Tag: Goaltending

Jokerit’s attack dazzles, but defence and goaltending raise doubts

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 28, 2026

Story Summary

Liiga’s challengers ranked fifth to 12th range from teams capable of reaching 100 points to sides fighting simply to reach the playoffs. Jokerit are placed 10th, with an imposing forward group but questions over their defence and goaltending. HPK’s retention of Kim Saarinen gives them a strong platform, while HIFK, SaiPa, KalPa, Kärpät and Lukko each carry clear strengths alongside significant risks. Ässät begin the season hampered by injuries and a slightly weaker squad than last year.

Key Facts

  • The Liiga preview was published on 26 August 2026.
  • Ässät (12): Porin side starts the season weakened by injuries; Jarno Kultanen’s summer signings judged modest; Jan Bednář is their goaltender cover.
  • HPK (11): Kim Saarinen remains with the club and is rated among Liiga’s top three goaltenders; Jacob Crespin has impressed in pre-season. Jukka Jalonen is an important figure around the club.
  • Jokerit (10): Team brings major offensive signings and strong ticket interest; concerns centre on goaltending and defensive corps; Tomek Valtonen is head coach and Juuso Hahl is an assistant.
  • HIFK (9): Olli Jokinen begins his second season as head coach. The club have added quality on the wings and have a settled group at centre; a possible move to Veikkaus Arena alongside Jokerit is raised as an off-ice question.
  • SaiPa (8): Raimo Helminen’s team remains industrious and intense but lost several top scorers over the summer, likely reducing goal output compared with last season.
  • KalPa (7): Club identity and continuity are strengths; questions remain about defensive depth behind Joonas Lyytinen and the suitability of some personnel for heavy minutes.
  • Kärpät (6): Club has rebuilt parts of centre and defence; Petri Karjalainen’s tenure carries pressure after an uneven previous season and Aku Räty was not replaced.
  • Lukko (5): Tomi Lämsä coaches a squad regarded as medal contenders. Goaltending is the main question, with Antti Raanta’s level and Daniel Salonen’s development pivotal.
  • The gap within this group could be wide, from 100-point teams to sides only just reaching the playoffs. First-round winners progress to the quarter-finals.

IHM Discussion

This is a competitive tier defined by balance. Jokerit have the headline-grabbing attack, but their defensive depth and goaltending leave little room for error. HPK’s goaltending gives them a credible chance to outperform expectations if their newcomers settle quickly. HIFK have skill, particularly on the wings, while Lukko retain the quality to challenge near the top if their goaltending holds up. SaiPa, KalPa and Kärpät each have identifiable roster and tactical questions that could shape their season. Across the group, defensive organisation, reliable goaltending and finishing ability look like the clearest dividing lines.

Why It Matters

The teams ranked fifth to 12th cover a broad range of likely outcomes, from sides capable of a strong regular season to those battling for a playoff place. With first-round winners advancing to the quarter-finals, goaltending, special teams and early cohesion could make a major difference.

Mini Q&A

What does this preview cover?

It ranks Liiga’s teams placed fifth to 12th and assesses their strengths, weaknesses and likely playing styles.

Which teams are listed as 5-12 challengers?

From 12 to 5: Ässät (12), HPK (11), Jokerit (10), HIFK (9), SaiPa (8), KalPa (7), Kärpät (6) and Lukko (5).

Why is Jokerit notable in the analysis?

Jokerit return to Liiga with a powerful forward group, but concerns remain over their defence and goaltending.

What is HPK’s key advantage according to the piece?

HPK’s key advantage is retaining Kim Saarinen, described as a top-three Liiga goaltender, with Jacob Crespin providing promising backup form.

What should Lukko be worried about?

Lukko’s principal worry is goaltending: Antti Raanta’s form and Daniel Salonen’s development are singled out as pivotal for the club’s prospects.

Are there off-ice issues mentioned that could affect a team?

Yes. HIFK’s arena situation, including the possibility of moving to Veikkaus Arena with Jokerit, is discussed as an off-ice issue.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the core task for these challengers is clear: establish a simple, repeatable defensive framework and make the goaltender’s life predictable. When rosters are patched together quickly, cohesion suffers; prioritise structure over style early in the season so new imports can slot into defined roles. Special teams practice should be a performance priority – a consistent power play or penalty kill can swing tight first-round ties. Finally, manage minutes carefully: teams with shallow defensive depth must protect players from early fatigue and injuries to remain competitive late into the campaign.

What Comes Next

The four leading title contenders are assessed separately before the Liiga regular season begins.

IHM Final View

Jokerit’s return and forward depth will command attention, but this tier will be decided by balance. HPK’s goaltending and Lukko’s established quality provide solid foundations, while injuries, integration and defensive detail could quickly alter the picture elsewhere.

