Edmonton can't afford another loss after dropping Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida ...

Edmonton can't afford another loss after dropping Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, but Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch believes his team will respond with their backs against the wall."Knowing that we're in a difficult situation, win our last two games, is something we're confident that we can do that," Knoblauch <a href="https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1934090041409884481">said</a> postgame. "We've been through difficult situations before, and here's just another one that we'll overcome."The Panthers skated to a commanding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3300277" href="https://thescore.com/news/3300277">5-2 victory</a> in Game 5, limiting the Oilers to only 21 shots on goal and 11 scoring chances at five-on-five, according to <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=30415&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Florida jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period and added a third goal early in the third period. The Panthers have scored at least two goals in the opening frame in each game of the series."Speaking for tonight, getting behind, obviously, is tough," Knoblauch said. "You can only do it so many times against this team. I thought we had a good start, and we didn't capitalize on our early chances. Made a couple mistakes, obviously they capitalized."The Oilers erased a 3-0 deficit in Game 4 before winning in overtime, their eighth comeback victory of the postseason. Edmonton overcame series deficits in the first round against the Los Angeles Kings as well as in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. Goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> getting the start was a major storyline before the game. He earned the win in Game 4 after replacing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> but allowed four goals on 18 shots Saturday.Knoblauch was noncommittal on who will be between the pipes for Game 6. "I'm not going to make that decision right now, after a tough loss like tonight," he said. "From what I saw, I think Picks didn't have much chance on those goals. Breakaways, shots through screens, slot shots. There's nothing saying that it was a poor performance."Florida can close out the series in Game 6 on Tuesday night in Sunrise, Florida.

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: SCF deficit another difficult situation 'we'll overcome'

Chris Kreider admitted it was difficult to move on from the New York Rangers after 13 seasons but...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> admitted it was difficult to move on from the New York Rangers after 13 seasons but is excited to join an Anaheim Ducks team he believes is trending in the right direction."I think it's a team that's on the come up that has ... a wealth of talent, youth veteran presence, speed, size, and it's a group that I think can win hockey games and make a push to make the playoffs," Kreider said. "And obviously with the addition of (head coach) Joel (Quenneville) and his staff, I think that's a massive draw for me as well. And it certainly helps knowing some of the guys on that team and being able to get a look behind the curtain."He added, "So it's a really exciting time to be a Duck."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kreider accepted a trade to Anaheim despite it being on his 15-team no-trade list. A handful of Kreider's former Rangers teammates are on the roster, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2191" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2191">Ryan Strome</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4483" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4483">Frank Vatrano</a>.Anaheim has missed the playoffs in seven straight years but improved by 21 points this season. The Ducks brought in Quenneville to be head coach and have more than $32 million in cap space to keep making moves this summer, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/anaheim-ducks">PuckPedia</a>.All that, plus a strong core of young players, made the Ducks an attractive destination."They've got some fantastic vets with great track records of winning in the prime of their careers, and they've got a wealth of young talent, of speed, of size, of skill," Kreider said.Kreider singled out <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">Mason McTavish</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6954" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6954">Troy Terry</a> as some of the forwards he's excited to play with but acknowledged there's talent throughout the roster."Not to mention the D core, which is kind of everything that you want in a D core, right?" Kreider said. "Skill, size, speed, toughness, physicality, and the whole group has nothing but unbelievable things to say about the goaltending."Kreider amassed 582 points in 883 games with the Rangers.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 11: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates with the puck during the first period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on February 11, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Kreider energized after trade: 'Exciting time to be a Duck'

The Edmonton Oilers' reliance on Corey Perry's 20 years of NHL experience has been a theme throug...

The Edmonton Oilers' reliance on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a>'s 20 years of NHL experience has been a theme throughout the playoffs. Still, he claims he didn't say anything special in the speech that rallied his club to a comeback victory in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday."It wasn't wisdom. It was just honesty," Perry said Friday, per <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1933615374349533467">Sportsnet</a>. "I mean, just had to realize where we were at the moment and just kind of look ourselves in the mirror and how we were playing, what we were doing. It's pretty much all it was."Overtime hero <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> credited Perry for turning the tide in Edmonton's dressing room after the team ended the first period down 3-0 to a swarming Florida Panthers squad. Draisaitl <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299554" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299554">noted</a> Perry doesn't often rally the troops, but his words carry weight when he does speak up.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Oilers tied the contest in the second period and grabbed the lead in the third before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a>'s equalizer with 19 seconds remaining forced overtime.Perry is the NHL's active playoff game leader at 236, which is good for fourth most in league history. The 40-year-old has notched nine goals and four assists in 20 contests this postseason and said prior to the Stanley Cup Final he has no plans to retire no matter how the series ends.Perry won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and has reached the final five times since with four different teams.Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in Edmonton.

