The Toronto Maple Leafs might still be far from a contender, but they're content with that they've achieved this season.The club will hit the halfway mark when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, and despite sitting 27th in league standings, forward P.A. Parenteau suggests the team is happy, especially after their 1-8-2 start."The way I look at it, with the start that we had and where we’re at right now, I think it’s pretty impressive," Parenteau told TSN's Jonas Siegel. "Obviously we’d like to be above .500 - I think we should be as a team, too, the way we’ve been playing - but it’s very positive. We’re going the right way."The team can attribute their positive play to the $8-million man, head coach Mike Babcock, and his deployment of a rather unconventional system, which assigns each player a specific role."I’ve never seen it done like that, but I think it helps," said Parenteau. “Personally, I like the role that I’m in and I’ve really found a niche here with Babs."The Maple Leafs look to be taking Babcock's advice to heart and reaping the benefits. The club has gone 15-10-5 since November, good enough for the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference."I think our team has gotten better every day and played harder and harder and so I like that," said Babcock. "I like the direction we’re going. I don’t like the standings. But I like a lot of things about us."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the game's most impressive careers appears to be nearing its end.New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias will be out indefinitely after undergoing a successful arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, the team announced Tuesday.There is currently no timetable for his return.

Alex Ovechkin has Powerball fever.After the wildly wealthy Washington Capitals superstar was spotted buying tickets for the estimated $1.4-billion jackpot over the weekend, he said Tuesday after practice that he plans to drop a few more dollars on the lottery."I'm going to buy some. ... Maybe one, maybe two," Ovechkin said Tuesday, according to NHL.com. "But there's no chance you're going to win. But if I win, I'll let you guys know."Brooks Laich, Ovechkin's teammate, isn't mad at him. In fact, Laich's going to be buying some tickets, too."Ovechkin's rich, but he doesn't have $1.2 billion dollars," Laich said, sticking only to the facts. "I bought one too, and I'm going to buy one today, too. Heck, yeah. I've got house payments, man."Laich's making $4 million this season, in case you were wondering.As for the photo of Ovechkin that was taken over the weekend, well, he can't believe it.

