With the chance highly-touted prospect Jimmy Vesey could become a free agent in April after his senior season at Harvard ends, it appears the Nashville Predators are ready to add him to their roster as soon as possible."We have a spot for him," general manager David Poile told ESPN Radio in an interview Tuesday, suggesting he could start on a line with Ryan Johansen. The 22-year-old was drafted by the Predators in the third round of the 2012 draft, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season.It was reported in October that a number of teams were "lining up" to join the Vesey sweepstakes if he elected not to sign with the Predators.The Toronto Maple Leafs are widely considered to be the favorites to sign the winger if he elects for free agency. The Maple Leafs hired his father Jim as a scout during the offseason and drafted his younger brother Nathan in the sixth round of the 2014 draft.Vesey currently leads his team with 33 points in 20 games this season.Type your content...Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL has an answer for Snowstorm Jonas.Make-up dates for the three late-January games postponed due to inclement weather on the east coast have been announced.The Washington Capitals now have a pair of games at the Verizon Center versus the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks on March 1 and April 10, respectively, after having Jan. 22 and Jan. 24 games wiped out.Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers will travel to meet the New York Islanders to make up their Jan. 23 game in Brooklyn on April 10, as well.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Scoring's down in the NHL. With talk about potentially bigger nets, or bigger ice, what will get smaller next year is goalie equipment. But the men between the pipes are incredible athletes who have all but mastered their art. They will adapt, and they will raise the bar, again.The future of hockey is in the crease, and below are three goaltenders who will dominate headlines for the next decade.Connor HellebuyckThe Winnipeg Jets finally have a goalie.A fifth-round draft pick in 2012, 130th overall, Connor Hellebuyck has never had a save percentage below .921 in any season in pro hockey - and that includes the NHL.Season League GP SV% SO2011-12NAHL53.93032012-13NCAA24.95262013-14NCAA29.94162014-15AHL58.92162015-16AHL10.92712015-16NHL22.9272Only 22, Hellebuyck got his chance when Ondrej Pavelec went down to injury in late November - and he's run with it. And while Hellebuyck was never a too-hyped prospect, he's the present for the Jets as they fight for a playoff spot this season, and the future.Hellebuyck is following in the footsteps of countrymen Ben Bishop, Jonathan Quick, and Cory Schneider, and is another young American goalie on the rise, like the next man on our list.John GibsonAnaheim Ducks phenom John Gibson is the goaltender many have never heard about. But that's going to change.Not only was Gibson an All-Star this season, he was instrumental in helping the Pacific Division to the title in the 3-on-3 tournament. He shut the door in the second half of his team's 1-0 victory of the Atlantic Division, stopping all seven shots he faced.Now on his third stint with the Ducks, it appears Gibson is finally done with the AHL. He's allowed only 38 goals in 21 games - his 1.91 GAA is the best in the NHL - and his .923 save percentage is in the top 20.Season Age SV% GP SO2013-1420.954312013-14 Playoffs20.919412014-1521.9142312015-1622.923214While most around hockey have appointed Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin the league's top rookie, Gibson may have something to say about that, especially if the Ducks continue to soar - all the way into the playoffs.Braden HoltbyThe Washington Capitals are the NHL's best team. A big reason for their success is the fact they employ the league's best goalie: Braden Holtby.At 26, Holtby's the elder statesman on this list, but he's only getting better. And he's remarkably consistent, starting a whopping 72 games in 2014-15, and he's on pace to equal that mark this season - and win 55 games. No goalie's ever won more than Martin Brodeur's 48.SeasonGPSV%SO2012-1336.92042013-1448.91542014-1573.92392015-1639.9292Holtby first made headlines in 2012, as a 22-year-old rookie, when he was superb in 14 postseason games for the Capitals, posting a .935 save percentage. Last season, he was even better in the playoffs, recording a remarkable .944 save percentage, as the Capitals again fell in the second round. Make no mistake: There's a Vezina Trophy in his future.Washington's best chance to win a Stanley Cup is now. Holtby's a major reason why. He plays his best hockey when he faces the most pressure, and it's going to be a tense spring in the U.S. capital. But the Capitals are in good hands, this year and for years to come.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cam Fowler will return to the Anaheim Ducks lineup Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, head coach Bruce Boudreau announced.The 24-year-old defenseman missed over a month of action due to a sprained knee, last playing Dec. 27 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He will likely return to his spot beside veteran blue-liner Kevin Bieksa.The return of Fowler, who has 12 points in 34 games this season, means 20-year-old Shea Theodore will remain with the AHL's San Diego Gulls.Boudreau also announced that Frederik Andersen will get the start in goal for the Pacific Division battle.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We're into the nitty-gritty.The NHL's postseason push is now officially underway with just two-and-a-half months left in the regular-season schedule. Here are five bold predictions for the stretch run:Montreal drafts in the top 5After six wins in 25 games before the All-Star break and a difficult stretch of four games in six nights this week, Montreal decides to wave the white flag. Marc Bergevin sells at the deadline and the Canadiens land a top-five pick to play with Alex Galchenyuk after this lost season. - Mark MillardCapitals clinch Presidents' Trophy in MarchWashington slips, only slightly, from its current .787 winning clip, fashioning an 19-8-1 record over the next two months to hit 113 points before the calendar turns to April. It's enough to clinch the Presidents' Trophy then, despite two postponed late January games. - Justin CuthbertStars finish in wild-card positionDespite winning 28 of its first 39 games, Dallas falls from the top three in the Central Division. Three wins in January serve as an indication of what's to come: the Stars will eventually be overtaken by the Predators, succumbing to the fact that 24 of their final 32 games come against teams currently in playoff position. - Mark MillardSabres win NHL draft lotteryThe Sabres missed out on Connor McDavid, but gain the opportunity to form the All-American (and eventually all-world) duo of Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews after they win the NHL draft lottery in April. They enter the sweepstakes with the third-best odds (behind the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets), effectively offsetting their luckless result last spring. - Justin CuthbertKane finishes with 70 assists, more than 110 pointsPatrick Kane tallies 27 assists in the final 29 games to become the first player to record 70 assists in a season since Henrik Sedin in 2010-11. The Art Ross Trophy winner will also surpass the 40-goal mark, making him the first player to record 110 points since Henrik the season prior. - Mark MillardCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is only 126 games into his professional hockey career, but he's already drawing high praise from the best in the business.Ahead of his team's matchup against the Panthers, Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz couldn't help but compliment the 19-year-old phenom.

