins two more times in a row. No easy task.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's one of the most iconic photographs in sports history, taken after one of the most iconic goals in hockey history.Bobby Orr took to the sky 46 years ago Tuesday, after scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Boston Bruins in the 1970 finals. There's a Vine, because we live in marvellous times, and you should watch it:For more context, here's a seven-minute video on the goal, the series, and Orr's wizardry:Also be sure to read this Deadspin piece, "The Story Behind Hockey's Most Famous Photo." An excerpt:

The Dallas Stars weren't ready to call it a season. They like each other too much.That was the message from center Jason Spezza after his club's big win in St. Louis on Monday, forcing a Game 7 showdown in Dallas against the Blues on Wednesday."We really like our group," Spezza said, writes Sportsnet's Mark Spector. "We have fun, we've had a great year together. We have great chemistry in this room and we want to keep playing together. This team genuinely likes being around each other. We didn't want to go home (Monday night)."The Stars were going home - Spezza simply wanted the plane ride to be an enjoyable one.A Game 7 isn't surprising considering these were two of the regular season's best teams, as Spector notes. One game, winner takes all and goes on. Yes, please.While goaltending has been an issue for the Stars, it was St. Louis that had to go to its backup - Jake Allen - on Monday. It'll be Brian Elliott versus Kari Lehtonen on Wednesday, though, after the latter turned in an inspiring performance, especially as the Blues pushed for the tying goal late."We're having a blast in here," said Dallas defenseman Alex Goligoski. "Just a bunch of guys digging deep for each other. It doesn't get any better than this."He's right about that last part.The Blues have a Game 7 win on their record this spring, against the Chicago Blackhawks, and will be looking to make it two in a row after being unable to close out opponents twice in Game 6.Faceoff is Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The wound of a five-game elimination at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning is still fresh for the New York Islanders, but the NHL offseason moves fast, and the Islanders front office has some decisions to make.Perhaps the biggest decision for general manager Garth Snow is the status of forward Kyle Okposo - an unrestricted free agent as of July 1 if both sides can't strike a deal. Neither side has discussed the contract situation all season long, according to Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post.Okposo has spent his entire career with New York, and registered 64 points in 79 games this season.The 28-year-old is uncertain what will happen and didn't reveal what he'd prefer to do, but did say "all good things come to an end," if he leaves Brooklyn.Okposo is at the end of five-year deal with a cap hit of $2.8 million, but is likely due for a raise after three consecutive seasons of 50-plus points.The Islanders have some cap flexibility, but on top of Okposo, they have decisions to make on UFA's Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin, along with restricted free agents Casey Cizikas and Ryan Strome.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks were hoping to head home with a series win, but due to the resiliency of the Nashville Predators, the Sharks are returning to the SAP Center for Game 7.San Jose wasted two separate leads in Monday's Game 6 loss, and the team has no choice but to bounce back if it wants to continue playing."They were stronger than us, that was the issue," forward Logan Couture said postgame, according to Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News. "They were winning more puck battles down low at their end, at the blue lines. They pinched, and we weren't strong enough on the boards to get it out."The Sharks were outshot 32-18 in the contest, but appeared bound for the Western Conference finals when Couture scored with 9:56 left in regulation.Their effort wasn't enough, though, so now the pressure has shifted on the Sharks to seal the deal on home ice."We had some chances, we could have won the game," head coach Peter DeBoer said. "They did a little bit more than us tonight, but we have a Game 7 at home, which is what we play for all season."The Predators, who erased a 3-2 deficit and won Game 7 on the road in the first round over the Anaheim Ducks, will have a chance to do the same Thursday night in San Jose.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.