Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard started Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Flo...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> started Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. </p><p>The journeyman netminder was chosen to start the pivotal contest after he replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> during Edmonton's dramatic 5-4 overtime victory in Game 4.</p><p>"It wasn't an easy call," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/pre-raw-kris-knoblauch-06-14-25-6374289087112">said</a> before the game. "We've got two good goaltenders. ... The deciding factor for us was, we won the previous game, and Picks made a lot of big saves."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skinner got the hook Thursday after allowing three goals on 17 shots in the first period. Pickard was solid in relief, turning aside 22 of 23 shots, and he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299650" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299650">drew praise</a> from his teammates after helping Edmonton pull off the wild win.</p><p>Pickard is a perfect 7-0 in these playoffs. </p><p>"It's exciting," he <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1933942231901376545">said</a> of starting Game 5. "A good opportunity for me, obviously. ... The building's going to be electric tonight. It's definitely going to be an exciting day."</p><p>He added: "I guess you could look at tonight as the biggest game of my life, but last game was the biggest game of my life until the next one. It's rinse and repeat for me. ... This is what you play for."</p><p>Pickard took over in the crease after Skinner struggled in the first two contests of the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings but was injured in Game 2 of the second round.</p><p>He also came in for Skinner in the third period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Oilers got waxed 6-1 by the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Pickard owns an .896 save percentage and 2.69 goals against average this postseason.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4111" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4111">Viktor Arvidsson</a> replaced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> in the Oilers' Game 5 lineup.</p><p>Knoblauch opted to sit Arvidsson in Game 4, electing to play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1700">Jeff Skinner</a> instead. The Swedish winger has chipped in with two goals and five assists in 14 outings this spring, and he's recorded a point in three of his last four games. </p><p>"We got a fresh guy (in Arvidsson) who didn't play the previous game, our team has traveled, and we feel that Viktor's in a position to help us," Knoblauch said. "Throughout the playoffs, he's played really well. ... We feel that he'll give us a good game tonight." </p><p>Kapanen, meanwhile, has logged three goals and six points in 11 contests. He played in the first four games against Florida, contributing with three assists.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 12: Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on after a goalie change during the second period against the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Oilers roll with Pickard in Game 5

The Charlotte Checkers were left to pick up the pieces after a controversial no-goal call preface...

<p>The Charlotte Checkers were left to pick up the pieces after a controversial no-goal call prefaced their Game 1 loss in the AHL's Calder Cup Finals against the Abbotsford Canucks on Friday night. </p><p>The incident occurred with the two clubs lined up for a faceoff in the early stages of double overtime. Canucks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14013">Ty Mueller</a> won the draw cleanly and accidentally fired the puck into his own net. Abbotsford goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10508" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10508">Arturs Silovs</a> had his back to the play right before the puck was dropped and appeared to be adjusting his helmet.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO. GOAL. 😮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AHL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CalderCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CalderCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z4CWv63dQv">pic.twitter.com/Z4CWv63dQv</a></p>— FloHockey (@FloHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/FloHockey/status/1933723194256429183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Checkers were on the ice celebrating what they thought was a Game 1 victory, but the officials interrupted their party by waving the goal off.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just that the goalie wasn't set, wasn't ready for the faceoff," Charlotte bench boss Geordie Kinnear <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKZWdZ-qts">said</a> when asked about the explanation he received for the call. "So they deemed that the goalie wasn't ready."</p><p>He added, "I thought it was a goal, and then all of a sudden there was hesitation from the refs. Credit to them, they got together and they made the call. I just see it as the centerman's responsible for making sure everyone on his team is ready. He looked like he was ready to me."</p><p>Checkers defenseman Trevor Carrick also found himself feeling bamboozled.</p><p>"It was a weird play," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/CamGaskinsTV/status/1933738751840178303">WBTV News' Cam Gaskins</a>. "I don't really know what was going on. ... I don't really know the ruling there. I thought we had the win there, but apparently not."</p><p>The rearguard continued, "It's tough. I mean, I was kind of looking at the refs right away, and they were huddled up. ... I tried not to get too fired up, but obviously the guys were pretty amped up. It was a long game. We were looking forward to finishing that off."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10766">Danila Klimovich</a> scored on the power play around seven minutes later to secure the 4-3 victory for Abbotsford. The Canucks were down 3-2 entering the third period, but Mueller buried the equalizer to extend the contest. </p><p>Kinnear thought the Checkers did a solid job of putting the waved-off goal behind them and was more concerned about his club's struggles on the power play.</p><p>"It is what it is. It's playoff hockey. There's gonna be mistakes both ways," he said. "You can't get too high, too low. You just move on. I thought we responded well. I thought we came out, had some chances, but in the end, you look at the scoresheet, it's 2-for-7 (for Abbotsford on the power play), 0-for-5 (for Charlotte)."</p><p>The Checkers failed to convert on two power-play chances in the first overtime period. </p><p>Abbotsford is the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, while Charlotte is the minor-league team of the Florida Panthers. </p><p>Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. </p><p> </p>

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: A close-up of the AHL logo seen on a referee jersey during the third period between the Laval Rocket and the Belleville Senators at the Bell Centre on February 19, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Belleville Senators 5-2.

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Controversial no-goal call mars Game 1 of AHL's Calder Cup Finals

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice may be behind the bench, but it seems he's enjoying his ...

<p>Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice may be behind the bench, but it seems he's enjoying his club's epic Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Edmonton Oilers as much as the fans are.</p><p>"This is as good as this thing gets," he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIG-vtZ2v7Q">said</a> Thursday. "This is Christmas. This is the payoff. You want to be a good pro, but Tuesday on the road on the West Coast in November, not as much fun as you'd think. This is where you get the payback. ... This is truly the juice that you live for."</p><p>The series certainly hasn't lacked thrills through the first four contests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Games 1 and 2 were decided in overtime, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> scoring the winner in the former and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> tying the series in the second extra frame in the latter. </p><p>The Panthers made it two straight wins with a 6-1 rout in Game 3 and looked like they'd be taking a 3-1 stranglehold on the Stanley Cup Final after jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period of Game 4. </p><p>However, the Oilers rattled off four straight goals to put Florida on the back foot. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> scored the equalizer with 20 seconds left, but Draisaitl secured Edmonton's 5-4 victory, once again in overtime.</p><p>Reinhart's late tally wasn't even the matchup's first last-gasp equalizer: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> scored the latest tying goal in Stanley Cup Final history with 18 seconds left in Game 2.</p><p>"You kind of ride that wave," Reinhart <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5piskqcyuY">said</a> of dealing with the momentum swings. "It's an emotional grind. That's part of it, that makes it so sweet when you win it. We're in another battle and we wouldn't want it any other way." </p><p>Before the start of the series, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293751" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293751">said</a> it'd be a meeting between the two best teams in the league, and the Panthers forward's statement has held up so far. </p><p>"It's so fast," Maurice said. "Every board battle, everything can turn into something so there's a tension because both teams can score. From my point of view, there's been phenomenal goaltending in this series. The numbers are telling me I'm lying, the final score says I'm lying. ... Everything is dangerous all the time. </p><p>"There's a mental intensity, mental toughness I think both teams show. ... You get three of four games of a final into overtime, you've got two really good, evenly matched teams." </p><p>This is the third Stanley Cup Final in NHL history where both teams have combined for seven or more goals in each of the first four games, following 1980 and 1918, per <a href="https://media.nhl.com/public/live-updates?date=2025-06-12">NHL PR</a>. </p><p>The Panthers will look to take a 3-2 series edge in Edmonton. Just like last spring, Maurice expects this Final to go the distance.</p><p>"If you plan for seven games, that means you're losing three of them," he said. "You have to take that pain, use it, then come back." </p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Head coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers works the bench during the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Three of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Maurice soaks in epic Final vs. Oilers: 'This is Christmas'

Edmonton asked a lot from Calvin Pickard by tossing him into Game 4 with his team down 3-0 after ...