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 09: Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) appears to shake his fist a the fight for the puck bench after scoring a goal in the second period during game three of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers on June 9, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena, FL.

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Perry: Speech that sparked Oilers in Game 4 'wasn't wisdom'

The Vegas Golden Knights aren't looking to trade veteran center William Karlsson despite his name...

The Vegas Golden Knights aren't looking to trade veteran center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2975" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2975">William Karlsson</a> despite his name being rumored in various reports since the club was eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, sources told<a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/goldenknights/sources-knights-not-looking-to-trade-original-misfit-3383857/?utm_campaign=widget&amp;utm_medium=topnews&amp;utm_source=sports_goldenknights&amp;utm_term=Sources%3A%20Knights%20not%20looking%20to%20trade%20Original%20Misfit"> Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>.Karlsson has two seasons remaining on his contract at a $5.9-million cap hit. Clearing his salary would give Vegas ample flexibility to add a big name or two this summer, but the Golden Knights are apparently content to keep him.The club has approximately $9.6 million in available cap space as things stand, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/vegas-golden-knights">PuckPedia</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Karlsson was selected by Vegas from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2017 expansion draft. He exploded for 43 goals and 78 points in the Golden Knights' inaugural season, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final. The 32-year-old has never matched the production of that first year, but he is still a highly dependable two-way center. Karlsson ranks second on Vegas' all-time games played, goals, and points lists.He dealt with injuries this season, managing only 29 points in 53 games before adding six points in the playoffs. Karlsson was an integral piece of Vegas' Cup run in 2023, chipping in 11 goals.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the second period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Report: Golden Knights aren't shopping Karlsson

With the Stanley Cup Final coming to a close soon, trade talks around the NHL are sure to heat up...

