Forget Mac Miller, or any song they have danced to in the locker room previously after a win. The Philadelphia Flyers have a new post-victory ritual.Vulgar, but importantly self-censored Jakub Voracek tweets.On Friday, the injured forward fired off a mirror-image tweet of the slightly-offensive celebratory social media offering he sent out Monday, and after the Flyers followed up their win over the Tampa Bay Lightning with another two points earned in the second half of the home and home.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin suffered an apparent left wrist or hand injury in a collision along the boards Friday night with Columbus Blue Jackets defender Dalton Prout.The Penguins did not offer a detailed update after the game, aside from head coach Mike Sullivan saying afterward that Malkin will be re-evaluated Saturday.He returned for a shift after the incident, which occurred early in the second period, but then headed down the tunnel and did not return.Sidney Crosby double-shifted for the remainder of the contest, which the Penguins won 3-2.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The long and disorganized Dennis Wideman saga is over.The Calgary Flames defender will return to the lineup versus the Arizona Coyotes on Friday after an independent arbitrator reduced his 20-game ban for cross-checking an official by half.With the disciplinary matter closed six weeks after the fact and a small victory earned (Wideman still missed 19 games), Flames president Brian Burke came to the defense of the team and its training staff in a brief press conference before the game."I believe (Calgary's medical personnel) acted properly at all times and in all respects through this process," Burke said."Our protocol was followed to the letter," he later added.Burke said Wideman "did not fall through the cracks" in terms of the training staff's execution of the NHL-mandated concussion protocol because Wideman first complained of symptoms after the game, not during.Wideman was hit by an opposing player moments before he collided with linesman Don Henderson, who suffered a concussion as a result. Wideman was later diagnosed with a concussion himself.Burke also wished Henderson a speedy recovery.The NHL said it "strenuously" disagreed with the neutral arbitrator's decision in a statement Friday, promising the league would be "reviewing the opinion in detail to determine what next steps may be appropriate."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Carl Gunnarsson to a three-year contract extension worth $8.7 million Friday, the club announced.The deal will include a no-trade clause, TVA's Renaud Lavoie reports.Acquired by the Blues along with a draft pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Roman Polak in June 2014, Gunnarsson, 29, has two goals and five assists in 62 games. He's averaging 17:36 in ice time.Gunnarsson was a seventh-round pick, 194th overall, by the Maple Leafs in 2007. He spent five seasons in Toronto and is in his second season with the Blues.The Swedish defender has been a negative possession player for the majority of his career. He has a 48.4 percent Corsi For rating this season, up from his career 46.6 mark, according to Hockey Reference.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Capitals are going through California on a road trip, and great things are happening.By that, we mean Alex Ovechkin, "The Great Eight," and Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One," hung out. And they posed for a great (sorry) photo.

