After back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three consecutive trips to the finals, the Florida Pant...

<p>After back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three consecutive trips to the finals, the Florida Panthers won't be participating in playoff hockey this spring.</p><p>The Panthers were officially eliminated from postseason contention following<strong> </strong>Saturday's<strong> </strong>9-4 blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p>Florida hadn't missed the playoffs since 2018-19.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers were hit hard with injuries this season, perhaps as a result of the 68 grueling playoff games they've taken part in over the last three years. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> has missed the entire campaign, while other key players, such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a>, have missed extended time.</p><p>Meanwhile, others who have stayed healthy are simply having down years, including goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1631">Sergei Bobrovsky</a>, who was pulled during Saturday's loss after allowing six goals on 19 shots. The 37-year-old is having the worst season of his storied 16-year career. He owns an .878 save percentage in 51 games, which ranks 51st out of 58 qualified netminders.</p><p>The Chicago Blackhawks own Florida's 2026 first-round pick. However, if it falls in the top 10, the Panthers will have the option of keeping the selection and transferring an unprotected 2027 first-rounder to Chicago instead.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 31 : Florida Panther players leave the arena at the end of a NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on March 31, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Panthers miss playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups

Pittsburgh Penguins legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin made history on the same goal Saturda...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins legends <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> made history on the same goal Saturday against the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Malkin scored a power-play goal in the second period to reach 1,400 career points. Meanwhile, Crosby picked up his second assist of the game to pass Steve Yzerman for sole possession of seventh place on the all-time points list (1,756).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A MILESTONE MOMENT!!! 🤩<br><br>Evgeni Malkin hits 1,400 career points and Sidney Crosby climbs to seventh all‑time in points with the assist! <a href="https://t.co/P9fr46WLWA">pic.twitter.com/P9fr46WLWA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2040555700242260297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Crosby now has the second-most points with a single franchise in history, trailing only Gordie Howe (1,809 with the Detroit Red Wings).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Malkin, who sits 23rd on the all-time points list, is the third player in Penguins history to rack up 1,400 points with the franchise, joining Crosby and Mario Lemieux (1,723).</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 31: Sidney Crosby #87 and Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins talk against the Detroit Red Wings at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 31, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Crosby climbs all-time scoring list as Malkin notches 1,400th point

Rejoice, Buffalo Sabres fans. The drought is finally over.  The Sabres are heading back to the St...

<p>Rejoice, Buffalo Sabres fans. The drought is finally over.</p><p>The Sabres are heading back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. Buffalo clinched a postseason berth as a result of the Detroit Red Wings' loss to the New York Rangers in regulation Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/nBIHypkQje">pic.twitter.com/nBIHypkQje</a></p>— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/2040507354463011253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The outcome marks the end of Buffalo's 14-year playoff drought, which was the longest in NHL history. It was also the second-longest active postseason drought among the four major sports leagues in North America, trailing only the NFL's New York Jets, who have missed the postseason in 15 straight campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL's longest active playoff drought now belongs to the Red Wings, who have fallen short of the postseason each of the last nine years. However, Detroit remains in the playoff race this season despite Saturday's loss.</p><p>Lindy Ruff, who's in his second stint as Buffalo's head coach, was behind the bench when the team last went to the playoffs during the 2010-11 campaign. Buffalo lost in seven games to the Philadelphia Flyers in Round 1 that year.</p><p>The Sabres, who entered the league in 1970-71, have never won a Stanley Cup.</p><p>The Tampa Bay Lightning also punched their playoff ticket following Detroit's loss. The Lightning and Sabres are tied atop the Atlantic Division with 100 points each, though both teams have yet to play their respective games Saturday.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Zach Benson #6 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 22, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Sabres clinch playoff berth to end NHL-record 14-year drought