With the Stanley Cup Final coming to a close soon, trade talks around the NHL are sure to heat up. Plenty of speculation has already intensified about who might be on the block this summer, and player movement increases every year around the draft. With this in mind, let's look at some players who could find themselves on new teams before long.<h3>William Karlsson</h3>Contract status: $5.9M AAV until 2027 Protection: 10-team no-trade list<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Golden Knights don't necessarily need to move on from Karlsson, a dependable two-way center, but Vegas has been cutthroat in moving on from veterans in the past. Karlsson endured a lengthy injury absence this season, and managed only nine goals in 53 games while averaging 17 minutes per night - his lowest ice time in eight seasons in Sin City. Vegas could go shopping this summer if Karlsson's cap hit comes off the books, and a big swing after an underwhelming playoff exit would be an on-brand response for the Golden Knights.Note: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299022" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299022">Reports</a> surfaced Wednesday that the Golden Knights are not shopping Karlsson this offseason. <h3>Brayden Schenn</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/cropped_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194995661.jpg?ts=1740525481 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Contract status: $6.5M AAV until 2028 Protection: 15-team no-trade listSchenn was a popular name leading up to the trade deadline, but the Blues went on a late-season heater to avoid a fire sale. St. Louis was reportedly asking a king's ransom for its captain, but with limited options down the middle on the free-agent market, teams in need of center help might prefer to explore trades rather than overpay July 1. Schenn will be 34 when next season starts but is still dependable at both ends of the ice. He notched 50 points in 2024-25, won 52.3% of his faceoffs, and added 194 hits. Schenn would be a terrific complementary piece on a lot of contending teams, and his no-trade clause switches from full protection to a 15-team no-trade list this summer.<h3>Marco Rossi</h3>Contract status: Restricted free agent Protection: NoneRossi is a candidate to be traded or offer-sheeted, and his future with the Wild has been the subject of heavy speculation this spring. General manager Bill Guerin hopes to keep Rossi, but he confirmed teams are circling around the 23-year-old. Rossi's agent said there's a gap between the two sides in value. A lot of players on this list are veterans nearing the ends of their contracts, but Rossi is entering his prime and is fresh off a breakout 60-point campaign. His status as a potential future star on the trading block makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch this summer.<h3>Bowen Byram</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/cropped_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770667/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198014359.jpg?ts=1739576779 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Bill Wippert / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Contract status: Restricted free agent Protection: NoneThe Sabres are reportedly gauging the market for Byram, who they acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in 2024. He hasn't lived up to the hype that made him the fourth overall pick in 2019, but Byram is fresh off his first 82-game season after a multitude of serious injuries early in his career. And he notched a career-high 38 points to boot. Byram's stuck behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on the left side of Buffalo's blue line, which could help keep the cost down for inquiring teams.<h3>JJ Peterka</h3>Contract status: Restricted free agent Protection: NoneSticking with the Sabres, Peterka's possible availability has created plenty of smoke since Buffalo extended its playoff drought to 14 seasons. He's an offer-sheet target as an RFA, but the Sabres have more than $23 million in cap space to fend off any poachers. Why Buffalo might consider trading Peterka, a 23-year-old who's flirted with 30 goals the past two seasons, is a mystery. He'd likely land GM Kevyn Adams a significant haul, but sacrificing one of the club's best players before he hits his prime is the type of mistake that's crippled the franchise for years.<h3>Rasmus Andersson</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/cropped_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765422/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192466405.jpg?ts=1736898338 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gerry Thomas / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Contract status: $4.55M AAV until 2026 Protection: Six-team no-trade listAndersson's been involved in trade rumors for a while now, and he and the Flames have expressed interest in an extension once he's eligible July 1. That won't prevent teams from continuing to call about the veteran defenseman, who's averaged at least 21 minutes per night over the past five seasons and is a right shot with offensive upside. He's the type of blue-liner every GM covets and is on a bargain contract. If he remains unsigned into the season and Calgary is in any sort of position to sell, he'll be watched closely.<h3>Jonathan Marchessault</h3>Contract status: $5.5M AAV until 2029 Protection: No-movement clauseMarchessault's name has surfaced in the rumor mill after only one season with the Predators. Nashville needs to make changes after last summer's spending spree failed, and Marchessault is a candidate to be moved after regressing from 42 to 21 goals and finishing as a minus-29. If that's an indication of the player Marchessault is going to be for the remainder of his career, few takers will be bidding for a 34-year-old with full trade protection. However, another fresh start might result in a better fit, and Marchessault comes with plenty of pedigree as the 2023 Conn Smythe winner.<h3>Erik Karlsson</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/cropped_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772276/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196495925.jpg?ts=1740518599 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Contract status: $10M AAV until 2027 Protection: No-movement clauseThe Penguins are open for business when it comes to moving Karlsson, and a deal will be much easier to facilitate over the summer compared with when he was first rumored to be available before the trade deadline. Karlsson's cap hit is cumbersome despite a portion still being paid by the San Jose Sharks, and Pittsburgh would likely need to retain additional salary if it finds a taker for the three-time Norris Trophy winner. Karlsson's production isn't what it once was, and his defensive abilities remain an issue. A sheltered role on a playoff contender would be a better fit than the 23 minutes a night he averaged for the rebuilding Penguins.<h3>John Gibson</h3>Contract status: $6.4M AAV until 2027 Protection: 10-team no-trade listGibson's name has been mentioned in trade speculation for years now, but this summer might be the perfect time for the Ducks to pull the trigger. Gibson's coming off his best statistical season since 2019 after posting a .911 save percentage and 11.71 goals saved above expected in 29 games. Health is a major concern for the soon-to-be 32-year-old, but he still has talent, and his cap hit is palatable for only two more seasons against a rising cap. Teams needing help between the pipes might be willing to to pay up, and Anaheim should have no quarrels about handing the full-time reins to Lukas Dostal.<h3>Morgan Rielly</h3>Contract status: $7.5M AAV until 2030 Protection: No-movement clauseThe Maple Leafs are seeking a DNA change, and trading the longest-tenured player on the roster would certainly shake up Toronto's core on top of Mitch Marner's seemingly likely departure in free agency. Rielly would need to accept a trade, and his value took a hit this past season after a 17-point drop-off and a team-worst minus-8 rating. Despite the obstacles a Rielly trade presents, the Maple Leafs need to start recouping assets at some point, and an extra $7.5 million in cap space would open even more possibilities to implement the lineup changes management desires.(Salary source: <a href="https://puckpedia.com/">PuckPedia</a>)

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10 players who could be traded this offseason

The New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks are in advanced talks about a deal that would send veteran...

The New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks are in advanced talks about a deal that would send veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2542" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2542">Chris Kreider</a> to Anaheim, according to <a href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1932621413393092871">Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli</a>.The trade isn't done but a framework is in place, Seravalli noted. The latest package would send Ducks prospect Carey Terrance to the Rangers while Anaheim would take on Kreider's entire contract.Kreider has two seasons remaining on his deal at a $6.5-million cap hit. His pact features a 15-team no-trade list, which includes the Ducks, meaning he'd need to waive it to facilitate a deal, reports <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1932806650823414174">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Terrance was a second-round pick of the Ducks in 2023 and spent this past season with the OHL's Erie Otters. He also won a gold medal with the United States at the world juniors. Kreider is coming off a down year in which he registered 30 points in 68 games while averaging 16:45 per contest - his lowest time on ice since 2017-18. Kreider eclipsed 30 goals in three consecutive seasons before 2024-25, including a career-high 52-goal campaign in 2021-22.The 34-year-old was a first-round pick of the Rangers in 2009. He's eighth on the franchise's games played list (883) and third in goals (326).The Rangers were reportedly shopping Kreider in November as they looked to shake up the roster amid a disastrous stretch of losses. New York ultimately retained Kreider but dealt former captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2912" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2912">Jacob Trouba</a> to the Ducks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7730">Urho Vaakanainen</a> and a fourth-round pick in one of a number of Rangers trades during the season.The Ducks have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons but jumped from 59 to 80 points in 2024-25. They are projected to have more than $30 million in cap space even after factoring in Kreider's money, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/anaheim-ducks">PuckPedia</a>.The Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs this season after winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2024. Finalizing the Kreider trade would give New York some key flexibility to sign restricted free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9235" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9235">Will Cuylle</a>.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 16: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers shoots the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 16, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Report: Rangers, Ducks in advanced talks about Kreider trade