The San Jose Sharks' dull bellyaching about their SAP Center ice came to a head Thursday, and after a shutout loss to the New Jersey Devils, when it was suggested to coach Peter DeBoer that the team may need to simplify its approach."Maybe we fix the ice," DeBoer responded. "How about that?"Swiftly, Sharks COO John Tortora has responded to the complaint, writing in an email to CSNCalifornia.com that steps are being made to improve the surface that the Sharks share with their American Hockey League outfit, the San Jose Barracuda."The increased rains the Bay Area has received this year, along with the humidity that comes with it, has made it more challenging to keep building conditions at an optimal level," Tortora wrote, according to CSN's Kevin Kurz."We made the decision to implement a supplemental dehumidification system, much earlier than we have in the past. The system is expected to be installed and online within the next two weeks."And in time for the postseason. How about that?Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Gary Bettman is fed up with criticism of the NHL's new overtime.In his speaking appearance at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and the morning after Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask became the latest NHL player to critique the format, the NHL commissioner was a touch sour in his response to the idea that 3-on-3 is not "real hockey.""Shut up. Don't complain," Bettman said, according to NESN's Nicholas W. Goss. "Why would you demean your own product?"It was said rather casually, but it has been a rough day for the commissioner. In addition to having his engagement picked apart online, Bettman saw his 20-game suspension levied to Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman chopped down to 10 by a neutral arbitrator.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the Fly, theScore's NHL roundtable series, continues. This week, we're freewheeling, diving into the Anaheim Ducks' Stanley Cup chances and an unrestricted free agent who gets no press - Brian Campbell.Anaheim's TimeIan McLaren: Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray deserves much credit for waiting out a seemingly disastrous start to the season and allowing head coach Bruce Boudreau to right the ship. After going 1-8-1 while scoring only 10 goals in 10 October games, the Ducks are now within striking distance of the Pacific Division lead and appear poised for a deep and successful playoff run.Two numbers stick out as primary evidence to back that up. On one hand, the Ducks have a Corsi For rating of 53.2 at five-on-five, behind only Los Angeles and Dallas. Meanwhile, they sit dead last in shooting percentage at 5.88.Add it up, and the Ducks are a high-end possession team at even strength that hasn't enjoyed the puck luck to make good on regularly out-attempting the opposition.If that shooting percentage begins to creep up to league average, Anaheim could be the force to be reckoned with in the postseason.The free agent no one talks aboutJustin Cuthbert: What does a soon-to-be 37-year-old defenseman with an enduring game and more than $50 million in career earnings do in unrestricted free agency?Anything he so chooses.Barring an unexpected in-season contract agreement, Brian Campbell - who's not the most talked-about member of the Florida Panthers' ascendant blue line, but who's been earning his $7-million salary - will reach free agency with options aplenty.Campbell would most certainly be welcomed back by the budget Panthers, though likely at a reduced rate. He could spring elsewhere for the largest long-term contract tabled to his management team. Or, he could satiate a market in need, say in Edmonton or Colorado.But at his age, and having cashed in prior to the NHL salary squeeze, the most attractive option may be leaving millions on the table to chase a second Stanley Cup.The most obvious and perhaps most likely championship destination is Chicago, the city where he met his wife and an organization that was forced to move his current contract after its first of three Cups this century.Steven Stamkos will dominate headlines the summer, should his stalemate get that far. But based on what he chooses, Campbell could be the most impactful free-agent add in the short term.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers have activated center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins from injured reserve Friday, the club announced.The 22-year-old hasn't played since sustaining a hand injury on Jan. 18. He has eight goals and 22 assists in 46 games - which are slightly disappointing numbers after back-to-back 56-point seasons and a career-high 24 goals last season.Nugent-Hopkins was left off Team North America's initial 16-man roster for the coming World Cup of Hockey, but is a strong candidate to be added before the June 1 deadline.Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli is the man in charge of Team North America, and Nugent-Hopkins' omission led to obvious speculation about the center's place on the Oilers, and how the decision would effect their relationship."These are hard decisions," Chairelli said. "At the end of the day, I'm a real big fan of Ryan's. He's got a real good two-way component to his game, he plays against the top centers and he has for a long time for a player of such a young age."The Oilers are in action Saturday, home to the Arizona Coyotes, and Nugent-Hopkins - signed through 2019-20 at $6 million per season - should be on the ice.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane will not face criminal charges following an investigation by the Erie County District Attorney's office in regards to a sexual encounter in late December.A formal accusation was never filed, but an investigation began when a young woman sought medical treatment following an encounter with Kane, reports the Buffalo News."This investigation was the result of the Buffalo Police following automatic protocols that are in place. Those protocols were followed and there was never a criminal complaint filed," said acting District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr."After a careful and diligent examination of all the known facts, including the results of forensic and toxicological testing, neither the provable facts nor the applicable law support the filing of any criminal charges or a prosecution in this matter."At the time, Kane maintained he had done nothing wrong, saying "I look forward to clearing my name (and) I respect the legal process."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dennis Wideman suspension saga took an unusual twist Friday after the Calgary Flames defenseman's suspension for making contact with linesman Don Henderson was reduced to 10 games from 20.After Wideman's initial appeal of the suspension was upheld by the NHL, the league revealed Wideman had texted an unnamed person after he met with executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell on Feb. 2. The text message read: "(The) only problem and the only reason I'm here is (because of) the stupid refs and stupid media."According to the neutral arbitrator's ruling Friday, Wideman sent that message to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Gregory Campbell - the son of Colin, who made the initial 20-game suspension ruling.Commissioner Gary Bettman cited the message as proof that Wideman did not accept responsibility for his actions when Bettman upheld the suspension in February.Late Friday afternoon, the NHL denied that the message in question was sent to Gregory Campbell, saying it was sent to Flames captain Mark Giordano.