The Vancouver Canucks have clinched last place in the NHL standings this season after losing 5-2 ...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks have clinched last place in the NHL standings this season after losing<strong> </strong>5-2 to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.</p><p>The Canucks are now guaranteed to have the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick during the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held May 5. They have a 25.5% chance of selecting first overall. Third overall is the lowest they could drop.</p><p>It's been a steep fall for the Canucks, who won the Pacific Division with 109 points in 2023-24 and finished six points out of a playoff spot last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Vancouver has never picked first overall since entering the league in 1970-71. It hasn't chosen in the top three since taking Daniel and Henrik Sedin with the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, respectively, in the 1999 draft.</p><p>Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, Frolunda forward Ivar Stenberg, and North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff are considered to be among the top players in this year's draft.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 01: Head coach Adam Foote of the Vancouver Canucks talks during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on April 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Canucks clinch last place in NHL to secure top lottery odds

Macklin Celebrini put the San Jose Sharks on his back Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, regist...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> put the San Jose Sharks on his back Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, registering four points to engineer a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory.</p><p>The 19-year-old scored the equalizer with 1:39 left in regulation before setting up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3917" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3917">Alexander Wennberg</a>'s game-winner just over a minute later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE SHARKS SCORE TWO GOALS IN THE FINAL TWO MINUTES TO WIN THE GAME!<br><br>INCREDIBLE 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/hlIpZamTBf">pic.twitter.com/hlIpZamTBf</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2039551404004569234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The game-tying goal was Celebrini's 40th of the campaign, making him the 10th teenager in NHL history to reach the mark.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Celebrini is now up to 105 points on the season - the second most in Sharks history behind Joe Thornton (114 in 2006-07). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a>'s 101 points in 2022-23 were previously the second most in team history.</p><p>The win was a crucial one for the Sharks, who are now just one point back of the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p>

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 1: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates scoring a goal in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center on April 1, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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Celebrini carries Sharks to comeback win with 4-point game vs. Ducks

Tiger Woods won't serve as Team USA's captain at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America announced...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> won't serve as Team USA's captain at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America announced Wednesday.</p><p>"We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision," the association said in a statement. "Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team, and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy when appropriate."</p><p>The 50-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512165" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512165">announced</a> Tuesday that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health." Woods was arrested and charged with DUI on Friday. Authorities said he was found with opioids in his pocket at the scene of a car accident. He plead not guilty to the charge Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Woods never committed to captaining the United States' 2027 Ryder Cup squad, but it was a possibility. He said in February that the PGA of America had offered him the position but he hadn't made a decision yet. The group reportedly wanted his decision by the time of the Masters.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/796" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/796">Keegan Bradley</a> (2025) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2096" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2096">Zach Johnson</a> (2023) captained the United States at the last two Ryder Cups, which both ended in a loss. Steve Stricker served as captain the last time that the U.S. won, in 2021.</p><p>Woods last represented the U.S. on the international stage when he was a playing captain at the 2019 Presidents Cup, which the Americans won. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2042" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2042">Davis Love III</a> (2022) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1948" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1948">Jim Furyk</a> (2024) captained the team to victories at the last two Presidents Cups. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/341" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/341">Brandt Snedeker</a> will fill the role in 2026.</p><p>The next Ryder Cup will take place in September 2027 at Adare Manor in Ireland.</p>

Golf: 42nd Ryder Cup: Team USA Tiger Woods during Sunday Singles at Le Golf National. Paris, France 9/30/2018 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Set Number: X162166 TK5 )

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Woods won't captain U.S. at 2027 Ryder Cup

Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he's taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment after he cra...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> announced Tuesday that he's taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment after he crashed his car and was arrested for driving under the influence on Friday.</p><p>"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods <a href="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/2039110644255891907">said</a> in a statement. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.</p><p>"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones, and myself at this time."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Police said Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol in his system after the crash, but he refused a urine test. Authorities also found opioids at the scene, according to an incident report released Tuesday by the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours later. He pleaded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512094" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512094">not guilty</a> to the DUI charge on Tuesday.</p><p>The 50-year-old told deputies he was looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio when his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side, per the police report. Neither Woods nor the truck driver suffered injuries from the accident.</p><p>The police report also notes that Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene.</p><p>Woods returned to competitive golf in last week's TGL final, marking his first action in over a year. He said afterward he had his sights set on competing at the Masters in April, although Augusta National confirmed Tuesday that he won't play in this year's first major.</p><p>"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being," chairman Fred Ridley said. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here at Augusta."</p><p>The 15-time major champion last played in a PGA TOUR event at the 2024 Open Championship. He underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in October - his seventh back procedure - and had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025.</p><p>"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the PGA TOUR said in a statement. "But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step."</p><p>Woods' latest incident is his fourth car crash since 2009 and his second arrest for a DUI. He's played in just 11 PGA TOUR events since a serious car accident in 2021 that nearly led to his right leg being amputated. His previous DUI came in 2017 when authorities found him asleep behind the wheel, the engine running, and his car damaged. He said a bad mix of painkillers caused the incident, and he later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.</p>

