Tag: Mark Lehtonen

Expert hockey insights and analysis from former coach Mark Lehtonen. Covering team strategies, player performance, and tactical breakdowns to give fans a deeper understanding of the game.

Maple Leafs Working Two Tracks: Cap Relief on Kampf, Hockey Trade for Robertson | IHM News

By IHM Team | IHM News | November 1, 2025

Maple Leafs Working Two Tracks: Cap Relief on Kampf, Hockey Trade for Robertson

The Toronto Maple Leafs are running parallel trade paths. For David Kampf, management is focused on cap relief, targeting a move that clears his $2.4 million AAV and restores flexibility. For Nick Robertson, the preference is a like-for-like hockey trade with a similar-age player, which narrows the field and complicates timing.

Track 1: Getting off the money with Kampf

Kampf is a dependable depth centre and penalty killer, yet his ticket outweighs his current role in a crowded bottom six. The return is secondary to the cap space gained, which Toronto can reallocate when larger opportunities appear. Expect frameworks that include modest sweeteners or partial retention to accelerate talks.

Track 2: A tighter market for Robertson

Robertson’s case is different. Toronto wants a comparable piece back rather than a futures-only package. Usage dips and limited production reduce leverage, so the Leafs face a sequencing problem: play him to raise the value, or act now and accept a smaller return. A short run in a top-nine look could quickly reshape the conversation.

IHM analysis: leverage, timing, profiles

Leverage: Kampf can move first due to clearer valuation and cap utility. Robertson requires patience or a creative one-for-one swap.
Timing: Early November moves are rare. Activity typically increases as winter approaches and LTIR situations settle.
Potential profiles: Cap-flex teams needing PK help at centre, and rebuilders open to change-of-scenery winger swaps with ice-time runway.

Why this matters for Toronto

These files are clean levers to open space without touching core pieces. Freeing dollars now allows Brad Treliving to attack the market later rather than react to it.

Coach Mark comment

“Cap flexibility is oxygen. If you can turn a fourth-line cap hit into room by December, you set the table for the real move later. With Robertson, I would play him and let him build rhythm off the rush, then decide. Selling low is a tough habit to break.”

Oliver Kapanen is Emerging as a Key Two Way Piece for Montreal | IHM News

Oliver Kapanen is earning trust, minutes, and delivering results - 4 goals, 3 assists, and hard defensive work that coaches love.

Oliver Kapanen is Emerging as a Key Two Way Piece for Montreal | IHM News

IHM News Desk | November 01, 2025

Oliver Kapanen is Emerging as a Key Piece for Montreal

Oliver Kapanen’s arrival in the NHL has not been loud or flashy, but it has been effective, disciplined and very Montreal. The 22 year old centre opened the season fighting for minutes and has quickly carved out a defined role in the Canadiens bottom six, delivering mature, structured hockey far beyond his age.

Kapanen’s foundation was built in Finland, where discipline and two way awareness is the core of development. Add in time in Sweden, strong NHL bloodlines and a calm decision making presence, and Montreal suddenly has a centre who looks tailor made for Martin St. Louis modern system.

A Patient Climb Built the Right Way

Kapanen’s journey was not instant. He bounced between Europe, Laval and Montreal last season, earning his ice time and learning the North American pace. Instead of trying to force offense, he built trust by winning small battles, supporting the puck and staying reliable without it.

Now, that patience is paying dividends. Through seven games he has already produced four goals and three assists, complimenting that with strong penalty killing work and physical engagement. His scoring has not come from highlight plays, but from reading situations early and getting to the right pockets of ice.

A Third Line Centre Growing Fast

The Canadiens continue to construct a competitive identity and Kapanen fits it perfectly: calm, efficient, responsible. His decision making under pressure has impressed the coaching staff, and his ability to quietly tilt shifts in Montreal’s favour is becoming noticeable.

Against Nashville, he delivered a composed late equalizer. Against Buffalo, he opened the scoring. And versus Edmonton he distributed well, picking up two assists. For a player many expected to simply compete for depth minutes, he is performing like a long term middle six solution.

A Feel Good Development Story in Montreal

Kapanen is not here to place himself on highlight reels. He is here to play winning hockey. Montreal fans have seen many prospects arrive with hype and fade. Kapanen has arrived with calm, substance and steadily rising influence.

He is proving that not every breakout needs hype. Some players grow shift by shift, building trust and then adding production. That is Kapanen – and his blend of Finnish detail and quiet confidence is turning into something real.

IHM Team Verdict

The Canadiens are not complete yet, but pieces like Kapanen accelerate the build. If he continues at this pace, he becomes a long term stabilizing centre with penalty kill value, secondary scoring threat and playoff style habits.

He might never be a superstar, and that is perfectly fine. Montreal needs players who do the right things consistently – and Kapanen looks like that player.

For Canadiens fans: enjoy this one. A quietly emerging two way centre with real hockey intelligence does not come along often.

Coach Mark Reaction

“I like the kid’s habits. Nothing forced, nothing rushed. He supports plays the right way, makes smart reads off the puck and understands spacing. That is coaching gold. If he keeps maturing like this, Montreal has a very reliable piece down the middle for years.”

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

Jacob Markstrom, Devils news, New Jersey Devils, NHL contracts, NHL signings, NHL extensions, Markstrom contract, Devils goalie, NHL goalie news, hockey news today

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.