Vancouver Canucks forward Brandon Prust and Calgary Flames forward Mason Raymond have been placed on waivers.Prust was a healthy scratch for three consecutive games before the All-Star break. He has struggled since being acquired by the Canucks, recording just one goal and six assists in 35 games.

As the NHL enters its stretch run, many teams will undoubtedly rely on the extra point to push their way up the standings and into playoff position. However, there is a good chance they'll have to do so without the shootout.There has been an 18.5-percent increase in games decided in the extra period as opposed to a shootout this season, the league revealed Tuesday.

The New York Islanders are coming out of the All-Star break with a surprising change to their lineup.Jean-Francois Berube will make just his second start of the season Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. The 24-year-old lost his first start, giving up four goals on 34 shots against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 10.Berube was recalled Monday following a conditioning stint.The move comes despite the fact that the both members of the Islanders' regular goaltending duo, Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss, are well-rested following the break.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers will be without goaltender Michal Neuvirth for the next 7-10 days due to a lower-body injury, the team announced Tuesday.Neuvirth left practice Monday after sustaining the injury.The 27-year-old is enjoying a solid bounce-back campaign for the Flyers. He's 11-6-2 with a 2.14 GAA and a league-leading .933 save percentage.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ready, folks? It's go time.All-Star Weekend, though much too short, is an opportunity for players to heal the buildup of damaged tissue that accumulates through the four-month grind to start the season. But also, and perhaps most importantly, time spent on the beach or with family allows players to recharge mentally, and prepare for the stretch run.Because with the table now set, the objective for each team and every player is clear.Here are 11 things to watch out for in final 11 weeks of the regular season:Can the Capitals handle adversity?Things have come all too easy for the league's best team, which has failed to collect at least a point in just eight games all year. But adversity will knock, with graver news than Alex Ovechkin having to sit one game.Washington has been, not coincidentally, one of the healthiest teams in the league, with its top six combining to miss only six games to injury.It should be noted, though, that the Capitals have already survived a major loss. They went 9-2-1 without their best defenseman, John Carlson, for a stretch in January.How high can Kane set the bar?Having carried his first-place club through sluggish portions with his offensive wizardry, Patrick Kane met the All-Star break as the only player on pace for a 100-point season.Should he maintain this form, he'll surpass Jamie Benn's Art Ross campaign total from last season before the calendar flips to March, hit 100 points around the time the Chicago River is colored St. Patrick's green, and finish with 113 points to match Evgeni Malkin for the most since Sidney Crosby in 2006-07.McDavid's rookie seasonIt will begin in earnest Tuesday, when the Edmonton Oilers phenom, on the mend from a broken clavicle, returns to the lineup versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.McDavid likely doesn't have a shot at the Calder Trophy, and another season appears lost in Edmonton, but the Alberta capital will see must-watch second-half games (32 of 'em) for the first time in a decade with the 19-year-old in the lineup.Is Florida for real?Unknown, underrated, and, contrary to the rest of the division leaders, a team firmly on the wrong side of the possession war. As far as the game's elite go, the Panthers are not like the others.But is this ragtag group of talented young guns and grizzled veterans a true Stanley Cup contender?With the Red Wings (twice), Penguins (twice), Capitals, Blues, and Predators on the schedule over the next two weeks, we may soon find out.Ducks' huntAnaheim dug itself into a similar hole its in-state rival, the Los Angeles Kings, failed to successful emerge from last year, losing nine of its first 10 games.But unlike those Kings, the Ducks appear as though they'll survive the early turbulence, moving to within two points of a postseason position in their downtrodden division.No longer employing a breakneck pace, the Ducks are winning games with a shutdown trap that has bumped their authority over shot attempts in the last two months to over 55 percent. Suddenly, they're a team to be reckoned with.Stamkos, at easeThe Stamkos saga will rage on for a few more weeks, or perhaps less. At some point this season, the poking and prodding will discontinue, and the Tampa Bay Lightning captain's only concern will be what happens on the ice.With the pressure only to perform, suitors might just then determine how much money they're willing to sink into the superstar.Can the Canadiens find a lifeline?Not in the form of John Scott.The All-Star break wasn't at the right time, but "about time" for Montreal, which compiled a league-worst 11 total points across the last two months. To put that in perspective, the Blackhawks banked 41 over that same stretch.The Canadiens desperately need something to rally around. And since they can no longer afford to hold their breath on Carey Price, that tangible something needs to come from P.K. Subban or Max Pacioretty - the only other real difference-makers on the roster.Calder chaosWe expected a fun race; we just got the participants wrong.With Jack Eichel's slow start and McDavid's season derailed, neither of the top two picks in last summer's draft is assured to be in Las Vegas when the Calder is handed out. But that doesn't mean top rookie won't be the most competitive, exciting sprint for an individual trophy this season.Artemi Panarin, on pace for the most points by a rookie since (who else?) Kane, is leading the field right now. But the exemplary two-way efficiency of Dylan Larkin, incredible production off the blue line from Shayne Gostisbehere, and emergence of John Gibson between the pipes, should push the shifty Chicago winger.Can Sid prolong this tear?Ignited under Mike Sullivan, Sidney Crosby has a very real chance to finish in the top 10 in scoring after producing almost two-thirds of a point below his career average for two months to start the season.If he continues his pace under Sullivan, which is better than a point per game - though still well below his career average - Crosby will finish with 80. That would've been good for sixth in the league last season.Breaking BudsAll eyes will be on Toronto in the lead-up to trade deadline day.The last-place Maple Leafs, built up to be dismantled this month, are in the beneficial position of being the only team actively looking to be stripped for parts.Sure, basement-dwellers in the Blue Jackets, Jets, and Oilers - hapless in their own rights - might move out a body or two. But those teams are further along in their rebuilds, and are in the process of refining, not juicing for draft picks.Will the Central catch up to the Stars?Dallas coughed up its lead atop the Central with just two regulation wins in the month of January. It's not time to panic, considering the Stars still have the third-most points in the NHL, but dangerous waters lie ahead.Having competed within the Central in just 13 of its 50 games before the All-Star break, half of Dallas' remaining schedule will come inside the best division in hockey, including four games each against the Blackhawks and Predators.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott's memorable goal celebration has been immortalized - or at least briefly commemorated - on one blogger's lawn.Kyle Mace, who writes for a Hershey Bears blog called "Chocolate Hockey," crafted this masterpiece on Monday:

The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly inked defenseman Alex Biega to a two-year contract extension.The deal will pay him $700,000 in 2016-17 and $800,000 in 2017-18, TVA's Renaud Lavoie reports. Biega signed a one-year deal with the Canucks over the summer.His new pact is a one-way contract, according to Adam Forsythe of News 1130.Biega has four points in 25 games with the Canucks in 2015-16, and six points in 14 contests with the AHL's Utica Comets.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott is already being flooded with movie offers after his All-Star ordeal and fairy tale ending over the weekend, so it's time to start thinking about how an adaptation of the story would play out on the silver screen.Related: John Scott approached about possible movie, fan-made trailer emergesHere's who we'd cast as the eight most important characters in a hypothetical John Scott movie:Liev Schreiber as John ScottSchreiber would be hard to convince, having already played antagonizing enforcer Ross Rhea in the cult hit "Goon," but he's simply perfect for the role.The veteran actor has connections to the hockey world, having been the narrator of HBO's "24/7" documentary series, and he has the experience required to tackle Scott's range of emotions and sense of humor.He's not the biggest name as far as actors go, but Schreiber has gone big budget before - as Sabretooth in the "X-Men" franchise - and hey, Kevin Costner played baseball players in three different movies.No one else could capture both Scott's appearance and personality quite like Schreiber, but if he politely declines, we'll give "The Mountain" from "Game of Thrones" a call.Ryan Hurst as Brent BurnsHurst is often typecast in - shall we say - greasier roles, and he's best known for playing Opie Winston on "Sons of Anarchy".He's a natural to portray the San Jose Sharks defenseman, who's both Scott's All-Star buddy, and the NHL's resident wookie.Count von Count as Gary BettmanIn the most challenging role of his career, the beloved Muppet plays the NHL commissioner, with whom he actually has plenty in common.They look as alike as a puppet and a human can, plus the Count's math skills would come in handy, particularly in scenes that show Bettman begrudgingly poring over the All-Star votes and discussing the trade's salary cap implications.Michael Chiklis as Bill DalyChiklis has played "The Commish" before, so it's only fitting that he takes on the role of the NHL's deputy commissioner, in a part he was truly born to play.The actor has plenty of experience playing conflicted characters who enforce the law, and he'd do well as Daly, who carries out the will of the league as Bettman's right-hand man.Christoph Waltz as Colin CampbellWaltz has experience playing villains in movies like "Inglorious Basterds" and "Spectre." While he's not quite a dead ringer for the NHL's president of hockey operations, he could pass for Campbell, and he's got the acting chops to nail the role.Willem Dafoe as Don MaloneyDafoe has great range, so who better than the veteran actor to capture Maloney's internal angst about trading Scott, and the Arizona Coyotes general manager's passion while insisting the deal had nothing to do with the All-Star Game.If the star of "Platoon," "The Last Temptation of Christ," and the "Spider-Man" movies can turn back the clock and grow his hair a bit, he's a shoo-in for the Maloney role.Jeff Goldblum as Marc BergevinThe star of "The Fly," "Jurassic Park," and "Independence Day" looks exactly like the Montreal Canadiens general manager with glasses on, and that's good enough for us.Goldblum would have no problem capturing the ethical dilemma faced by Bergevin as he (perhaps) reluctantly accepts the trade, and sends Scott to Newfoundland.Topher Grace as Greg WyshynskiWe can't have a John Scott movie without the man who - along with his podcast partner Jeff Marek, the Reddit community, and Sportsnet video star Steve Dangle - kick-started the online movement to get Scott voted in.Grace hasn't done much since playing Eric Forman on "That '70s Show," but this one's a no-brainer given their resemblance.