<p>Edmonton asked a lot from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> by tossing him into Game 4 with his team down 3-0 after the first period Thursday, but the Oilers sure are glad the unsung netminder was up to the task.</p><p>"It's hard to describe," superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-draisaitl-pickard-06-12-25-6374217142112">said</a> after Edmonton's 5-4 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers. "The situations that (Pickard) gets put in sometimes, they're not always easy, right? ... He makes those stops at the key moments that we really need them. He's one of the best in the league at making the right save at the right time. He's been nothing but spectacular for us." </p><p>Pickard made 22 saves on 23 shots in relief, including on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9200" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9200">Anton Lundell</a>'s breakaway attempt in the second frame and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> in overtime. He finished with one goal saved above expected and turned aside all six high-danger shots faced as the Oilers drew even in the Stanley Cup Final, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30414&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Calvin coming in, I couldn't be happier for him. ... I guess it shows that anybody at anytime can make an impact," Edmonton defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6367" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6367">Jake Walman</a> <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-walman-06-12-25-6374218600112">said</a>. "We're pumped for Calvin and proud of him."</p><p>Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11112">Vasily Podkolzin</a> shared a similar sentiment, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-podkolzin-06-12-25-6374217315112">saying</a>: "He's a beauty. ... He saved us tonight."</p><p>Pickard is the sixth goalie in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup Final game in relief, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3907" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3907">Andrei Vasilevskiy</a> (2015), Frank Pietrangelo (1991), Roger Crozier (1975), Gord Henry (1953), and Lester Patrick (1928), according to <a href="https://media.nhl.com/public/news/19080">NHL PR</a>. He's also the fourth Oilers netminder to win seven straight games in a postseason.</p><p>Edmonton initially turned to Pickard after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> struggled through the first two games of the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings. Pickard started the Oilers' next six contests before getting injured in Game 2 of the second round.</p><p>The crease belonged to Skinner after that, but he was hooked in Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. </p><p>Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch didn't blame Skinner for his club's disastrous opening 20 minutes Thursday. Edmonton was outshot 17-7 in the first period and took three penalties, with the Panthers scoring twice on the man advantage.</p><p>"It's unfortunate for Stu to be pulled there," Knoblauch <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-raw-knoblauch-06-12-25-6374219686112">said</a>. "Our team was flat. We didn't give him many opportunities. ... But unfortunately, we needed to change things up, and the change was great."</p><p>Edmonton looked to be in control after scoring four straight goals, but Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> forced overtime with 20 seconds left. Draisaitl had the last laugh with the winner in the extra frame. </p><p>The Oilers will have only one day to catch their breath from their incredible rally before the attention turns to Game 5 on Saturday.</p><p>"Games like that, it's exhausting," Knoblauch said. "It's a roller coaster. For me, I do appreciate the level of hockey. ... Obviously, with what's on the line, it's stressful. But it's fun."</p><p>Knoblauch said Friday that he wouldn't name his starting goalie for Game 5 just yet, per <a href="https://x.com/Tramyers_NHL/status/1933535506123338155">NHL.com's Tracey Myers</a>.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 12: Anton Lundell #15 of the Florida Panthers shoots on Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Oilers proud of Pickard: 'Nothing but spectacular for us'

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said there will "likely" be one lineup change for his t...

<p>Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said there will "likely" be one lineup change for his team for Game 4 on Thursday, but he wouldn't elaborate on what that swap might be.</p><p>"We haven't confirmed that, we haven't discussed that with our players yet, but there are some things that we've been thinking about and there might be a lineup change," he <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1932815446161727676">said</a> Wednesday. </p><p>The bench boss added that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> will be a game-time decision for the second straight contest. The winger's status for Game 3 on Monday night was up in the air due to an undisclosed injury, but he ended up recording one shot, one block, and two hits in 15:34 minutes of ice time during Edmonton's 6-1 defeat. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Knoblauch also stayed mum on his starting goalie for Game 4, though he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3298492" href="https://thescore.com/news/3298492">defended</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>'s performance on Tuesday. </p><p>The Oilers had the day off on Wednesday, but they ran the same lines and defensive pairings during Tuesday's practice, just with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1700" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1700">Jeff Skinner</a> filling in for Nugent-Hopkins on the top line.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">EDM lines - Tuesday’s practice:<br><br>Skinner* - McDavid - Perry<br>Kane - Draisaitl - Kapanen<br>Frederic - Henrique - Brown<br>Podkolzin - Janmark - Arvidsson<br><br>• Ryan, Jones (RNH* not on ice)<br><br>Ekholm - Bouchard<br>Nurse - Klingberg<br>Walman - Kulak<br><br>• Stecher, Emberson, Dineen<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oilers</a></p>— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyBrarOTV/status/1932487448657080737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"At this time of the year, you want depth," Knoblauch said. "You know that there's going to be injuries and things that you gotta change up to your lineup. We're blessed with having an abundance of good players."</p><p>The Florida Panthers currently hold a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final. The puck drops on Game 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. </p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers speaks with the media following playing against the Florida Panthers during Game Three of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Knoblauch: Oilers will 'likely' have 1 lineup change for Game 4

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie during th...

<p>Montreal Canadiens defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12709" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12709">Lane Hutson</a> won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie during the 2024-25 season, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>Hutson beat out Calgary Flames goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9990" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9990">Dustin Wolf</a> and San Jose Sharks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> for the honor.</p><p>"It's never really been on my mind," Hutson <a href="https://x.com/CanadiensMTL/status/1932461181001732149">said</a> of winning the Calder. "Even now, I don't think it'll sink in. I think I'm just fortunate that I get to play for the Montreal Canadiens, just do what I do, do what I love every day. Kind of taking it day by day. I try not to look too much into it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He added, "It's cool. It's a huge honor. I'm happy about it. I just enjoy playing hockey. ... It's just a plus." </p><p>The Professional Hockey Writers Association votes on the award at the end of the regular season. Here's how the final poll shook out:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final voting results for the 2024-25 Calder Trophy: <a href="https://t.co/nsK0fyUj0g">pic.twitter.com/nsK0fyUj0g</a></p>— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1932453892219883673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hutson led all rookies with 60 assists and 66 points in 82 games, helping guide the Canadiens to a surprise playoff berth.</p><p>Only Larry Murphy (76), Brian Leetch (71), and Gary Suter (68) put up more points than Hutson as defensemen in their rookie seasons, while Phil Housley also recorded 66 points. </p><p>Hutson became the 10th first-year rearguard to hit the 60-point mark and first since Nicklas Lidstrom in 1991-92. He's also the second rookie blue-liner to reach the 60-assist plateau, joining Murphy, who accomplished the feat in 1980-81.</p><p>His stats were enough to propel him to the top of some of Montreal's record books. He beat Chris Chelios' mark for the most points by a rookie defenseman in franchise history, and no Canadiens player has ever recorded more assists in their first season.</p><p>The 21-year-old tied Tampa Bay Lightning veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1125" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1125">Victor Hedman</a> for the sixth-most points by a defenseman this season and matched Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> for the second-most assists, trailing only Colorado Avalanche superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> (62).</p><p>Hutson is the first Canadiens player to take home the Calder Trophy since Ken Dryden in 1972.</p><p>Celebrini, the first overall pick at last summer's draft, ranked second among all rookies in both goals (25) and helpers (38) despite missing 12 games near the start of the season with a hip injury.</p><p>Wolf nearly propelled the Flames into the postseason with a 29-16-8 record, .910 save percentage, and 2.64 goals against average across 53 starts.</p>