The NHL is not pleased.After a neutral arbitrator reduced Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman's suspension for making contact with an official from 20 games to 10, the league released a strongly worded statement disagreeing with the ruling.

A neutral arbitrator reduced Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman's suspension for making contact with an official from 20 games to 10 on Friday, the NHL and NHLPA announced.The incident occurred on Jan. 27, when Wideman, on his way to the Flames' bench after taking a big hit, which left him dazed, collided with linesman Don Henderson. The collision appeared to have been made with intent, according to the league, and Henderson reportedly suffered a concussion as a result.Arbitrator James Oldham wrote in his ruling:

The Chicago Blackhawks will welcome a key piece of their puzzle back the lineup Friday.Winger Marian Hossa will play against the Dallas Stars after being out since Feb. 13 with a leg injury, the team announced.Hossa was hurt on a big hip check from Anaheim defenseman Hampus Lindholm and flying awkwardly into the boards.The 37-year-old has 10 goals and 18 assists in 54 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes aren't giving up on Jarred Tinordi.The defenseman, who was handed a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, is set to become a restricted free agent at season's end and could still have a future with the up-and-coming organization."He’s still a young player with lots of upside," general manager Don Maloney said, according to Sarah McLellan of azcentral. "So we’ll address Jarred’s situation with us at the end of the season."It’s a tough break for him, but he’s responsible for what he puts in (his body)," Maloney added. "He understands it. He knows it. He’s taking responsibility, and we’ll support him and hopefully we’ll deal with him in the offseason."The 24-year-old - drafted 22nd overall in 2010 - signed a one-year, $850,500 contract in the offseason with Montreal and has six assists in 53 career games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban has been released from hospital after a series of comprehensive tests and has been diagnosed with a "non-serious neck injury," the team announced Friday.

The scene that unfolded Thursday in Montreal was all too familiar for Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty.He, along with everyone else in a silent Bell Centre, watched as defenseman P.K. Subban was carried off the ice on a stretcher with an apparent neck injury. The incident came almost five years to the day when Pacioretty himself suffered a fractured vertebrae after being leveled into a stanchion by Zdeno Chara.Pacioretty was therefore understandably shaken after witnessing something similar unfold."I've been in that position before and it brings back a lot of tough memories, so it was really hard for me to watch," he told reporters after the game."It was tough to play after that," Pacioretty admitted. "It was impossible to concentrate after that, maybe me more so than a lot of the other guys. Now I know how guys felt when that happened to me, and all we can be now is supportive and hope for the best."The latest update on Subban is that he has been released from hospital and is day to day with a non-serious neck injury.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tuukka Rask wasn't exactly thrilled with how he spent his 29th birthday.The Boston Bruins goaltender watched as his team fell apart defensively in overtime Thursday against Carolina, allowing Phillip Di Giuseppe to score the game-winning goal.While the NHL's new overtime format may be effective in deciding games prior to the shootout, Rask certainly isn't a fan."I mean, I’ve had it with these three-on-three overtimes," Rask said after the loss, according to Darren Hartwell of NESN. "It’s just scoring chance after scoring chance. But, you just try to win the games, right? I was hoping (the Bruins) would score a quick goal like last game (10 seconds into overtime against Tampa Bay), but it didn’t happen."It’s usually just wide-open shots, breakaways or two-on-ones," he added. "And there are no wide-angle shots or point shots. It’s just scoring chances."While all of the above makes for a more entertaining viewing experience for fans, it's not hard to see how the experience may be less than optimal for goalies.Luckily for Rask, the Bruins moved into first place in the Atlantic Division by picking up a single point, and appear well on their way to securing a playoff spot, where overtime is played five-on-five.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marc Crawford is a coaching free agent with eyes on the NHL.After a successful stint with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss Hockey League, Crawford's contract has not been extended, club CEO Peter Zahner confirmed Friday."A successful era comes to an end," Zahner said, according to Swiss Hockey News, "but he wants to return to the NHL and we're not willing to wait."The Lions, led by top draft prospect Auston Matthews, were swept in the opening round of the playoffs, and while coaching decisions are typically made at the end of the postseason, the club decided to move swiftly."After four years, I think we need a new impulse and he needs a new challenge," Zahner continued. "I think it's okay for both sides."Crawford, a Stanley Cup-winning coach, guided the Lions to first-place finishes in each of the past three seasons, as well as the Swiss Championship in 2014 and the Swiss Cup in 2016.His last NHL coaching job was with the Dallas Stars from 2009-2011.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Whether it's because of his hands or because of his speed, it is not easy to contain Connor McDavid.Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon learned that Thursday as the Edmonton Oilers phenom cruised by him en route to his 14th goal of the season and eventual game-winner.The goal ended McDavid's two-game pointless skid. The 19-year-old still hasn't gone more than two games without a point all season.He sits just two points behind Arizona Coyotes forward Anthony Duclair and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who are fifth and sixth in rookie scoring, despite missing 37 games with a broken clavicle.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Galchenyuk will not be denied.The 22-year-old notched his third straight two-goal game Thursday, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the division-rival Buffalo Sabres.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was removed from the ice on a stretcher Thursday and has since been transported to hospital with a neck injury suffered in a freak head-first collision with teammate Alexei Emelin.He is alert, has normal movement in his extremities, and will undergo precautionary testing in hospital, the team announced.The injury happened late in the third period, when Subban stumbled to his knees while in pursuit of the Buffalo Sabres' Marcus Foligno along the boards. The fallen defender jammed his head during the unsuspecting contact with Emelin, causing an awkward and abrupt twisting motion with his neck.There was obvious concern for Subban after the game - a 3-2 victory for Montreal - but captain Max Pacioretty told reporters Subban was "responsive" throughout, and talking to players on his way off the ice.He hasn't missed a game due to injury in his career.Montreal hosts the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The legend continues to grow.With a beautiful two-on-one finish on a transition rush with Jonathan Huberdeau on Thursday night versus the Ottawa Senators, Jaromir Jagr secured the 20th 50-point season of his incredible career.He's the fifth player to hit 50 points 20 times, joining Ron Francis, Ray Bourque, Mark Messier, and Gordie Howe, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.Jagr added a second later on in the game - a 6-2 Panthers win - for his 127th career multi-goal game, 10th versus the Senators, and sixth since turning 43.