Niklas Kronwall will miss at least another two weeks after being placed on long-term injured reserve by the Detroit Red Wings on Monday.The Wings' top-pairing defenseman has been out since Jan. 17 with a knee injury that required surgery.Kronwall isn't eligible for activation until Detroit's Feb. 14 meeting with the Boston Bruins, and will be reevaluated then.Detroit will receive salary relief with the transaction.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Division I's leading goal scorer, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Tyler Motte, is also one immensely tough hombre.Motte was absolutely leveled and left bloodied by a flying elbow from Penn State forward Andrew Sturtz on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Rob Schremp may no longer be playing in the NHL, but that can't stop us from diagnosing him with "sick mitts."Schremp put on an absolute clinic Sunday at the AHL All-Star Skills Competition, putting together an incredible lacrosse-style shootout attempt.The 29-year-old has 17 goals and 16 assists with the Portland Pirates this season.He recorded 20 goals and 34 assists in 114 career NHL games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The John Scott movie may be closer to becoming a reality than people realize.Scott's agent Ben Hankinson has already been approached about a potential movie about the All-Star Game MVP's career, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. The longtime enforcer has also received "a slew of endorsement opportunities.""The John Scott ride has been nothing short of a rollercoaster to an incredible ending," Hankinson said. "We do have a lot of different options for him to pursue, but he's not looking to do everything there is. He's going to have some different routes that he can take as far as books and even a potential movie. He can take it as far as he wants to."With All-Star Weekend wrapped up, it's unclear if the 33-year-old will make another appearance on the NHL stage. But Scott, currently a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization, is hopeful he can stay close to hockey."Hopefully I can stick around and do something in the sport," said Scott, who is believed to have been offered a radio analyst job in the offseason before signing with the Arizona Coyotes. "If not, I'll do something else for work, you know, 9-to-5."Meanwhile, the first of what is likely to be many fan-made trailers has already emerged for "John Scott: The Movie," featuring a number of highlights from Sunday's incredible game.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A trio of All-Star Weekend participants have been named the NHL's three stars for the month for January.Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov was named first star after recording 4 goals and 12 assists in January, trailing only Patrick Kane's 17-point month while playing four fewer games than the Blackhawks star. The 23-year-old leads the league's best team with 49 points in 47 games.Kane's teammate Corey Crawford was named second star after a compiling a 9-2-0 record and picking up two more shutouts to bring his league-leading total to seven. The 31-year-old's stellar play has lifted the Blackhawks into first place in the Western Conference.Finally, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman and third star Kris Letang led all blue-liners with 14 points, as his team climbed into the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot prior to the All-Star break. His month included five multi-point games, including a three-assist effort against the New York Islanders on Jan. 2.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers are about to get a gigantic boost.Connor McDavid is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets."We wouldn't put him in a game if he didn't get a chance to take contact," Oilers head coach Todd McLellan said Monday. "The reset button came with time off ... Throw Connor into the mix and it's exciting."McDavid skated on a line with Jordan Eberle and Benoit Pouliot at practice Monday.He missed the last 37 games following surgery to repair a fractured clavicle. McDavid skated with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors throughout the All-Star break after being cleared for full contact last week.The 18-year-old phenom recorded five goals and seven assists in 13 games before suffering the injury.The Oilers have gone 14-18-5 in his absence.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils announced Monday that forward Mike Cammalleri is dealing with an upper-body injury and has been placed on the injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 26, meaning he won't play Tuesday against the New York Rangers.The 33-year-old had just returned from an eight-game absence due to a hand injury suffered Jan. 19, and The Record's Tom Gulitti tweeted that Cammalleri has been regularly icing his right hand after games. Head coach John Hynes told Gulitti the hand had "acted up on him" and it was unclear how much time he would miss.Cammalleri currently leads his team with 24 assists and 38 points.The Devils also announced Monday they recalled forwards Joseph Blandisi and Reid Boucher as well as defenseman Seth Helgeson from the AHL's Albany Devils.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for January, the league announced Monday.