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 19: Lane Hutson (48) of the Montreal Canadiens waits for play to begin during the second period of the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on Jan 19 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Lane Hutson wins Calder Trophy as league's best rookie

Ryan Fox admitted his four-hole playoff against Sam Burns wasn't the prettiest, but that didn't d...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/790" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/790">Ryan Fox</a> admitted his four-hole playoff against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1319" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1319">Sam Burns</a> wasn't the prettiest, but that didn't dampen his excitement after picking up his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267318" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267318">second PGA TOUR victory</a> at the RBC Canadian Open.</p><p>"To be honest, Sam and I had a bit of a pillow fight there for three holes," Fox <a href="https://www.pgatour.com/video/competition/6374032327112/ryan-fox-interview-after-winning-rbc-canadian">said</a>. "It was some pretty average golf from both of us, some average putting."</p><p>Burns failed to sink a five-foot putt for the victory on the first playoff hole, and neither player could find a birdie over the next two holes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fox turned the tide with his <a href="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1931851329342677094">second shot on the fourth extra hole</a> with a 3-wood approach to within seven feet. Though he missed his eagle attempt, Fox made no mistake with a birdie in close for the win.</p><p>"That shot I hit on 18 with the 3-wood was probably the best shot I've ever hit," Fox said. "It would have been nice to make (the eagle), but hey, I'll take it."</p><p>Fox's first career PGA TOUR victory at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May also came via a playoff against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2720" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2720">Harry Higgs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1056" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1056">Mackenzie Hughes</a>, though it was decided on the first hole. </p><p>The 38-year-old has two wins in his last four starts, and he said the lessons he learned from his first victory helped pave the way for his Canadian Open triumph.</p><p>"This one felt a little less nerve-racking," Fox told <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/golf/video/still-a-bit-surreal-to-be-honest-fox-breaks-down-dramatic-playoff-at-canadian-open~3148784">TSN's Bob Weeks</a>. "You're still nervous, but it just felt like it didn't quite matter as much. I know that it's kind of a bad thing to say, but the bad shots don't matter as much after winning. You get a bit of confidence and security and everything - that means a lot out on TOUR.</p><p>"I felt like, coming down those last few holes, I could really give it a go and try to win the golf tournament rather than worry about hanging onto a third for some FedEx Cup points or anything like that. It's a great way to play golf. I wish I could've figured it out a little earlier out here, but it's nice to get a couple wins in the last month, that's for sure." </p><p>Fox recorded just one birdie on his front nine Sunday but found another gear with three birdies in his last five holes - including a 17-foot putt on No. 18 to force the playoff.</p><p>The New Zealander qualified for next week's U.S. Open with the win. </p><p>"It's still a bit surreal, to be honest," Fox said. </p><p>He added, "I felt like my golf game's in good shape. If I gave myself chances down the stretch, anything could happen, and it did." </p>

CALEDON, CANADA - JUNE 8 : Ryan Fox of New Zealand poses for a photo with the Canadian Open trophy after winning on fourth playoff hole during the final round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, Canada on June 8, 2025.

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Fox triumphs with 'best shot I've ever hit' in 'pillow fight' playoff vs. Burns

Ryan Fox birdied the fourth playoff hole to outlast Sam Burns at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday....

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/790" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/790">Ryan Fox</a> birdied the fourth playoff hole to outlast <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1319" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1319">Sam Burns</a> at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday. </p><p>The win is Fox's second of his PGA TOUR career after he topped the field at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May.</p><p>Fox extended Sunday's round with a 17-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to match Burns at 18-under. Burns rocketed 14 spots up the leaderboard in the final round with an 8-under 62, which included five straight birdies to open his electric back nine.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Ryan Fox*</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Sam Burns</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>-18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Kevin Yu</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T4</td>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T4</td>
<td>Matt McCarty</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-16</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Won on fourth playoff hole</em></p><p>Fox set up his victory with an <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1931848409859686658">excellent second shot</a> that landed within 10 feet of the hole to set up an eagle attempt. Though he settled for a birdie, it was enough to beat Burns.</p><p>Burns had the win in his sights on the first playoff hole but missed a five-foot putt that would have secured his sixth career PGA TOUR victory and first since the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.</p><p>Fox and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/386" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/386">Matteo Manassero</a> held a one-stroke lead after the first three rounds. Manassero ended his tournament with a one-under 69 to tie for sixth place, as the 32-year-old Italian continues to search for his first PGA TOUR victory.</p><p>"It was a nice week," <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Manassero<a href="https://asaptext.com/orgs/pgatour/1454/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/156827.html" target="_blank"> said</a></span>. "My game is trending the right direction for sure, and I think to ultimately end up winning tournaments, you need to go through days like this in which you learn how to maybe improve something that could possibly be improved."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1056" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1056">Mackenzie Hughes</a> entered Sunday's action just <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3294772" href="https://thescore.com/news/3294772">two strokes back of the lead</a> but fizzled out with a 72. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1122" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1122">Nick Taylor</a> was the highest Canadian on the board at 13-under par.</p><p>Hughes acknowledged that he wasn't feeling his best during the final round. </p><p>"Did a lot of nice things," <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Hughes<a href="https://asaptext.com/orgs/pgatour/1454/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/156824.html" target="_blank"> said</a></span>. "Had a chance going into Sunday, so I feel like that's a positive. Today, yeah, I didn't feel - I wasn't feeling great. Kind of battling some stomach stuff and just never really felt myself out there. Didn't have an appetite to eat much.</p><p>"That was disappointing to have that on my plate today, but no excuse really. I still was able to walk and swing a club. ... I was kind of out of it after the first nine. Disappointing, but lots of positives still."</p><p>Despite a double-bogey on No. 17, Taylor said he's feeling "really good" about his game with the U.S. Open next week.</p><p>"I drove it awesome today," he said, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/golf/ryan-fox-knocks-off-sam-burns-in-playoff-to-win-rbc-canadian-open-1.2318731">TSN</a>. "The putter's been pretty good all week. ... All my game's been good. It was just a few too many mistakes on the weekend that probably cost me a really good chance." </p><p> </p><p> </p>

CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 08: Ryan Fox of New Zealand lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first playoff hole during the final round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 08, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario.

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Fox outlasts Burns in 4-hole playoff to win Canadian Open

Though Brad Marchand remains focused on winning a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, he admitted he's...