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 14: Tiger Woods of the United States walks to the 18th green during the final round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia.

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Tiger stepping away to seek treatment, won't attend Masters

Brad Treliving is out as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs after three years. Toronto is...

<p>Brad Treliving is out as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs after three years. Toronto is set to miss the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016 and has one of the bleakest outlooks of any team in the NHL. So, where did it all go wrong?</p><p>We break down three pivotal moments in Treliving's tenure that ultimately led to the team's demise and his own exodus. </p><h3>Handling the Marner situation</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/cropped_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786840/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215310533.jpg?ts=1747924390 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Chisholm / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Treliving was hired May 31, 2023, giving him exactly one month before Mitch Marner's full no-movement clause kicked in. Clearly, that was the time to trade him, but Treliving appeared to have no interest in doing so. Former team president Brendan Shanahan is mostly to blame, as he was reportedly the driving factor behind keeping the Maple Leafs' core together.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Still, Treliving is at fault as well. He could've pushed for change that was so clearly needed. He could've inquired about what was available and brought potential offers to his boss. But there seemed to be none of that, indicating that Treliving didn't have much of a plan.</p><p>He reportedly spoke to the Vegas Golden Knights about a Marner trade in the 2024 offseason, but Vegas rejected his request for Shea Theodore in return. Prior to the 2025 deadline, Treliving attempted to send the winger to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-way deal that would've brought Mikko Rantanen to Toronto, but Marner vetoed the move.</p><p>As a pending unrestricted free agent, Marner eventually joined the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade last offseason, netting the Leafs third-liner Nic Roy, whom Treliving ultimately dealt to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Given the context, each move was fine individually, but the situation never should've reached that point. Simply put, good GMs don't allow star players to leave for minimal returns.</p><h3>2025 deadline: Desperate and disastrous</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/cropped_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/828802/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205139551.jpg?ts=1774922332 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Before the trade deadline, the 2024-25 campaign was going extremely well for Toronto. Its stars were producing. Treliving's marquee offseason additions - Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz - were exceeding expectations. And the team was en route to a division title.</p><p>But the club had two significant holes: the need for a sturdy right-shot defenseman to play alongside Morgan Rielly and a defensive-minded third-line center to round out the bottom-six forward group. Treliving became desperate to fill them both.</p><p>The Maple Leafs then sent a 2027 top-10 protected first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Scott Laughton and a pair of late-round picks. Laughton proved to only be a fourth-line center and was subsequently traded at this year's deadline for a third-round pick, which becomes a second-rounder if the Los Angeles Kings make the playoffs.</p><p>After acquiring Laughton, Toronto sent prospect Fraser Minten, a 2026 top-five protected first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Boston Bruins for defenseman Brandon Carlo. The defenseman did fill a need for the Leafs and helped stabilize Rielly's game down the stretch and into the playoffs, but he clearly wasn't enough of a difference-maker to justify the cost. Carlo has struggled in 2025-26, while Minten has enjoyed a solid rookie season as Boston's third-line center. Plus, the Leafs are at risk of giving a premier draft pick to a division rival. The trade reeked of desperation, considering most first-rounders that get moved are top-10 protected and the deal was reportedly made within minutes of the deadline.</p><p>Treliving's tenure will largely be defined by those two trades - and what those first-round picks ultimately turn into.</p><h3>Sticking with Berube</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/cropped_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814520/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248034381.jpg?ts=1766115146 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Jackson / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's entirely possible that the 2025-26 Maple Leafs were doomed no matter what, but Treliving's lack of inactivity was inexcusable. They got off to a bad start in October - customary for Toronto - but it should've been apparent that change was necessary after the team failed to turn things around in November.</p><p>The easiest way to shake things up in the NHL is a coaching change. Firing Berube early in the year would've been completely justifiable despite his success the year prior. During the 2024-25 campaign, the Leafs rode an opportunistic offense and elite goaltending, finishing third in the league in PDO. This year, much of that luck ran out. Horrendous possession numbers and sloppy defensive play came back to haunt them.</p><p>The coaching-change bump is very real. Just look at the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are 19-5-5 since replacing Dean Evason with Rick Bowness in January. Again, there's no guarantee Toronto would've turned things around with a new voice, but it couldn't have hurt to try and salvage the season while still possible. Heck, even Vegas had the guts to fire Bruce Cassidy - who led them to a Cup just three seasons ago - with eight games left despite holding a playoff spot. There's a reason the Golden Knights contend annually. They take action. Treliving clearly didn't throughout his tenure.</p>

