The Boston Bruins have activated David Krejci off injured reserve in advance of Thursday's tilt with the Vancouver Canucks.The center has been out of action since Dec. 27 after suffering an upper-body injury in Ottawa. He missed Boston's last 10 contests, and the Bruins have posted a 5-4-1 record in his absence.In 35 games this season, Krejci recorded 11 goals and 33 points, and was named the NHL's third star of the month for October.In a concurrent move, Frank Vatrano has been assigned to the AHL's Providence Bruins.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Key reinforcements are on the way for the Florida Panthers.Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is set to return to the lineup for Friday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the past four with an upper-body injury."I feel good now," said Ekblad, who was injured after a hard hit into the boards by Matt Hendricks of the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 10. "There were a lot of people helping me and on my side to help me get back in. I feel good and I feel prepared to play at any time ... The biggest thing to focus on now is the fact that I’m better and ready to play."Hendricks was suspended three games for the incident in the Panthers' last win of their 12-game streak.Without Ekblad in the lineup, the Panthers have gone 0-3-1, which speaks volumes about the 19-year-old's impact."It's always tough to sit out," Ekblad said. "My goal every year is to play 82 games. I really want to play as many games in this league before somebody tells me I can't. It's tough to sit out and watch the team lose."The blue-liner has recorded nine goals and 10 assists in 42 games for first-place Florida.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It'll be trial by inferno for Benoit Pouliot.Pouliot will shift from wing to center Thursday when the Edmonton Oilers take on the explosive Dallas Stars, matching up with some of the sport's elite pivots in what'll be his first taste of the position in a decade."It's been a long time," he said. "To start a game at center and be on a line right away, I haven't played that since junior."It's desperation born of necessity for the Oilers, who are without two top-six centers they entered the season with in Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who are out with injuries.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a stingy summer in the NHL.Sure, significant investments were made in prospects and players at premium positions. But overall, free agents and their representatives misread the market, and were left scrounging for spare change and professional tryout contracts.So with an increased understanding of salary dynamics, and the pressure general managers are under, it begs the question: Does anyone want to get paid?Save for the headliner, Steven Stamkos, this is far from the most tempting free-agent class, but players competing for dollars down the line are making it easy for executives to keep their wallets in their pockets.Here are a few that stand to lose:Jiri HudlerHudler's career season came 12 months too soon.The veteran Flames forward hit the 30-goal mark for the first time, established a career high in helpers, and averaged just short of a point per game last season while helping shepherd Johnny Gaudreau. His year put him on stage in Las Vegas - in his socks - accepting the Lady Byng at the NHL Awards.Now he has barely a foot to stand on. Injuries and decline have seen his role diminish considerably. Hudler's spilling off the boards with the third forward unit, which should make it more difficult to net the 10 goals he's on pace for.Eric StaalIf Staal remains in Carolina, which, because of all he's done for the club, will most certainly be the organization willing to pay the most, he should have signed an extension long ago.His current pace is consistent with an alarming downward trajectory across his last four full 82-game seasons:YearGoalsAssistsPoints2011-122446702013-142140612014-152331542015-16*163349*based on current projectionsAndrew LaddThe walls seem to be closing in on Ladd.The Jets captain has had a laundry list of concerns this season, ranging from his team's poor play, to the lingering effects of offseason surgery, and, of course, his pending unrestricted free agency.It's easy to look back now and say he should have signed a deal on the heels of a 24-goal, 62-point season. But really, his camp should have been able to figure out that offseason hernia surgery could hurt individual stats in a contract season.David BackesHe still wears the letter, but the Blues have become less and less Backes' team.More than a decade of heavy, heavy hockey seems to be taking its toll at the wrong time for Backes, who though third in team scoring, is actually piling up points (28) at a very pedestrian rate. And though his on-ice goal rates are strong, his effect on shot attempts lags behind the young Blues emerging as important contributors.Considering the club's forgettable playoff past and his decline, it might be real easy to fire out a lowball offer and turn the page.Steven StamkosStamkos is going to get his, obviously. In fact, he might get it all.But his ordinary production is at the nub of all this.Stamkos will be paid in the top percentile when he finally brokers a deal with Tampa, or elsewhere. But let it be known: the sniper's current goal- and point-per-game averages are his worst since his rookie campaign, both following a downward trend.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Milan Lucic hopes his time with the Los Angeles Kings is fixed, not fleeting.A free agent at season's end, the bruiser spoke candidly Wednesday to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, expressing a fervent desire to stay with the organization that traded for him last summer."I hope (my future's) here, just because of how great everything has gone and good the transition has gone," Lucic said. "I truly, truly deep down in my heart hope that I do get to remain a King after this season."Obviously there haven't really been any (contract) talks yet. They've had a lot on their plate with the (Anze) Kopitar contract, but we'll just wait and see what it's going to look like moving forward."I would love nothing more than to remain a King."It was tumultuous summer for the big man, who in addition to being uprooted, lost his father to suicide. But after playing in L.A. with the first-place Kings and spending time with his wife and family, Lucic's in a very positive state of mind."I feel like I'm in a good place mentally and I just want to stay there," he said.Lucic is aware it might be difficult for the Kings - who just cut Kopitar a $10-million annual salary - to squeeze the winger under their label, but it sounds as though he'd make concessions in order to stay put.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jonathan Drouin isn't making things easy for the Tampa Bay Lightning, but he's doing far more damage to himself.The 20-year-old forward might be diminishing what the Lightning eventually fetch in a trade by demanding one and refusing to play further in the AHL, but that pales in comparison to the hit his reputation is taking and the pressure that's mounting because of this very public dispute.Drouin and agent Allan Walsh may be trying to force Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman's hand, but defiant acts of this magnitude will do more to scare off future employers and hurt how he's perceived league-wide.Related: Yzerman denies telling Drouin's agent that trade was closeEarlier this week, Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray called it "amazing" that Drouin requested a trade while on an entry-level contract. Is Murray alone in that assessment? Either way, his comment was telling.Drouin is no stranger to pressure. He helped the Halifax Mooseheads win the Memorial Cup in 2013 and the Lightning made him the third overall pick about a month later.The pressure of being a lottery pick is nothing compared to the scrutiny he'll face now.The questions will dog him wherever he ends up. For the rest of his career, Drouin will be forced to justify asking out of Tampa Bay and refusing to play for an AHL affiliate.He'll need to play at a high level for an extended period of time to make this saga disappear from public discourse, and while a change of scenery could facilitate that, he'll be under the microscope every night.Drouin is already dealing with high expectations, but his latest move raises the bar exponentially.The winger has struggled to find consistency early in his NHL career, with six goals and 34 assists in his first 89 games, but he's still only 20 years old and racked up 77 goals and 242 points in 128 games over three seasons with the Mooseheads.The Lightning will be fine without Drouin in the short term. They're riding a six-game win streak, with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Vladislav Namestnikov carrying the offensive attack. Tampa Bay has risen from the playoff fringes to second place in the Atlantic Division.Drouin will face an uphill battle if he's given a new home, and his bold tactics might not even expedite his departure. What they will do is make the rest of his career much more difficult than it should have been.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the Montreal Canadiens mired in one of the worst stretches in team history, general manager Marc Bergevin stood up Thursday and took full responsibility.With only four wins to their credit since the beginning of December, Bergevin said criticism of the Canadiens' poor performance should be placed squarely on his shoulders, and not on the coaching staff or players."It's been a hard time for all of us, but I believe in Michel Therrien and his coaching staff," Bergevin said. "Nobody is going anywhere."Bergevin added that Therrien is safe for the rest of the season regardless of what happens down the stretch.In terms of what he can do to turn things around, Bergevin said he's not prepared to sacrifice the future of the team for short-term success.Key to Montreal's slide has been the absence of star goaltender Carey Price, whose return doesn't appear to be on the immediate horizon.