Carey Price bullish on Canadiens’ goaltending future

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | August 10, 2026

Story Summary

Carey Price, the Montreal Canadiens’ all-time leader in victories and a 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, said he is optimistic about his former team after watching their recent run to the Eastern Conference Final. Speaking from Kelowna, British Columbia, Price singled out rookie Jakub Dobes and 21-year-old Jacob Fowler for praise, describing two different goalkeeping temperaments that have helped Montreal flourish in the postseason.

Key Facts

  • Carey Price will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Nov. 9, 2026, and plans to return to Montreal that week, according to NHL. com.
  • Price played every one of his 712 regular-season and 92 playoff games for the Canadiens between 2007 and 2022, compiling 361 regular-season wins, the most in franchise history.
  • Price praised Canadiens goalies Jakub Dobes, 25, and Jacob Fowler, 21, calling them confident and noting Dobes’ competitive swagger and Fowler’s quieter style, which Price compared to his own approach.
  • Dobes joined a small group of Montreal rookie goalies to win a sudden-death Game 7, placing him alongside Carey Price, Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy in that specific achievement.
  • Price shared highlights of his decorated career in the source material: 2014 Olympic gold (tournament’s best goalie), 2016 World Cup of Hockey performance (5-0, 1.40 GAA,.957 save percentage), and a sweep of four NHL awards following the 2014-15 season, including the Hart and Vezina trophies.
  • Last season the Canadiens advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, losing in five games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes; Price watched most of the playoff run and followed the team closely.
  • Price was traded to the San Jose Sharks on Sept. 25, 2024, as a salary-cap move; all parties understood he would not play again. He turns 39 on Aug. 16, 2026.

IHM Discussion

Price’s comments do more than celebrate two young goalies. They underline a quieter fact about the Canadiens’ offseason momentum: a franchise that has relied on goaltending identity for decades is, for the first time in many years, layering youth and proven poise behind a defence and core that suddenly look comfortable in high-pressure moments.

Dobes and Fowler are not clones. That heterogeneity matters. Dobes’ early playoff pedigree and Game 7 win give the club a demonstrable clutch experience, while Fowler’s composed, reserved presence offers steadiness when the margin for error shrinks. Price’s perspective carries weight because he lived the internal pressure of Montreal hockey and because his career is a yardstick for how a goaltender can shape both results and franchise temperament.

Price is measured in his optimism. He told NHL. com, “It sure feels that they’re a contender,” but immediately tempered that with the reality that multiple factors must align for a championship run. That dual stance – encouragement that does not become entitlement – is important for a Canadiens fan base conditioned by past glory and long droughts.

IHM Tactical Outlook

From a tactical vantage, the Canadiens’ goaltending mix invites questions about workload, matchup use and defensive coverage. Dobes’ competitive swagger suggests he thrives on chaotic, high-event games where aggressive saves and reflex plays can swing momentum. Fowler’s quieter style suggests strength in structure: tight crease positioning, controlled rebound management and steady angle play.

Coaches will likely use that contrast situationally. Dobes can be the spark in games where the team expects to chase offence or withstand sustained pressure, whereas Fowler’s calm may be favoured against methodical opponents where limiting rebounds and controlling sight lines matter more. Managing minutes to preserve sharpness while keeping both goalies engaged will be crucial; handing a rookie too many starts in a condensed schedule can erode confidence, while underusing a hot goalie wastes the exact momentum Price praises.

Why It Matters

Montreal’s identity has often been formed around its netminders. When a franchise can pair a Game 7-proven rookie with a young goalie who mirrors the mental temperament of a franchise legend, the team acquires both upside and a psychological steadiness that ripples through the roster. For players, confidence in the crease changes how forwards and defencemen attack and defend – breakouts are crisper when defence trusts puck handling behind their netminder, and forwards can take calculated risks when they believe net coverage is reliable.

For management, this goaltending set reduces immediate pressure in the market for a veteran fix. It also raises the stakes on roster construction: the Canadiens must protect these goalies with defensive structure, a clear rotation plan and development patience. Fans will be buoyed by Price’s endorsement and the team’s deep playoff run, but Price’s caution – “a lot of things need to go right” – is a reminder that contender status is a process, not a proclamation.

Fan Pulse

Is Montreal better served by riding momentum with its young goalie duo, or should the Canadiens still explore insurance through experience? What matters more to you: a hot, high-variance starter or a steady, system-friendly presence?

Mini Q& A

How does Price describe Dobes and Fowler? He said Dobes plays with a competitive swagger and “that ‘grrr’ in his game,” while Fowler is quieter and reserved, a style Price said resembles his own.