2016: The year the NHL All-Star Game was reborn.After an absolute disaster in Columbus last season, the NHL got it right with its revamped three-on-three format this time around. The league certainly had some help, though, even if it wasn't what they initially wanted.John Scott put on a show, single-handedly writing one of the best stories hockey has seen in a long time. He headlined a very special, record-setting weekend in the Music City.Here is a list - in no particular order - of everything that made the 2016 All-Star Game awesome:1. MVPFrom scoring a pair of goals, to dumping and mock-fighting star forward Patrick Kane, to leading his team to victory and being named Most Valuable Player, it was impossible not to admire what Scott did on and off the ice this weekend.He handled a difficult situation with the utmost class, earning the respect of fans and peers alike in the process.Related: Fellow All-Stars, NHLers give it up to MVP Scott

In the NHL, a young blue-liner's learning curve is steep and forbidding.While forwards and goaltenders rely on natural instincts in their introductions to the league, defensemen often must make significant changes to adapt to the skill, speed, and strength at the highest level.There are, of course, exceptions; players who make a seamless transition to the show with the same game that saw them dominate at previous levels.Here are three players who represent the future of the blue line in the NHL.Aaron EkbladIt's almost impossible to fathom that Ekblad, mountainous and marvelous, is still in his teens. But that is the case for the 2014 first overall pick, who's returned to the Florida Panthers after a second All-Star appearance in as many NHL seasons.As a rookie, Ekblad played in a top-pairing role with veteran Brian Campbell, learning the position on the fly from one of the game's most underrated defensemen. He quickly emerged as Florida's best player - in the eyes of goalie Roberto Luongo, at least - even if his mastery was largely outside the public eye.Sixteen months later, on an upstart team leading the Atlantic Division, his dominance has come into clear focus. The Panthers' success is inextricably tied to Ekblad's presence, evidenced by his sizzling Goals For percentage (66) at even strength.Oh, and the fact they haven't lost with Ekblad in the lineup in seven weeks.Shayne GostisbehereGostisbehere had to wait a little longer than Ekblad to make his mark, spending three seasons in Division I and then tearing his ACL in the American Hockey League just days after making his NHL debut.But the South Floridian has burst onto the scene this season, albeit by different means, for the Philadelphia Flyers.With eight goals and 22 points in 29 games, the D-man they call "Ghost" is producing points at a rate fractionally off the pace Erik Karlsson set last season en route to another Norris Trophy.Gostisbehere ranks sixth in per-game scoring among defenseman, but his points are not cheap. His three overtime winners have him one shy of the league lead, and tied with 3-on-3 wizard Johnny Gaudreau and $80-million man Anze Kopitar.Rasmus RistolainenUnlike Ekblad and Gostisbehere, Ristolainen took his lumps as a rookie. Unfairly tasked with anchoring a Buffalo Sabres blue line that was under constant attack in a throwaway season, he fashioned a woeful stat line.The 21-year-old has emerged better for it, though, putting together a rock-solid sophomore season as a bona fide lead dog. Ristolainen's rates are all trending in the right direction under head coach Dan Bylsma, who trusts him with three minutes more than any other Sabres blue-liner.Ristolainen's also discovered an attacking element in his game, and now ranks third on the team in scoring behind Ryan O'Reilly and Jack Eichel. His eight-goal, 31-point stat line was helped along by the first hat trick scored by a Sabres defenseman in 27 years.He's still a work in progress, much like the Sabres, but Ristolainen appears primed to be the one who'll guide the team out of the muddy depths of the Eastern Conference.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott continues to be praised for his impressive All-Star Game performance.Scott, along with Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson and Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel, were named the NHL's three stars of the week Monday.The 33-year-old Scott tallied a pair of goals while leading the Pacific Division to victory in the All-Star Game on Sunday.

After his whirlwind weekend where he was named All-Star Game MVP and instantly became one of the most popular players in the league, John Scott will return to the AHL's St. John's IceCaps - who are wasting no time marketing their star player.With their name on Twitter already changed to the "St. JohnScott IceCaps," the Montreal Canadiens affiliate tweeted Monday, encouraging fans to buy their jerseys.

