The Ottawa Senators opted to rest captain Brady Tkachuk for Sunday's clash with the New Jersey De...

The Ottawa Senators opted to rest captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> for Sunday's clash with the New Jersey Devils, but head coach Travis Green expects the forward to return when the playoffs start next week, according to <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/senators-brady-tkachuk-injury">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>.Tkachuk exited Saturday's win over the New York Islanders with an undisclosed issue. After the game, Green said that Tkachuk "wasn't feeling well."Ottawa also held out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9189" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9189">Tim Stutzle</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> on Sunday after clinching a playoff spot. The Senators' postseason schedule and Round 1 opponent have yet to be determined, with the playoffs set to begin April 18.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tkachuk has recorded 59 points in 60 games this season. He missed 20 contests early in the campaign after thumb surgery.

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 07: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators takes a break during a stoppage in play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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Senators expect Tkachuk to be ready for playoffs

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returned to action for Sunday's contest against the Was...

Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> returned to action for Sunday's contest against the Washington Capitals, potentially marking the last meeting between him and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a>.The two clubs played Saturday in Pittsburgh, but Crosby, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3872" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3872">Bryan Rust</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1023">Kris Letang</a> were held out of the Penguins' lineup and given day-to-day designations. All of them suited up Sunday.The highly anticipated meeting between the Penguins and Capitals could be the final home game of Ovechkin's 21-year career. The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer is on an expiring contract and recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3517849" href="https://thescore.com/news/3517849">said</a> he'll decide in the summer whether he'll return next season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Washington needs a win to keep its slim playoff hopes alive. The Capitals enter Sunday's contest trailing the Philadelphia Flyers for third spot in the Metropolitan Division and conclude their regular season against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.If Washington climbs into third place, it would take on Pittsburgh in Round 1 for the fifth time of the Crosby-Ovechkin era. The Penguins have won three of those series, and the winner has gone on to claim the Stanley Cup each time the teams have met.

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on alongside Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. *** Local Caption ***

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Crosby returns for potential final meeting with Ovechkin

The Edmonton Oilers clinched a playoff spot Saturday by virtue of the Winnipeg Jets' loss to the ...

The Edmonton Oilers clinched a playoff spot Saturday by virtue of the Winnipeg Jets' loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. The berth extends the Oilers' postseason streak to seven years. They've reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, but lost both to the Florida Panthers. Edmonton lost to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday but is still in contention to win the Pacific with two games left to play. It trails the Vegas Golden Knights by one point, while the Anaheim Ducks are two back of the top seed in the division with a game in hand on both teams. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Oilers have played strong down the stretch with a 7-4-1 record since superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> was injured March 15. The club is hopeful he'll be able to return for the first round of the playoffs, which begins April 18. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, predictably, has picked up the slack with his running mate unavailable, posting 10 goals and nine assists since Draisaitl was sidelined. If the Oilers win the Pacific Division, they'll likely take on the Utah Mammoth in Round 1. Edmonton's two remaining games are against the first-place Colorado Avalanche, and last-place Vancouver Canucks.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 17: Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on January 17, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Oilers book playoff spot for 7th straight season

The Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins secured their berths in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sa...

The Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins secured their berths in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday after the Detroit Red Wings were mathematically eliminated with a loss to the New Jersey Devils.The Senators qualified for the second season in a row after a seven-year drought. Ottawa lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round last spring.The Bruins are back in the playoffs after finishing last in the Atlantic Division in 2024-25. Boston had made the postseason in eight successive seasons before last year's blip.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Wings, meanwhile, have now missed the playoffs 10 years in a row. Detroit was third in the Atlantic Division when the NHL paused for the Olympics in early February but has gone 8-11-3 since action resumed.The Senators trended in the opposite direction, resurrecting their season with a 15-5-3 record since the break.Ottawa and Boston will be wild-card seeds and are tied with 96 points and two games remaining. Their first-round matchups have yet to be determined and will likely come down to the wire, as the seeding atop the Eastern Conference is far from decided.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 21: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins skates with the puck against Dylan Cozens #24 of the Ottawa Senators at the TD Garden on December 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Senators, Bruins clinch playoff spots with Red Wings' loss