Will Carey Price attend his Hall of Fame induction? Yes, Price expects to be in Toronto for the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 induction on Nov. 9 and plans to return to Montreal that week for a team celebration.

What historic marks does Price hold with the Canadiens? His 361 regular-season wins are the most in franchise history; he also leads the club in games played (712), games started (700) and holds top totals in saves and shots against compared to other Canadiens greats.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the first practical task is clarity: establish how you will use each goalie and what success looks like for them week to week. That means defining roles beyond labels. Instead of simply naming a starter and backup, assign situational responsibilities – whether that is home versus road starts, matchups against heavy traffic teams, or appearances for back-to-back nights. Clear usage reduces confusion and keeps both goalies prepared physically and mentally.

On the ice, the supporting checklist is straightforward: emphasise crease positioning and angle play to shrink high-danger chances, tighten rebound control through disciplined stick and body positioning, and coach defenders to clear secondary shots so either goalie can see the puck. Practising puck-tracking under fatigue, rehearsing lateral movement in game-like sequences and prioritising sight lines in small-area drills will help both Dobes and Fowler improve the specific saves that decide playoff games.

Communication is equally vital. Goalies must speak up on breakouts, puck-handling and when to challenge pucks behind the net; defencemen need to learn their goalie’s rebound tendencies and glue themselves to lanes that cut off second-chance passes. That shared language avoids split decisions in the defensive zone and reduces soft goals, the kind that erode confidence quickly.

Finally, manage workload with an eye toward habit formation. Young netminders build sturdiness through consistent routines: warmups that replicate game adrenaline, recovery habits after games, and predictable practice-to-game ratios. Those routines keep technique reliable – everything from glove placement to push mechanics – so a goalie’s natural temperament, whether swagger or serenity, becomes a competitive advantage rather than a liability.

IHM Final View

Carey Price’s endorsement is more than nostalgia; it is a practical signal that Montreal’s goaltending cupboard now contains both high-octane upside and a steadying analogue to a franchise icon. That mix gives the Canadiens flexibility in-match and across a long season, but it places responsibility squarely on coaches and management to manage minutes, structure defence and protect confidence. If Montreal gets that right, Price’s measured optimism could be the start of a genuine title push rather than a fleeting postseason glow.

NHL SHORT ICE | Feb 24

NHL SHORT ICE | Feb 24

IHM NHL SHORT ICE

NHL Return Edition | February 24, 2026

Date: 24 February 2026
By IceHockeyMan Newsroom

Olympic break ends. NHL intensity resumes.

Morrissey Placed on IR

Josh Morrissey was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body issue, making him unavailable for the start of his club’s upcoming road trip.

Impact: Defensive stability and transition support take a hit immediately.

Rantanen Likely to Miss Time

Mikko Rantanen surfaced on injured reserve following the Olympic break and is expected to miss time for Dallas. The timeline remains unclear.

Impact: Top-line scoring depth and power-play structure will need adjustment.

Norris Available Wednesday

Josh Norris is expected to return after rib issues and will be available midweek.

Impact: Center depth stabilizes and matchup flexibility improves.

Lindgren Activated, Ullmark Ready

Charlie Lindgren was removed from injured reserve, while Linus Ullmark is healthy following illness.

Impact: Goaltending rotations normalize as playoff positioning intensifies.

Hintz Dealing with Illness

Roope Hintz is questionable midweek due to illness.

Impact: Even minor absences matter in compressed post-Olympic scheduling.

Trade Buzz: Stamkos Focused

With the trade deadline approaching, Steven Stamkos stated he is not overly concerned about speculation, while several contenders monitor market movement.

Impact: Deadline positioning begins to shape playoff trajectories.

Coach Mark Insight

The transition from Olympic hockey back to NHL pace often creates short-term volatility. Conditioning, travel load and lineup reintegration determine which teams regain rhythm fastest.

IceHockeyMan Newsroom

IHM News - NHL Weekly: January’s Hat Trick Surge, Goalie Storylines, and Kane’s New U.S. Points Mark

IHM News – NHL Weekly: January’s Hat Trick Surge, Goalie Storylines, and Kane’s New U.S. Points Mark

IHM News

NHL Weekly: January’s Hat Trick Surge, Goalie Storylines, and Kane’s New U.S. Points Mark

By IceHockeyMan Newsroom | February 2, 2026

The last full NHL week before the Olympic break delivered exactly what fans expect from a season hitting peak intensity: star forwards stacking points, goalies stealing headlines, and a statistical oddity that pushed league history into new territory. January 2026 became the ultimate month for three-goal nights, while individual milestones and a few unexpected names made the weekly wrap feel anything but routine.