<p>Though <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> remains focused on winning a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, he admitted he's pictured what it'd be like to re-sign in Florida as an unrestricted free agent.</p><p>"I mean, yeah, I've thought about it," Marchand told the media Sunday, including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4RI4QzAgGg">Florida Hockey Now</a>. "But we'll deal with that in the future."</p><p>The veteran winger added, "The longest you can go (in the Stanley Cup Final) is two weeks, so you're in the moment that entire time. You can't have your mind in any other place other than right here and now. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I've said it so often during this run, you have to enjoy these moments. They don't come often. There's no other thought in my mind right now."</p><p>Marchand is playing out the final season of an eight-year pact with a team-friendly $6.13-million cap hit, which he signed with the Boston Bruins in September 2016.</p><p>The Panthers acquired Marchand from Boston in a jaw-dropping trade at this year's deadline in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. The swap has paid dividends for the defending champions.</p><p>"He's an exceptional man," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z9uBPxkv8E">said</a> Sunday. "I've really enjoyed having him." </p><p>At 37, Marchand has proven that he has plenty left in the tank with an electric playoff run. He ranks second on the Panthers in goals (seven) and points (17) in 19 games while averaging less than 17 minutes of ice time per contest.</p><p>Marchand also played the hero in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period before bagging the winner in double overtime to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3297161" href="https://thescore.com/news/3297161">even the series</a>.</p><p>"He could play until he's 47 the way he's going," <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> said of his former rival turned teammate after Game 2.</p><p><a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/contract_projections/?_inputs_&amp;con_season=%2220242025%22&amp;con_team=%22All%22&amp;con_pos=%22All%22&amp;con_status=%22All%22&amp;con_agent=%22Yes%22&amp;con_period=%221%3A%20July%201st%20-%20July%2031st%22&amp;con_signs_with=%22UFA%3A%20Different%2C%20RFA%3A%20Same%22&amp;con_8yr=%22On%22&amp;dir_con=%22Contract%20Projection%20Tables%22&amp;con_player=%22Brad%20Marchand%22&amp;con_cap=%2295500000%22">Evolving-Hockey</a> projects Marchand to sign a three-year deal with a $7.189-million cap hit. Florida has about $19 million in projected cap space, but Marchand isn't the only key pending free agent on its books, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/florida-panthers">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> - this postseason's leading goal-scorer with 13 tallies - is on an expiring contract, along with defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2910" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2910">Nate Schmidt</a>. Rookie forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10633">Mackie Samoskevich</a> also needs a new deal as a restricted free agent.</p><p>Game 3 is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET in Sunrise, Florida. </p>

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 06: Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers is seen warming up before Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Marchand focused on Cup but has 'thought about' re-signing in Florida

Matteo Manassero and Ryan Fox rose atop a crowded leaderboard Saturday to nab a one-stroke lead h...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/386" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/386">Matteo Manassero</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/790" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/790">Ryan Fox</a> rose atop a crowded leaderboard Saturday to nab a one-stroke lead heading into the final round at the RBC Canadian Open.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5390" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5390">Lee Hodges</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5166" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5166">Kevin Yu</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/6808" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/6808">Matt McCarty</a> are all in hot pursuit at 13-under par, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3294771" href="https://thescore.com/news/3294771">Round 2 leader</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4426" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4426">Cameron Champ</a> fell three shots back after failing to make a birdie all day.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 3 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Matteo Manassero</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Ryan Fox</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Lee Hodges</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Kevin Yu</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Matt McCarty</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T6</td>
<td>Mackenzie Hughes 🇨🇦</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T6</td>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T6</td>
<td>Andrew Putnam</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Canadian <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1056" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1056">Mackenzie Hughes</a> is only two strokes behind the leaders thanks to his 6-under 64 - which included four birdies on the back nine - to kick off the weekend. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes is eager to rebound from his heartbreak at the 2024 tournament, when he entered the final round tied for second before fading with four untimely bogeys. </p><p>"That memory is still very clear in my mind," he said, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/i-felt-like-i-did-enough-to-give-myself-a-shot-to-win-hughes-seeking-redemption-sunday~3147412">TSN</a>. "I got off to a great start (with three birdies in my first four holes) last year on Sunday. I felt like the results kind of got in my way a little bit, I felt like I was trying to win rather than just trying to execute golf shots and play well. </p><p>"I think I just got ahead of myself a bit and made a few mistakes and ultimately couldn't recover. I'm definitely going to draw on that." </p><p>Some of Hughes' countrymen are also in the hunt. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1850" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1850">Taylor Pendrith</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1847" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1847">Adam Hadwin</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1122" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1122">Nick Taylor</a> all sit at 10-under par, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1763" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1763">Richard Lee</a> (9-under), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2148" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2148">Ben Silverman</a> (8-under), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1907" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1907">Corey Conners</a> (8-under) aren't too far behind.</p><p>It was an interesting day for Taylor, the 2023 Canadian Open champion. He recorded a bogey and no birdies through his first 17 holes before electrifying fans with an eagle on the last.</p><p>"Nothing was going in," he <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/video/eagle-on-18-gave-taylor-a-lot-of-confidence-going-into-sunday~3147414">said</a>. "So to hit that great of a shot on the 18, give myself a look and make it, gave me a lot of confidence going into tomorrow." </p><p>Fox, meanwhile, is chasing down his second PGA TOUR victory after he won the 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May. Manassero has yet to collect his first win and hasn't enjoyed a top-10 finish since 2014.</p><p>“I try to get a good attitude, a good thought process, talk well to myself," Manassero said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/canadian-open-pga-tour-golf-f60aeeb3884219b669283c31b49c9e52">The Associated Press</a>. "Very basic things. I've matured a lot, and I have a better perspective towards, for example, a day like tomorrow."</p><p>Fox bagged five birdies during his blistering front nine and recorded one bogey on No. 11 during what was mostly a laid-back round for the New Zealander.</p><p>"To be honest, everything went pretty right," he said. "I drove it great. I think if you do that round here, you give yourself lots of chances. ... Just played really solid kind of stress-free golf for the most part."</p><p>Manassero and Fox each birdied No. 18 to grab a share of the lead. </p>

CALEDON, ONTARIO-JUNE 7 Mateo Manassero of Italy plays his tee shot on the third hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

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Manassero, Fox share 1-stroke lead at Canadian Open; Hughes 2 shots back

PWHL Seattle is officially on the board in a big way, signing future Hall of Famer Hilary Knight ...

<p>PWHL Seattle is officially on the board in a big way, signing future Hall of Famer <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15719">Hilary Knight</a> from the Boston Fleet on Wednesday. </p><p>The club also announced Thursday it inked forward <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15836">Danielle Serdachny</a> from the Ottawa Charge to a two-year pact.</p><p>Knight tied with New York Sirens rookie <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15792">Sarah Fillier</a> for the most points in the league with 29 in 30 outings during the regular season. Her 15 goals were also second most, behind only Montreal Victoire sniper <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 35-year-old veteran was named a finalist for the PWHL Billie Jean King MVP award as a result of her efforts. </p><p>Knight inked a one-year pact with her new squad. </p><p>"Signing Hilary Knight was an absolute no-brainer - she's the heartbeat of any team she joins," general manager Meghan Turner said in a <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/june/04/pwhl-seattle-signs-hilary-knight-to-one-year-contract">statement</a>. "Her proven leadership and drive, the way she elevates everyone around her, those are qualities you can't teach.</p><p>"Hilary's not just a game-changer on the ice, she's the kind of person who defines a culture, and we're incredibly proud to have her as the first-ever player to join PWHL Seattle."</p><p>Knight fought through a nagging injury during her first PWHL campaign, scoring six goals and 11 points in 24 outings before helping Boston make it to the PWHL Finals. </p><p>She is a force on the international stage and is the all-time leader in goals (67), assists (53), and points (120) in 87 games at the Women's Worlds. </p><p>Boston used its three protection slots on forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15713" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15713">Alina Muller</a>, defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15708" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15708">Megan Keller</a>, and goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15725" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15725">Aerin Frankel</a>. </p><p>Ottawa selected Serdachny with the second overall pick at the 2024 PWHL Draft. She recorded two goals and eight points in 30 outings last season before adding a pair of helpers in eight playoff games during the Charge's run to the Finals.</p><p>Serdachny spent five seasons at Colgate University, where she recorded 82 goals and 239 points in 180 career games. </p><p>She was the runner-up for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award recognizing the top player in women's college hockey in 2023 and was named a top-10 finalist for the honor the next year.</p><p>Serdachny won gold with Canada at the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship and scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States. </p><p>PWHL Vancouver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295915" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295915">inked</a> Charge goalie <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15833">Emerance Maschmeyer</a>, meaning Ottawa can now protect another player on top of forward <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15828">Emily Clark</a>, defender <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15835">Ronja Savolainen</a>, and goalie <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a>.</p><p>The signing window for the PWHL expansion process opened at 9 a.m. ET Wednesday and will close at 5 p.m. ET Sunday. Vancouver and Seattle can each sign up to five unprotected players or pending unrestricted free agents during this window.</p><p>Vancouver and Seattle will select a <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/june/03/pwhl-announces-player-protection-lists-for-2025-expansion-roster-building-process#:~:text=The%20Expansion%20Draft%20will%20feature,selections%20to%20reach%20their%2012.">minimum of seven players</a> during Monday's expansion draft to reach a 12-player roster. The teams will fill additional roster spots during the entry draft, which will take place June 24.</p><p> </p><p></p>

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: (EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image.) Hockey player Hilary Knight of the United States poses for a photo during a Team USA Photo Shoot at Sunset Glenoaks Studios on May 20, 2025 in Sun Valley, California.

