Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon was named the NHL’s Most Valuable Player for the 2023-24 season, earning the prestigious Hart Trophy. He also claimed the Ted Lindsay Award, awarded by the NHLPA to the league’s most outstanding player. MacKinnon’s impressive performance, highlighted by 51 goals and 89 assists, solidified his position as a top contender for the awards.
Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, now with the Florida Panthers, won the Stanley Cup, prompting heartfelt messages from his Vancouver fans. Luongo acknowledged their support and expressed his gratitude, looking forward to returning to Vancouver next season. Despite the Oilers being considered ‘Canada’s team,’ many Vancouver fans rallied behind the Panthers, likely due to the Luongo connection and lingering feelings from the Canucks’ past loss to the Oilers.
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers face off in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Panthers are one win away from their first championship, while the Oilers are fighting to keep their season alive. The game will be televised on ABC in the United States, but there are also several streaming options available. Fubo, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream all offer free trials that include ABC. ESPN+ is another option, and it costs just $11 per month. For those outside the United States, a VPN can be used to access streaming services from anywhere in the world.
After faltering in the first 13 games of the season, Kris Knoblauch has led the Edmonton Oilers on an improbable journey to the Stanley Cup final. Knoblauch’s calm and collected approach has brought stability to a team filled with star players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His ability to navigate difficult situations, such as changing goalies and inserting new players into the lineup, showcases his keen understanding of the game and his players. Knoblauch’s unwavering belief in his team and his ability to instill confidence in his players have created a winning culture in Edmonton. His path to NHL head coach is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in his philosophy.
After six seasons as an NHL assistant coach, Paul McFarland has signed a multi-year deal to become the head coach of the Calgary Hitmen. The 38-year-old has five seasons of major junior experience, including two seasons as an assistant coach with the Oshawa Generals and three seasons as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs. McFarland also has NHL experience as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Seattle Kraken.
Dallas Stars’ top center Roope Hintz will sit out Game 1 of the Western Conference final against the Edmonton Oilers due to an upper-body injury sustained while blocking a shot in Game 4 of the second round series against the Colorado Avalanche. Coach Pete DeBoer is hopeful Hintz will return for Game 2 on Saturday. Jake Oettinger will start in goal for Dallas, while Edmonton will field the same lineup that defeated the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7, with Corey Perry remaining a healthy scratch.
The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars will face off in the NHL’s Western Conference final, renewing a playoff rivalry that has simmered for over two decades. The Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games, while the Stars swept the Colorado Avalanche in six. The two teams have met six times in the playoffs since 1997, with the Stars holding a 5-1 advantage. However, the Oilers won the first matchup in 1997, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling series.
In a thrilling game 3 of the best-of-seven series, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 at Rogers Place on Sunday night. Arturs Silovs made 42 saves for the Canucks, while Brock Boeser scored twice and Elias Lindholm added a goal and an assist. Evander Kane opened the scoring for the Oilers, but the Canucks replied with three goals in the first period, including two from Boeser. Leon Draisaitl brought the Oilers within a goal in the third, but Lindholm restored the Canucks’ two-goal lead on a power play late in the second. Kailer Yamamoto scored a late goal for the Oilers, but it was not enough to force overtime. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday at Rogers Place.
British Columbia Premier David Eby and his Alberta counterpart, Danielle Smith, put aside their provincial rivalry to attend Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks playoff series on Friday. Despite the friendly encounter, the two premiers did not sit side-by-side during the game. The attendance of the two politicians comes after a social media bet over the series, where the losing Premier will have to wear the opposing team’s jersey and deliver a statement written by the winner in their provincial Legislature.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy recognizes perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication in hockey. This year’s finalists exemplify these qualities:
– Oliver Kylington, Calgary Flames defenceman, returned after 18 months away to focus on mental health, contributing with eight points in 33 games.
– Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender, overcame a blood-clotting issue to post an impressive record, goals-against average, and save percentage.
– Connor Ingram, Arizona Coyotes goaltender, battled obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression before emerging as the team’s top goaltender with multiple shutouts.