Bryson DeChambeau missed the cut at the Masters after posting rounds of 76 and 74 in the opening ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> missed the cut at the Masters after posting rounds of 76 and 74 in the opening two rounds.DeChambeau was in position to make the cut, set at 4-over par, until he triple-bogeyed the 18th hole Friday. The LIV Golf star was among the favorites to win the green jacket in 2026 following T-6 and T-5 finishes over the last two years.DeChambeau is the biggest name to miss the cut at this year's event, but a handful of other notables won't play this weekend either. Two-time Masters champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/363" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/363">Bubba Watson</a> finished Friday 5-over par alongside reigning U.S. Open and last week's winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2217" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2217">J.J. Spaun</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5671" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5671">Akshay Bhatia</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4894" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4894">Robert MacIntyre</a> also missed the cut.While some big names are out of the running early, the top of the Masters leaderboard is loaded with stars. Defending champion Rory McIlroy leads by six shots, with Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry all lurking in the top-10.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts on the 18th green during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

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DeChambeau among notables to miss cut at Masters

Sidney Crosby has thought deeply about potentially playing Alex Ovechkin for the final time this ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> has thought deeply about potentially playing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> for the final time this weekend, as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are scheduled for a back-to-back.Ovechkin's on an expiring contract and recently announced that he's still deciding whether he'll return for a 22nd NHL season."It's been on my mind quite a bit," Crosby told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7182671/2026/04/10/alex-ovechkin-retirement-sidney-crosby-nhl/">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. "I've been thinking about him a lot because I know it's something that has got to be on his mind constantly right now. When you get to a certain age, it's the way it is. Every player is going to have to deal with it at some point."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby added, "He's accomplished so much, and has had an amazing career. And I know that he still has an incredible passion for the game. That's obvious. It's definitely crossed my mind a lot lately, wondering what he's going to do, because you don't know what's going to happen."Crosby and Ovechkin entered the NHL together during the 2005-06 season and quickly became the faces of the league. This weekend's games will be the 100th and 101st meetings between the future first-ballot Hall of Famers.Crosby, who's under contract through 2027, can't picture playing in a league without his longtime counterpart."Oh man," Crosby said. "Yeah, it would be so weird if he's not around anymore. It would be weird, especially because we've (almost) always been in the same division. We see each other so often. We came into the league together. So, really, it's all we've ever known." Ovechkin, meanwhile, said that competing against Crosby for the past two decades has helped fuel his career, which has included him becoming the NHL's all-time goals leader, a three-time MVP, and a Stanley Cup champion."It's history, what we have for 20 years, play against each other," Ovechkin said, per <a href="https://x.com/katieEadler/status/2042636144727179285?s=20">RMNB's Katie Adler</a>. "I think the whole situation around Ovi and Sid was big time. It gave me more, not pressure, but it gave me more to think about and, you know, get ready for it." The Penguins and Capitals square off Saturday at 3 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, then they'll play another matinee Sunday in D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) shake hands after a ceremonial puck drop before the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on November 8, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C..

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Crosby: Potential last game vs. Ovechkin 'been on my mind quite a bit'

The Utah Mammoth secured their first playoff berth on Thursday night by combination of defeating ...

The Utah Mammoth secured their first playoff berth on Thursday night by combination of defeating the Nashville Predators 4-1 as well as the San Jose Sharks losing to the Anaheim Ducks.The Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City prior to last season. This is the franchise's first season with the Mammoth name. The Coyotes hadn't qualified for the playoffs since 2019-20.The Mammoth are likely to finish as the top wild-card seed, which would create a matchup with the Pacific Division winner in Round 1. The Edmonton Oilers currently lead the Pacific with 90 points, but are only one clear of the Anaheim Ducks and two ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Utah was in the playoff mix most of the year, but made a major splash at the trade deadline in March by acquiring defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3222" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3222">MacKenzie Weegar</a> from the Calgary Flames. The Mammoth also swung a blockbuster trade in the summer to add <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9219" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9219">JJ Peterka</a> and signed forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12746" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12746">Logan Cooley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5629" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5629">Nick Schmaltz</a> to long-term extensions during the season.The Mammoth lead the NHL with six different 20-goal scorers, and rank third in the Western Conference with 32 regulation wins this season.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 9: Dylan Guenther #11 of the Utah Mammoth is congratulated by teamates Mikhail Sergachev #98 and Clayton Keller #9 after scoring against the Nashville Predators during the third period of their game at the Delta Center on April 9, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Mammoth clinch 1st playoff berth

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the 2025-26 Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top regular-season te...