All-Star Weekend has come and gone, and as the countdown begins to the trade deadline at the end of February, a number of players continue to provide more value than their teams can afford to lose.The Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks have remained atop their respective conferences thanks to incredible performances throughout their lineups with a mix of high-end scoring and premier goaltending.Meanwhile, other superstars continue to keep their teams competitive as this year's playoff race looks like it will go down to the final weeks.Here are the league's top players through four months of action:1. Patrick Kane, Chicago BlackhawksGP G A PPP CF%5330431452.8This is simply a no-brainer, as Kane is set to lead the league in scoring for the third consecutive month.While leading the NHL in both goals and assists, the 27-year-old also sits in the top five in plus-minus (plus-22), game-winners (6), and shots on goal (190). It's going to take a lot for Kane to fall down this list in the coming months.2. Braden Holtby, Washington CapitalsGP Record GAA SV% SO3930-5-32.07.9292Of the 15 goalies who have started at least 24 games this season, Holtby is the only man with fewer than 10 regulation losses on the season, and it's anyone's guess when, or if, he'll reach that mark.He only has one regulation loss since Nov. 10, and is in great position to become the first goalie to win 50 games in NHL history.3. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa SenatorsGPGAPPPCF%5011411851.9Even with his team outside a playoff position, Karlsson's third Norris Trophy is looking like a lock as the defenseman sits fourth in the scoring race.The 25-year-old has surpassed Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter to lead the league with 28:51 of ice time per game, and is on pace to become the first 80-point blue-liner in a decade.4. Jamie Benn/Tyler Seguin, Dallas StarsNameGPGAPPPCF%Benn5028301656.1Seguin5025281455.6A joint entry is due for the Stars' two-headed monster that sits second and third in league scoring respectively, despite individual and team struggles in recent weeks.While the captain has recovered with six points in his last seven, the Stars will need a similar bounce-back from Seguin - who has just three points in January - in order to keep up with Chicago in the Central.5. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington CapitalsGPGAPPPCF%4715341451.1The early season production from Kuznetsov wasn't an aberration, and the best may still be yet to come from the young winger.The 23-year-old's 16 points in January trailed only Kane despite playing four fewer games. His production is even more impressive considering he receives significantly less power-play time per game (2:12) than the rest of the league's top 10 scorers - Taylor Hall is closest at 2:55.6. Alex Ovechkin, Washington CapitalsGPGAPPPCF%4628141452.7After putting up 46 assists or more in his first six seasons, it's incredible to think Ovechkin is likely to fall short of the 30-assist mark for a fifth straight year.But no one can deny his sniping ability: The Capitals captain hasn't gone three games without a goal since mid-December, while January saw him become the fifth-fastest player to score 500 goals in NHL history.7. Corey Crawford, Chicago BlackhawksGP Record GAA SV% SO4228-12-22.14.9317There's no arguing that the Blackhawks have one of the most talented rosters in the league, but it's no longer possible to claim the team is succeeding in spite of lackluster goaltending.Crawford has been lights out in 2016 with a 9-2-0 record and has yet to allow more than three goals in a game so far in the new year. His league-leading seven shutouts match the total he racked up over his three previous seasons.8. Joe Pavelski, San Jose SharksGPGAPPPCF%4825242055.1Despite continued dominance by the Blackhawks and Capitals and a recent surge from the Lightning, it's the Sharks who entered the All-Star break as the hottest team in the NHL - 8-0-2 in their last ten - and their captain is a big reason why.Pavelski continues to prove he's one of the league's most consistent forwards, recording 11 points in his last 10 games, and he's playing at a point-per-game pace for the first time in his career. Only Ovechkin has more goals since the start of the 2013-14 season, and the 31-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.9. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles KingsGP G A PPP CF%4910181258.0Though he's not lighting up the scoresheet like the rest of the players on this list, it's hard to find a more impactful defenseman on a contending team than Doughty.The 26-year-old is arguably the best two-way blue-liner in the game and leads all defensemen who've played in 40 games or more in Corsi For, as he and captain Anze Kopitar pace the Pacific-leading Kings. Sooner or later, Doughty will finally be able to add a Norris to his crowded trophy case.10. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh PenguinsGPGAPPPCF%4717241652.0Though he wasn't selected for All-Star Weekend, the Penguins captain is heating up and helped vault his team into a playoff spot before the break.Crosby is now on a season-best seven-game point streak as he tied Flames rookie Sam Bennett for the most goals in January with eight. Look for the 28-year-old to have a monster second half.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Music City delivered a smash hit on Sunday.The NHL All-Star Game in Nashville posted a 1.17 overnight rating, establishing a new NBCSN record for the event.

John Tortorella's absence from the Columbus Blue Jackets' bench will end Tuesday, as the head coach is travelling with the team to Edmonton, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed to The Columbus Dispatch.The 57-year-old missed three games after breaking two ribs in a collision with forward Rene Bourque during a Jan. 22 practice. The team went 2-0-1 in Tortorella's absence, including a pair of 5-2 wins over the Montreal Canadiens.The Blue Jackets have three goaltenders heading to Edmonton, as Curtis McElhinney, on the injured reserve with an ankle injury, is nearing a return. The team recalled Anton Forsberg from the AHL on Sunday after starter Sergei Bobrovsky was sidelined once again with a groin injury.Tuesday's contest against the Oilers marks the first of three games in western Canada for the Blue Jackets, who will play on back-to-back nights against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames beginning Thursday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It turns out John Scott wasn't the only player who received an apology from Jeremy Roenick on Sunday.The NHL legend and NBC analyst apologized to Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly prior to the All-Star game for comments he made regarding the seven-year, $52.5-million extension O'Reilly signed in the offseason.