CM Punk and a cadre of UFC notables took some time away from the cage to hit the ice with the New Jersey Devils.Alongside Corey Anderson, Chris Wade, Jessica Eye, and former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, Punk and his fellow Octagon warriors made the rounds at the Prudential Center in Newark.In a series of images posted to Twitter, the former WWE heavyweight champion can be seen wearing a custom #13 "CM Punk" Devils jersey, chumming it up with the NJ Devil, and facing off with Griffin.

The New York Rangers have signed free-agent forward Daniel Paille.The deal is two-way in nature and carries a $575,000 cap hit at the NHL level, reports Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.The 31-year-old spent the early part of the season with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, Chicago's minor-league affiliate. In 31 games, he recorded one goal and three assists.

Andrew Ference's season is finished.The Edmonton Oilers announced Thursday the veteran defenseman is to undergo hip surgery and will miss the remainder of their playing schedule.In truth, Ference's season ended before it started. Between injuries and healthy scratches, Ference, stripped of his captaincy over the summer, has been limited to six games all year.The Oilers are on the hook for one more season with Ference, who will take another $3.25 million from the pie next year.With a dastardly 40.3 percent Goals For rate and 44.2 Corsi For percentage, Ference has been a colossal disappointment since coming over from the Boston Bruins in free agency.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Babcock isn't exactly affable with the throng of reporters tasked with covering the Toronto Maple Leafs on a day-to-day basis.But he was a riot Thursday.The often-salty (apparently caffeine-dependent) Leafs coach used a slice of Canadiana to deliver a rare one-liner after news of Tim Horton's inclusion in the organization's Legends Row.