The Colorado Avalanche clinched the 2025-26 Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top regular-season team after defeating the Calgary Flames 2-1 on Thursday.This is the fourth time the Avs have claimed the award as the regular-season leader in points and first since the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign. Their four Presidents' Trophies are tied with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers for the second most. The Detroit Red Wings top the list with six. The Presidents' Trophy was introduced for the 1985-86 season, and only eight teams have ever won the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same year. The 2013 Chicago Blackhawks are the most recent team to claim both. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche achieved the feat in 2000-01. Colorado is up to 114 points and 52 wins with four games remaining. The club set franchise records in both points and wins in 2021-22 with 119 and 56, respectively.The Avalanche are still waiting for their first-round playoff matchup to be confirmed. The Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks are all in the race to claim the second wild-card seed in the Western Conference. Colorado has one series victory in three trips to the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 09: Nathan MacKinnon #29 and Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate after a goal against the Calgary Flames in the first period at Ball Arena on April 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avalanche secure 4th Presidents' Trophy in franchise history

Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield notched his 50th goal of the season Thursday against the ...

Montreal Canadiens sniper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10510" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10510">Cole Caufield</a> notched his 50th goal of the season Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first Hab to hit the mark since Stephane Richer in 1989-90.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HE HAS DONE IT. COLE CAUFIELD SCORES HIS 50TH GOAL OF THE SEASON!!! 🚨🚨🚨 <a href="https://t.co/B217BPH7Bc">pic.twitter.com/B217BPH7Bc</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2042398784768868778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Caufield is only the seventh player in the Canadiens' storied history to score 50 in a season, joining Richer (twice), Pierre Larouche, Guy Lafleur (six times), Steve Shutt, Bernie Geoffrion, and Maurice Richard.The milestone marker came in a crucial contest for the Canadiens, who leapfrogged the Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division after a 2-1 win. Caufield was named first star of the game and received a raucous ovation from the home crowd.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A lengthy standing ovation in Montreal as Cole Caufield is announced as the first star of the game! <a href="https://t.co/ge40KcasIW">pic.twitter.com/ge40KcasIW</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2042421702043267089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Caufield has been a key reason for the Canadiens' step forward this season. He leads the NHL with 12 game-winning goals, and none of his 50 tallies have been empty-netters.Caufield is now one goal back of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> in the "Rocket" Richard race.

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 07: Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (13) waits for a face-off during the Florida Panthers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on April 07, 2026, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Caufield becomes Habs' 1st 50-goal scorer in 36 years

Mathieu Darche shocked the hockey world Sunday by firing head coach Patrick Roy, but the New York...

Mathieu Darche shocked the hockey world Sunday by firing head coach Patrick Roy, but the New York Islanders general manager is thrilled about bringing in Pete DeBoer."It's like grabbing the No. 1 free agent on the market. Pete's an outstanding coach," Darche said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48413409/islanders-jumped-peter-deboer-coach-sold-vision">ESPN's Greg Wyshynski</a>.Roy was let go with four games left on the Islanders' schedule. New York is currently one point back of a wild-card spot and the third seed of the Metropolitan Division. However, the Isles' playoff odds have dropped amid the team's 8-10-0 run since March 1, which includes an ongoing four-game losing streak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Dallas Stars fired DeBoer last June. He'd led the club to three consecutive Western Conference Finals prior to his dismissal. He was also a member of Canada's coaching staff for the Olympics in February."Once Pete was out there, without going too much into specifics, it really intensified (Sunday) morning," Darche said. DeBoer said talks "came out of left field" and that he was drawn to Long Island for multiple reasons, including the opportunity to work with star rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a>."Honestly, I couldn't believe my eyes the first half of the year, what I was seeing from an 18-year-old. The maturity in his game and how dynamic he was," DeBoer added. "He was within a razor of being on that Olympic team at 18."DeBoer has coached the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, and Stars across a 17-year career. He's lost two Stanley Cup Finals and owns a 9-0 record in Game 7s.

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 27: Head Coach Peter DeBoer of the Dallas Stars addresses the media after his team's loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 27, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Darche: Hiring DeBoer 'like grabbing the No. 1 free agent'

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch isn't certain that superstar Leon Draisaitl will be ava...

