Woll played two games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, working his way back into game shape, after returning from a personal leave of absence on October 24. "Regardless of what situation I come into, I'm going to have the same mindset, whether it's game one or the Stanley Cup Final, it doesn't matter," Woll said after Friday's practice. "I think, you know, I've realized the importance of consistency in that way and I'm just going to come out and do my best, stick to my routine and things I know."
Ever since Brandon Duhaime got on all fours and barked like a dog (), there's been some magic in the air. Alex Ovechkin made history by becoming the only player in NHL history to score 900 goals. Meanwhile, Duhaime began chasing a franchise record of his own. After going goalless in the first 14 games of the season, Duhaime has scored in three consecutive games - a career high.
Kampf, a defence-first centre who was once a pivotal part of the Toronto Maple Leafs ' bottom-six and penalty kill, fell out of favour with head coach Craig Berube in the second half of the 2024-25 season, finishing the season with only 59 games played in comparison to 78 the year prior. He tallied five goals and 13 points in those games and was limited to only one playoff game, which came in the second round against the Florida Panthers.
Ovechkin in his prime had - and still has - the ability to make a mundane game into something special. And what was special about this one was that it was kind of a classic Ovechkin game, featuring lots of chances (five shots on goal, several pipes, and a missed penalty shot). Basically the type of game where you know he's just circling like a shark, waiting to strike...and when he did finally strike, it was something special:
After squandering another two-goal lead, the Isles were on the winning end of a game in which they've typically lost in the past. Trailing 3-2 with under three minutes remaining, Mat Barzal knotted the game at three after some nifty passing from Jonathan Drouin and Matthew Schaefer. Only twice in NY Islanders history The Isles took a too-many-men penalty in overtime after Schaefer jumped on the ice too quickly, as things looked bleak facing a potent Vegas Golden Knights power play at 4-on-3.
One of the reasons for this improved start has been the play of rookie Joey Larson. After appearing in six games last season and racking up a goal and two assists, Larson has hit the ground running. In 13 games, he has seven goals and two assists for nine points. His goal total is tied with Daniil But for most goals among AHL rookies. This strong start improves Larson's standing in the organization. It could help him make a case for a call-up someday.
The entire championship roster including former General Manager Jim Rutherford and head coach peter Laviolette, is expected to share stories and participate in question-and-answer period. Players expected to be involved include Rod Brind' Amour, Glen Wesley, Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Justin Williams, Ray Whitney, Erik Cole, Mark Recchi, Doug Weight, Andrew Ladd, Mike Commodore, Bret HEdican, Niclas Wallin, Martin Gerber, Aaron Ward, Chad LaRose, and Andrew Hutchinson.
"I've never had a fight in my life, but I think things change over time, and I think people change. And I think when you see a teammate down like that and they try and push us around, I'm not going to stand for that. Just tried to jump in there, and next thing you know, gloves are off. And yeah, I thought it was a great fight."
It's been a minute since the Rangers dropped a 7 spot on an opponent, and while a small sample, it's clear this team missed Vincent Trocheck. His line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere has been the Harlem Globetrotters on ice. Maybe we deeply underestimated just how much of a skilled glue guy he is for this team. The line scored four of the seven goals, including multi point nights for Panarin (1-3-4) and Trocheck (2-0-2).
Before becoming Toronto's bench boss, Berube spent the six seasons prior as the coach of the St. Louis Blues. Berube's time in St. Louis included leading the team to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship. If Maple Leafs fans are going to find any solace at this time, it will be in the fact that the Craig Berube led Blues were dead last in the NHL in January of 2019 and ultimately won the Stanley Cup that season.
I've been welcomed, and it's been amazing so far. I've really enjoyed my time in DC, and I'm starting to get really comfortable with everybody and the systems and whatnot. Having a fresh start was definitely nice, and just looking forward to continuing that.
We do it on every morning skate, and we did it again today. I think the more he's going to face those situations in practice, the more it's going to help his game and he's going to be more involved.
A few weeks ago, we wrote about how Macklin Celebrini is having a much better sophomore season with the San Jose Sharks than Connor Bedard had with the Chicago Blackhawks last year. Bedard might have heard us and decided to prove us wrong. Entering Wednesday, both Bedard and Celebrin i are top five in league scoring, with 25 and 26 points, respectively.