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl says his club isn't losing its cool after the Florida Pa...

Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> says his club isn't losing its cool after the Florida Panthers dominated Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday to take a 2-1 series lead.The contest was riddled with 140 penalty minutes, including 85 by the Oilers. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said postgame that Edmonton unraveled in the third period, and many wondered in the aftermath of the blowout if the Oilers are too rattled by Florida's physicality to bounce back in the series.Draisaitl doesn't think so. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm not going crazy. I don't know if anybody's going crazy," Draisaitl said Tuesday, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/its-a-ufc-fight-oilers-must-dial-up-discipline-in-game-4/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "It's an emotional time. It's two teams that want to win, two teams doing it their own way. But I don't think anybody is going crazy here. They're good at what they do. But, again, last night was the first night where it got out of hand a little bit."Draisaitl added, "That's part of their DNA. That's what they do. I think there's spurts in the series where we've handled it really well."The Panthers had 11 power plays in Game 3, and several players on both sides were handed misconducts as the score got out of hand in the third period.Draisaitl was held without a point or shot in the 6-1 loss but still ranks second with 29 points in these playoffs.Edmonton hadn't lost consecutive contests this postseason since the start of the first round. The Oilers are 18-2 in Games 4-7 over the past two seasons and will look to even the series Thursday.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Sam Reinhart #13 of the Florida Panthers defends Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Draisaitl: Oilers 'not going crazy' after Panthers had way in Game 3

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is doubling down on deputy commissioner Bill Daly's recent comments...

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is doubling down on deputy commissioner Bill Daly's <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/3295969">recent comments</a> that the league has no plans to address state tax rules in the next collective bargaining agreement."It's a ridiculous issue," Bettman said on <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1932223182875812186">NHL on TNT</a> on Monday prior to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final."When the Florida teams weren't good, which was for about 17 years, nobody said anything about it. For those of you who played, were you sitting there at the tax table? No, you wanted to go to a good organization and a place where you wanted to live, where you wanted to raise your kids and send them to school. You wanted to play in a first-class arena with a first-class training facility, with an owner, an organization, a GM, and a coach you were comfortable with."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>State income tax has become a hot-button issue in recent years, as four of the past five Stanley Cup champions have come from tax-free states. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have represented the Eastern Conference in the final six years in a row.The Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and Seattle Kraken also play in tax-free states. "Could it be a little bit of a factor if everything else were equal? I suppose, but that's not it," Bettman said. "By the way, state taxes, they're high in New York, high in Los Angeles. What are we going to do? Subsidize those teams?"The NHL's current CBA is set to expire in September 2026, but Bettman has previously noted the league and players' union are in a good place with negotiations.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 04: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media prior to Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Bettman doubles down on state tax stance: 'It's a ridiculous issue'

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is in the lineup for Monday's Game 3 of the Stanley C...

Edmonton Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2031" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2031">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</a> is in the lineup for Monday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final after being declared a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury ahead of puck drop.Nugent-Hopkins is a major contributor to Edmonton's forward group, which is already missing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a> for the remainder of the playoffs. Nugent-Hopkins plays in all situations and is frequently used on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>'s wing or deployed as the second-line center if the club unites the captain and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> on the top unit."Yeah, we don't have as much versatility if we are missing a centerman," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said before the game, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/game-3-notebook-nugent-hopkins-status-causes-concern-for-oilers/">Sportsnet</a>. "Centermen are so important just to move around, and we don't have a lot of centermen on our roster."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nugent-Hopkins has recorded 18 points in 18 playoff games this spring, but he hasn't found the scoresheet through two contests against the Florida Panthers.The series is tied 1-1.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 06: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers in action against the Florida Panthers in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins in Game 3 despite injury

Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday after a 16...