The NHL tried so very hard to get it wrong. It went out of its way to make sure it would screw this up. But in the end, a minor-leaguer - and the last of a dying breed - in John Scott, a new three-on-three tournament format, and the city of Nashville made sure the league got it right.All-Star Weekend was a smashing success. For a league that deals almost exclusively in bad publicity, that its annual showcase was a hit is hard to fathom, especially when you consider All-Star Games of the past, and the fact that Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Jonathan Toews weren't even there.When the dust settles, though, 2016 All-Star Weekend will go down as 48 of the NHL's best and brightest hours.3-on-3 foreverThree-on-three was made for the All-Star Game. The league's finally found a format that works, that showcases quality hockey and the game's elite players doing what they do best.Hockey isn't hockey without physical play; it's ingrained in the game. Except when it's played three-on-three. There's simply too much room out there, too much time and space, to focus on taking the body. And that's why the format worked so well. At five-on-five, the All-Star Game was a snooze. The players simply got in each other's way. It was shinny, and it was boring.At three-on-three, speed and creativity ruled. Players were skating, actually breaking a sweat. Hell, Patrice Bergeron couldn't stop backchecking. The tournament games were played at a high level, and the goaltenders put on an absolute clinic, frustrating shooters like they've done all season.It was fast-paced, thrilling, entertaining hockey. At an All-Star Game. When's the last time you could say that? We even got a bodycheck, and a fight. The game had it all.And it can get better next year, when the NHL should allow its voted-in captains to draft their teams.Don't pinch John ScottOn Friday, Scott will be in St. John's, Newfoundland, preparing with his IceCaps teammates for an AHL game against the Utica Comets. Talk about coming down from a high.But it was a high - literally, he was hoisted on the shoulders of the NHL's best players - he'll never forget. Scott, the winning Pacific Division's captain, who had five goals in 285 games to his name, scored twice Sunday. In one game. In one period. It was his first, and likely last, multi-goal game in the NHL. And it made for incredible viewing - especially his second goal, which was scored with an All-Star's aplomb.It was the stuff of fairy tales. Of cinema. "You can't write it this way," the big man said. But you can. Scott did. By making sure he went to the All-Star Game, he put the onus on the NHL to let him play. And play he did, with the support of fans, his fellow players, and most of the hockey community.In typical backwards NHL fashion, Scott brought the All-Star Game - usually an afterthought, especially in major American markets - almost unprecedented publicity. And the league, instead of using the Scott saga as an opportunity, did its best to make sure what happened over the weekend didn't happen at all.The Arizona Coyotes, Scott's now-former team that went unrepresented at the game, come out as unquestioned losers after such a successful event. Scott's daughters, the reason he made sure to play in the game, were even wearing Coyotes jerseys. Arizona could have used this story.But the Coyotes don't matter in this case. Neither does the NHL, and its almost shocking obliviousness. The NHL didn't deserve for the Scott story to play out the way it did. But, more importantly, Scott and his family did. Scott, above all, got to win. After the way he was treated, Sunday was the storybook ending he deserved.Hockey's alive and well in NashvilleBy all accounts, Nashville went above and beyond as host for this year's All-Star festivities. Already one of the United States' most underrated cities, the capital of Tennessee bolstered its reputation after a fun-filled weekend in which both the game and the city were celebrated.Most impressive, though, was the display by Nashville hockey fans. Predators supporters stood up, not only for their own in Roman Josi, James Neal, Pekka Rinne, and Shea Weber, but for Scott. And even for Patrick Kane, the league's top scorer by a wide margin, who they booed wholeheartedly.Scott was feted Saturday night at the Skills Competition, and Sunday during the tournament. When the league again showed its almost incredible tone deafness by announcing its All-Star Game MVP candidates without including Scott, Predators fans stepped up one more time.Cheered when he touched the puck, and serenaded with MVP chants, Scott wasn't leaving Bridgestone Arena without that truck. Nashville's fans made sure of it. Somebody had to take the decision out of the NHL's hands.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The final game of the 3-on-3 All-Star tournament ended in a shutout, with the Pacific Division taking home the crown.Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is a big reason the score ended 1-0. Check out this stop, which was arguably Sunday's finest:Better luck next time, Leo Komarov.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL All-Star Game gave and gave and gave, and asked for nothing in return.Here are some of the best photos from Sunday's awesome festivities:Not awkward at all ...Jonathan Quick was instrumental in the Pacific Division's tournament win.Patrick Kane's had enough of John Scott.Ain't no celebration like a Drew Doughty celebration.Kick save and a beauty.The ultimate Hockey Hug.They call him "Johnny Hockey" for a reason.Roberto Luongo can't stop 'em all.Scott's finest hour.Quick stones Jaromir Jagr.P.K. Subban must play in every All-Star Game for the rest of his career.Five-hole ...Another contender for best Hockey Hug.Jagr does what he does best.Scott's first goal.Hall's hops.MVP.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There probably isn't anyone who enjoyed the 2016 NHL All-Star festivities more than John Scott, but Barry Trotz might have something to say about that.The Washington Capitals coach - who had a major hand in building up the sport in the community in his 15 seasons behind the Nashville Predators bench - reminisced about the city and franchise after it hosted a wildly successful All-Star Game."This year, to come back and see how the Predators have come along as an organization from the first days in '97 … we had a phone and a cord hanging from the roof, and that's how we started," Trotz said, according to Brian Compton of NHL.com."To see it now, it's fantastic. Obviously I've had a history here. One of the things I know about Nashville, Tenn., is that they know how to put on events, major events, and they do it right."The feeling is mutual. The Bridgestone Arena offered the long-time coach a standing ovation moments before puck drop on the game. Trotz responded by blowing kisses to the crowd."When you've lived in this community and you know the people, the type of people that live in this community, former players, coaches, the whole city … I've always felt the support in Nashville."Trotz is attracting similar admiration in Washington, where he's coached the Capitals to the best record in the NHL."Everyone says they want Barry back," Caps goalie Braden Holtby said. "But they're not getting him from us."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The people's voice continues to be heard.After an overwhelming social media push that resulted in John Scott being named the NHL All-Star Game's most valuable player, the team he currently plays for - the AHL's St. John's IceCaps - bowed to public pressure and made some changes to their Twitter account.

Don't pinch John Scott.The Pacific Division captain was over the moon after he led his team to an All-Star Game title and was named MVP as a write-in candidate."You can't write it this way," Scott said when he met the media. "It was definitely breathtaking.""I loved it. It was the coolest thing I've done in hockey for sure," he added. "Probably one of the better weekends of my life, I'm not gonna lie."