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PWHL Seattle signs Knight, Serdachny

PWHL Vancouver made major waves by signing star forward Sarah Nurse from the Toronto Sceptres, to...

<p>PWHL Vancouver made major waves by signing star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15850" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15850">Sarah Nurse</a> from the Toronto Sceptres, top defenders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15755" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15755">Claire Thompson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15743" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15743">Sophie Jaques</a> of the Minnesota Frost, plus Ottawa Charge goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15833" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15833">Emerance Maschmeyer</a>, the expansion franchise announced Wednesday and Thursday.</p><p>The signing window for the PWHL expansion process opened Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET and will close Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Vancouver and PWHL Seattle can each sign up to five unprotected players or pending unrestricted free agents during the period.</p><p>Vancouver and Seattle will select a <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/june/03/pwhl-announces-player-protection-lists-for-2025-expansion-roster-building-process#:~:text=The%20Expansion%20Draft%20will%20feature,selections%20to%20reach%20their%2012.">minimum of seven players</a> during Monday's expansion draft to reach a 12-player roster. The teams will fill additional roster spots during the entry draft, which will be held June 24.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sarah Nurse</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/cropped_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788928/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188751103.jpg?ts=1749077283 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Chisholm / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The original six clubs could each protect three players as part of the expansion process. The Sceptres used their selections on captain <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15858">Blayre Turnbull</a>, star defender and MVP candidate <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15845">Renata Fast</a>, and forward <a href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15842">Daryl Watts</a>, who led Toronto with 12 goals and 27 points in 30 outings this season.</p><p>Nurse, who inked a one-year pact with Vancouver, recorded six goals and 14 points in 21 regular-season games. She missed nine contests after suffering a lower-body injury during the Rivalry Series in February.</p><p>The 30-year-old generated one assist in four playoff matchups as the Sceptres fell to the Frost in the semifinals for the second straight campaign.</p><p>Nurse ranked second among all Sceptres with 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games during the PWHL's inaugural season in 2024.</p><p>She's had success on the international stage as well, winning gold with Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics and the IIHF Women's World Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Nurse logged 18 points in seven appearances during the Beijing Games, establishing a new record for the most points in a single women's tournament.</p><h3>Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/cropped_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788915/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216914370.jpg?ts=1749071829 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Vancouver announced that Thompson signed a one-year deal, while Jaques inked a three-year pact. Both players are finalists for this season's Defender of the Year award.</p><p>Thompson dazzled in her first PWHL season after Minnesota selected her third overall in 2024. She finished the regular season third among all defenders in assists and points with 14 and 18, respectively, in 30 contests. Thompson then tied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15750" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15750">Taylor Heise</a> for the league lead with six assists in the postseason.</p><p>The 27-year-old is also decorated internationally, helping Canada win gold at the 2021 IIHF Women's World Championship and 2022 Winter Olympics before capturing silver at the 2023 and 2025 Worlds.</p><p>Jaques, meanwhile, ranked second among all blue-liners with seven goals during the regular season, while her 22 points tied Sceptres rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15845" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15845">Renata Fast</a> for the most at the position. Her 0.88 points per game rate was fourth highest among all skaters.</p><p>The 24-year-old went on to add seven points in eight playoff games, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15733" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15733">Lee Stecklein</a> for the most in the league this spring.</p><p>Jaques was selected by the Boston Fleet at the 2023 PWHL Draft, but she was dealt to Minnesota in February 2024 in exchange for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15731" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15731">Susanna Tapani</a> and defender Abby Cook as part of the league's first-ever trade. </p><p>Since the back-to-back defending Walter Cup champions have now lost two players, they've been given a fourth protection slot. Minnesota used it on forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15757" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15757">Britta Curl-Salemme</a>. She joins Heise, Stecklein, and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15749" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15749">Kendall Coyne Schofield</a> as the Frost's untouchable players.</p><h3>Emerance Maschmeyer</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/cropped_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788933/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201179978.jpg?ts=1749079017 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maschmeyer signed a two-year pact with Vancouver. She had one year left on her original contract with Ottawa.</p><p>She owned a .913 save percentage as well as 2.58 goals-against average and a 6-7-2 record in 18 appearances for the Charge this season. Maschmeyer missed the remainder of the campaign after suffering a lower-body injury in March.</p><p>Ottawa turned to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15830" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15830">Gwyneth Philips</a> in net during Maschmeyer's absence. Philips helped the club reach the PWHL Finals and was named playoff MVP for her efforts.</p><p>The Charge opted to protect Philips, rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15835" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15835">Ronja Savolainen</a>, and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15828" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15828">Emily Clark</a> ahead of the expansion draft.</p><p>Maschmeyer recorded a .915 clip across 23 PWHL showings in 2024. The 30-year-old won gold with Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics and the IIHF Women's World Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Sarah Nurse #20 of Toronto Sceptres looks on before a face-off against the New York Sirens during the second period at Scotiabank Arena on January 25, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31471501/related

PWHL Vancouver signs Nurse, Thompson, Jaques, Maschmeyer

We're undoubtedly in line for a fiery rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers in...