Top scorers of the week

Two elite producers finished the week tied at eight points in three games, each posting two goals and six assists: Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl. Kucherov’s output landed inside a perfect team week, highlighted by a wild outdoor win where Tampa Bay’s offense never stopped pushing the pace. Draisaitl’s week leaned heavily on playmaking, including a four-assist performance against Anaheim that showcased how quickly he can turn a normal shift into a scoring sequence.

The only cloud on the Edmonton side was Draisaitl’s early exit in a heavy loss to Minnesota after he scored, with the concern centered on a hand issue. With the Olympic pause approaching, any short-term limitation becomes a bigger storyline than usual because teams lose rhythm, then immediately return into high-stakes scheduling.

Goalie spotlight of the week

In net, two goaltenders managed three wins: Jakub Dobes for Montreal and Andrei Vasilevskiy for Tampa Bay. Vasilevskiy’s week carried extra weight because his results came with statement moments. He also recorded his second shutout of the season in one of the starts, and his weekly goals-against average sat at 1.95, which is elite territory over any three-game stretch.

There was also a notable achievement from Carolina’s Brandon Bussi, who reached 20 wins faster than any goalie in league history, adding another data point to how unpredictable crease storylines can be when confidence and team structure align.

Highlight of the week: January turns into hat trick history

The biggest trend of the week was actually the month itself. January 2026 closed as the most hat trick-heavy month the NHL has ever seen: 31 three-goal games. The previous record was 29, set in December 1985.

What made it even more interesting was the mix of names. Boston’s Pavel Zacha contributed his first career hat trick during a blowout win, while several players who are not typically labeled hat trick threats also joined the party. San Jose forward Pavol Regenda exploded for three in one night despite entering the game with only a small NHL goal total, and Minnesota’s Marcus Foligno finally hit his first career hat trick deep into his NHL journey, turning a quiet season goal count into a sudden headline.

Defensemen added another layer to the record. Hat tricks from blue-liners are already rare, but January featured multiple defensemen doing it, including two Edmonton defensemen accomplishing it in consecutive games for the same team, something that had never happened before in league history.

Stat of the week: Kane passes Modano among U.S.-born scorers

One of the week’s cleanest legacy notes came from Detroit. During a shootout loss to Washington, Patrick Kane recorded an assist that moved him past Mike Modano for the most points by an American-born player in NHL history, surpassing Modano’s long-standing total of 1,374. Records like this usually happen quietly, but this one matters because it is a career-length marker, not a seasonal spike.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, this week was a reminder that the NHL calendar creates its own momentum cycles. Before a long break, teams often play with a sprint mentality, which naturally inflates scoring swings and special moments. The hat trick record is not only about individual talent, it is also about game state. More transition rushes, more stretched structures, and more aggressive activation from defensemen. When teams chase games early, the middle of the ice opens, and that is where three-goal nights are born. I also watch the goalie narratives carefully at this time of year. A shutout or a strong three-win week right before a pause can lock in confidence, but it can also hide small details like rebound control and slot coverage that return after the break. For Kane’s milestone, it is a perfect example of longevity plus adaptability. His scoring did not survive on one style. He adjusted, changed his pace, and kept creating under different systems, and that is why the record is his.

Q&A

What is a hat trick in hockey?

A hat trick is when one player scores three goals in a single game. It can happen at even strength, on the power play, or shorthanded, and the goals can be scored in any period.

Why do hat trick totals sometimes spike in certain months?

Hat trick spikes usually come from a mix of factors: higher tempo games, more power plays, more goalie rotation due to fatigue, and more high-danger chances created by aggressive defensive activation.

Can defensemen realistically score hat tricks?

It is rare, but possible. It often requires heavy usage, power-play time, and a game script where the defenseman is repeatedly involved in the final shot or the net-front chaos.

What does “fastest to 20 wins” mean for a goalie?

It refers to the fewest games or shortest time needed to reach 20 wins in NHL history. It is a team-dependent stat, but still reflects consistent performance and strong results.

Why is Kane passing Modano a major milestone?

Because it is a career total record for U.S-born points, reflecting elite production over many seasons, not just a single hot year.

Rules of Ice Hockey – Questions & Answers | IHM Knowledge Center
IHM News - NHL Status Updates: Kopitar Back, Ullmark Starts, Nylander Tracking Toward Return | January 31, 2026

IHM News – NHL Status Updates: Kopitar Back, Ullmark Starts, Nylander Tracking Toward Return | January 31, 2026

NHL Status Updates: Kopitar Back, Ullmark Starts, Nylander Tracking Toward Return

Date: January 31, 2026
By: IHM News

Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles gets a major structural piece back with Anze Kopitar returning to the lineup after missing time with an upper-body injury. Beyond the points, this return stabilizes matchup planning and puck support through the middle of the ice.