All-Star, sure, but Hall of Famer?Well, not quite. But John Scott will have a piece of equipment forever reside at the Hockey Hall of Fame.The helmet Scott wore while scoring, twice, and captaining the first ever 3-on-3 All-Star Game tournament-winning team will be donated to the hockey shrine, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.It's incredible, and perhaps a bit silly, but it's all part an incredible turnaround for Scott and the NHL, which was dealing with a public relations nightmare since his trade from the Arizona Coyotes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott was revered by his peers before an online vote for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game was ever cast. It just took his inclusion for everyone to realize it.Here's proof of their admiration for the lovable enforcer, who was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates after captaining the Pacific Division to a $1-million cash prize.When asked about the impromptu lift Scott joked, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli: "I was nervous. I'm not a light guy - I'm almost 300 pounds soaking wet."Lightning in a bottle.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2016 NHL All-Star Game will always be remembered as John Scott's finest hour.Even Jaromir Jagr, who, at age 43, came out on the losing end in what might have been his final such event, couldn't deny the magic that culminated in Scott being named All-Star MVP.

John Scott is the man of the hour.The enforcer's whirlwind 48 hours was capped off with an All-Star Game title, and - even better - an MVP award.Voices from across the NHL chimed in after the Pacific Division's triumph, and Scott's - rightful - honor. He scored twice in the tournament, and had the best celebration.Scott, the NHL, and hockey won Sunday.

NHL Twitter accounts rallied around a common cause in the final moments of the NHL All-Star Game: #VoteMVPScott.After scoring a pair of goals in a win over the Central Division, and captaining the Pacific to a 1-0 win over the Atlantic in the Final, the general consensus around the league was that John Scott deserved to be named the All-Star tournament's most valuable player.

The NHL got it right.John Scott was named MVP of the NHL All-Star Game after scoring twice, and captaining the Pacific Division to a $1-million cash prize at the league's first 3-on-3 tournament.Related: "You can't write it this way. It was definitely breathtaking," says ScottThe long-time enforcer - perhaps taking his final strides as an NHLer - scored seconds into his debut, tapping in a Brent Burns feed at the back door. Then, later on in the second semifinal, Scott beat Devan Dubnyk clean with a rising shot on a breakaway.He also recorded the second All-Star hit since 2003 when he dropped Patrick Kane in open ice before dropping the mitts with the Chicago Blackhawks star moments later.From there, the fans at the Bridgestone Arena chanted his name until the final whistle, where he was hoisted onto the shoulders of his teammates.Scott was actually left off the initial in-arena ballot, with fans asked to choose between Roberto Luongo, Johnny Gaudreau, and Taylor Hall. But when the support for Scott became "overwhelming," the NHL made the quick (and wise) decision to acknowledge him, according to Yahoo's Greg Wyshynski.

John Scott is undefeated as captain of the Pacific Division.The Pacific defeated the Atlantic Division 1-0 in the final of the 3-on-3 tournament at the All-Star Game in Nashville on Sunday.Anahaim Ducks sniper Corey Perry scored the only goal of the 20-minute contest - which was dominated by goaltenders - going low blocker side on Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop.

When you're as good as John Scott, you're on the cover of video games.The enforcer, lighting up the All-Star Game with a couple of goals and a fight, will - in a perfect and just world - be on the cover of NHL 17 next season.

Roberto Luongo should be at every All-Star Game, lurking in the locker room, firing off tweets.His latest - and what could be his very best of the weekend - takes direct aim at a hopeful Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase.

John Gibson halted any attempt at a comeback with the best save through the semifinal round of the All-Star 3-on-3 tournament.Watch him deny Tyler Seguin with a spectacular skate save late in semifinal No. 2, which sent Johnny Gaudreau and Taylor Hall streaking the other way to seal the win for the Pacific Division.

The Pacific Division squad is moving on.Nashville Predators forward James Neal brought the home crowd to its feet by opening the scoring less than 30 seconds into the game, but unlikely folk hero John Scott drew an even bigger ovation by scoring on Pekka Rinne to cement his legacy as a bona fide NHL All Star.After Daniel Sedin gave his side the lead early in the second, captain Scott added his second of the game less than two minutes later. And while the Central added a few late goals to make things interesting, the Pacific rolled to a 9-6 victory and advanced to the Final against the Atlantic.Sedin and Taylor Hall both scored twice and added an assist, and Brent Burns chipped in a trio of helpers as all three shared the game lead in points with three apiece.Neal (two goals, one assist) and Tyler Seguin (one goal, two assists) - who added some color while doing on-ice play-by-play - led the way for the losing Central side.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's John Scott's weekend. And especially his Sunday.The talk of the All-Star Game scored his second goal for the Pacific Division against the Central, going upstairs on Devan Dubnyk.

Former NHL legend Jeremy Roenick thought John Scott shouldn't be at the All-Star Game. He was wrong, and he apologized to him Sunday.John Scott's answer was the best.John Scott just murdered JR on national television. #NHLAllStarThe big man is dominating on every level.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's official: John Scott has won everyone over.After scoring seconds into his All-Star debut, Scott endeared himself further to the Nashville crowd, dumping public enemy No. 1 Patrick Kane with an open-ice hit and then play-fighting with the Chicago Blackhawks star at the end of the shift.Scott with the open ice hit on Kane, and then they scrap 😭😂👊🏻The crowd might have appreciated a few more punches, though, John.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.