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch isn't certain that superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> will be available for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs."I don't anticipate him playing any games in the regular season. And then playoffs, (he'll play) sometime in that first round if things go well," Knoblauch said Monday, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2041216777162531229?s=20">Sportsnet</a>.He added, "If he gets in that first game, that's great. He has not been on the ice yet. We anticipate he'll be on the ice sometime this week. We'll have an indication of how that's gonna go. Probably sometime in that first round."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Draisaitl was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury March 15. He visited a doctor in Germany shortly afterward.The playoffs begin April 18, but Edmonton's schedule and opponent are yet to be determined. Although the Oilers currently lead the Pacific Division with five games remaining, they have the same number of points as the Anaheim Ducks and are only one clear of the Vegas Golden Knights.Edmonton has managed a 6-3-0 record in Draisaitl's absence.Draisaitl tallied 97 points in 65 regular-season games. He's been indispensable during the Oilers' back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup Final, notching 64 points in 47 playoff contests over the past two years.

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 1: Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers in action during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Rogers Place on November 1, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Knoblauch expects Draisaitl to return 'sometime' in Round 1

New York Islanders phenom Matthew Schaefer broke the NHL single-season record for points by an 18...

New York Islanders phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16210" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16210">Matthew Schaefer</a> broke the NHL single-season record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman on Saturday, notching his 58th of the campaign with an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2905" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2905">Anders Lee</a>'s third-period tally. The record was previously held by Hall of Famer Phil Housley, who set the mark with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982-83. Housley finished his rookie season with 66 points, but turned 19 in March of that year. The record for most points by a rookie defenseman belongs to Larry Murphy, who notched 76 in 1980-81. Schaefer currently sits 11th on that list, and is one goal shy of matching Brian Leetch's benchmark for goals by a freshman blue-liner (23).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Islanders drafted Schaefer first overall last summer and he's played a key role in transforming New York into a playoff contender. Schaefer is second on the team in points and leads all skaters in average ice time. New York lost Saturday's contest and has now dropped four in a row. They hold a one-point cushion on the third seed in the Metropolitan Division over the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 04: Defenseman Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders looks on during the first period of the game against the New York Islanders at Lenovo Center on April 4, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Schaefer breaks NHL record for points by 18-year-old defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs were mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup P...

The Toronto Maple Leafs were mathematically eliminated from qualifying for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Thursday's 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks.Toronto entered the season with the league's longest active playoff streak at nine years. This spring will mark the first time the Maple Leafs have failed to reach the postseason since drafting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> first overall in 2016.The club won only two series in that span and went 0-8 in winner-take-all games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto entered the Olympic break six points back of a wild-card spot but is 5-10-4 since the league reconvened in late February.The Maple Leafs won the Atlantic Division last season with 108 points in Craig Berube's first campaign as the club's head coach. This year, Toronto ranks in the bottom five in expected goals against, shots against, and goals against at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Injuries have been a key factor in Toronto's decline in 2025-26, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a>, and Matthews missing significant time.Though the Maple Leafs sold a collection of players before the trade deadline, the team might still not draft in the first round this summer. Toronto dealt its 2026 first-round selection to the Boston Bruins last year for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>, but it'll retain the pick and defer it to 2027 if it falls within the top five.Berube is expected to be on the hot seat once the regular season ends. The Maple Leafs already fired general manager Brad Treliving on Monday.

MONTREAL, CANADA - MARCH 10: (L-R) Assistant coach Mike Van Ryn, head coach Craig Berube and assistant coach Derek Lalonde of the Toronto Maple Leafs handle bench duties during the third period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on March 10, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montréal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1.

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Maple Leafs eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Sharks

After reflecting on his departure from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, Quinn Hughes cl...

After reflecting on his departure from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> cleared the air about a narrative that suggested he'd stopped caring about about the club."I'd see stuff like, 'He doesn't care anymore,'" the Minnesota Wild defenseman told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7167018/2026/04/02/quinn-hughes-canucks-wild-exclusive/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Thomas Drance</a>. "But go watch my last game against Buffalo and you tell me that I didn't care. If you want to blame me for over-trying, for overdoing it, then honestly, I'm good with it."A couple of years ago, that sort of stuff would've bothered me, but it doesn't now. I'm the one that looks at myself in the mirror, and I'm good with everything I've done. I'm at peace with everything."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hughes, who was dealt to Minnesota in December, will play against the Canucks for the first time Thursday. His final season-plus in Vancouver was embroiled with drama, but he insists that it never impacted his commitment to the team."I know I gave everything I had in Vancouver," Hughes said. "Go look at the years prior, too, when there was all sorts of nonsense going on, and I know I was always doing everything I could to make sure my game was in a good place and elevating it for the team. I tried to do that again this year. I had a great summer, and it just didn't happen."The Canucks' 2024-25 season was derailed by a feud between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> that resulted in the former being traded to the New York Rangers. Vancouver missed the playoffs one year after winning the Pacific Division and now sits in last place in the NHL.Hughes' contract status was a significant story in Vancouver as the current season began, as he's eligible for an extension this summer. The Canucks moved him to the Wild after an 11-17-3 start.Hughes, who's notched 49 points in 42 games since the trade, believes playing on a contender again has helped his game."It's easier for me here," he said. "The way I'd explain it is that 30 minutes in Vancouver earlier this year is a lot harder than 30 minutes here right now in Minnesota. Like, (in Vancouver) I felt (that) to create something, I had to break it out, I had to do the zone entry. Reflecting on it, I was probably just overtaxed and overworking."