Dylan Larkin is on the path to greatness.The 19-year-old collected his 20th goal of the season against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, making him the first Detroit Red Wings rookie to reach the milestone since Henrik Zetterberg achieved the feat during the 2002-03 campaign.Larkin should exceed Zetterberg's rookie output of 22 goals and 44 points, baring injury or a severe downturn in production.The goal also helped to snap Larkin's seven-game goalless and pointless skid. Despite the drought, he remains tied for second in rookie goals with Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyler Myers made a former Selke Trophy nominee in Henrik Zetterberg look mighty foolish Thursday night.The lanky Winnipeg Jets defender froze, then danced the Detroit Red Wings captain with a shot fake before firing one past Petr Mrazek.That's Myers' eighth goal of the season, which is three short of matching a career high.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL general managers would apparently like the league's rule about headshots to be clearer.As GMs convene in Boca Raton, Fla. next week for the Board of Governors meeting, they could discuss the language of Rule 48, TSN's Darren Dreger noted during Thursday's "Insider Trading" segment.Rule 48.1 currently defines an illegal hit to the head as:

The NHL's imperfect coach's challenge system has been, and will continue to be, a hot topic in hockey circles after its first full season of implementation.It's widely accepted that the entire process needs to be scrutinized, but there's one executive who believes there's a quick fix for the volume of challenges being issued for offside calls and instances of potential goaltender interference: Harsher consequences than a spent timeout.Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN's Insider Trading that an unnamed executive plans to float the idea of having a two-minute delay of game penalty issued for a failed coach's challenge."He thinks that would cut down on the number of 50-50 calls that coaches are going for, especially in the third period. Because right now, (the) strategy is like a glorified timeout for a lot of these teams. They're saying, 'You know what, so what if we lose it, we're stopping play, we're stunting momentum, so why not just go for it?"One would think this idea would curb the amount of challenges, but as the process itself has taught us, it's impossible to predict what will happen, and how the game will be affected, when these rules are implemented.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks introduced the get-ups they will wear for an upcoming event at their home barn, and in the process, trumped every novelty jersey and uniform that's ever come before.