  • Kopitar returned after missing 11 games (upper body).
  • His return restores two-way center balance, faceoff stability, and defensive-zone support routes.
  • Alex Turcotte (upper body) was placed on injured reserve and has been out since January 24.

Ottawa Senators

Ottawa is set to reset its goaltending rhythm with Linus Ullmark scheduled to make his first start since late December. When a starter returns after time away, the early game script matters: simple details, clean looks, and rebound control.

  • Ullmark is expected to make his first start since December 27.
  • He has recently dressed as the backup and now moves back into the starter workload window.
  • Ottawa benefits most if the Senators keep the slot protected early and avoid scramble defense.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto is monitoring William Nylander as he tracks toward a potential return. Even if he is available, the practical question becomes workload and how quickly his stride, turns, and puck protection look at full speed.

  • Nylander (groin) is trending toward a possible return after missing time.
  • His availability impacts top-six sequencing, controlled entries, and power-play half-wall creation.
  • Expect managed shifts early if the staff is protecting him from repeated wide drives in his first game back.

Boston Bruins

Boston could be without two important forwards for a marquee outdoor event. When top-nine pieces are missing, the hidden cost is often the loss of clean exits and forecheck timing, not only the raw minutes.

  • Elias Lindholm (upper body) and Pavel Zacha (upper body) are expected to miss the Stadium Series game.
  • Both are labeled day to day, with early indications that longer-term international availability is not threatened.
  • Boston may need to simplify its breakout options and protect the middle more conservatively if depth is stretched.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo had multiple moving pieces at morning activity, with a focus on practice progression and short-term availability. This is the kind of situation where roster mechanics, recovery response, and the next evaluation window matter more than headlines.

  • Josh Norris (upper body) and Jacob Bryson (upper body) were involved in morning work.
  • Norris remains in a careful progression after missing time in a stop-start season.
  • Bryson is day to day and could return soon, helping stabilize the rotation and reduce stress on pairings.
  • Jordan Greenway is a game-time decision while managing a lingering issue following multiple hernia surgeries last year.
  • Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to miss some time with a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated in about one week.

Florida Panthers

Florida is watching Anton Lundell as he could return. A two-way forward returning is often less about points and more about restoring line identity and the ability to hold structure against teams that win on discipline and spacing.

  • Lundell could return after missing the previous game.
  • If he is back, it improves middle-lane coverage, line stability, and defensive details.

New York Islanders

The Islanders expect a depth return, while a lower-body timeline remains longer on another forward. These situations often affect late-game line usage and matchup flexibility more than the casual viewer expects.

  • Casey Cizikas is expected back after missing time due to illness.
  • Calum Ritchie (lower body) remains out and is not expected to return until after the Olympic break.
  • Line stability and late-game deployment can shift when depth options are limited.

Coach Mark Comment

Kopitar returning is a system correction for Los Angeles. When a veteran two-way center comes back, the bench gets cleaner matchups immediately. Wingers can hold lanes with more trust, defensemen can manage gaps earlier, and breakouts become more controlled because the center is available underneath the puck. That reduces low-percentage clears and creates longer offensive-zone time.

Ullmark starting again matters because goaltending rhythm is tied to team behavior. When the goalie is stable, defenders are more willing to challenge the first touch and keep the puck to the outside, rather than collapsing too early. The first ten minutes become the test after time away. Watch rebound control and post integration because those are the first details that reveal sharpness.

Nylander is a special case because his impact is not only scoring. He changes Toronto’s entry profile. He can carry with pace, delay at the blue line, and create a second wave for trailers. If he returns, Toronto can diversify power-play looks and avoid becoming predictable on entries. With a groin issue, the key is stride length and lateral cuts. If there is hesitation, the staff will manage usage and protect him from repeated wide drives.

Boston’s missing forwards show how chemistry affects defensive-zone exits and forecheck timing. If key pieces are out, the team often loses one clean option on the wall, which leads to more contested clears and more zone time against. Buffalo’s timeline uncertainty in net or around injuries is similar in one way: the team must play more disciplined hockey because you cannot rely on extra saves or extra depth to erase mistakes. These details decide results.

Coach Mark Lehtonen

Q&A

What does “day to day” actually mean in practice?

It means a player is being evaluated frequently and could return quickly, but the team will not lock a firm timeline. It often depends on swelling, pain response, and how the player handles contact and travel.

Why is a veteran center return such a major structural boost?