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MARCH 10: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Minnesota Wild looks on against the Utah Mammoth in the second period at Grand Casino Arena on March 10, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Hughes 'at peace' with how Canucks tenure ended

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green assured that Keith Tkachuk's eyebrow-raising comments mad...

Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green assured that Keith Tkachuk's eyebrow-raising comments made on his sons' podcast won't be a distraction for his club as it chases a playoff spot.During an appearance on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>'s "Wingmen" show, Keith said it's "disgusting" that modern NHLers aren't willing to play through minor injuries. The Senators have dealt with several injuries down the stretch, and goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> was in the spotlight recently for needing a rest as a pivotal contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning awaited.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here is the full exchange for greater context. Keith Tkachuk comments on players becoming "soft" in dealing with injuries, then brings up Grant Fuhr (goaltender) playing 70 games a season. Brady laughs awkwardly and Matthew quickly tries to change topics. <a href="https://t.co/vTTiJ2MsNE">pic.twitter.com/vTTiJ2MsNE</a>— kaz (@kazGoSensGo) <a href="https://twitter.com/kazGoSensGo/status/2039479101610717358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"Do we have some injuries? Yeah, we do. But we've never talked about it, we've never worried about it, and we're not gonna do it now," Green said Thursday. "We're gonna worry about tonight, worry about Buffalo, worry about our teammates - not worry about - no offense - to the white noise and the talk that's outside of our locker room."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Green was then asked if he talked to Brady about the podcast. "No, I haven't," Green said. "I haven't seen it. I heard about it. I know Walt (Keith) really well. He's a friend. I played with him, known him a long time. I know he's outspoken. I'm not sure exactly what he said. But again, that's white noise. It doesn't have any concern of mine or concern of our team."The Tkachuk brothers became the first active NHL players to launch a podcast earlier this season. The Senators are two points back of a playoff spot with eight games remaining. Ottawa snapped a seven-year postseason drought last year but lost in the first round.

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 31 : Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) looks on during a NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on March 31, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Green dismisses Tkachuk podcast drama: Not a 'concern of our team'

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite rec...

Anaheim Ducks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> will play Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite recent uncertainty about his status due to a lower-body injury.Gudas explained that his motivation to play against the Maple Leafs stems from a desire to "stand behind my own mistakes" and "address it myself," according to <a href="https://x.com/jonassiegel/status/2038671003090637082?s=20">The Athletic's Jonas Siegel</a>.During the last meeting between the two clubs on March 12, Gudas delivered a knee-on-knee hit to star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, ending the Leafs captain's season and resulting in a five-game suspension for the blue-liner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear on the play, and Gudas later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3507275" href="https://thescore.com/news/3507275">said</a> he felt terrible about hurting Matthews. However, Matthews' agent, along with several Maple Leafs, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3499479" href="https://thescore.com/news/3499479">argued</a> that five games wasn't a long enough suspension for the 35-year-old.Gudas was reportedly seen in a walking boot after sustaining an injury Thursday and sat out Anaheim's contest against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday because of the issue.Motivated by heavy criticism for not responding to Gudas' hit in the moment, the Maple Leafs made sure to circle Monday's rematch with the Ducks on the calendar."I hope very fired up," said Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3876" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3876">Jake McCabe</a> on what he expects from his team, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/well-be-fired-up-maple-leafs-eye-gudas-revenge-look-past-blues/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "A large chunk of us are going to be back here next year, and you need to continue to build bonds with your teammates and not leaving your buddy out to dry."George Parros, the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, will be in attendance for Monday's game with plenty of physicality expected, according to <a href="https://x.com/davidalter/status/2038557093523861811">David Alter of The Hockey News</a>.