Auston Matthews' unique journey toward the NHL is almost complete, and while it looks to have been an overwhelming success, it certainly didn't get a storybook ending overseas.The 18-year-old's season with the Zurich Lions of the Swiss National League came to an end Thursday after his top-seeded club was swept by No. 8 seed SC Bern.

NEW YORK - NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says the league has no reason to believe the Montreal Canadiens acted inappropriately by trading Jarred Tinordi to the Arizona Coyotes after the defenseman was suspended 20 games for performance-enhancing drugs.Montreal traded Tinordi to Arizona on Jan. 15 in a controversial deal that sent fan-voted All-Star John Scott to the Canadiens, who demoted him to the minors. At the time, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said there were other factors that went into the trade but did not elaborate.After receiving several media inquiries, Daly said in the statement Thursday that NHL teams are not privy to drug-testing results or the process until a final determination has been made.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

London Knights forward Matthew Tkachuk is turning heads in his first OHL season.With an assist in Tuesday's 8-2 win over the Kitchener Rangers, the 18-year-old became just the third player in OHL history to hit the 100-point mark in his rookie season.He joins Erie Otters forward Alex DeBrincat, who achieved the feat last season, and Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov, who did so with the Sarnia Sting during the 2011-12 season.Tkachuk ranked first on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters and currently sits fourth in league scoring behind newly signed San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc of the Barrie Colts and London teammates Christian Dvorak (Arizona Coyotes) and Mitchell Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs).Tkachuk is indeed the son of former player Keith Tkachuk and should have bragging rights over his old man come June: Matthew's expected to be selected before pick No. 19, the pick the Winnipeg Jets used to select Keith in 1990.- With h/t to NHL.comCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended three games for cross-checking Simon Despres of the Anaheim Ducks.As the video explains, Landeskog raised his stick into Despres' head, knocking him to the ice.In the league's eyes, the play was not a battle for the puck or an attempt to establish positioning, and was deemed to be a reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous cross-check.