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3 Treliving decisions that led to Maple Leafs' undoing

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar suffered an upper-body injury in Monday's 9-2 win over t...

<p>Colorado Avalanche defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> suffered an upper-body injury in Monday's 9-2 win over the Calgary Flames.</p><p>Makar took a hard hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13067">Adam Klapka</a> late in the second period. He played two more shifts in the frame but didn't come out for the start of the third period.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cale Makar did not return to the game after taking this hit from Adam Klapka in the second. <a href="https://t.co/R3dQs4cJ3J">pic.twitter.com/R3dQs4cJ3J</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2038823542238617760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters postgame that Makar was still being evaluated and the team will know more Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Makar, who notched three assists in the contest, ranks third among NHL defensemen with 75 points in 73 games this season.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 30: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against Victor Olofsson #95 of the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena on March 30, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Makar suffers upper-body injury in Avalanche's win vs. Flames

The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving, the team announced Monday.  Trelivi...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs fired general manager Brad Treliving, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Treliving was hired in 2023 and led the Maple Leafs to back-to-back playoff appearances. However, Toronto is on track to see its nine-year postseason streak snapped amid a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.</p><p>"Throughout the course of this season, there has been deep analysis into both the current state of the Maple Leafs organization and the direction needed to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering a Stanley Cup championship to the city," MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Brad Treliving is a man that we all have deep respect and appreciation for, both as a hockey executive and as a person, but it was determined that the club must chart a new course under different leadership. The organization is grateful for all that Brad has contributed in his nearly three years with the Maple Leafs, and we wish him and his family the very best."</p><p>The Maple Leafs fell to the rival Boston Bruins in Round 1 of the 2024 playoffs in Treliving's first year on the job. In 2025, they won the Atlantic Division but lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in seven games in Round 2.</p><p>In an effort to bolster the roster prior to the 2025 trade deadline, Treliving shipped out a package that included prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a> and Toronto's 2026 first-round pick to the Bruins for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>. He also traded away Toronto's 2027 first-rounder and prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14961">Nikita Grebenkin</a> for bottom-six forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a>.</p><p>Both moves have proven to be disastrous for the Maple Leafs. Carlo has struggled this season, while Minten is enjoying a stellar rookie campaign. The 2026 first-round pick that originally belonged to Toronto is only top-five protected, and with the Leafs sitting 24th in the league standings entering Monday, it's far from a guarantee that they'll retain the selection. Laughton, meanwhile, was traded to the Kings earlier in March for a 2026 third-round pick, which becomes a second-rounder if L.A. makes the playoffs.</p><p>Treliving was notably hired by former Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, whose contract wasn't renewed by the franchise this past offseason. Pelley was hired into his current role in January 2024.</p>

TORONTO. Brad Treliving Leafs GM addresses the media.New Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube being introduced. (R.J.Johnston/Toronto Star) R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star (R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Maple Leafs fire GM Treliving

The Frozen Four is set.  Michigan and Denver won its quarterfinal matchups Sunday to join Wiscons...