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman says Jonathan Drouin's agent isn't telling the truth.The GM denied Thursday a claim made by Allan Walsh one day earlier, suggesting he and Drouin were told a trade was imminent, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.Related: Lightning suspend Drouin for failing to report to AHL gameWalsh issued a statement Wednesday, minutes after Drouin was suspended indefinitely, claiming, "A few days ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning advised that a trade involving Jonathan was moving closer to completion."Yzerman responded Thursday, according to Lightning reporter Michelle Gingras, saying: "It's obviously not the position we envisioned, but for various reasons, here we are and we'll deal with it."The GM insisted nothing has changed and said he still plans to do what's best for the Lightning, adding he won't be coerced into making a deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs greats Dave Keon, Turk Broda, and Tim Horton will be honored with statues outside Air Canada Centre as part of the team's centennial anniversary next season."There have been hundreds of great players who have worn the Maple Leaf sweater during the team's 99 seasons, but you would have a difficult time finding three players who are more loved, or better represent the greatness of this franchise and its history, than Dave Keon, Turk Broda and Tim Horton," said team president Brendan Shanahan."Legends Row is a tribute to the men who helped make the Toronto Maple Leafs one of the most iconic clubs in sports, but it's also an opportunity to build a strong connection between fans of all ages with that tradition. Adding the names Keon, Broda, and Horton to the monument is a thrill for everyone in the organization and generations of Leaf fans."The addition of Keon to Legends Row is especially significant as he and the Maple Leafs have been relatively estranged since then-owner Harold Ballard refused to re-sign the center to what was viewed as a fair contract prior to the 1974-75 season. This after Keon was a key member of the club's four Stanley Cup teams in the 1960s, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1967.Keon and representatives from the Horton and Broda families will be honoured in a pregame ceremony prior to Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens."I am very happy to have been selected with Turk Broda and Tim Horton to Legends Row," Keon said. "I'm looking forward to the ceremonies on Saturday."The unveiling of the statues is scheduled for October.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The last two teams standing in the Western Conference last year aren't adverse to doing business.On Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks swapped depth forwards, with Jiri Sekac landing with the defending Stanley Cup champions and Ryan Garbutt flying south.Sekac has now been traded twice since signing a free-agent contract with the Montreal Canadiens last season after three in the KHL. He has three points in 22 games.Garbutt, 30, was the last remaining piece the Blackhawks acquired in the Patrick Sharp trade. He spent much of the season on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa, but proved ineffective with just six points in 43 games.This is the second time Ducks general manager Bob Murray has offloaded a speedy forward who was recently acquired through trade. He sent Carl Hagelin to the Pittsburgh Penguins over the weekend after a disappointing 43-game stint.Sekac earns less in dollars, but will cost more on the cap with the Dallas Stars fronting half of Garbutt's $1.8-million salary.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every Thursday, we examine a few players you should consider acquiring on the trade front in your hockey pool.Oilers F Connor McDavidArtemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks is the runaway favorite to win the 2016 Calder Trophy, but whether he's actually the top rookie in this season's class remains very much up for debate.That's because 2015 first overall pick Connor McDavid has been limited to 13 games as a result of a broken clavicle, thereby curbing his impact on the Edmonton Oilers as well as his ability to prove he is indeed hockey's next big thing.The good news for fantasy managers is that it doesn't matter how many points he ends up with, but rather what he can do over the remaining weeks of the season, when he's needed most.McDavid posted five goals and seven assists prior to his injury, for an average of 0.92 points per game - the same level of production that propelled Panarin to the list of the NHL's top 10 scorers.Chances are McDavid's current owners in fantasy leagues are well out of contention, or would be willing to flip him to fill an area of need.Set to return after the All-Star break, the time to float some offers is now.Rangers D Keith YandleAn unrestricted free agent at season's end, Keith Yandle could be in for a productive second half, be it with the New York Rangers or elsewhere, should he be dealt prior to the Feb. 29 trade deadline.While Yandle has recorded 22 assists to date, seven of which have come on the power play, he's stuck on two goals, with a shooting percentage of 2.1, less than half his career success rate of 4.8.Should he revert back to his standard level of production, Yandle could still push for a double-digit goal total, something he's no doubt hoping for as he seeks his next contract. If he is traded and lands in a more favorable situation, it could be a boon for his performance down the stretch.Ranked 11th among defensemen in Yahoo leagues heading into the season, Yandle currently sits 29th, meaning owners may be growing impatient with his performance to date.Predators G Pekka RinneTargeting Pekka Rinne would be a bit of a gamble, considering he's been nothing short of awful so far this season.The Nashville Predators goalie, who's somehow going to the All-Star Game, has posted a losing record and a save percentage well down from what fantasy managers have come to expect from the Finn.YearGPRecordGAASv%2014-156441-17-62.18.9232015-163816-15-72.58.902Career419220-130-502.38.917Still, the Predators are unlikely to hand the reins to Carter Hutton, and won't be adding a goalie in a trade. For better or worse, they're stuck with Rinne, and will continue to rely on him with the hope he can backstop a contender.Making a buy-low play for Rinne would be smart for fantasy teams in need of a solid No. 2 option. If it pans out, it's the kind of move that wins championships; if not, he can be stashed on the bench in lieu of whoever else is on the roster.It's certainly worth a shot, at any rate.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Anaheim Ducks handed the Minnesota Wild their fifth consecutive loss Wednesday, and it came thanks to a perfect passing sequence.Corey Perry made a cross-ice feed to Patrick Maroon, who went back the other way with a beautiful pass to Rickard Rakell for the eventual game-winning goal.Rakell now has a career-high 10 goals and 11 assists in 42 games this season.Anaheim improves to 20-18-7 with the win, and is just two points back of the Arizona Coyotes for third place in the Pacific Division.Minnesota is clinging to a wild-card spot despite falling to 22-16-8 after yet another loss.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robin Lehner will have to wait a little longer to get back in the win column.Francois Beauchemin scored with just 32 seconds remaining in regulation to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.(Courtesy: NHL.com)The goal spoiled a fantastic performance by Lehner, who made 33 saves on 35 shots in just his second start since sustaining an ankle injury during the first game of the season.The 24-year-old has not won since Feb. 14.Buffalo, which falls to 19-24-4 with the loss, jumped out to an early lead on Evander Kane's 10th goal of the season, but couldn't beat Semyon Varlamov the rest of the way.Related - VIDEO: Sabres' Kane finishes brilliant passing sequenceAlex Tanguay tied the game in the third period with his third goal of the season, setting the stage for Beauchemin's dramatic winner.

