Every defenseman who comes in here gets better’ for Panthers

 Nate Schmidt saw how some NHL defensemen were finding their game again with the Florida Panthers and coach Paul Maurice. Since signing a one-year contract with them on July 3, the 33-year-old defenseman has experienced that firsthand. “The best way I can describe it is he frees you up to play the style of game you were meant to play,” said Schmidt, who also played for Maurice with the Winnipeg Jets in 2021-22. “He doesn’t ask anyone to skate end to end, he doesn’t ask anyone to do anything more than what they can or should be doing. That just takes a lot of pressure off guys, and he understands that this is the way you want to look.” Centuries ago, Juan Ponce de Leon supposedly searched for the Fountain of Youth in modern-day Florida. For Schmidt and other defensemen, including Gustav Forsling, 28, and Dmitry Kulikov, 34, South Florida has definitely been the place to revitalize their games. Before Schmidt’s arrival, Forsling and Kulikov proved to be big keys for the Panthers. They’re trying to do it again this year, once again facing the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. Following a 5-4 double-overtime win in Game 2 on Friday, the best-of-7 series is tied 1-1. Maurice gets some credit for helping defensemen find their game again, but so does the cohesiveness of Florida’a locker room, and so does Sylvain Lefebvre, Maurice’s assistant in Florida since 2022. General manager Bill Zito said Lefebvre is “a wonderful teacher, a wonderful person who’s extracted the most out of everyone.

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Monahan of Blue Jackets wins Masterton Trophy for perseverance

Sean Monahan dedicated this season to Johnny Gaudreau, following the tragic death of his best friend last offseason. On Thursday, Monahan, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward, was announced as the recipient of the Masterton Trophy, voted for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Monahan was presented the trophy at his home outside of Toronto when he was surprised with a visit from Johnny’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau. “I let (Monahan’s wife) Brittany in on this secret a few days ago,” Meredith said. “I think she tricked Sean into thinking they were taking family photos today. All the little things he does behind the scenes and everything he means to the Blue Jackets, to the NHL, to my family. “I’m nervous, I’m excited, I just want to make sure he knows today is a good day. We are here to celebrate how amazing of a person you are.”

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Oilers’ Jake Walman Turns Everyday Store Run into Lasting Memory for Young Fans

What began as a simple family errand turned into a heartwarming encounter that the Stephens family will remember for years. All thanks to Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman. On Friday, Adam and Angela Stephens were out shopping with their three children: Luke (9), Jake (7), and Emma (5) when the boys convinced their parents to visit the trading cards aisle. Luke was browsing for Pokémon cards while Jake Walman scanned the shelves. That’s when they unexpectedly ran into Walman, who was there picking up a tin of cards himself. A known Pokémon enthusiast, the Oilers blueliner struck up a friendly conversation with the kids, asking if they were Oilers fans and who their favorite players were. The boys are named Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Then came the surprise: Jake Walman revealed who he was and asked if they’d heard of Jake Walman. Jake immediately responded, “My dad loves him, he was so happy when they traded for him.” What followed was a 10-minute conversation covering everything from hockey to Pokémon to Minecraft. Walman then offered to buy each of the kids a box of trading cards, with their parents’ permission, of course. For little Emma, who doesn’t collect cards, he picked out a Minecraft stuffed toy instead. The moment didn’t end there. The family snapped a photo with Walman, which went viral over the weekend. The Stephens kids became “mini celebrities” at their school, Lakeland Ridge in Sherwood Park, Alberta, where the photo is now destined for the school’s Oilers wall just in time for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. At media day, Walman reflected on the encounter: “I like doing that stuff. I think we’re in a position to be able to do that kind of thing and make people’s day. So, I always try to interact with fans or kids.” Adam, who works in the children’s wing at Royal Alexandra Hospital, has seen NHL players make time for young fans before, but said this encounter was unique: “He could have slipped by unnoticed, but he chose to be kind and present. That’s what made it special.” Now, the Stephens children are even more devoted to the Oilers. “They all want his jersey now,” Adam said. “And my daughter won’t stop saying his name. She even named her stuffed animal after him.” Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact and this one may have created lifelong fans.

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Perry’s son, Griffin, joins Oilers forward

Griffin Perry, the 8-year-old son of Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry, made quite the impression during Tuesday’s Stanley Cup Final Media Day at Rogers Place, even if it meant playing a little hooky from school. Dressed sharply in a suit, Griffin joined his dad on the podium and charmed reporters while fielding questions like a seasoned pro. He confessed that his classmates had no idea where he was, likely thinking he was home sick. While Griffin admitted it can be tough for his dad to coach him in hockey, he revealed that Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has stepped in to help. But the highlight of the appearance came when it was time to wrap up the press conference. Corey told his son he had to return to school, prompting some hilarious resistance. Griffin tried to buy time, asking to go see the trophies in the room, then making a final plea: “So, I have to go to school? I’ll only have three hours at school.”“I know, that’s perfect,” Corey replied.“No, it’s not. I won’t learn anything,” Griffin shot back. Classic media day moment and a solid “A” for effort from young Griffin.