<p>The Frozen Four is set.</p><p>Michigan and Denver won its quarterfinal matchups Sunday to join Wisconsin and North Dakota in the Frozen Four semifinals.</p><p>The semifinals take place April 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Michigan will play Denver, while Wisconsin will face North Dakota. The final is set for April 11.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Michigan hung on to defeat Minnesota Duluth 4-3 on Sunday, while Denver eliminated defending champion Western Michigan with a 6-2 victory earlier in the day. Wisconsin and North Dakota each won Saturday.</p><p>Denver's 10 men's hockey titles are the most in NCAA history, followed by Michigan (nine), North Dakota (eight), and Wisconsin (six). Michigan is mired in the longest drought of the four programs, with its last championship coming in 1998.</p>

ALBANY, NY - MARCH 29: Michigan Wolverines Forward Garrett Schifsky (17) is congratulated by Michigan Wolverines Forward Nick Moldenhauer (9) and Michigan Wolverines Defenseman Tyler Duke (5) for scoring a goal during the first period of the NCAA Hockey Regional Final between the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines on March 28, 2026, at MVP Arena in Albany, NY.

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Michigan, Denver join Wisconsin, North Dakota in Frozen Four

Gary Woodland won the Houston Open in inspiring fashion Sunday.  Woodland, who recently shared hi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1276" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1276">Gary Woodland</a> won the Houston Open in inspiring fashion Sunday.</p><p>Woodland, who recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3496450" href="https://thescore.com/news/3496450">shared</a> his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder after undergoing brain surgery in 2023, was visibly emotional after sinking the winning putt.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a moment ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/nwPC0Y75sf">pic.twitter.com/nwPC0Y75sf</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/2038377491111334099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Anybody that's struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up," he said while fighting back tears. "Just keep fighting."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We play an individual sport but I wasn't alone today."<br><br>An emotional Gary Woodland reflects on his win only a few years removed from brain surgery. <a href="https://t.co/jflXsA3AcR">pic.twitter.com/jflXsA3AcR</a></p>— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/2038378622310899753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>He won the tournament in a decisive manner, beating <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4700" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4700">Nicolai Hojgaard</a> by five strokes.</p><p>The victory is Woodland's first on the PGA TOUR since his lone major title at the 2019 U.S. Open.</p><p>The win also earned Woodland a spot in the 2026 Masters.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland of the United States embraces wife Gabby Granado on the 18th green after winning the Texas Children's Houston Open 2026 at Memorial Park Golf Course on March 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Emotional Woodland wins Houston Open for 1st victory since 2019

The Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy and tabbed John Tortorella as his replace...

<p>The Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy and tabbed John Tortorella as his replacement in a stunning move, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Cassidy led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup title in 2023. He posted a 178-99-43 record across four seasons with the club.</p><p>"We thank Bruce Cassidy for his dedication to our hockey club and community over the past four seasons," general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement. "Under Bruce's leadership, we reached our ultimate goal in 2023 by bringing a Stanley Cup to Vegas. Bruce will forever be remembered with the utmost regard by our organization for what was accomplished here."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With eight games left in the regular season, the Golden Knights currently hold a playoff spot but have just one win in their last seven contests. They've largely underwhelmed for most of the season despite boasting a highly talented roster, ranking tied for 23rd in the league in both wins and regulation wins.</p><p>"With the stretch run of the 2025-26 regular season upon us, we believe that a change is necessary for us to return to the level of play that is expected of our club," McCrimmon said. "With John Tortorella, we bring in a Stanley Cup champion as well as one of the most experienced and respected coaches in the NHL. His guidance will be a great asset to our team at the pivotal point in the season we currently face. We look forward to welcoming John to Vegas."</p><p>Tortorella last served as an NHL head coach with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2024-25. He was also an assistant coach for Team USA's gold-medal run at the 2026 Olympics.</p><p>The 67-year-old is a two-time Jack Adams Award winner (2004, 2017) who won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. His 770 career wins rank ninth all time.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 28: Head Coach Bruce Cassidy of the Vegas Golden Knights follows gameplay during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on October 28, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Golden Knights fire Cassidy, hire Tortorella as replacement