NBCSN hockey analyst Pierre McGuire had a tough time distinguishing between the coaches behind the Detroit Red Wings' bench Wednesday.McGuire mistook Red Wings assistant coach Pat Ferschweiler for head coach Jeff Blashill, leading to a hilarious in-game interview.Ferschweiler pointed out the mistake immediately, while Blashill brushed off the awkward situation with a laugh.Never change, Pierre.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres made the power play look ridiculously easy against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.All five Sabres players touched the puck on a perfect passing sequence highlighted by Jack Eichel's slick touch pass to Evander Kane, who finished things off with a nice spinning shot for the goal.(Courtesy: NHL.com)Kane has been heating up of late with five points in six games. The 24-year-old has 10 goals and eight assists in 37 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

St. Louis Blues youngster Dmitrij Jaskin has struggled to find the back of the net this season, but he wasn't going to be denied Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings.Jaskin took the puck at full speed and made a sick power move before undressing Petr Mrazek for his third goal of the season.The tally proved the eventual game-winner as the Blues hung on for a 2-1 victory. It's Jaskin's first game-winning goal this season.

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara may be a fierce competitor on the ice, but he's as classy as they come off of it.Chara visited injured NWHL player Denna Laing in hospital Wednesday, bringing her a few special gifts in the process.

The Jonathan Drouin saga took another turn Wednesday as the Tampa Bay Lightning suspended the forward indefinitely without pay for failing to show up to that evening's AHL game between the Syracuse Crunch and Toronto Marlies."The team will make no further comment at this time," the Lightning said in a release announcing the suspension.Drouin's agent Allan Walsh wrote, "There is no reason for Jonathan to continue with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in any capacity" in a statement following the suspension:

Even though Stephane Da Costa is no longer playing in the NHL, it doesn't mean he can't be diagnosed with sick mitts.Da Costa - a former Ottawa Senators forward currently playing for CSKA Moscow of the KHL - made his opponents look absolutely foolish Wednesday, undressing every one on the ice for a highlight-reel goal.Stéphan Da Costa just scored a great goal vs Dynamo in the KHL...The 26-year-old has six goals and six assists in the KHL this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators are finally letting Mikael Wikstrand play hockey.Wikstrand was loaned to Farjestad of the Swedish Hockey League on Wednesday.The Senators have been in a tug-of-war with the 6-foot-2, 176-pound defensive prospect since he returned to Sweden against the club's wishes. Ottawa blocked him from joining Farjestad and even held firm after he revealed that his desire to return home stemmed from an illness in his family.Player and team have clearly rectified the situation, but Wikstrand, who recorded five goals and 20 points in 46 games last season in Sweden's top division, has lost a half-season of development because of the lengthy standoff.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks players may be more concerned with their woeful 8-12-1 home-ice record, but it's the home-ice attendance that has the owner truly miffed."I'm really concerned about the situation," Hasso Plattner said, according to CSN's Kevin Kurz. "If you don't have enough demand, the season ticket holders can't sell the tickets if they are not available to go. So that has a double-negative effect. And obviously for everybody to be in an arena that shows a surplus of empty seats is not very encouraging, even for the playoffs."So this is not good, but there's only so much you can do."For years, the "Shark Tank" was one of the fullest, loudest barns in the NHL, selling out almost exclusively. But this season, they're averaging 2,000 fewer fans per game, dropping to 21st in total attendance, according to ESPN.com."The Sharks were the new kid on the block 25 years ago," Plattner said. "I remember days when I couldn't get a scalped ticket because we were more than sold out."Plattner says the team will soon unveil plans aimed at remedying the situation, including efforts to target the younger demographic.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Never short on ideas, Brian Burke has unearthed another.The president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames believes an extra five feet of width on the ice surface "would make a big difference in the quality of hockey" in the NHL, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports."If you really think about it, it's crazy that we are still using the same size ice surface as we started with in hockey," Burke said. "The players have gotten so much bigger and stronger. There's not enough room out there. It's too congested."This isn't his solution to the league's ballyhooed scoring drought, though. He said the idea spawned when he was with the Vancouver Canucks and saw the skill on his team neutralized, in part, by traffic."I thought the size of the ice surface affected my team's ability to excel. That's where it started for me," he added.According to McKenzie, the infrastructure inside most arenas wouldn't allow for Burke's proposed plan, but he'll continue championing the idea anyway.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After being knocked unconscious in a harrowing scene on AHL ice Tuesday night, long-time pro hockey fighter Brian McGrattan is already looking forward to his return.

The Nashville Predators have already taken a big bite out of the NHL's trade market, but there's still work to be done.So says general manager David Poile, whose club is still floundering despite the recent addition of Ryan Johansen."Right now, we are a team that's out of the playoffs as of today, so we got to improve," Poile told ESPN's Pierre LeBrun on Tuesday.Believed to be Stanley Cup hopefuls - if not legitimate contenders - heading into the season, the Predators sit one point behind Colorado for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, having lost six of their last seven games.Moreover, they've scored only 117 goals (11th in the West) while allowing 127.If the trend continues, Poile won't stay idle."I hope (Improvement) happens from within our club, but we're totally open (to more trades)," he said. "Because we haven't played as well as we had hoped to play at this point in the season."Still, the GM believes he's built a playoff club, at the very least, and is confident things can turn around - even if he doesn't make any further moves."I think we have a good club that just hasn't done as well as we'd expected. But we have almost half a season to rectify that," he added.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two teams have put together franchise-best win streaks in the double digits over the past month and yet, the Capitals endure as the class of the NHL.Here are this week's power rankings:1. Washington Capitals

The San Jose Sharks didn't need to shed a body to reintroduce Raffi Torres, but they're in the process of clearing a spot anyway.Ben Smith was placed on waivers Wednesday with the expectation he'll be assigned to the club's AHL affiliate.He's had a tough season: He's without a point in six appearances, missing time with a concussion.Torres, who served his 41-game suspension for a preseason headshot on Jakob Slifverberg, was recently called up after two appearances for the San Jose Barracuda.Smith's demotion will also free up cap space.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Max Pacioretty isn't pining for a change behind the bench.After Tuesday's loss on home ice to the rival Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens captain praised head coach Michel Therrien, maintaining his belief that the team can find success under its current system."(Therrien's) been absolutely phenomenal during this (slump) and that's what makes it so hard," Pacioretty told reporters, according to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette. "I can't believe how well he's handled this and how positive he's been with us. And night after night we haven't been able to step up for him and that's frustrating because we all believe in this room. We're all on board. We all know that this is the way the game is supposed to be played."The reality, however, is that after a perfect 9-0 start to the season, the Canadiens have gone 4-16-1 in their last 21 games, and sit outside the playoff picture.