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 6: Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks knocks pucks off the boards for use during warm-up as he takes the ice for the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Honda Center on March 6, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Ducks' Gudas will play vs. Leafs: Want to 'address it myself'

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas wants to play in Monday's highly anticipated contest against...

Anaheim Ducks defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> wants to play in Monday's highly anticipated contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite being sidelined with an injury, reports <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2038062560310665387">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.Gudas has said that suiting up is the right thing to do, according to Friedman, as the Maple Leafs are likely to seek retribution for a knee-on-knee hit that ended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>' season on March 12. The blue-liner was suspended five games for the incident.However, doctors will need to clear Gudas for him to dress. The 35-year-old didn't play Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers and was reportedly seen in a walking boot after sustaining an injury Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gudas' hit on Matthews created a league-wide stir, and the other Maple Leafs players drew heavy criticism for not immediately responding in support of their captain. Multiple members of the organization later said that Gudas' five-game ban was too light of a punishment.After returning from his suspension, Gudas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3507275" href="https://thescore.com/news/3507275">said</a> he feels terrible about injuring Matthews. Monday's game is crucial for the Ducks in the standings, as they currently hold a three-point lead atop the Pacific Division. The Maple Leafs are out of the playoff race and are 3-2-2 since losing Matthews.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 12: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs confronts Radko Gudas #7 of the Anaheim Ducks after kneeing Auston Matthews #34 (not shown) in the second period at Scotiabank Arena on March 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Gudas wants to play rematch vs. Maple Leafs despite injury

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse said captain Sidney Crosby exited Thursday's contest agai...

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse said captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> exited Thursday's contest against the Ottawa Senators in the second period due to a lower-body, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshYohe_PGH/status/2037353175758307745?s=20">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.There was no further update on Crosby postgame.Crosby retreated to the Penguins' dressing room after a harmless-looking shift and didn't return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sidney Crosby has gone to the dressing room. <a href="https://t.co/DmIKfIXcZN">pic.twitter.com/DmIKfIXcZN</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2037320481792020645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The outing marked Crosby's fifth appearance since returning from a knee injury he sustained while representing Canada at the Olympics. The ailment caused him to miss the final two games of the tournament and 11 NHL contests afterward.Crosby has notched five points in four-plus appearances since returning. He's totaled 64 points in 60 games this season.The Penguins ultimately won the contest 4-3 in a shootout, earning a crucial two points in their pursuit of a playoff spot. With the victory, they jumped to second in the Metropolitan Division, but Pittsburgh is only one point clear of both the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.

OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 26: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Ottawa Senators in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, 2026 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Crosby sustains lower-body injury in win over Senators

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is taking a temporary leave of absence from the team...

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1125" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1125">Victor Hedman</a> is taking a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, the club announced Wednesday.The Lightning said no further details would be shared about the status of the seven-time All-Star, who hasn't played since March 19.Hedman missed 22 games earlier this season due to an elbow issue and was limited by a lower-body injury while representing Sweden at the Olympics in February.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Various issues have restricted Hedman to 33 appearances this season. He's logged 17 points and is averaging a career-low 18:52 per contest. The 35-year-old is under contract with a full no-movement clause through 2029 at an $8 million annual cap hit.The Lightning are two points back of the Atlantic Division lead with one game in hand on the first-place Buffalo Sabres.

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 20: Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Hedman taking temporary leave of absence from Lightning

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens removed himself from consideration...

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens removed himself from consideration for North Carolina's head coaching job, sources told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/north-carolina-coaching-search-brad-stevens-updates/">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a>.The Tar Heels fired Hubert Davis on Tuesday in the wake of their Round of 32 elimination at March Madness. Stevens reportedly topped North Carolina's list of candidates, which also includes Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, Michigan's Dusty May, Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger, and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.Stevens has turned down multiple opportunities to return to the NCAA ranks since leaving Butler to coach the Celtics in 2013. Boston promoted Stevens to its front office in 2021, and he won NBA Executive of the Year along with a championship in 2024.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Davis coached North Carolina for five seasons, accumulating a 125-54 record. The Tar Heels reached the title game in his first season but never advanced past the Sweet 16 afterward. The program hasn't won a national championship since 2017.

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, smiles during a press conference at Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Report: Brad Stevens won't consider coaching North Carolina

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