Porter Martone is going pro.  The Philadelphia Flyers signed the 2025 No. 6 pick to a three-year,...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/16227" href="https://thescore.com/ncaah/players/16227">Porter Martone</a> is going pro.</p><p>The Philadelphia Flyers signed the 2025 No. 6 pick to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Sunday. He'll join the club for the remainder of the campaign.</p><p>In his lone season at Michigan State, Martone ranked tied for second in the NCAA in goals (25) and sixth in points (50). The Spartans were eliminated in the Frozen Four quarterfinals by Wisconsin on Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A 6-foot-3, 210-pound power forward, Martone racked up 98 points in 57 games for the Brampton Steelheads in 2024-25. He also tallied six goals and three assists in seven games for Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championship, where he wore the "C."</p><p>The Flyers are three points out of a playoff spot entering Sunday.</p>

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 26: Porter Martone #22 of the Michigan State Spartans skates against the UConn Huskies during the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Regional Championship Semifinal at the DCU Center on March 26, 2026 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Spartans won 2-1.

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Flyers sign Martone to entry-level deal

Pittsburgh Penguins veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are day-to-day with injuries and won...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> are day-to-day with injuries and won't play Saturday against the Dallas Stars, the team announced.</p><p>Crosby is dealing with a lower-body injury he suffered Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. He was playing his fifth game since returning from a lower-body injury he incurred at the Olympics. Malkin is dealing with an upper-body injury and already missed Pittsburgh's last two games.</p><p>Crosby paces the Penguins with 64 points in 61 games this season. Malkin ranks fifth with 52 points in 50 contests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rookie forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12720" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12720">Rutger McGroarty</a> was promoted from the AHL and will be in the lineup Saturday. It'll be his first NHL appearance since Feb. 5.</p><p>The Penguins enter Saturday in second place in a tight Metropolitan Division.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Evgeni Malkin #71 tall with Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game against the Ottawa Senators at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 2, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Crosby, Malkin day-to-day with injuries

Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is in the lineup Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins aft...

<p>Dallas Stars forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> is in the lineup Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing the last 15 games with a lower-body injury, the team announced.</p><p>Rantanen suffered the injury at the Olympics while representing Finland. He last suited up with the Stars on Feb. 4.</p><p>The 29-year-old still ranks third on the team with 69 points this season despite playing just 54 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Stars have posted a 9-4-2 record since the Olympic break, although they've lost their last four contests.</p>

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 27: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Dallas Stars lines up against the Chicago Blackhawks at the American Airlines Center on December 27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

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Stars' Rantanen returns after 15-game injury absence

Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar reached the 20-goal mark for the third consecutive campaign on...

<p>Colorado Avalanche star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> reached the 20-goal mark for the third consecutive campaign on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars, becoming the 10th defenseman in NHL history to do so.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cale Makar pots his 20th of the season 🥬 <a href="https://t.co/CJmsiwxSZB">pic.twitter.com/CJmsiwxSZB</a></p>— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) <a href="https://twitter.com/Avalanche/status/2034456583317668040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bobby Orr holds the NHL record with seven straight 20-goal seasons by a defenseman.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Defenseman</th>
<th>Consecutive 20-goal seasons</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Orr*</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Housley*</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Coffey*</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reed Larson</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denis Potvin*</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ray Bourque*</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Duchesne</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Guy Lapointe*</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al MacInnis*</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cale Makar</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* denotes Hall of Famer</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Makar is the 12th blue-liner ever to post four career 20-goal campaigns. He also reached the milestone in 2021-22 but failed to hit the mark in 2022-23, when he scored 17 despite missing 22 games due to injury.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 18: Cale Makar #8 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on March 18, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Makar notches 3rd straight 20-goal season

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin reached the 25-goal mark for the 20th time in his caree...