Jason Pominville hasn't missed a Minnesota Wild game in three years. That streak comes to an end Thursday.Pominville's picked up a lower-body injury that will keep him out of the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers, the club announced, and end his consecutive games streak at 231, which is tied for the longest in club history.Justin Fontaine will take Pominville's spot on the third line, with Erik Haula and Nino Niederreiter.Pominville has 11 goals and 22 assists in 67 games. Consider him to day to day.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL senior vice president Don Renzulli, the league's outdoor games czar, is quitting his post, according to TSN's Rick Westhead.Renzulli's been with the league since 2007, and this year's Winter Classic between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens was the 16th outdoor game he's been the lead in organizing.It's possible that Renzulli is leaving to go and work with former NHL COO John Collins, who left his job in November to head up On Location Experiences, a company "which markets unique fan access to events such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and the NFL draft," writes Westhead.One of Westhead's two sources on the story called Renzulli "Mr. Outdoor Games," and said "his loss is definitely a blow to the NHL."The league announced another set of outdoor games Wednesday, headlined by the Centennial Classic in Toronto on Jan. 1 and the Winter Classic on Jan. 2.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Stars could be without defenseman Jason Demers well into the postseason, should they indeed advance that far.Demers has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury that will be further evaluated in six weeks, according to Mark Stepneski of the team's official website.With only a month remaining in the regular season, that means Demers could return late in the first round, at the earliest.Demers has recorded seven goals and 16 assists in 61 games for Dallas this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators have their eyes on a special outdoor game during the 2017-18 season.To celebrate both the NHL's 100th anniversary and Canada's 150th birthday, the club wants to host the Montreal Canadiens in an outdoor game on Parliament Hill. And according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the league hasn't ruled out the venue, despite the fact a temporary stadium would need to be erected to accommodate the event.The easier option would be to have the game played at TD Place Stadium, site of the 2017 Grey Cup. But Senators owner Eugene Melnyk's preference is the Hill because of its unique backdrop, Garrioch adds."That would be really cool," Ottawa defenceman Cody Ceci said Thursday. "Being from Ottawa, it would be really cool to play in and see what they do with Parliament Hill putting the stands up. It'd be a pain to put them up and take them down but it'd be awesome to be a part of."An announcement is not expected until after the regular season as the NHL continues to explore the possibility from all angles.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins defenseman John-Michael Liles will not be disciplined for a hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Thursday.Liles had a hearing after he caught Kucherov with a forearm/elbow at the Bruins blue line.Kucherov visited the quiet room to be tested for a potential concussion, but returned to the game symptom-free. Liles wasn't penalized on the play.Acquired at the trade deadline by Boston, Liles has two assists in five games with his new club.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brooks Laich went from first to last, from Stanley Cup contender to 1967, but he doesn't want anybody to feel sorry for him.The veteran, a star in Washington during his time with the Capitals, spoke to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun and told him it's "a dream come true" to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.Laich realized he was living out a childhood ambition when the 32-year-old from Saskatchewan stood on the blue line at the Air Canada Centre and heard "O Canada.""I had obviously been in the building many times before but always as the opposition," Laich said earlier in the week. "This time playing for the home team, I mean, I used to watch 'Hockey Night In Canada' every Saturday like every kid in Canada. I wanted to play for the Leafs. I was a (Doug) Gilmour fan, a (Mats) Sundin fan. When we had the anthem and the Canadian flag was going down the one side in the crowd, the Maple Leafs flag was going down the other, and I was playing for the Leafs, people were rooting for me, that's when it really hit home. This was a dream come true. It really is. It's something very special."A lot of people might look at the situation that got me here and say, 'Oh, he's disappointed, he must be upset.' No, I look at it like a tremendous opportunity, I'm very fortunate to be here."Laich understands the reality of his situation. His production's fallen off a cliff, and in order for Toronto to net a second-round draft pick and prospect Connor Carrick, it had to take Laich and his $4.5-million contract for the remainder of this season and next. But he's not looking at the trade - one he asked Capitals general manager Brian McLellan not to make - as the beginning of the end of his career. It's a reset."I'm trying to prove myself," Laich said, adding that he's taking it day by day in Toronto. He understands he's around to provide leadership and to mentor the William Nylanders, Nikita Soshnikovs, and Zach Hymans."My job first and foremost is to rebuild my career, play the way I can. Be an effective, everyday consistent player," Laich said. "And then when doing so, the other intangibles come naturally. I love teammates, I love the team atmosphere of hockey, I love the enthusiasm of young kids, I remember being there 10 years ago, being one myself. But all those things come after me first playing well. I have to play well in order to have my voice carry any weight in the locker room."As for the Capitals, Laich said he hasn't "gone through the anger stage" regarding the trade, adding there's no guarantee the Capitals win the Stanley Cup, because nothing's guaranteed in sports, especially not in hockey."This is a new lease on my career here, a chance to rebuild my career. I had such a diminished role in Washington; it didn't look like there was a future there. Here I've got a chance to play and re-establish myself and further my career. That's something I'm really excited about."Laich said he's watched the Capitals on TV since the trade, but doesn't know how easy it will be to root for Washington come the playoffs, even though he has a number of great friends on the team."I really wish my friends well, at the same time, it would be really hard to see. ... I really don't know how I'll feel if everything goes their way," Laich said.You have to appreciate his honesty.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been suspended three games under the NHL's aggressor rule after an incident with Roman Polak of the San Jose Sharks, the league has announced.As the video shows, Nurse received a minor penalty for roughing and a five-minute major for fighting Polak late in Tuesday's game in Edmonton.In the league's view, Nurse's actions - which included eight punches - served as a "gross violation" of the aggressor rule as an attempt to inflict punishment on an unwilling participant or opponent in a defenseless position.On top of that, the NHL believes Nurse's actions were in direct response to a hit levied by Polak on teammate Matt Hendricks earlier in the period."We want to stand up for teammates, but I think Darnell went about it the wrong way and probably took it a little too far," said head coach Todd McLellan. "He's got to learn how to manage situations and control his emotions, but the fact he's willing to step up is something we like."The Oilers will not appeal the suspension.This is Nurse's first NHL suspension.(Video courtesy: NHL.com)Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Gabriel Landeskog could be watching for a bit.The Colorado Avalanche captain went up high with a cross-check to the side of the head of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres on Wednesday night, and will having a hearing with the Department of Player Safety.The play somehow went unpenalized. The Avs shut out the Ducks 3-0.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson will start Thursday's game against the Florida Panthers after being out of the lineup since March 1 with a lower-body injury.His presence will be a boost for a club that went 1-2-1 in his absence, although it's probably too late to make much of a difference in the playoff race, as the Senators sit five points out of a wild-card spot with 14 games remaining on the schedule.Anderson has posted a record of 27-20-4 with a .917 save percentage in 52 appearances this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