A top center stabilizes faceoffs, supports the puck low, and improves defensive reads. That reduces scrambling and helps the team play cleaner shifts with better line-change timing.

How can a goalie’s first game back change team tactics?

Teams usually simplify early, protect the slot, and limit odd-man rushes. If the goalie looks sharp, the team may gradually increase defensive activation and transition aggression.

If Nylander returns, what is the first sign he is truly comfortable?

Watch his acceleration and lateral cuts at the blue line. If he can change direction and protect the puck without hesitation, the groin is likely responding well.

What is the biggest hidden impact when multiple top-nine forwards are out?

Special teams rotations and matchup flexibility suffer. Coaches end up double-shifting or forcing players into unfamiliar roles, which can reduce efficiency over a full game.

IHM News
IceHockeyMan.com

Vancouver Canucks 3-5 Winnipeg Jets | IHM Game Recap

Vancouver Canucks 3-5 Winnipeg Jets | IHM Game Recap

Vancouver Canucks 3-5 Winnipeg Jets

Date: November 12, 2025   |   Author: IHM News

Deck: Special teams swung the night – Winnipeg scored twice on the power play and survived a late push before sealing it with an empty-netter.

At Rogers Arena, Winnipeg cooled off Vancouver with a 5-3 road victory built on crisp special-teams execution and a steady night from Connor Hellebuyck (30 saves). The Canucks actually grabbed a brief lead in the first, but a rapid two-goal response from the Jets flipped the script and forced Vancouver to chase. A scoreless second tightened the screws before Winnipeg’s power play struck again early in the third; Brock Boeser’s late goal gave the building life, yet Alex Iafallo hit the empty net to close it out.

How the game flowed

First period: Winnipeg opened through Jansen Harkins/Toews J. (listed as Toews J. on the feed) at 4:57 for 0-1. Vancouver answered at 10:21 via Kiefer Sherwood (1-1), then took a 2-1 edge on a Jay DeBrusk power-play marker at 11:58. Winnipeg answered immediately: Josh Morrissey tied it 2-2 on the PP at 14:38, and Nino Niederreiter pushed the Jets ahead 2-3 at 14:53.

Second period: Tight, heavy sticks and blocked lanes. No scoring; Vancouver switched in net as Kevin Lankinen relieved Thatcher Demko to start the frame.

Third period: Another Winnipeg PP conversion – Gabriel Vilardi made it 2-4 at 0:48. Vancouver kept grinding and Brock Boeser cut it to 3-4 at 18:30. With the Canucks’ net empty, Alex Iafallo finished it off at 19:14 for 3-5.

Numbers box

  • Shots on goal: Vancouver 33, Winnipeg 30
  • Shooting %: VAN 9.09% (3/33), WPG 16.67% (5/30)
  • Power play: VAN 1/2, WPG 2/4 (two key conversions – Morrissey, Vilardi)
  • Blocks: VAN 17, WPG 14
  • Goaltenders: Demko/Lankinen combined 25 saves on 29; Hellebuyck 30/33 (90.9% SV)
  • Penalties (min): VAN 4 (8), WPG 2 (4)
  • Game-winners: Vilardi PP early 3rd proved decisive; Iafallo EN sealed it

Team notes

  • Jets: Top unit moved the puck quickly through the flank and bumper; Morrissey’s one-touch timing dismantled Vancouver’s box. Hellebuyck was tidy on screens and tips.
  • Canucks: First-period push was strong, but the parade to the box in the opening frame ceded momentum. Boeser continues to be the late-game threat.

Coach Mark comment

Winnipeg won the situational minutes – goals inside 2-3 shifts of swings, especially after Vancouver’s PP marker. Morrissey controlled the weak-side seam, and Vilardi’s inside-lane timing on the third-period PP is tape-to-teach. Vancouver’s PK spacing got stretched east-west; that’s the clip they’ll work on before the next one.

Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics

Q: What was the turning point?
A: The 15-second, two-goal reply in the first (Morrissey PPG, then Niederreiter 5-on-5) flipped score effects and forced Vancouver to chase.

Q: Why did the Jets’ power play work?
A: Quick puck speed through the flank to the point, Morrissey shooting without dusting it, and Vilardi arriving to the slot line on time.

Q: Did Vancouver deserve more at 5-on-5?
A: They edged shots 33-30 and zone time was fine, but Winnipeg owned the high-leverage sequences (special teams + goalie saves).

Q: Goalie edge?
A: Hellebuyck’s 30/33 with strong rebound control vs. a Canucks tandem at 25/29; that’s the difference in a one-goal game before the EN.

Q: Any lineup nuggets?
A: Jets’ top pair (Morrissey-DeMelo) handled the heavy minutes; Boeser’s line generated Vancouver’s late push and should stay intact.