Conspiracy theorists can officially stand down.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league always intended to honor a fan vote that named John Scott as captain of the Pacific Division's All-Star squad."The fans spoke in large numbers for the process and he's going to be joining us in Nashville. There was never any doubt about that," Bettman told Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area."Obviously the fans decided it was important to vote for him, and we respect that. Whether or not we need to make adjustments into the future and ensure that truly All-Star players are there is something we'll worry about after we go to Nashville."Eyebrows were raised when Scott was traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens and subsequently assigned to the AHL's St. John's IceCaps, seemingly disqualifying him from participating at the league's annual showcase.According to Bettman, the league didn't have to decide whether or not Scott would attend, although there were reports he was asked to bow out on his own volition."No. We had to evaluate the circumstances to make sure we weren't missing anything," he said. "But the league never had to make a different decision over the weekend. I know there was a lot of speculation about that. That was not true."As an offshoot of Scott's trade to Montreal, the Coyotes aren't expected to have a representative at All-Star Weekend.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward has been placed on injured reserve with a concussion, general manager Ron Francis announced Wednesday.Concurrently, the team has recalled Daniel Altshuller from the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.Ward last appeared in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 16, stopping 19 of 22 shots while playing all 63:25.

With three games remaining before the All-Star break, the Washington Capitals sit first overall in the NHL standings and, as expected, are led in scoring by a dynamic Russian forward.But it's not the one you might expect.Following a four-assist performance in Tuesday's win over Columbus, Evgeny Kuznetsov leads the Capitals with 48 points through 46 games - ahead of the usual suspects in Washington, namely Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.Not only that, Kuznetsov now has more points than any player in the league not named Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, or Tyler Seguin.Backstrom and Ovechkin aren't far behind, with 44 and 42 points respectively. Kuznetsov's emergence, however, is proving to be key in terms of complementing the pair, as evidenced by this primary assist drawn on an early second-period power-play goal during the win over the Blue Jackets.Bob Roberts's post on VineKuznetsov has also demonstrated an ability to be responsible without the puck, boasting a team-high plus-25. For those who look down on the statistic in the age of more advanced metrics, he's also a positive possession player, having been on the ice for more shot attempts for than against at five-on-five.Now, one can't discount the impact of offseason additions T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams, or the Vezina-type performance to date from Braden Holtby.But Kuznetsov's presence in the lineup, and, more importantly, his breakout performance gives the Capitals a much more potent and balanced attack. No longer does Washington rely on two star players to carry the load."We're working hard, all four lines. That's why were successful," Backstrom said following Tuesday's win.The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.(Courtesy: NHL.com)Drafted 26th overall in 2010, Kuznetsov remained in Russia until 2013, which probably explains why 25 other teams hesitated to select him. His impact on the team can't be understated, and he's proving to be well worth the wait for Washington.The fact he's signed to a team-friendly deal worth $3 million a year is a major bonus, but at this rate, he'll be in line for a massive raise come the summer of 2017, when's he's scheduled to become a restricted free agent.For now, the Capitals have their best shot at their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and Kuznetsov is proving to be one of the most important pieces in that puzzle.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vincent Lecavalier scored a power-play goal for the third consecutive game as the Los Angeles Kings won a key Western Conference matchup against the Dallas Stars 3-2."You can tell he's having fun again," said teammate Milan Lucic, according to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. "The coaches have put him in position to succeed, and that's something he's earned."The 35-year-old is becoming an increasingly fascinating story in Los Angeles as he is now thriving with top-six minutes and power-play time after spending much of his stint with the Philadelphia Flyers as a healthy scratch.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Sharks have come a long way from their days at the rundown Cow Palace when their signature teal jerseys seemed to be a bigger attraction than the product on the ice.High fives all around. #25YearsofTealThe Sharks have grown in their 25 years into one of the more successful non-traditional NHL market franchises by becoming a consistent winner on the ice and developing the game at the grassroots level.As they celebrated their 25th anniversary Tuesday night with current players, alumni and fans, there was only one glaring thing missing.''It's a long time, great time, great memories,'' owner Hasso Plattner said. ''No Stanley Cup yet.''The Sharks have come close to the ultimate prize, with three trips to the conference finals and 10 straight playoff berths before missing the postseason last year.After a few shaky stretches, San Jose is currently tied for second place in the Pacific Division - with strong hopes of making it back to the playoffs this season.''The team is playing relatively well,'' Plattner said. ''We're hanging in in the position. They have to show it now in the remaining 40 games. I think we have all the abilities, and they have to do it.''The on-ice product took a back seat temporarily Tuesday night to the extravaganza that featured players in tuxedos walking in on a teal carpet, highlights of the team's first quarter-century and a celebration of hockey's success in the Bay Area.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Put your money on the horse in orange.At the midway point of the season, it is already widely expected that Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin will walk away with the Calder Trophy, as he continues to cushion his lead in the rookie scoring race.However, a player not likely to be found at the top of the scoring ladder but still very much worthy of recognition is Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.The 22-year-old Union College standout has been incredible since joining the team midway through the season. In just 26 games, the 2012 third-round draft pick has scored eight goals and 17 points, including three overtime winners.