<p>We're undoubtedly in line for a fiery rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, which kicks off Wednesday. </p><p>Though only two teams are left standing, there's plenty of worthy players who could earn the title of playoff MVP. However, there's one clear standout (guess who) before the puck drops on the championship series.</p><p>Let's get into it. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>5. Sam Bennett, Panthers</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/cropped_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749123/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177515295.jpg?ts=1747922710 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>16:52</td>
<td>59.04</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Who had Bennett leading the league in playoff goals before the postseason started? Likely no one, but here he is lighting the lamp anyway.</p><p>Bennett has also spread the wealth, netting three goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, three versus the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second, and four during the Panthers' Eastern Conference Final clash with the Carolina Hurricanes. He's tied for the league lead in even-strength goals (seven), and his three power-play goals match Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe for the most on Florida. As if his scoring wasn't enough, he's been a menace to play against, ranking second among all players with 85 hits. Of course, Bennett's in tough to win the Conn Smythe, but it sure is fun to have him in the conversation at this juncture. Hockey is weird.</p><h3>4. Sergei Bobrovsky, Panthers</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/cropped_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786661/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215599553.jpg?ts=1747835264 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Josh Lavallee / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>Sv%</th>
<th>GAA</th>
<th>GSAx</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>.912</td>
<td>2.11</td>
<td>9.46</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bobrovsky is back to being a stalwart between the pipes, which is exactly what the defending Stanley Cup champions need against the high-flying Oilers. He has steadily improved in these playoffs, posting a .901 clip against the Lightning and a .902 versus the Maple Leafs before stymying the Hurricanes with a .935 save percentage in the conference final.</p><p>The veteran netminder ranks second among goalies with at least seven starts in these playoffs in both save percentage and goals against average. Bobrovsky is also second in goals saved above average (5.16) and goals saved above expected - notably outperforming Frederik Andersen, the only goalie ahead of him in the latter stat, in the conference finals. Bobrovsky has improved in every statistical category compared to his numbers through the first three rounds last spring, and that effort culminated in a Stanley Cup. Let's see what he's got up his sleeve this time.</p><h3>3. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/cropped_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786691/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215289098.jpg?ts=1747842681 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Leila Devlin / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>21:48</td>
<td>57.44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>No one needs convincing that Draisaitl rules. He's obviously elite, but it's difficult to choose him over his teammate, who's going absolutely sicko mode at all the right times. Still, that doesn't mean we can't take a moment to give Draisaitl his flowers.</p><p>Three players scored nine points against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final: Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The German superstar ranked second on the Oilers with 10 points in the first round versus the Los Angeles Kings and tied for the lead with six points in the second against the Vegas Golden Knights. All that combines for 25 points - good for the second-highest total this postseason. Draisaitl is also tied for fourth in goals, with two game-winners to his name. His underlying stats took a slight hit versus Dallas, but he still played extremely well. Maybe a monster Stanley Cup Final will help him step outside the shadow of his captain. Draisaitl does have some momentum thanks to a six-game point streak.</p><h3>2. Aleksander Barkov, Panthers</h3><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/cropped_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/787891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216913207.jpg?ts=1748547608 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>19:24</td>
<td>56.59</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Every team wants a Barkov, but unfortunately for everyone else, there's only one of him to go around. Fans unfamiliar with his game got to witness a quintessential Barkov moment in the Eastern Conference Final: He shook off Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov behind Carolina's net, made a power move to the front, and found an open Verhaeghe with a backhand feed. The gorgeous play set up the game-winner that propelled Florida to its third straight Stanley Cup Final. </p><p>Barkov is a two-way force, as evidenced by his three Selke Trophies. He's won a whopping 57.9% of his faceoffs - and 61.5% in the defensive zone - while leading all players in draws taken (304) in these playoffs. The Finn is also a key part of the Panthers' penalty kill, which owns an outstanding 87.9% success rate this spring. The Panthers have outscored opponents 16-12 with Barkov on the ice at five-on-five despite his tough assignments against top players, and his 17 points are tied for fifth in the league. Barkov helped limit the Oilers' superstars last postseason, and if he does it again, he'll definitely build on his Conn Smythe case.</p><h3>1. Connor McDavid, Oilers</h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/cropped_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/w220xh124_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/w320xh180_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/w640xh360_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/w768xh432_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/788029/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2217205591.jpg?ts=1748618702 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>G</th>
<th>A</th>
<th>ATOI</th>
<th>xGF%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>23:16</td>
<td>61.63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McDavid made it clear these Oilers aren't the same team that fell one win shy of lifting the Stanley Cup last spring. Namely, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282059" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282059">said</a> he and his teammates haven't been "as emotional," suggesting he's more dialed in than ever.</p><p>That focus and maturity were evident in his play in the Western Conference Final. McDavid doubled his goal total from the first two rounds, and his breathtaking breakaway tally in Game 5 stood as the series winner. His 26 points this postseason are the most among all players, and he paces the field with 22 even-strength points. In 2024, McDavid became the sixth player and second skater to take home the Conn Smythe as a member of the losing side. If Edmonton can get the job done this time, McDavid would be the slam-dunk pick to claim the title of playoff MVP again. That would put him in elite company as only the fourth player ever to win back-to-back Conn Smythes, joining Sidney Crosby (2016-17), Mario Lemieux (1991-92), and Bernie Parent (1974-75). Unsurprisingly, it would be hard to bet against McDavid at this point.</p><p>(Analytics sources: <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>, <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>)</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on:</strong></p><ul>
<li>Evan Bouchard, Oilers</li>
<li>Stuart Skinner, Oilers</li>
<li>Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers</li>
</ul>

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 29: Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars and Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers shake hands after Game Five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Conn Smythe Rankings: Who else but McDavid to lead way?

The London Knights scored three times in the second period en route to a 4-1 victory over the Med...

<p>The London Knights scored three times in the second period en route to a 4-1 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers on Sunday night to claim their third-ever Memorial Cup championship. </p><p>Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13889" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13889">Denver Barkey</a> was instrumental with two tallies for London, while defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15143" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15143">Sam Dickinson</a> fueled the Knights' attack with three assists. Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13820" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13820">Easton Cowan</a> chipped in with the eventual game-winner.</p><p>Netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14048" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14048">Austin Elliott</a> was strong between the pipes, turning aside 31 of 32 shots faced. He posted an incredible 52-3-0 record for the Knights this season. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cowan won the Stafford Smythe Trophy as the Memorial Cup MVP after recording three goals and seven points in five contests. He was also named to the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Easton Cowan</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>London</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gavin McKenna</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>Medicine Hat</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denver Barkey</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>London</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Dickinson</td>
<td>D</td>
<td>London</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tanner Molendyk</td>
<td>D</td>
<td>Medicine Hat</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Austin Elliott</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>London</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>London avenged its Memorial Cup Final loss to the Saginaw Spirit in 2024. The club last won the tournament in 2016. </p><p>Medicine Hat, meanwhile, was seeking its first championship since it went back-to-back in 1987 and 1988. Sunday was its first Memorial Cup Final appearance since 2007, when it fell to the Vancouver Giants. </p><p>Knights center Jacob Julien opened the scoring just past the midway mark of the first period. The Winnipeg Jets prospect struck on the breakaway after picking up a stretch pass by defenseman Henry Brzustewicz, who is eligible for this year's draft. </p><p>Cowan doubled the lead in the early stages of the middle frame with a quick strike in front off a cross-crease feed from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15171" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15171">Sam O'Reilly</a>. The Toronto Maple Leafs' first-round pick in 2023, Cowan tied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>'s record for most Memorial Cup points (15) by a London Knight, according to <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1929332057466966251">TSN</a>.</p><p>Philadelphia Flyers prospect Barkey picked up his first goal of the game less than two minutes later before adding another on the power play.</p><p>Dickinson<strong> </strong>- a top prospect of the San Jose Sharks - had a hand in the Knights' first three goals of the game. </p><p>Projected 2026 first overall pick McKenna got the Tigers on the board early in the third period, but that was as far as Medicine Hat's comeback attempt would get. </p><p>McKenna thought he cut the Knights' lead to two goals with around five minutes to play, but the tally was called back because of a missed high stick. </p><p>Cowan also had a goal taken away in the second period due to goaltender interference. </p><p>Medicine Hat swept its way through the round robin - including a 3-1 victory over London - to advance straight to the championship game. The Knights claimed their spot with a 5-2 win against the Moncton Wildcats in the semifinal.</p>

OSHAWA, CANADA - FEBRUARY 11: Easton Cowan #7 of the London Knights celebrates his overtime game winning goal against the Oshawa Generals at Tribute Communities Centre on February 11, 2024 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

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London Knights cruise to Memorial Cup Final win vs. Medicine Hat Tigers

In case it wasn't evident when Connor Brown jumped out of a cabinet to read the starting lineup a...