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Colorado Avalanche 4-1 Anaheim Ducks | IHM Game Recap
Colorado Avalanche 4-1 Anaheim Ducks - Finished | IHM Game Recap

Colorado Avalanche 4-1 Anaheim Ducks | IHM Game Recap

Colorado Avalanche 4-1 Anaheim Ducks

November 12, 2025 – Author: IHM News

Wedgewood turns away 35 shots; Necas nets the dagger on the power play as Colorado controls the third.

Colorado snapped out quickly and never really let go, beating the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 at home after a wire-to-wire, shot-heavy night. Artturi Lehkonen scored 28 seconds in, Gabriel Landeskog restored the lead in the second, and Martin Necas delivered the key third-period power-play strike before an empty-netter sealed it. Scott Wedgewood handled the rest with a composed 35-save performance, outdueling Lukas Dostal as the Avalanche managed special teams and game state down the stretch.

How it happened

First period – 1-1. Colorado set the tone immediately: Lehkonen finished from the slot at 00:28 off touches from Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Anaheim answered late when Leo Carlsson tied it 1-1 at 18:16, capping a greasy sequence around the crease. The frame also featured a parade of minors that foreshadowed a special-teams-tilted night.

Second period – 2-1 COL. With the game tightening, the Avalanche leaned on their forecheck and blue-line activation. Gabriel Landeskog snapped the 1-1 deadlock at 11:37, finishing a feed from Valeri Nichushkin with defenseman Sam Malinski jumping into the play.

Third period – Avalanche close the door. A delay-of-game minor put Anaheim under pressure, and Colorado cashed: Necas ripped the PPG at 07:02 (Lehkonen, MacKinnon) for a crucial two-goal cushion. With Dostal pulled, Parker Kelly iced it into the empty net at 17:39 (MacKinnon, Nelson). From there, Wedgewood’s structure-clean lanes, square on first shots-did the rest.

Numbers Box

  • Shots on goal: COL 36, ANA 36
  • Shots off target: COL 15, ANA 9
  • Shooting %: COL 11.11% (4/36), ANA 2.78% (1/36)
  • Blocked shots: COL 19, ANA 13
  • Goalie saves: Wedgewood (COL) 35/36 – 97.22%; Dostal (ANA) 32/36 – 91.43%
  • Penalties: COL 3, ANA 5
  • PIM: COL 6, ANA 10
  • Power play: COL 1/5, ANA 0/3
  • Notable: Lehkonen GWG + 2-point night; MacKinnon 2 A; Necas PPG; Colorado wins the special-teams battle.

Team Notes

  • Colorado: Fast start metric matters-Lehkonen’s first-minute goal set the ice tilt. Blue line activation (Makar/Toews/Malinski) drove the middle frame.
  • Anaheim: Created volume (36 SOG) but struggled to get interior looks; 0-for-4 on the power play proved costly.

Coach Mark Comment

Colorado’s neutral-zone work funneled Anaheim outside and protected the slot. The third-period detail on the PP was clinical- quick puck speed, middle-lane presence, and a one-touch finish from Necas. Wedgewood’s reads were calm, especially on east-west.

Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics

Q1: What was the true separator at 5-on-5?

A: Colorado’s controlled exits and layered entries-defenseman activation plus F3 discipline-tilted possession even with shots equal.

Q2: How did special teams impact the result?

A: The Avalanche went 1/4 and denied Anaheim on all four attempts; the single PPG arrived at a clutch game state to make it 3-1.

Q3: Which matchup mattered most?

A: MacKinnon’s line versus Anaheim’s top six; Colorado generated interior touches and drew the key penalty that led to the dagger.

Q4: Goalie edge?

A: Wedgewood (97.22% SV) out-performed Dostal (91.43%), particularly on first-chance looks from the dots.

Q5: What’s the takeaway for the next meeting?

A: If Anaheim doesn’t win the net-front and PP entries, Colorado’s pace and blue-line support will keep dictating shot quality.

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Vancouver Falls 4-5 to Colorado in Overtime | NHL Recap | IHM News

Vancouver Falls 4-5 to Colorado in Overtime | NHL Recap | IHM News

Vancouver Canucks 4-5 Colorado Avalanche (OT)

Date: November 10, 2025
Author: IHM News

Vancouver Falls 4-5 to Colorado in Overtime | NHL Recap

Vancouver Falls 4-5 to Colorado in Overtime | NHL Recap | IHM News

The Colorado Avalanche escaped Rogers Arena with a 5-4 overtime win after a chaotic, momentum-swinging game that featured elite finishing, defensive breakdowns, and special-teams volatility. Vancouver erased a two-goal deficit twice, forcing overtime with a late power-play goal, but Colorado’s skill core delivered when it mattered most.