Lance Bouma can't catch a break.The Calgary Flames forward will miss weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Bob Hartley announced Tuesday.The injury comes after Bouma suffered a broken fibula on Oct. 13 that sidelined him for 30 games."Hopefully this one is not going to take as long. It'll be back quicker than that," Bouma said. "It's obviously frustrating because it's been a tough year for me personally. You want to be out there and help the guys. It's tough to watch hockey this time of year. It's unfortunate."The 25-year-old has just one goal in 11 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If anyone knows what Jonathan Drouin is capable of, it's Nathan MacKinnon.The pair of 20-year-old forwards spent two years together as members of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads, lighting the league on fire during the 2012-13 season leading up to the NHL draft, where MacKinnon was selected first and Drouin went third.While MacKinnon is a key member of the Colorado Avalanche's core, Drouin is involved in a sticky situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, having made a trade request back in November.From MacKinnon's point of view, Drouin's worth is almost immeasurable."He's one of the most skilled players in the league right now - he's unbelievable," MacKinnon said Tuesday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "It's just funny, you see what people think is too much for him (in a trade), it's just ridiculous. Some of the offers, you hear, 'Oh it's too much for him.'"MacKinnon continued, "With Jo, he's always been a slow starter in Halifax. It's not easy. He's only 20. He's done some pretty good things, he's been to a Cup Final. He's played well. Obviously the numbers haven't been there for him, but you guys watch him all the time, I'm sure there's been a games where you're like 'Wow.' He can take over a game like that."Despite the trade request, general manager Steve Yzerman appears to be holding out for the best possible offer. In the meantime, MacKinnon believes there's a chance for reconciliation."I hope they salvage it," he said. "I know (Drouin) really loves Tampa and wanted to be there for a long time. We'll see."They'll definitely miss him for sure."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ryan Johansen has no interest in reliving the past.The recently acquired Nashville Predators center experienced an eight-game losing streak earlier this season while with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and is weary of what that type of downward spiral can do to a team's psyche as his new club tries to snap a three-game skid of its own."It's a very difficult time," Johansen said, according to Adam Vingan of The Tennessean. "You don't ever imagine you'd be going through something like that. It's just horrible. (Everyone's) confidence is down and it's really hard to stay upbeat and have all that energy and play with confidence."So what kind of wisdom did Johansen offer to his new teammates?"We talked about it this morning. Our upcoming game, we've just got to have some fun and just look each other in the eye and know we have one another's backs out there and that we trust in everyone's confidence and abilities in here to be successful," he said.The Predators have lost two games since Johansen's arrival, and six of their past eight overall. In order to avoid the same fate as his old club, they'll have to take care of one of these divisional foes:DateOpponentResultJan. 5vs. WinnipegL 4-1Jan. 8@ ColoradoL 5-3Jan. 9@ ArizonaL 4-0Jan. 12@ ChicagoJan. 14@ WinnipegJan. 16MinnesotaJan. 19ChicagoJan.21@ WinnipegFor his part, Johansen has chipped in a goal and an assist on five shots through his first couple games as a Predator, and will continue to skate on a line with James Neal and Filip Forsberg.Heading into Tuesday's game against Chicago, Nashville sits in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, tied with Colorado in points.While Nashville ranks 18th in the league with a modest 2.5 goals per game, the bigger issue is goaltending, as the Predators' team save percentage sits at .898, good for 27th. If that doesn't improve soon, it may not matter what kind of impact Johansen makes in the Music City.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Paul Stastny won't be back in the St. Louis Blues' lineup Tuesday night, but there was good news pertaining to his condition at the morning skate.Head coach Ken Hitchcock said Stastny "dodged a bullet" with his facial injury, avoiding a displaced fracture after being hit in the face with a puck Friday night.

The Columbus Blue Jackets want to make sure the Edmonton Oilers can't win this one.With the Powerball prize now up to $1.5 billion, the bottom team in the East is hoping the luck doesn't continue for the West's basement dwellers.

It appears as though the Seth Jones deal will cost Kevin Connauton a roster spot in Columbus.The Blue Jackets placed the defenseman on waivers Tuesday.With plenty of teams starving for help on defense, Connauton, 25, will most certainly garner a few looks. He's offensively capable, with 11 goals and 37 points in 125 games, and has decent possession numbers, but has had a difficult time fitting into John Tortorella's lineup.He costs a little more than $683,000 against the cap, and will be a restricted free agent at season's end.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's about time the Florida Panthers let the Chicago Blackhawks have their due.The Blackhawks, winners of seven straight, are suddenly the hottest team in the NHL - at least in terms of consecutive wins - after Florida's 12-game tear was broken up Sunday night in Vancouver.Win streaks, especially for a team of the Blackhawks' ilk, don't carry much weight in the grand scheme of things. But after another tenuous summer spent recycling contracts and talent, there's no denying the defending champs are not only equipped to once again contend, but they could be perhaps constructed better than they were last spring.If not, they're fresher, at least."We have so many new faces, (guys) who have opportunities either from overseas or the minor leagues. Those guys have energy," said Marian Hossa, who broke out of a season-long slump over the weekend, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times."They probably didn’t play as much hockey as some core guys (have) played before, so that gives us so much more juice in our dressing room, and it's definitely helping."Calder Trophy front-runner Artemi Panarin and stabilizing center Artem Anisimov are two of the two fresh faces Patrick Kane has helped elevate to household names, but there are new players up and down the roster providing important contributions for the dynastic Blackhawks."There are guys in here that are trying to prove themselves, and some of these young guys have been very, very effective," said Kane."Sometimes (when) you have younger guys around here, it brings up the energy of everyone. They've been great for us."Chicago, which ranks sixth in per-game scoring after finishing in the bottom half of the league last season, is four points back of Dallas for the best record in the Western Conference.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced a three-year contract extension for head coach Joel Quenneville, which will run through the 2019-20 NHL season.