The San Diego Gulls announced forward Brian McGrattan was "conscious, alert, and has full movement" after a scary incident that saw the 34-year-old stretchered off the ice during Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Rampage.McGrattan was in a fight with Rampage forward Daniel Maggio when he was knocked out by a punch and fell hard to the ice, face first. Gulls teammates quickly signaled to the bench as McGrattan lay motionless on the ice.McGrattan had eight points and 94 penalty minutes entering Monday's action. He has spent parts of 10 seasons in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, and Nashville Predators.He was assigned to the Gulls after signing a one-year deal with their parent club, the Anaheim Ducks, during the offseason.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After beating the Edmonton Oilers 6-4 on Tuesday for their sixth straight win, the Tampa Bay Lightning sit comfortably in a playoff position, and the improved play of captain Steven Stamkos is a big reason why.But despite piling up six points in his last four games, Stamkos is far from the only impending free agent making noise for the reigning Eastern Conference champions.Nikita Kucherov and Vladimir Namestnikov will both be hitting restricted free agency this summer, and with the way they've been playing, the upcoming decisions for Steve Yzerman are only growing more complicated.Though his agent has already made it clear a deal won't be negotiated until the offseason, it's hard to imagine Kucherov's value being any higher than it is right now. The 22-year-old had a goal and an assist Tuesday to extend his point streak to six games.One of the more underrate d players. Kucherov's 19thEven more impressive, Kucherov has been held off the scoresheet just three times in his past 20 games. While Tyler Johnson has faltered after a 70-point campaign a year ago, Kucherov is picking up the slack, and is sure to be rewarded for his efforts come season's end.Meanwhile, Namestnikov has been a recent revelation in Tampa, with four goals and six assists in six games since joining the top line alongside Stamkos and Ondrej Palat. With career highs already in both goals and assists, the sky is the limit for the 2011 first-round pick.Top line's last 6 gamesPlayer G A PVladislav Namestnikov4610Steven Stamkos347Ondrej Palat235What does this mean for the captain, though?With many expecting the 25-year-old to command a contract worth $10 million per year, that possibility becomes less likely the more the talent develops around him - especially with none of Johnson, Palat, or star defenseman Victor Hedman locked up past 2017.Still, if the Lightning continue to play at this level, it's hard to imagine Stamkos finding a scenario in free agency in which he has a better chance to win.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Once upon a time, the Montreal Canadiens boasted a 9-0-0 record.Those days are now a distant memory, after a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, combined with the New Jersey Devils' victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, dropped the team from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference."We just really have to get better at putting the puck in the net, but I think the process has been there," Max Pacioretty said, according to NHL.com's Arpon Basu. "At this point, it's just a little bit of a mindset. If you don't have confidence you're not going to score goals."

The Chicago Blackhawks set a franchise record with their 12th straight win Tuesday night, pounding the Nashville Predators 4-1.