<p>Washington Capitals forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> reached the 25-goal mark for the 20th time in his career Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators, tying the NHL record held by the legendary Gordie Howe.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QYmun4l7Ojc?si=lNPKePmkKjaHHmdz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Ovechkin failed to reach 25 goals just once in his 21-year career, potting 24 goals in 45 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign.</p><p>Ovechkin also became the sixth player in league history to notch at least 25 goals in a season at age 40 or older, joining Howe, Johnny Bucyk, Teemu Selanne, Jaromir Jagr, and Dean Prentice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He already owns the NHL records for most seasons with 30 goals (19) and 40 goals (14). Ovechkin shares the record for most 50-goal seasons (nine) with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.</p><p>Ovechkin's goal against the Senators was the 999th of his career when combining his regular-season and playoff totals. Gretzky holds the all-time mark at 1,016. Ovechkin passed Gretzky for most career regular-season goals in 2024-25.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals reacts during the shootout in the game against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on March 14, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Ovechkin ties NHL record for most 25-goal seasons

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has no plans to change the league's playoff format despite continue...

<p>NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has no plans to change the league's playoff format despite continued complaints from teams, players, and fans.</p><p>"More than comfortable," Bettman told reporters Wednesday, including <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7128497/2026/03/18/nhl-gm-meetings-gary-bettman-playoffs-goalie-interference/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and Michael Russo</a>. "It gives us a sensational first round. Probably the best playoff first round in any sport. We get more games and longer series as a result of the format.</p><p>"And you can always pick at certain situations in any given year and say, 'Well, I'd like it to be different that year.' But if you look at the body of work that our playoffs represent over time, what we have now works extraordinarily well."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The flaws of the current system are being exposed dramatically in the 2025-26 Western Conference standings. In the NHL's overall standings, the Colorado Avalanche (97 points) rank first, the Dallas Stars (94 points) sit second, and the Minnesota Wild (90 points) are tied for third. However, if the standings hold, one of these teams will be eliminated in Round 1 since all three are in the Central Division.</p><p>In contrast, the Utah Mammoth, fourth in the Central Division with 76 points, would get to go through the significantly weaker Pacific Division. As the top wild-card team in the Western Conference, the Mammoth would be slated to face the Pacific-leading Anaheim Ducks, who have 77 points, in the first round.</p><p>Situations like these have caused many to devalue the importance of the regular season, but Bettman scoffed at the notion.</p><p>"If you look at the races for the playoffs, I think it's virtually impossible to say that the regular season has no meaning," Bettman said. "To the contrary, every game counts."</p><p>From 1998-99 until the NHL realigned to four divisions in 2013-14, the league's playoff format awarded the top three seeds in each conference to division winners, with seeds four through eight filled by the next highest-ranked teams in each conference.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 7: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces that the NHL 2027 Winter Classic Game will be held at the Rice-Eccles Stadium on January 7, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Bettman 'more than comfortable' keeping NHL's current playoff format

Alex Tuch is looking to get paid handsomely.   The Buffalo Sabres forward, who's a pending unrest...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> is looking to get paid handsomely. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/2" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/teams/2">Buffalo Sabres</a> forward, who's a pending unrestricted free agent, is asking for an average annual value of at least $10 million on his next contract, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7112544/2026/03/12/nhl-contract-extensions-free-agency-2026/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. Tuch and the Sabres reportedly remain engaged in extension talks.</p><p>Tuch, 29, would likely be the top UFA forward if he decides to test the open market on July 1. Similar contracts handed out recently include that of Utah Mammoth forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5629" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5629">Nick Schmaltz</a> (eight years, $8-million AAV signed Wednesday) and Los Angeles Kings winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> (eight years, $10.625-million AAV signed in November).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Sabres project to have roughly $13 million in cap space this summer, with new deals also needed for restricted free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13818" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13818">Zach Benson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8680">Peyton Krebs</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10909" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10909">Michael Kesselring</a>.</p><p>Tuch, a native of Western New York, has been a key part of Buffalo's resurgent season, generating 28 goals and 57 points in 64 games. His best campaign came in 2022-23, when he notched 36 goals and 79 points in 74 appearances. The Sabres acquired the 6-foot-4, 219-pound winger in 2021 as part of the trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a> to the Vegas Golden Knights.</p><p>Other potential 2026 UFAs include defensemen <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4088" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4088">Darren Raddysh</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1445" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1445">John Carlson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> as well as forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2474" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3248" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3248">Anthony Mantha</a>.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a faceoff during an NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 08, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Report: Sabres' Tuch seeking AAV of at least $10M on next contract

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