Washington Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1093" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1093">T.J. Oshie</a> announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday after a 16-year career. The 38-year-old was on long-term injured reserve for the entire 2024-25 campaign due to a chronic back injury that limited him to 52 games the season prior."I would like to thank the Washington Capitals and the St. Louis Blues for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love, all of my teammates who battled with me every night, my coaches who challenged me to be better every day, and the athletic trainers and equipment staff who got me ready to play," Oshie said in a statement. "I also want to thank the fans - your energy and passion made every game memorable, and it was an honor to play in front of you."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blues drafted Oshie 24th overall in 2005, and he broke into the league in 2008. He played seven years for the St. Louis before being traded to Washington during the 2015 offseason.Oshie's five best goal-scoring seasons came with the Capitals, and he topped out at 33 in 2016-17. He was a key piece of Washington's Stanley Cup win in 2018, contributing 21 points in 24 playoff games. Oshie also represented the United States several times throughout his career. He famously scored four goals on six shootout attempts to secure a win over Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 17: T.J. Oshie #77 of the Washington Capitals skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on February 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3.

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T.J. Oshie announces retirement after 16 seasons

Cameron Champ opened a two-shot lead atop the Canadian Open leaderboard Friday after a 4-under 66...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4426" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4426">Cameron Champ</a> opened a two-shot lead atop the Canadian Open leaderboard Friday after a 4-under 66.Champ wasn't in the field for the tournament until Tuesday and was the eighth alternate for the event as of last weekend. The 29-year-old is a three-time PGA TOUR winner but has gone four years without a victory and lost his TOUR card last year. He's primarily played on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025. "I definitely didn't think I was getting in, especially at eight (alternate)," Champ said after his round, per <a href="https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2025/06/06/cameron-champ-leads-rbc-canadian-open-round-2-66-leaderboard-tpc-toronto-nick-taylor">Paul Hodowanic of PGATOUR.com</a>. "I know the deadline, some guys will withdraw over the weekend, something like that, but eight, I was like, yeah, probably not getting in.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Luckily, I actually brought my passport. I don't know why I brought it. I was like, you know, I'm just going to bring it in case for whatever reason, not even thinking about the tournament. So, it all worked out nicely."Champ was one shot off the lead after an opening-round 62. He hasn't recorded any bogeys yet in the tournament. Here's a look at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend at TPC Toronto. <figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 2 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Cameron Champ</td>
<td>-12</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Andrew Putnam</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Thorbjorn Olesen</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Richard Lee 🇨🇦</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Nick Taylor 🇨🇦</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T3</td>
<td>Victor Perez</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Ryan Fox</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Cristobal Del Solar</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Sam Burns</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T7</td>
<td>Matteo Manassero</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Olesen and Del Solar shared the Round 1 lead, but neither could continue their momentum into Friday. Putnam posted the lowest round of the day.Lee, a 34-year-old from Toronto with eight career TOUR events on his resume, jumped 27 spots on the leaderboard and is tied with Taylor as low Canadians. Taylor was within striking distance of Champ's lead but bogeyed twice on the back nine.Canadians <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1850" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1850">Taylor Pendrith</a> (7-under), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1056" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1056">Mackenzie Hughes</a> (6-under), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1847" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1847">Adam Hadwin</a> (5-under) are all within the top 30. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is the biggest name to miss the cut. This year's Masters winner won't play the weekend after posting a second-round 78.

CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 06: Cameron Champ of the United States plays a shot on the eighth hole during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 06, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario.

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Champ builds 2-shot lead heading into weekend at Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the Canadian Open and concluded his second round ranked tied for 1...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> missed the cut at the Canadian Open and concluded his second round ranked tied for 149th on the leaderboard after an 8-over 78 on Friday. It's his worst 36-hole finish since a T-142 at the 2021 Players and his first missed cut since last year's Open Championship."It's golf, it's one of those weeks," McIlroy said when asked to sum up his round, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/golf/video/mcilroy-felt-like-i-was-going-to-shoot-a-good-score-out-there-to~3147223">TSN</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I just wasn't on it. Which is funny, I had a really good warmup. I felt like I was going to shoot a good score out there today, and then it just wasn't meant to be."McIlroy recorded a 71 in the opening round Thursday, his first appearance since the PGA Championship in May. He received plenty of attention at the season's second major for skipping media following each round after his driver was deemed non-conforming. McIlroy also drew headlines for not playing the Memorial last week, a signature event hosted by Jack Nicklaus.The Northern Irishman's driver was a significant issue Friday, as he hit only four of 14 fairways and ranked 152nd with minus-2.726 strokes gained: off the tee. An errant drive on the fifth hole led McIlroy to a quadruple-bogey after he had to abandon a ball. He never recovered from the mistake and carded four bogeys and a double-bogey afterward.No component of McIlroy's game clicked in Round 2, as he ranked 150th in total strokes gained at minus-8.945. He'll have to sharpen his game quickly with the famously difficult U.S. Open at Oakmont scheduled for next week. "There's frustration, but I think, as well, it's been an informative two days in some way just to see where I'm at, where my misses are, what I need to work on," McIlroy said. "I've shot two very, very bad scores on not that much of a penal golf course, and then you're going to a very penal one next week."I just need to tidy a lot of things up all the way through the bag."McIlroy is a two-time champion at the Canadian Open. He's earned three wins this season, including a completion of the career grand slam at the Masters in April.