Alex Galchenyuk has reportedly declined to press charges after his girlfriend was arrested Sunday following a domestic dispute at the Montreal Canadiens forward's apartment, according to Patrick Legace and Vincent Larouche from La Presse.Chanel Leszczynski, 27, reportedly showed up at Galchenyuk's apartment Sunday morning and several 911 calls were made in response to an argument.The case will be transferred to Montreal's Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, who will ultimately decide if charges will be brought against Leszczynski, reports Eric Engels from Sportsnet.The Canadiens have not issued a statement regarding the matter.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Though the ins and outs of Anze Kopitar's contract negotiations remain hush-hush, the most damning counter is playing out for everyone to witness.Kopitar had a hand in all four goals Monday versus the Detroit Red Wings, helping the Los Angeles Kings earn a 15th point in nine games since reconvening from the holiday break. That 137-point pace has seen them pad their runaway lead in the Pacific Division, but also shoot out to the second-best overall record in the West.And it harmonizes fittingly with Kopitar's most dominant stretch this season, which has seen him contribute on more than half of Los Angeles' goals.(Courtesy: NHL.com)This is not an outlying stretch; reversion would be the best word to describe his recent form. But his dominance, at least offensively, has only recently really jump-started.The No. 1 pivot languished a little bit offensively, scoring a pedestrian 0.6 points per game before Christmas when wingers rotated in and out - unsuccessfully, for the most part - as coach Darryl Sutter experimented with his new-look lineup.Milan Lucic was one of those wingers. He was swapped out, actually, after starting the season with Kopitar and Marian Gaborik. But after being given a second opportunity in late December, he's sparked the Kings' top center - much in the way he did for Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli earlier this season.Kopitar's run of form, having scored 1.66 points per game, is obviously unsustainable, but unfortunately so might be his current environment. Lucic, like his center, needs a new contract at the end of the season.Despite the aid the hulking former Boston Bruin has provided the Kings' top six, and his apparent affinity for the organization since joining via trade last June, what remaining capital the club has will be funneled down to Kopitar first.Alas, there's only so much pie.That might not matter much, though, if the two are spooning real pastry out of a silver chalice in June.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As if some postgame pushing and shoving wasn't entertaining enough, Denis Potvin offered a line to remember at the end of Monday's game between the Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers.Following Daniel Sedin's game-winning goal in overtime, a skirmish broke out between the benches, apparently sparked by something an unnamed Panthers player said.Related: Daniel Sedin's milestone goal ends Panthers' win streakAs Daniel and brother Henrik got involved, Potvin, the Panthers color commentator, said: "Normally they only use those fingers to lick the peanut butter off of their bread. What are they doing pointing fingers?"

One way or another, Eric Staal's future with the Carolina Hurricanes will be decided in the coming months, or maybe even weeks.For now, the longtime captain and face of the franchise is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. Staal's agent and the club have yet to enter contract negotiations and the NHL's trade deadline is fast approaching.With that cloud hanging over his head, Staal is trying not to let his uncertain future interfere with his focus on the ice."It’s been more challenging than I thought it would be, but I’m doing my best," Staal told Luke DeCock of the News & Observer. "Doing my best to contribute and try and help this team win and play hard. I have a family. There’s things you think about. My brother’s playing here. There are a lot of different things you think about."You try not to worry about it too much, and play, and hopefully we can get on a little bit of a run here and go from there and let it sort itself out. We’ll see what happens."Staal has recorded eight goals and 18 assists through 43 games, and is on pace for 50 points on the season, his lowest output since his rookie year.With a Stanley Cup far in the rear-view mirror and only one trip to the playoffs since that championship run of 2006, the question remains whether Staal is part of the long-term solution, or if the Hurricanes are ready to move on.For his part, he's encouraged about the progress being made under general manger Ron Francis and head coach Bill Peters, and wants to be a contributing member of a winning club in Carolina."Any normal guy would like to not worry about it, especially just the way life goes. At the same time, there’s nothing more I can do," Staal said. "I just have to play. We have to win. We’ll go from there. We’ll see what happens."I like this group. I like these kids on (defense). They’re legit. We can build going forward. They’ve done a good job, Ronnie and Bill. This is near where they’ve been trying to get to, and we still have to get there."Heading into Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes sit four points out of a wild-card spot, with four teams to jump to land one.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon offered his team's perspective on what led to a scuffle between the benches after the Vancouver Canucks' overtime winner Monday.Daniel Sedin scored the winner while Jaromir Jagr was in the penalty box for hooking, and Tallon said the team is tired of calls not going their way in recent games.