<p>In case it wasn't evident when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> jumped out of a cabinet to read the starting lineup ahead of Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, these Edmonton Oilers are enjoying themselves.</p><p>And head coach Kris Knoblauch believes that keeping it light is a strength of his squad, not a weakness.</p><p>"It's gotta be fun," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-kris-knoblauch-06-01-25-6373753369112">said</a> Sunday, three days before the Oilers begin their rematch against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. "Playing hockey, I think when you're successful, two of the most important things are, one, you work hard, two, you're enjoying what you're doing. ... Whether it's somebody jumping out of the cupboards or whatever they're doing, I think it's important that, yes, we're very businesslike, it's important to be focused.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"But you can also have fun. I don't think that fun is going to distract anybody from what our goal is. ... I think everyone's been able to enjoy the ride."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never underestimate the element of surprise, even for a lineup read 🗣️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StanleyCup</a> <br><br>Watch Game 5 between the <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdmontonOilers</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DallasStars</a> TOMORROW at 8p ET on <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sportsnet</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TVASports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TVASports</a>! <a href="https://t.co/8ykD73hKbb">pic.twitter.com/8ykD73hKbb</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1927867209956655182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brown also thinks that a little joy is exactly what the Oilers need before entering the Game 1 pressure cooker Wednesday night.</p><p>"We have fun for one another, we play for one another, and it doesn't mean we play any less hard," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-connor-brown-06-01-25-6373751783112">said</a>. "If anything, we play harder, but it just kind of relaxes us."</p><p>Also aiding the Oilers is the valuable experience they gained from going the distance last postseason. After eliminating the Dallas Stars in Game 5 on Thursday night, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282059" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282059">said</a> his club "hasn't been as emotional" as last spring. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> agreed with his captain's assessment and brought up Edmonton's seven-game series against the Vancouver Canucks in the 2024 second round as a major lesson. </p><p>"Last year, the Vancouver series was really emotional for everyone," he <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/raw-leon-draisaitl-06-01-25-6373749418112">explained</a>. "Just (with) two Canadian teams, the media blowing up. There's just a lot of components that went into that series. </p><p>"I think if you ask everyone, they'll say that series felt like it took years off our lives. I think we're just a little bit more mature and know how to be in those situations and know how to stay even-keel." </p><p>McDavid left Sunday's practice early, but Knoblauch said the superstar would be fine. Brown also expects to play in Game 1 after missing the past two contests with an injury.</p><p>The puck drops on the Stanley Cup Final opener at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. </p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - MAY 27: Head Coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers addresses the media after his team's victory over the Dallas Stars 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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Oilers' Knoblauch: Fun won't distract us from goal

The Florida Panthers consider themselves lucky to have pesky forward Sam Bennett on their side fo...

<p>The Florida Panthers consider themselves lucky to have pesky forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> on their side for yet another deep playoff run.</p><p>"He's everything you want in a player," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3208" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3208">Carter Verhaeghe</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/sam-bennett-proving-to-be-perfect-fit-with-florida">NHL.com's Dan Rosen</a>. "When it's the most important time for your team, when you're chasing a championship, that's when you want to be at your best and be able to perform at your best. He's one of those guys."</p><p>Bennett has been on a heater this postseason, quietly leading all players with 10 goals while tying for second in points among all Panthers with 16 in 17 games. Both are new career highs for the center in the playoffs, surpassing the seven tallies he mustered in 2024 and the 15 points he amassed in 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>By all counts, Bennett is a more effective player come springtime. He owns a career 0.49 points-per-game rate and 0.23 goals-per-game clip in the regular season, but those rates jump to 0.71 and 0.35, respectively, in the playoffs.</p><p>"The definition of a playoff player," Panthers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> said.</p><p>Bennett has also never been one to shy away from physical play. He ranks second in the league with 85 hits this postseason, and his 256 hits in 56 games over the past three playoff runs pace the Panthers by an incredible margin; <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2631">Eetu Luostarinen</a> is the closest with 172.</p><p>"He just does everything," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> said. </p><p>The veteran forward added, "He brings a physical aspect to the game that especially this time of year is, I mean, you can't have enough of it. ... At the same time, I mean, he comes up big in those big moments. Just a player you love to have on your team and one you hate (to) play against."</p><p>The Panthers acquired Bennett and a 2022 sixth-round pick from the Calgary Flames in April 2021 in exchange for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9246" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9246">Emil Heineman</a> plus a 2022 second-rounder.</p><p>Bennett's best season in Calgary came in 2015-16, when he totaled 18 goals and 36 points in 77 games. Bennett has since hit the 20-goal mark three times with Florida, and he's reached the 40-point plateau in each of the last four campaigns, including his first 50-point effort this year.</p><p>Though Bennett seems to elevate his game when it matters the most, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice largely sees the same player year-round.</p><p>"In the playoffs, all the elements of our game are intensified," he said. "They're all present, so the best guys can do all things. ... They are excited about the opportunity, and thus, they don't wilt under the pressure or the moment.</p><p>"A lot of those guys play a version of that in the regular season. Sam is not far off. He plays pretty similar to that game all year. He plays pretty darn hard. So, it's not a major shift for him."</p><p>Bennett can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 20: Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers high-fives his teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on May 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Panthers heap praise on Bennett: 'Everything you want in a player'

The Seattle Kraken signed defenseman Josh Mahura to a two-year, one-way extension with an average...

<p>The Seattle Kraken signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9762" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9762">Josh Mahura</a> to a two-year, one-way extension with an average annual value of $907,500, the team announced Friday. </p><p>Mahura appeared in 64 games for the Kraken this season, recording nine assists while averaging 13:45 minutes of ice time per contest. He ranked sixth on the team in hits with 89 and 10th in blocks with 54.</p><p>Seattle outscored opponents 33-28 during Mahura's minutes at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20242025&amp;thruseason=20242025&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;stdoi=oi&amp;rate=n&amp;team=SEA&amp;pos=S&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410&amp;lines=single&amp;draftteam=ALL">Natural Stat Trick</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Josh was an important addition to our blue line last season," general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. "He plays an honest, physical game and rounded out our group of defensemen. He's also a great teammate. We're excited to bring him back for another two years."</p><p>Mahura joined the Kraken on a one-year, $775k deal as an unrestricted free agent last summer after he wasn't extended a qualifying offer by the Florida Panthers.</p><p>He'd spent the previous two campaigns with the Panthers and won the Stanley Cup with the club in 2024, though he didn't see any game action during the postseason run.</p><p>Mahura was featured in 21 playoff games during Florida's journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, however, chipping in with three assists while getting his first taste of the postseason.</p><p>The 27-year-old spent his first four NHL campaigns with the Anaheim Ducks after being selected by the club in the third round of the 2016 draft.</p><p>Mahura has racked up 54 points in 255 career NHL games. </p><p>Elsewhere on the Kraken's blue line, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10777" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10777">Ryker Evans</a> is a restricted free agent. </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 08: Josh Mahura #28 of the Seattle Kraken looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 8, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Kraken sign Mahura to 2-year extension