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stars vs oilers expert picks

NHL Predictions Today: Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Sure Tips

The Oilers look to punch their ticket to a second straight Stanley Cup Final when they visit the Stars for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Get today’s NHL picks and predictions for Edmonton VS Dallas on MatchPlug, your home for sharp playoff hockey tips. Edmonton leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 after a dominant 4-1 win in Game 4. Matchplug’s has the latest NHL previews for you. Betting Preview For Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Betting On Edmonton Oilers The Oilers are surging, winning three straight games and five of their last six overall. Their offense is firing at nearly 4 goals per game in the playoffs, with McDavid (24 pts) and Draisaitl (23 pts) leading the charge. Their power play remains deadly at 23%, and defensively they’ve allowed just six goals across their last three road outings. buy phenergan online https://aanviihearing.com/image/catalog/web/html/phenergan.html no prescription pharmacy If Skinner stays steady in net, the Oilers can close this series out. Betting On Dallas Stars Dallas is in a must-win situation but has lost four of six and struggled to generate offense—just two goals in their last three games. Goalie Jake Oettinger has been decent, but the team’s defensive form has dropped, conceding 16 goals in four games. Their special teams have been okay (22% PP), but it hasn’t been enough to slow Edmonton’s top line. buy fluoxetine online https://aanviihearing.com/image/catalog/web/html/fluoxetine.html no prescription pharmacy MatchPlug Prediction For Oilers vs Stars The Oilers have the edge in momentum, firepower, and form. Dallas has failed to solve Edmonton’s special teams and can’t keep up offensively. Look for the Oilers to wrap this series up. Final Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline

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NHL Predictions Today: Panthers vs Hurricanes Sure Tips

The Florida Panthers are just one win away from their third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance as they travel to Raleigh for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Read our preview for the Panthers vs Hurricanes game. The Canes avoided a sweep with a Game 4 shutout but still face elimination at home.  Betting Preview For Panthers vs Hurricanes Betting On Florida Panthers Florida’s balanced play on both ends has been the difference in this series. The Panthers have outscored Carolina 16-7 over the four games, with Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodrigues leading the charge offensively. The defense, anchored by Niko Mikkola and Aaron Ekblad, has been suffocating, and Sergei Bobrovsky has posted a .950 save percentage. With their defense clicking and depth scoring showing up, the Panthers will look to close things out on the road. Betting On Carolina Hurricanes The Hurricanes showed signs of life in Game 4 with a 3-0 shutout win, but their offensive inconsistencies remain a concern. Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho have led the way, but production from key names like Andrei Svechnikov has dried up. Carolina’s defense finally delivered in Game 4, but Frederik Andersen will need to elevate his game again to stave off elimination for a second time. MatchPlug Prediction For Panthers vs Hurricanes Florida has been the more consistent team in this series, dominating possession and converting chances at a higher rate. With the series momentum and superior defensive structure, we expect the Panthers to finish the job. Final Prediction: Florida Panthers Moneyline

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NHL Predictions Today: Blues vs Jets

The St. Louis Blues host the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Friday. Read our preview for Blues vs Jets. Puck drops at 7:00 PM CT at the Enterprise Center, and you can catch the action live on ESPN. The Jets lead the series 3-2 after bouncing back in Game 5 to regain control. St. Louis, facing elimination, will look to recapture their home form and force a decisive Game 7.You can get today’s match tips for all games on MatchPlug. We are a sure prediction site for previews and tips regarding similar matches. Betting Preview For Blues VS Jets Betting On St. Louis Blues The Blues have found offensive success only at home in this series, scoring 4+ goals in both Games 3 and 4. With their season on the line, expect them to come out firing again. Their top-six forwards need to impose themselves early, as a strong first period will be key to avoiding a low-scoring trap against Winnipeg’s disciplined defense. Betting On Winnipeg Jets The Jets snapped the Blues’ momentum in Game 5 and now have a chance to clinch the series. However, they’ve yet to win on the road in this matchup. The defense must stay compact, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck needs another sharp outing. If the Jets hold the Blues to two goals or fewer, history suggests they’ll punch their ticket to the next round. MatchPlug Prediction For Blues vs Jets This series has been one of the most balanced and thrilling in the first round. Expect another high-intensity matchup with scoring chances for both sides. St. Louis’ offense should show up again at home, but Winnipeg’s structure and goaltending may prove decisive. Final Prediction: Winnipeg Jets