It was surprising to see young winger Evgeny Kuznetsov leading the Washington Capitals in scoring early in the season, but the 23-year-old appears to have no interest in giving up his title.Kuznetsov had a career night on Tuesday, assisting on his team's final four goals in a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has now recorded seven assists in his past two games, and has 11 points in his last five to rocket into the top five in league scoring.Last 5 gamesGame G A P +/-Jan 19 vs. CBJ0442Jan 17 vs. NYR0332Jan 16 vs. BUF000-2Jan 14 vs. WSH2134Jan 10 vs. OTT0110In the first of a two-year deal worth just $3 million per season, the young Russian is playing at a huge bargain, and his production is a big reason the Capitals are sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference.He wasn't the only Capital to have a historic night, either. Braden Holtby, despite giving up three goals, became the first goalie to win 30 of his first 38 games since Chris Osgood accomplished the feet during the 1995-96 season.Washington will seek its eighth win in nine games Friday when they are visited by former coach Bruce Boudreau and the Anaheim Ducks.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks goalie Ryan Miller made over 45 saves for the second straight game, but it wasn't enough to beat the New York Rangers on Tuesday.Locked at two goals apiece in overtime, J.T. Miller (no relation to Ryan) collected his own rebound and quickly wrapped the puck around and inside the far post to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory.(Courtesy: NHL.com)The 22-year-old forward has 10 goals and 12 assists this season as the Rangers return to second place in the Metropolitan Division.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There is just no stopping Patrick Kane.The league's top scorer padded his lead - and his team's - with yet another dazzling goal, going backhand shelf on Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne to put the Chicago Blackhawks up 3-1.The goal makes Kane the first to reach 30 this season. He has points in 12 of his last 14 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov might have scored the most creative goal of the NHL season.From behind the Edmonton Oilers' goal, the 23-year-old reached over the net with his stick to bat a flying puck down into the net. After review, it was ruled Namestnikov made contact with the puck below the crossbar, and the goal was good.(Courtesy: NHL.com)It was the Russian's second point of the night following an early assist. He now has nine points in his past five games, including a hat trick against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The line of Artem Anisimov, Patrick Kane, and Artemi Panarin continues to be the cream of the crop.The trio executed a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal with just seconds remaining in the first period to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 1-0 lead over the Nasvhille Predators on Tuesday.(Courtesy: NHL.com)With an assist on the play, Kane has now 70 points in 49 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edmonton Oilers center Mark Letestu entered Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with his team's only shorthanded goal of the season, and the 30-year-old added another in impressive fashion late in the first period.After picking up the puck in his own zone, Letestu sped past Tyler Johnson and Anton Stralman, and cashed in his seventh goal of the year past Andrei Vasilevskiy.(Courtesy: NHL.com)Letestu now has 13 points in 48 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Finally getting some ice time, Kerby Rychel may not want to leave Columbus anytime soon with the way he's producing.The 21-year-old recorded his third point in five games with his first NHL goal on Tuesday in a game against the Washington Capitals, after linemate William Karlsson made a beautiful move to thwart defenseman Taylor Chorney and dished a nice pass to the rookie.(Courtesy: NHL.com)It was revealed earlier in the month that Rychel demanded a trade from the Blue Jackets during the offseason, but it doesn't look like he'll be dropping back down the depth chart anytime soon.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins and forward Loui Eriksson are in the preliminary stages of negotiating a contract extension, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.The 30-year-old is in the final year of a six-year, $25.5-million contract, and sits second on the Bruins with 15 goals and 37 points in 44 games.Dreger suggests that Eriksson's asking price is likely to be north of $6 million annually for five to six years.He also believes that if the Bruins can't find common ground with Eriksson, the winger could become available in a trade.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott will play in the All-Star game.Related: Tweets fly as Scott named All-Star captain ... againAfter nearly a week of uncertainty over who would captain the Pacific Division All-Stars, thanks to a deal that saw elected captain Scott sent to the Montreal Canadiens and then demoted to the American Hockey League, there is clarity.Fans who voted the pugilist into the game will get their wish to watch him try to keep up with the league's elite.Related: Kane supports Scott's All-Star status: 'I think it will be good for the game'Despite the situation finally being put in the rear-view mirror, the fact remains that when the league's representatives arrive in Nashville in a week and a half, the Arizona Coyotes won't have a member of their current roster taking part in the festivities.With that, here are three players who are deserving of a place in the midseason classic:Max DomiTwo extra years of junior hockey proved to be the recipe for success for first-year winger Max Domi.The 20-year-old spent two seasons with the London Knights after being drafted in the first round in 2013, and now looks primed to be one of the game's biggest stars for years to come.Domi has tallied 13 goals and 31 points in 45 games, good for second in rookie scoring, and he's been a spark plug for a franchise in need of a game-breaker.He encompasses what the All-Star game is all about: showcasing the best and brightest the game has to offer. A nomination for the Calder Trophy hopeful would give Coyotes faithful reason to be proud, while All-Star headlines have done just the opposite.Oliver Ekman-LarssonNo defenseman in the NHL has scored more goals than Oliver Ekman-Larsson over the last season and a half.The 24-year-old led all blue-liners last season with 23 goals, and is on pace to hit that exact mark once again. He is also poised to shatter his previous season-best of 43 points..Ekman-Larsson has gone under-appreciated for most of his six NHL seasons, thanks largely to the challenges of playing in a small Western Conference market, but he's slowly emerging as the face of the league's exciting young defensemen.Ekman-Larsson sits third in the league with six game-winning goals, but what he does off the stat sheet is even more impressive. He is among the best skaters in the league, and would excel in an All-Star game that caters to players of his ilk.Mikkel BoedkerMikkel Boedker sits alongside Ekman-Larsson for a share of the team scoring lead.His 33 points through 45 games have the 26-year-old poised for a career season. He has proven to be an invaluable part of the team, leading all forwards on the club with 19:06 of average ice-time a game.Boedker has collected two hat tricks this season, but he continues to follow the recurring pattern of under-appreciated stars in Arizona.The All-Star game will be a 3-on-3 tournament this time around and would work well for Boedker, who twice this season has connected under those circumstances.Honorable Mention: Shane DoanThough Shane Doan is playing in what could be his final season in the league, his performance this season has belied that sentiment. The 39-year-old leads the team with 16 goals, and remains the face of the franchise.He has dressed in two previous All-Star games. A third and final appearance would be a great parting gift if this season does indeed turn out to be Doan's farewell tour.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.