CALEDON, CANADA - JUNE 6 : Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland gestures before a tee shot during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, Canada on June 6, 2025.

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McIlroy fizzles out of Canadian Open with 2nd-round 78

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer vehemently denied recent reports that the club is listenin...

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer vehemently denied recent reports that the club is listening to trade offers for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9905" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9905">Drake Batherson</a>."We're at the (draft) combine and, apparently, we're trading Batherson?" Andlauer said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6408385/2025/06/06/batherson-giroux-andlauer-staios-senators/">The Athletic's Julian McKenzie</a>. "You know, it's not right. Sometimes, you've just got to get your sources right. You can always validate it here. But it's not for me, or (general manager) Steve (Staios). To me, it's all about the player. So now all of a sudden, this guy's seeing that, and it's totally false."Staios reached out to Batherson to reassure him that the club isn't trying to trade him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I know things get out there (that) are written, and you know that there's no truth to it," Staios said. "But when it was written on back-to-back days, I was informed that it was out there a couple of days in a row. I talked to our players often through the offseason anyway, but I just thought the timing was right to make sure that Drake knows that there's no truth to it."Batherson is under contract for two more seasons at a $4.975-million cap hit before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency. The 27-year-old has played his entire career with the Senators, and he racked up 26 goals along with 42 assists this season to help Ottawa reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.He added two points in six games in a first-round loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators have $15 million of cap space this offseason, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/ottawa-senators">PuckPedia</a>. The club is reportedly looking to acquire a top-six forward and is making progress on re-signing veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/911">Claude Giroux</a>.

OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 26: Drake Batherson #19 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on April 26, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Sens owner denies team is shopping Batherson: 'It's totally false'

Thorbjorn Olesen and Cristobal Del Solar each carded 9-under 61s to share the opening-round lead ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/407" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/407">Thorbjorn Olesen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5048" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5048">Cristobal Del Solar</a> each carded 9-under 61s to share the opening-round lead Thursday at the RBC Canadian Open.The 61s mark the lowest opening-round scores in the tournament's history, according to <a href="https://x.com/PGATOURComms/status/1930774656379756789">PGA TOUR Communications</a>.Olesen birdied four of his last five holes to surge up the crowded leaderboard at TPC Toronto. Del Solar had a prime opportunity to achieve the 15th sub-60 round in PGA TOUR history, but a bogey on the par-4 17th derailed his chances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Del Solar is no stranger to breaking 60, as the Chilean recorded a 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour last season to set the single-round scoring record at a TOUR-sanctioned event.Neither Olesen nor Del Solar has a win on their TOUR resumes. Here's a look at wear things stand after Round 1.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 1 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Thorbjorn Olesen</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T1</td>
<td>Cristobal Del Solar</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Cameron Champ</td>
<td>-8</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Jake Knapp</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Rasmus Hojgaard</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Trey Mullinax</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T5</td>
<td>Ricky Castillo</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Taylor Pendrith</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Alex Smalley</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Paul Peterson</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Danny Willett</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Rafael Campos</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Kevin Yu</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Alejandro Tosti</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T9</td>
<td>Paul Warring</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>Pendrith, a native of nearby Richmond Hill, is the low Canadian heading into Friday. Former champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1122" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1122">Nick Taylor</a> is in the hunt at 4-under, while fellow Canucks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/8071" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/8071">Hunter Thomson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1847" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1847">Adam Hadwin</a> are each 3-under.Tournament headliner and two-time champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> is 10 strokes off the lead after a 1-over 71 on Thursday. This year's Masters winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3294769" href="https://thescore.com/news/3294769">said</a> he was pleased with how he played after the round despite being lower in the standings.

CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 05: Thorbjørn Olesen of Denmark reacts on the ninth hole during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 05, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario.

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Olesen, Del Solar tied for 1st-round lead at Canadian Open

PWHL Vancouver signed forward Jennifer Gardiner on a one-year contract, the team announced Thursd...