Nathan MacKinnon powered the Avalanche with a dominant performance, scoring twice in the first period – including a power-play blast – and adding multiple primary contributions across all zones. Vancouver responded with structured pressure and opportunistic scoring, solving Colorado’s defensive coverage in the second and third periods.

Game Flow

MacKinnon opened the scoring at 6:41 of the first period on a setup from Nichushkin and Makar, beating Lankinen cleanly from distance. He struck again at 8:10 on the power play, firing home a rebound after strong puck circulation from Olofsson and Nichushkin.

Vancouver cut the deficit to 2-1 at 11:47 when Leo Karlsson converted a rebound created by Hronek and Kane. Early in the second period, Kiefer Sherwood tied the game 2-2 at 1:44 by capitalizing on a loose puck around the crease.

Colorado regained the lead 3-2 at 0:28 of the third when Artturi Lehkonen cleaned up a rebound created through net-drive pressure from Burns and MacKinnon. Vancouver answered shorthanded at 7:26 when O’Connor jumped on a turnover and beat Blackwood to tie it 3-3.

Lehkonen struck again at 9:47 on the power play, finishing a crisp passing sequence from Necas and MacKinnon. But Vancouver refused to go away – Jake DeBrusk hammered home a power-play equalizer at 16:59, with Boeser and Hughes setting up a perfect shooting lane.

In overtime, Colorado sealed the win quickly. Gavin Brindley scored just 1:08 into the extra frame off a feed from Makar and MacKinnon, giving the Avalanche a hard-earned 5-4 victory on the road.

Numbers Box

  • Shots on Goal: VAN 33, COL 33
  • Shots off Target: VAN 22, COL 13
  • Blocked Shots: VAN 13, COL 18
  • Goalie Saves: Lankinen 28/33 (84.8%), Blackwood 29/33 (87.9%)
  • Penalties: VAN 3, COL 5
  • PIM: VAN 6, COL 10
  • Power Play: VAN 1/5, COL 2/3 (based on shown scoring events: MacKinnon PPG, Lehkonen PPG x2, DeBrusk PPG)
  • Notable: MacKinnon 2G, Lehkonen 2G (including PPG), DeBrusk SHG + PPG, Brindley OT winner

Coach Mark Comment

MacKinnon drove the entire game with pace and control. Colorado’s power-play puck movement was sharp, and Lehkonen’s timing around the crease created consistent problems. Vancouver showed real fight, but their defensive detail in overtime cost them.

Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics

Why did Colorado control the key moments?

Their top line generated the highest-danger touches, and their puck retrievals on the power play kept pressure sustained. MacKinnon dictated tempo every shift.

How did Vancouver stay in the game despite defensive issues?

Their transition counters were efficient, and they capitalized on Colorado turnovers. The shorthanded goal was a major momentum swing.

What made Lehkonen so impactful?

His crease positioning and timing off MacKinnon’s entries created repeat scoring chances. He won most of the inside-lane battles.

What ultimately decided the OT?

Colorado won the opening faceoff, gained clean entry, and used a quick rotation to isolate space for Brindley. Vancouver never touched the puck.

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Devils sign Jacob Markstrom to 2-year, $12M contract | IHM News

Markstrom signs 2-year, $12 million contract with Devils

By IHM Team · IHM News | November 01, 2025

Goaltender in 2nd season with New Jersey, could have become unrestricted free agent after season

Jacob Markstrom has signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.

It has an average annual value of $6 million and begins with the 2026-27 season.

The 35-year-old goalie is 2-2-0 with a 5.13 goals-against average and .830 save percentage in four games this season. After being injured in a 3-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 13, Markstrom returned for Tuesday’s 8-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, making 34 saves on 42 shots.

Markstrom was 26-16-6 with a 2.50 goals-against average, .900 save percentage and four shutouts in 49 games for the Devils last season, his first with the team after being acquired in a trade on June 19, 2024.

He is in the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract ($6 million AAV) he signed with the Calgary Flames on Oct. 9, 2020, and could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

A second-round pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2008 NHL Draft (No. 31), Markstrom is 243-214-63 with a 2.72 GAA, .908 save percentage and 24 shutouts in 538 regular-season games (520 starts) for the Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Flames and Devils and 14-17 with a 2.88 GAA, .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 31 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Coach Mark comment

For New Jersey this is about floor and predictability. Markstrom’s technique and size still give you NHL-level starts, and a 2-year horizon at $6M AAV is a controllable bridge while the pipeline matures. Usage and load management will decide the value.

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