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NHL Predictions Today: Wild vs Golden Knights

The Minnesota Wild host the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday. Read our preview for Wild vs Golden Knights. Puck drops at 5:30 PM CST at the Xcel Energy Center, and the game will be broadcast on TNT and ESPN+. Vegas leads the series 3-2 after two consecutive overtime wins. The Wild are facing elimination and will need their home crowd to spark a bounce-back.You can get today’s match tips for all games on MatchPlug. We are a sure prediction site for previews and tips regarding similar matches. Betting Preview For Wild VS Golden Knights Betting On Minnesota Wild Despite trailing in the series, the Wild have gone unbeaten in regulation across their last four games, showing resilience and strong defensive play. Game 6 at home offers a prime chance to tie the series, with star winger Kirill Kaprizovexpected to step up. Minnesota needs to tighten their penalty kill and find more finish in transition to break down Vegas’ structured defense. Betting On Vegas Golden Knights The Golden Knights are one win away from advancing but haven’t won a game in regulation since Game 1. Back-to-back overtime wins showed grit, but questions remain about their offensive rhythm. Vegas must avoid playing reactive hockey and focus on striking first. If they can generate early offense, they’ll put immense pressure on the Wild to chase the game. MatchPlug Prediction For Wild VS Golden Knights This is a high-pressure situation for both teams. Vegas wants to avoid a Game 7, but Minnesota has the edge playing in front of their home fans. Given the tight nature of the series and the Wild’s fight to stay alive, this looks set for another close contest. Final Prediction: Minnesota Wild

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NHL Predictions Today: LA Kings VS Edmonton Oilers

The Los Angeles Kings face off with the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday. Read our preview for LA Kings VS Edmonton Oilers. Puck drops at 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena, and you can catch the game live on TBS or ESPN+. Edmonton leads the best-of-7 series 2-1 after a 7-4 comeback win in Game 3.You can get today’s match tips for all games on MatchPlug. We are a sure prediction site for previews and tips regarding similar matches. Betting Preview For LA Kings VS Edmonton Oilers Betting On Los Angeles Kings The Kings let Game 3 slip after mounting an impressive comeback. Special teams were both a strength and weakness: they struck twice on the power play but surrendered a crucial man-advantage goal after a failed challenge. LA has shown they can score against the Oilers, but defensive lapses and penalty trouble are major issues heading into a must-win Game 4 at home. Betting On Edmonton Oilers The Oilers’ high-octane offense came alive in Game 3. Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard are leading the charge, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is creating problems for LA early in games. With the power play operating at a dangerous level, Edmonton’s firepower and composure in key moments give them the edge, even when falling behind. MatchPlug Prediction For Kings VS Oilers Los Angeles is in a tough spot. After blowing a second-period lead and giving up seven goals at home, the pressure is heavy. The Oilers are clicking on offense and have the better special teams right now. Unless the Kings tighten up defensively and stay out of the box, this could be another tough night. Final Prediction: Oilers

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NHL Prediction Today: Maple Leafs vs Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the road to face the Ottawa Senators in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday, May 1. Read our preview for Maple Leafs vs Senators. Puck drops at 7:00 PM ET at the Canadian Tire Centre, and you can catch all the action on ESPN. Toronto leads the series 3-2, but Ottawa has all the momentum after winning back-to-back games to extend the series.You can get today’s match tips for all games on MatchPlug. buy glycomet online https://naturalinstincthealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/png/glycomet.html no prescription pharmacy We are a sure prediction site for previews and tips like this. Betting Preview For Maple Leafs VS Senators Betting On Toronto Maple Leafs The Leafs have squandered a 3-1 series lead and are coming off back-to-back losses. Their stars, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, have struggled to step up in series-clinching situations, a pattern that’s haunted them in past playoffs. If Toronto is going to close this out, they’ll need a big response offensively and far more urgency on both ends of the ice. Betting On Ottawa Senators Ottawa enters Game 6 full of confidence. After a shutout in Game 5, Linus Ullmark has emerged as a difference-maker between the pipes. The Senators have been strong at home in the playoffs and have shown they can outwork Toronto. They arguably should be ahead in the series, and with momentum on their side, they’ll feel confident about forcing a Game 7. MatchPlug Prediction For Maple Leafs VS Senators Toronto is under pressure and struggling to finish the series, while Ottawa has momentum and better goaltending right now. We expect a close game, but with the way the Senators are trending and the Leafs’ stars going quiet again, Ottawa looks likely to extend the series. Final Prediction: Senators

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