The Florida Panthers' winning streak is over at 12 games, and Roberto Luongo is devastated. It was his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, that ended it, after all.Related: VIDEO - Canucks, Panthers scuffle between benches after Vancouver's OT winnerLuongo took to Twitter after the game, and shared his anguish with the world - though he admittedly does look a bit different:

LOS ANGELES - Anze Kopitar had a power-play goal and three assists, and Alec Martinez scored the tiebreaking power-play goal early in the third period of the Los Angeles Kings' seventh win in nine games, 4-2 over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.

The Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers developed some serious animosity towards each other Monday night.A postgame melee involving players and coaches erupted between the teams' benches after Daniel Sedin won the game 3-2 for Vancouver in overtime, ending Florida's 12-game winning streak.According to Daniel and Henrik Sedin, a comment was made earlier in the game that needed responding to after the deciding goal.

The Florida Panthers' win streak is over at 12 games.The Vancouver Canucks ended it, erasing a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in overtime. Rookie Jake Virtanen scored the tying goal at 17:22 of the third period, and Daniel Sedin won it in overtime on the power play, with Jaromir Jagr in the penalty box.Related: VIDEO - Canucks, Panthers scuffle between benches after Vancouver's OT winnerSedin's goal was his second of the game, and it was a big one - he tied Canucks legend Markus Naslund for the most goals in franchise history, at 346.Roberto Luongo was the goalie most everyone was talking about before the game, as he's always a story when he comes back to Vancouver, but Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom was instrumental in ending the Panthers' run, stopping 26 of 28 shots to earn the win.But what a run it was for Florida:

The San Jose Sharks remain road warriors.The club won its 14th game away from home Monday (most in the Western Conference), taking down the Calgary Flames 5-4. San Jose's 30 points (14-6-2) on the road are second in the NHL to the Washington Capitals' 34.And they couldn't have done it without Brent Burns. The defenseman - and his beard - had a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to a career-high seven games. He has six goals and five assists during the run, and is first among blue-liners in the league with 18 goals.He's making Sharks history, in the process:

There's life in the New York Rangers.The club rallied Monday night against the Boston Bruins, erasing a 1-0 lead in the third period to register a big 2-1 victory. It was New York's first win this season when trailing after 40 minutes, and that's certainly not lost on a club desperately searching for some confidence.Related: VIDEO - Fast's perfect redirection lifts Rangers to late win"We really turned it up again in the third, which is a really good sign that we have that determination ... and we were down a man," said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.The secret to the Rangers' success comes down to Lundqvist, after all:

Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Hendricks was suspended three games Monday by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for boarding Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.Related: Oilers' Hendricks slams Panthers' Ekblad into boardsHendricks delivered a forceful hit on Ekblad behind the Panthers' net Sunday, driving his face into the glass with significant impact and leaving the young defenseman dazed on the ice.The league states, "At no point is Ekblad eligible to be checked by Hendricks," adding, "The onus here is on Hendricks to avoid this hit completely."This is the first time Hendricks has been suspended in his 444-game career. The 34-year-old is eligible to return Jan. 18 in Florida.