Matthew Tkachuk is confident the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between his Florida Panthers and Edmonton...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> is confident the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between his Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will be a showcase of the two top clubs the NHL has to offer.</p><p>"Not very often do you see a rematch in pro sports in the finals," Tkachuk said Friday on "<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/comments/1kz97yv/pat_mcafee_show_matthew_tkachuk_on_calling_this/">The Pat McAfee Show</a>."</p><p>"I think that it's the two best teams in the league, and, to be honest, I think it's pretty clear that we're the two best. It's going to make for an incredible final."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers got the last laugh last spring, beating the Oilers in Game 7 for their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. Florida jumped out to a 3-0 series lead before Edmonton rattled off three straight wins, setting up a dramatic finale.</p><p>Citing Edmonton's postseason dominance this year, Tkachuk said he and his teammates are bracing for another hard-fought bout. The Oilers stumbled out of the gate in these playoffs, going down 0-2 to the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round. However, they've been nearly unbeatable since, losing only one game to the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2 and one to the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final.</p><p>"12-2 is incredible in the regular season - it's almost unheard of in the playoffs," Tkachuk <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1928492811252314547">said</a>. "They're playing the best hockey of the year so far for them, and it's going to be a battle for us."</p><p>The Oilers also have home-ice advantage in the final, which they didn't have last spring.</p><p>Edmonton has dominated at Rogers Place this postseason, boasting a 6-1 record while scoring 4.71 goals per game. Meanwhile, the Panthers have been a force on the road in these playoffs, going 8-2 and outscoring opponents 48-21.</p><p>"We've got our hands full," Tkachuk said. "We're gonna take that underdog mindset and mentality and go up there and try to do what we did last year."</p><p>Part of the battle will be limiting superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, but Tkachuk emphasized that the Oilers have more weapons in their arsenal beyond their captain.</p><p>"When you're playing against the best player in the world, he's always going to give you a challenge each and every night," he said. "But it's not just him. They're a deep team. They play really hard, both ends of the ice. Their goalie's playing incredible right now.</p><p>"I think the thing that's underrated with them is their defense. They make it hard to get to the net; they block a lot of shots. All the stuff that you've gotta do to have a successful team."</p><p>The puck drops on Game 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. </p><p> </p>

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 24: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers and Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers meet at center ice after Game Seven of the Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Tkachuk: 'Pretty clear' Panthers, Oilers are 'best teams in the league'

Stars head coach Peter DeBoer explained his controversial choice Thursday to pull starter Jake Oe...

<p>Stars head coach Peter DeBoer explained his controversial choice Thursday to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293398">pull starter</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a> during Dallas' season-ending loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final.</p><p>"Any time you pull a goalie, the reasoning's always to try and spark your group," he said after the Stars' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282059" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282059">6-3 defeat</a>, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1928293376262017499">Sportsnet</a>. "So that was the No. 1 reason. We had talked endlessly in this series about trying to play with the lead. Obviously we're in a 2-0 hole right away.</p><p>"I didn't take that lightly and I didn't blame it all on Jake, but the reality is, if you go back to last year's playoffs, he's lost six of seven games to Edmonton. And we give up two (goals) on two (shots) in an elimination game. It was partly to spark our team and wake them up, and partly knowing that (the) status quo had not been working. That's a pretty big sample size."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oettinger was given the hook just seven minutes into the game after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4478" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4478">Mattias Janmark</a> beat him on Edmonton's first two shots of the contest. The former was a quick shot in front on the power play, while the latter came off a breakaway following a messy line change by the Stars. </p><p>Stars winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> expressed frustration with how he and his teammates played in front of Oettinger. </p><p>"We gotta step up," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1928286141423157343">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>. "It's unacceptable for us to hang him out like that. Whole playoffs he's been our guy, the whole season. Just unacceptable from us."</p><p>Backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5798" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5798">Casey DeSmith</a> entered the game in relief and allowed three goals on 20 shots.</p><p>Oettinger was outstanding during the first two rounds against the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, recording a .919 save percentage and 2.47 goals against average. </p><p>It was a different story in the Western Conference Final. He owned an .853 clip and 3.93 goals against average versus Edmonton as Dallas lost four straight contests after winning Game 1.</p><p>The Stars mustered just four shots on goal in the third period of the last three games against the Oilers and went the last 16 minutes in Game 5 without a shot on goal. </p><p>Last spring, Oettinger recorded a .907 save percentage and 2.56 goals against average in six games against the Oilers. However, he dropped the last three games of that series with an .859 save percentage over that stretch.</p><p>DeBoer has now been defeated in the conference finals six times in the last seven years. He lost with the San Jose Sharks in 2019, the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020 and 2021, and the Stars in the last three seasons.</p><p>Oettinger is set to enter the first season of an eight-year extension with an $8.25-million cap hit. He signed the pact in October.</p><p> </p>

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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DeBoer backs decision to pull Oettinger: 'Status quo had not been working'

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Thursd...

<p>The Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday night to set up a second straight meeting with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>Captain <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> led the way with the eventual game-winner and an assist.</p><p>"This year it feels a little bit more normal," the superstar told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1928286623940091950">Sportsnet</a> after the victory. "Just been kind of status quo. It's been fun to be a part of. Hasn't been as emotional. Been very, just, kind of direct, smooth and steady. It's been fun."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Oilers erupted out of the gate with three goals in the opening eight minutes. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4478" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4478">Mattias Janmark</a> scored on Edmonton's first two shots of the game to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293398">chase</a> Dallas starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a>. </p><p>Though the Stars drew within one goal on two occasions, Edmonton was able to respond quickly. McDavid scored a beauty on a breakaway two minutes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6400" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6400">Roope Hintz</a> made it 3-2 in the second period, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> restored the Oilers' two-goal lead less than three minutes after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6608" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6608">Jason Robertson</a> struck 38 seconds into the final frame.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> sealed the deal with an empty-netter.</p><p>"I liked how we just stuck with it," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1928288401049940181">said</a>. "We didn't panic, we just kept on playing our game. They had a couple times where they pushed. ... I thought it was a great team effort."</p><p>McDavid assisted on Perry's opening power-play goal for the 100th helper of his postseason career. He hit the mark in his 90th game, becoming the second-fastest player in NHL history behind Wayne Gretzky (70 games) to accomplish the feat, per <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1928248063828598919">Sportsnet Stats</a>.</p><p>The Oilers have now won four straight playoff games by <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1928286141423157343">three or more goals</a> for the first time in franchise history. </p><p>Depth has been the name of the game for Edmonton this spring. Eight different players have scored at least five goals: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, Perry, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a>, McDavid, and Kane. </p><p>The Oilers also had <a href="https://x.com/SNstats/status/1928275260031308282">eight or more players</a> with at least five playoff goals in 1984, 1985, and 1990, which were all Stanley Cup-winning years for the franchise. </p><p>It hasn't all been smooth sailing for the Oilers this postseason, though. They fell in an 0-2 hole to the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round before rattling off four straight wins to advance.</p><p>"I think we just found our game," Draisaitl <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1928285814770844001">explained</a> when asked what changed for his team. "We found our pieces in the right spot a little bit. ... We're starting to find our stride. Eventually we started to just play good hockey." </p><p>Stars head coach Peter DeBoer, meanwhile, tipped his cap to the Oilers after they eliminated his club from the Western Conference Final for a second straight season.</p><p>"That Edmonton team's a lot better team than the one we played last year," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/MarkLazerus/status/1928290575742046259">The Athletic's Mark Lazerus</a>.</p><p>Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3293423" href="https://thescore.com/news/3293423">slated for Wednesday</a> in Edmonton. Every contest of the series will start at 8 p.m. ET.</p><p>"Going up a great team," McDavid said. "Stanley Cup champs of last year, third finals in a row. Not much you can say about them. They're great. We'll have our hands full, but we're a good team. We're a special team, and we feel good about our game."</p><p>The Panthers went up 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final last spring and the Oilers fought back to even things up before falling in Game 7. Knoblauch is looking forward to the rematch. </p><p>"We're familiar with it, we know what the Stanley Cup Final is going to be like. ... I think maybe we're just, we're waiting for this," he said. "We're waiting for this." </p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - MAY 29: Corey Perry #90 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates with Connor McDavid #97, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93, Evan Bouchard #2 and Leon Draisaitl #29 after scoring a goal against Jake Oettinger #29 of the Dallas Stars during the first period in Game Five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.