PWHL Vancouver signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15766" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15766">Jennifer Gardiner</a> on a one-year contract, the team <a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/june/05/jenn-gardiner-signs-with-hometown-pwhl-vancouver">announced</a> Thursday.Gardiner, a British Columbia native, was the 11th overall pick by the Montreal Victoire in 2024. She was recently named a finalist for PWHL Rookie of the Year after notching 18 points in 30 games. "Simply put, it's a dream come true," Gardiner said in a statement. "Ever since I was a little girl on the Surrey Falcons and Greater Vancouver Comets, I have wanted to play professional hockey for my hometown team. I am so excited to help build a legacy that makes other girls in British Columbia dream big, and I am thrilled to play in front of my friends and family again."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vancouver has reached its maximum number of signings before the June 9 expansion draft. The club has also added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15850" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15850">Sarah Nurse</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15755" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15755">Claire Thompson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15743" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15743">Sophie Jaques</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15833" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15833">Emerance Maschmeyer</a>.Montreal is now able to protect a fourth player after losing Gardiner to Vancouver and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15760" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15760">Cayla Barnes</a> to Seattle. The Victoire already protected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Phillip Poulin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15763" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15763">Laura Stacey</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15780" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15780">Ann-Renee Desbiens</a>.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MAY 13: Jennifer Gardiner #12 of the Montreal Victoire skates during the first period against the Ottawa Charge at The Arena at TD Place on May 13, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.

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PWHL Vancouver adds Gardiner on 1-year deal

Kasperi Kapanen is appreciative to be playing a pivotal role in the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> is appreciative to be playing a pivotal role in the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup Final run after his NHL future was in jeopardy as recently as late last year."I've bounced around," Kapanen said after Wednesday's Game 1 win, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/might-be-my-last-chance-castaway-kasperi-kapanen-finds-stride-at-perfect-time/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "And there's no point in getting into the why it wasn't working out ... but I knew that, potentially, this might be my last chance, and I'm grateful they gave me the opportunity."The Oilers claimed Kapanen off waivers from the St. Louis Blues in November. It was the second time he'd been waived in just under two years. Edmonton also represented his third stop over the past three seasons.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kapanen, 28, registered a modest 13 points in 57 games after arriving in Edmonton, and he was a scratch for all of the Oilers' first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. However, he's stepped up since, scoring the series-clinching goal in Round 2 before contributing two assists in a 4-3 overtime win to start the Cup Final. He's also earned a bigger role after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1723">Zach Hyman</a>'s injury and is currently slotted beside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> on the second line."These are the best days of my life right now, just coming to the rink and playing these games," Kapanen said. "Listen, my blood pressure is really high, and it is nerve-wracking. But I'm just enjoying this. I mean, everybody is nervous at this time. Playoff hockey is the best."Kapanen was a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014 but began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto dealt him back to Pittsburgh after the 2019-2020 campaign. He then spent parts of three seasons with the Penguins before ending up in St. Louis via waivers.Kapanen has totaled 227 points in 527 career games. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 4: Kasperi Kapanen #42 of the Edmonton Oilers is awarded third star of the game after Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Place on June 4, 2025, in Edmonton, Canada.

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Kapanen relishing chance with Oilers: 'These are the best days of my life'

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl played hero with his overtime goal in Game 1 of the Stan...

Edmonton Oilers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> played hero with his overtime goal in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, but he directed the spotlight toward his team's resilience afterward.The Oilers trailed the Florida Panthers 3-1 in the second period and were behind by one to start the final frame before rallying to an impressive 4-3 win. The victory marked Edmonton's fourth this postseason when losing entering the third."We've done it all year, especially in the postseason," Draisaitl told <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1930473923298136243">Sportsnet's Gene Principe</a>. "We stick with it, and we're never going to quit."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Draisaitl credited Edmonton's depth, which played a significant role in the win. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3961">Kasperi Kapanen</a> notched two assists, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4111" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4111">Viktor Arvidsson</a> chipped in with a goal."They've done it all run," Draisaitl told <a href="https://x.com/NHL_On_TNT/status/1930478866851598673">TNT's Darren Pang</a>. "Our depth has won us a crazy amount of hockey games in the last couple of months here."The Panthers are the league's standard-bearers when it comes to closing out victories, entering this year's final 31-0 in the playoffs under head coach Paul Maurice when leading after the first period, according to <a href="https://x.com/NHLPR/status/1930448201913643130">NHL Public Relations</a>.Draisaitl's overtime tally was his third of the playoffs, matching an NHL record with four others, including teammate Corey Perry (2017) and opponent Matthew Tkachuk (2023).While Draisaitl praised his teammates, Oilers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> made sure to give his running mate his flowers postgame."You can't put a number on it," McDavid <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1930483090234753077">said</a> of Draisaitl's value to the team. "He's invaluable. So many good things. Clutch, faceoffs; you name it, he does it. He doesn't get enough respect or credit for his defensive abilities. When he's dug in, there's not many better, maybe nobody better."McDavid (28 points) and Draisaitl (27 points) are the top two scorers in the playoffs this spring. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday in Edmonton.