"The Magic Man" is putting on a show Monday in Hollywood.Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk sent a beautiful cross-ice spinning feed to Darren Helm, who ripped a slap shot that Tomas Tatar deflected for a fantastic goal against the Los Angeles Kings.(Courtesy: NHL.com)The goal is Tatar's 14th of the season.Datsyuk added another assist later in the first period, giving him 18 points in 28 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Anze Kopitar has yet another clip to add to the highlight reel for his contract negotations.The Los Angeles Kings forward showed tremendous patience Monday night, outwaiting a sliding Mike Green and finding Tyler Toffoli, who made no mistake:

Chris Higgins' future could be in the American Hockey League.The Vancouver Canucks and the winger are working together to find a trade suitor for the 32-year-old, but that search has apparently come up empty.President Trevor Linden was interviewed on Sportsnet on Monday night, and openly discussed Higgins' future:

Alex Burrows welcomed Roberto Luongo back to Vancouver in typical Burrows fashion: with a glove in the face.

Vancouver Canucks fans are undoubtedly feeling nostalgic Monday, getting a first-hand look at Roberto Luongo's renaissance season.The former Canucks star goalie made a miraculous cross-crease glove save to deny Bo Horvat of what appeared to be a sure goal.Luongo is rocking a .931 save percentage this season, leading the first-place Florida Panthers to a 12-game win streak.The 36-year-old will head to the NHL All-Star Game at the end of the month.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders' blue line has reportedly been dealt a significant blow.Travis Hamonic will miss the next two-to-three weeks, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.The defenseman missed Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Flyers with what the team called a lower-body injury, and he was considered day to day at the time.Hamonic leads the Islanders with an average ice time of 23:48 over 41 games.The 25-year-old confirmed in November that he requested a trade due to a family matter, and said the Islanders have been trying to accommodate him for some time.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A trio of Joes were involved as the San Jose Sharks opened the scoring against the Calgary Flames on Monday night.Flames center Joe Colborne coughed up the puck to Sharks forward Joe Pavelski, and the captain fed Joe Thornton, who went to the backhand to give San Jose a 1-0 lead:(Courtesy: NHL.com)Joonas Donskoi gave the Sharks a 2-0 lead about four minutes later before Flames forward Sean Monahan cut the lead in half with his 13th goal of the season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Ovechkin is a multimillionaire. But he'd rather be a billionaire. Who wouldn't?With the Powerball jackpot estimated at a whopping $1.4 billion, the Washington Capitals superstar was spotted getting in on the action Saturday, along with his father.

New York Rangers forward Jesper Fast turned a terrible shot by Keith Yandle into a dramatic game-winning goal Monday against the Boston Bruins.Fast's beautiful redirection on a flubbed shot that was heading wide beat Tuukka Rask with just under two minutes remaining in the third period. The Rangers would hang on for a 2-1 victory.(Courtesy: NHL.com)The 24-year-old has seven goals and seven assists in 40 games this season.Henrik Lundqvist was sensational for the Rangers, making 32 saves on 33 shots.Related: Rangers' Lundqvist robs Bruins' Talbot with insane heel saveThe Rangers sit second in the Metropolitan Division, improving to 23-14-5 with the win. They'll face the New York Islanders on Thursday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist submitted his nomination for save of the season Monday night.King Henrik absolutely robbed Boston Bruins forward Max Talbot of a go-ahead goal with a wicked desperation heel save in the third period.The stop proved to be huge as the Rangers went on to win 2-1.Related - VIDEO: Fast's perfect redirection lifts Rangers to late win over BruinsLundqvist made 32 saves on 33 shots in the victory.The 33-year-old has slowed down after an incredible start to the season, but still sports a solid 2.49 GAA and .920 save percentage in 35 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Marleau is an iron man.The San Jose Sharks forward became the 22nd player in NHL history to appear in 500 straight games by suiting up against the Calgary Flames on Monday night.The 36-year-old winger is third on the active list of consecutive games played behind Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano (663) and New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle, who appeared in his 511th straight contest Monday night against the Boston Bruins.Marleau is also the first player in Sharks history to play 500 regular-season games in a row.