No further discipline.St. Louis Blues forward Ryan Reaves will not be hearing from the NHL after he took out Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Christian Ehrhoff with a high hit Wednesday, according to the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc.Reaves was given five and a game after he clocked Ehrhoff behind Chicago's net. The league concluded the hit was hard, but legal, according to Kuc's source.The Blues won a chippy game, 3-2 in a shootout. Reaves played only 2:29 before being tossed, while Ehroff finished with 11:45 in ice time over 17 shifts.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, the NHL's trade deadline will be 10 days old. Almost prehistoric. And that means it's time to look at how those players who changed addresses (since Feb. 21) are faring, and determine whether trades went boom or bust.As for Lee Stempniak, it should come as no surprise that he's fitting in with his new team, the Boston Bruins. This is what Mr. Stempniak does - get traded, keep producing, rinse, and repeat.ForwardsPlayerGPGAPPPPTeamLee Stempniak51560BruinsAlex Tanguay32351CoyotesPatrick Maroon42240OilersAndrew Ladd52243BlackhawksShawn Matthias73140AvalancheDevante Smith-Pelly32130DevilsMikkel Boedker51231AvalancheJamie McGinn52130DucksJiri Hudler32020PanthersEric Staal51120RangersMarkus Granlund71120CanucksTeddy Purcell20111PanthersDavid Jones31010WildTomas Fleischmann51010BlackhawksShane Prince51010IslandersBrooks Laich60110Maple LeafsDale Weise30000BlackhawksKris Versteeg40000KingsDaniel Winnik50000CapitalsNotes:

The Vancouver Canucks and Brandon Prust have mutually agreed to shut the forward down for the balance of the season as a result of nagging discomfort in his ankle, the team announced Thursday.Prust will return to his hometown of London, Ont., for his rehab but will remain under the supervision of the team's medical staff.The 31-year-old had been assigned to the AHL's Utica Comets after clearing waivers in early February. There, he recorded a goal, six assists, and five penalty minutes in nine games.Prust is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the outside of the playoff picture, the Minnesota Wild will be without their starting goaltender for Thursday's game against Edmonton.Devan Dubnyk will be unavailable due to illness, meaning Darcy Kuemper will draw the start. Steve Michalek, who was recalled from the AHL on an emergency basis, will serve as the back up.The Wild sit two points behind Colorado for the Western Conference's second wild card spot, albeit with two games in hand.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

LOS ANGELES - Jeff Carter scored with 2:10 left in overtime and the Los Angeles Kings blew a three-goal lead in the third period before rallying for a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.Vincent Lecavalier, Jake Muzzin and Milan Lucic scored in a dominant first period for the Kings, who reclaimed the Pacific Division lead from Anaheim with their seventh victory in nine games.Related: VIDEOS: Kings honor Justin Williams, Mike Richards in L.A. returnsT.J. Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom and Dmitry Orlov scored in the third for the NHL-leading Capitals, who awoke from two somnolent periods for a furious finish. Braden Holtby stopped 26 shots in Washington's second loss in six games.

DENVER - Semyon Varlamov stopped 37 shots, Nathan MacKinnon got his 21st goal and the Colorado Avalanche beat Anaheim 3-0 Wednesday night to end the Ducks' 14-game point streak.Andreas Martinsen and Shawn Matthias also scored to help the Avalanche earn a critical win. They're in a heated race with Minnesota for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.The Ducks have now dropped two straight for the first time since December and ended a six-game road winning streak.

The Calgary Flames have Johnny Gaudreau to thank for salvaging a 3-2 overtime win over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.Gaudreau set up Mikael Backlund with a great pass on the OT winner, capping off an impressive three-point night.Related: Johnny Gaudreau establishes 2 career highs in 10 secondsThe Predators nearly stole the victory from the Flames, who held a 2-0 lead before Mike Fisher went off for two points in the third period, including the game-tying goal with the goalie pulled and just 1:18 left on the clock.The Predators' late-game heroics pushed their franchise-record point streak to 14 games.