EDMONTON, AB - JUNE 04: Edmonton Oilers Center Leon Draisaitl (29) scores the game winner in overtime in game one of Stanley Cup Final Edmonton Oilers game versus the Florida Panthers on June 04, 2025 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Draisaitl proud of Oilers' maturity to start SCF: 'We're never going to quit'

The NHL isn't making any changes to state income tax rules in the next collective bargaining agre...

The NHL isn't making any changes to state income tax rules in the next collective bargaining agreement, deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1930391749698170927">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>. Franchises in tax-free states produced Stanley Cup champions in four of the past five seasons, and whether they have an advantage over teams located elsewhere is a hotly debated topic.Teams in taxed areas have expressed concern to the league over the issue, Johnston notes. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, and Seattle Kraken are the organizations located in income tax-free states. The lack of taxes can be an attractive selling point in free agency as players are able to keep more of their salaries.The Panthers and Lightning have won the Eastern Conference six years running and have several players on their books playing on contracts below their perceived market value. The Predators were the biggest spenders in free agency last summer, and the Stars recently signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> to an eight-year extension worth $12 million per season after he made it known he'd accept a trade from Carolina to Dallas.The current CBA is set to expire in September 2026, but commissioner Gary Bettman noted Wednesday that negotiations are in good shape.

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 30: The Tampa Bay Lightning shake hands after the series loss to the Florida Panthers during Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on April 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Connor McDavid has long garnered comparisons to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, but...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> has long garnered comparisons to legends like Wayne Gretzky and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>, but as he leads the Edmonton Oilers to their second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, the similarities between the three all-time greats are becoming impossible to ignore.Both Gretzky and Crosby lost their first chance at a championship, only to avenge their defeats the following season against the same opponent. The Great One got the last laugh over the New York Islanders in 1984, and Sid the Kid flipped the script on the Detroit Red Wings in 2009 to earn his first of three rings. McDavid would join the exclusive club if the Oilers beat the Florida Panthers in this year's final."I see, obviously, the parallels that everyone wants to write about," McDavid <a href="https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/media-day-mcdavid-06-03-25-6373834860112">said</a> at media day Tuesday. "At the end of the day, this is a different story. Different teams, different group. Just excited to have another kick at the can here. That's all."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McDavid and the Oilers lost to the Panthers in Game 7 last year, nearly erasing a 3-0 series deficit. Despite the losing effort, the 28-year-old won the Conn Smythe after setting a playoff record with 34 assists and racking up 42 points, the fourth-highest total in a single playoff.The Panthers are making their third straight finals appearance and looking to become the ninth franchise to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Only the Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning have accomplished the feat in the salary cap era."They have our complete focus," McDavid said. "All our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone's mind."The series is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Edmonton.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JUNE 03: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers speaks with the media prior to the start of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett isn't worried about his next contract as he tries to chase d...

Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> isn't worried about his next contract as he tries to chase down his second consecutive Stanley Cup."Honestly, since the playoffs have started, it's really just taken a back seat, and I haven't really thought too much about anything other than the playoffs and getting here, and now the whole focus is on winning the Stanley Cup," Bennett said of his impending contract negotiations, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6399946/2025/06/03/panthers-sam-bennett-free-agency-nhl-playoffs/">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>."Everything else is going to be in the background for the next couple weeks."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bennett will be one of the most heavily pursued free agents this summer if he doesn't re-up with the Panthers, with the soon-to-be 29-year-old likely to earn a notable raise from his current $4.425-million cap hit. Florida projects to have around $19 million in cap space this summer, but key teammates <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/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> will also be looking for new deals before joining Bennett in unrestricted free agency.The Panthers acquired Bennett from the Calgary Flames during the 2020-21 campaign, and he revitalized his career after the trade. Bennett has hit 20 goals in three out of four seasons in Florida and leads the playoffs with 10 tallies. The 2014 fourth overall pick also stood out for Canada at this year's 4 Nations Face-Off."I definitely struggled in Calgary for a while," Bennett said. "Once I got here, just how the team embraced me - the opportunity the team gave me right from the beginning - was totally different than what I was getting in Calgary. I took that opportunity and found some success early, and our team definitely changed quite a bit."Panthers general manager Bill Zito said he's content waiting until the Stanley Cup Final is over against the Edmonton Oilers to address Bennett's contract."We'll talk about the playoffs now and worry about that stuff later," Zito said, "Over time, things get sorted out."The Panthers were in a similar situation with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> last summer. Fresh off a 57-goal season and a Stanley Cup, the forward agreed to an eight-year extension on July 1 rather than testing the free-agent market.

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 24: Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) pressures the puck in the first period during game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.