The final chapter of former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney's career was penned in Sochi, Russia, and after a piece he wrote about his KHL journey hit the Internet on Monday, we're glad it did.Whitney opened up about his KHL sojourn in The Players' Tribune in a piece entitled "Tales from Abroad: Russia" (warning: it contains some colorful language).His NHL career over at 30, Whitney figured he'd make some money and have an adventure overseas by playing in Europe. He had no idea what he was getting into.

The Florida Panthers won't have their Calder Trophy winner in the lineup when they face the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night.Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters that defenseman Aaron Ekblad will not play in the contest, according to Sportsnet's Irfaan Gaffar.

Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi was clearly unimpressed by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's attempt to pressure the city into building a new arena for the Flames.Related: Bettman: Work on new Flames arena needs to begin 'immediately'Nenshi did not hold back when asked about the comments Bettman made earlier Monday.The Flames unveiled the CalgaryNEXT project, a $900-million plan to build new facilities for the Flames and the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, in August.It is expected to require 12-to-24 months to complete.The Flames' current arena, the Scotiabank Saddledome, is one of the oldest facilities in the NHL.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings made a trio of roster moves Monday ahead of a tilt with the Los Angeles Kings.The Red Wings activated defenseman Kyle Quincey - who has not played since Oct. 23 - off injured reserve.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told a Calgary audience Monday that the city should not even think about hosting premier events such as the All-Star Game and entry draft until the Flames are playing in a new arena.The team's ownership group has revealed plans for a $900-million complex called CalgaryNext that would be shared by the Flames and the CFL's Stampeders, but the city of Calgary has yet to provide public funding for the project."There is no doubt CalgaryNext is needed in Calgary," Bettman said, according to Ian Campbell of 660 News. "And by that definition - work needs to begin on it immediately."The commissioner began his address admitting "it would be nice to fantasize" about a potential All-Star weekend or draft in the city, but with Detroit and Edmonton set to move to new arenas in the coming years, Calgary's Saddledome would become the league's second-oldest arena by 2017."By July 1, 2017, the Battle of Alberta hockey will still be legendary," Bettman continued. "But the Battle of Alberta arenas won't even be close."Bettman went on to admit he understands the argument that public money should not be spent on sport during tough economic times in Alberta, but he said there was "no way" a new arena could be constructed solely as a private venture.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Jiri Hudler set to miss his third consecutive game with a lower-body injury, Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley has opted to give Micheal Ferland a shot on the top line beside Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau for Monday's game against the San Jose Sharks."I'm not going to change much," Ferland said. "I'm just going to go out there and play the way I've been playing. Just try not to think too much, have fun ... I'm just going to keep things simple."The 23-year-old, older than both Monahan and Gaudreau, is promising to bring lots of energy to the team's first line, but ultimately let the two young stars do their thing."I'm going to be the first guy in on forechecks, try to turn pucks over, and be a net front presence for those guys. Just pressure their (defense), keep my feet moving, and try to create room for them."In 32 games this season, Ferland has one goal and five assists after his surprising postseason a year ago in which he recorded five points in nine games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The St. Louis Blues have taken a bit of a hit on the back end.Goaltender Jake Allen and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, both of whom have been hit with upper-body injuries, have been listed as week to week by head coach Ken Hitchcock.As a result, Brian Elliott will pick up the lion's share of the starts in net, while any possible trade talk involving Kevin Shattenkirk may be put on hold.Meanwhile, the outlook on Paul Stastny, who also missed the team's last game, is more encouraging:

The 2015-16 season has been an inconsistent one for the Carolina Hurricanes, but if one thing has remained constant, it's been the incredible play of defenseman Justin Faulk.Already named to the Metropolitan Division team for All-Star weekend, Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters believes there should be even more accolades in line for the 23-year-old. Peters told reporters that Faulk's name should be in any conversations for the Norris Trophy."Don't ask me who's on that list," Peters said, after suggesting any list of the league's top-10 defensemen shouldn't leave out the St. Paul, Minn. native.Peters certainly has a case, as Faulk's 12 power-play goals have him one behind Patrick Kane for the NHL lead, and just six back of the league record for his position, set by Sheldon Souray in the 2006-07 season.His 31 points leave him tied for fourth among all blue-liners, but the reality of logging heavy minutes on a struggling team has contributed to a minus-13 rating, which is tied for fifth-worst among all defensemen.But with his team, surprisingly, sitting just four points out of a playoff spot with just under half their season remaining, continued production from Faulk along with improved team performance would certainly give the Professional Hockey Writer's Association voters more to think about.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For P.K. Subban, it's all about winning.The Montreal Canadiens defenseman took a moment Monday to clarify comments he made following a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 9, a game in which he scored only his second goal of the season.Scoring, he maintains, isn't his ultimate goal.

Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice told reporters Monday that forward Mark Scheifele could be five-to-seven days away from returning to the ice due to a lower-body injury.Maurice added that Scheifele underwent tests after Monday's pregame skate, and "didn't like" the results. He did not play Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres due to the issue.The 22-year-old has 12 goals and 11 assists in 37 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At the halfway point of their season, the Arizona Coyotes are where few expected them to be in the standings: Second place in the Pacific Division.Thanks to the recent realignment, that position carries with it both a playoff spot, and home-ice advantage in the opening round.While much of the attention surrounding the team's surprising performance to date is being paid to rookie forwards Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, it's goaltender Louis Domingue who's kept the team more than afloat following an injury suffered by Mike Smith back in December.In 10 starts for the Coyotes, Domingue has posted a record of 6-2-2 with a .936 save percentage, numbers that were boosted by a shutout win over the Nashville Predators in his last appearance.While the Pacific is the weakest of the four divisions, the Coyotes rank sixth overall in the Western Conference, and Domingue believes the team is proving it belongs there."We’ve earned the right to be where we’re at," Domingue told Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports. "Earlier, I think people were saying that our division is a little weaker than the other ones. But I feel like right now we’ve really proved to everybody that we deserve to be here."Whereas the Coyotes at one time appeared in good position to select local boy Auston Matthews at the 2016 NHL Draft, they're now that much closer to infusing excitement into the fan base through on-ice performance - and much sooner than expected.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin, Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie were named the NHL's three stars of the week Monday.Ovechkin had a week to remember, scoring five times over four Capitals wins, and capped it off by becoming the fifth-fastest player in history to score 500 career goals with his first of two on Sunday. The Russian winger also captured the league lead with 26 goals, as his team sits comfortably atop the Eastern Conference.

Robyn Regehr has officially called it quits right where it all began.The veteran defenseman announced his retirement as a member of the Calgary Flames after signing a symbolic deal with the team on Monday.

On a frigid day north of the border, a pair of NHL teams laced up the skates for a twirl in the open air.The Toronto Maple Leafs delighted fans by practicing at an outdoor rink on the east side of the city.

Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Hendricks will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday.The hearing comes after Hendricks delivered a dangerous hit from behind to defenseman Aaron Ekblad during the third period of Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. Hendricks was not penalized for the hit, but did receive a pair of fighting majors during the game.Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports Hendricks will have a phone hearing, meaning the infraction would result in, at most, a five-game suspension.The 34-year-old has two goals and five assists in 33 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a night to remember for Alex Ovechkin.Related: Ovechkin becomes 1st Russian to score 500 goalsPlaying in front of an eager home crowd - including his incredibly proud parents - and surrounded by teammates intent on assisting him in any way possible, the Washington Capitals superstar recorded career goals 500 and 501 during Sunday's game against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the fifth-fastest player in NHL history to reach that mark.