Sharks Blitz Early, Handle Devils 5-2 | IHM News

Necas locked for 8 years. First game after the deal: 1+2 and a statement win in Vegas

Martin Necas Signs Contract with Avalanche; 3-Point Night vs Golden Knights | IHM News

Necas signs 8-year contract with Avalanche; 3-point night vs Golden Knights

By IHM Team · IHM News

Necas signs 8-year contract with Avalanche

Forward could have been UFA after season, was acquired in 3-team trade that sent Rantanen to Hurricanes

Martin Necas signed an eight-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Super excited and happy to get this done,” Necas said after practice on Thursday. “I’m excited for the times ahead now. Now I can just focus on playing hockey, winning hockey games, and do whatever it takes to bring a Cup back here to Colorado.”

The 26-year-old forward could have been an unrestricted free agent after this season. He began his first full season for the Avalanche with an eight-game point streak (six goals, six assists) and has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 11 games this season. He got his 40th point in his 38th game since joining the Avalanche, the fastest since the franchise relocated to Denver from Quebec to begin the 1995-96 season.

“I feel like coming into this season, having the whole camp, being with the guys, feel like a real player on the Colorado Avalanche,” he said. “I’ve seen the things we can do on the ice, and I was like, ‘Sign me up.’ The core group here is amazing. I’ve been on a great team in Carolina, and being here, seeing how good the guys are here and how special this group is, it was a big part of why I signed here.”

Necas was acquired by the Avalanche on Jan. 24, 2025, in a three-team trade involving the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks that sent Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to Carolina. He was among the first six players named to Team Czechia’s preliminary roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

“It’s going to be nice to finally settle in somewhere and have a long-term contract and just focus on winning and nothing else,” Necas said. “I’m super excited, happy I can call this place home now.”

The No. 12 pick by Carolina in the 2017 NHL Draft, Necas has 339 points (131 goals, 208 assists) in 452 regular-season games with the Hurricanes and Avalanche and 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

“I think he’s an electric top-line winger at 26, turning 27 years old (in January),” Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland said. “They’re hard to find. They’re hard to acquire. You’ve got to draft them, or it’s a steep price to get [one], whether it’s in free agency or trade. But I think the fit has been really good. And his speed, his skill, his talent blends in really well here, but it would blend in anywhere, to be honest. He’s a very good hockey player, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Necas has 3 points, helps Avalanche hold off Golden Knights

Makar gets goal, assist; Vegas has lost 3 of 4

LAS VEGAS – Martin Necas had a goal and two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche held off the Vegas Golden Knights for a 4-2 victory at T-Mobile Arena on Friday.

It was Necas’ first game since signing an eight-year contract with Colorado on Thursday.

“He was feeling it tonight,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said.

Cale Makar had a goal and an assist, and Brock Nelson and Brent Burns also scored for the Avalanche (7-1-4), who have won two in a row after losing four straight. Scott Wedgewood made 21 saves.

“It seems like every night is another big game against another good team,” Burns said. “Obviously, they’re a top team. It’s important to have that kind of mindset every night. But it’s a good way to start the week.”

Tomas Hertl and Mitch Marner each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights (6-2-3), who have lost three of four. Carl Lindbom made 22 saves in his second NHL game.

“We obviously had a slower start. They scored on the first shift, but we had some good looks,” Hertl said. “Obviously, in the second, we have a lot of power plays. And sometimes it’s not just about scoring goals but getting the momentum. We got the momentum turned against us because we’ve been just chasing the puck. We actually gave up chances on our power play.”

Necas gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead 41 seconds into the first period with a one-timer off a Makar cross-ice pass.

“The play they made [at the start]. We went over it nine minutes before the game started,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “The coach has to prepare his team to play, right? But as players, you have to start on time. We’re getting to the point here, it’s almost November, and this is a recurring thing.”

Nelson extended it to 2-0 at 4:32 of the second period. Jack Drury took the puck off the bounce after a miscommunication between Ben Hutton and William Karlsson, then fed it to Nelson on the breakaway.

“Karlsson was pulling out when I was sliding it over, and then I was trying to back check,” Hutton said. “It was a tough play by me. Obviously, looking back, it’s easy to say I should have done it. Got to own that one.”

Hertl cut it to 2-1 during a 4-on-3 power play at 2:51 of the third period, sliding the puck underneath Wedgewood’s right pad after cutting across the crease.

“We know they’ve been aggressive, like a lot of teams, and I try to take it to the net,” Hertl said. “Sometimes, we have to keep it simple, get the pucks, shoot. When we get rebounds and stuff, it eventually opens up.”

Burns made it 3-1 at 10:11, finishing a wrist shot while trailing the play. It was the defenseman’s first goal since signing a one-year contract with Colorado on July 2.

“It’s funny how it worked out because in the first period, Necas and I had a similar play, and I didn’t jump in,” Burns said. “He let me know about it, so it was good. I said, ‘You know, big dummy needs to learn the lesson.’ So, it was a great play by him, and it’s nice to see.”

Marner made it 3-2 at 12:01 after he sent the puck toward the goal from the right side before it bounced off Burns into the roof of the net.

Makar then scored an empty-net goal at 18:22 for the 4-2 final.

“It’s another good game to measure ourselves against the other top teams in the League,” Bednar said. “We handled ourselves pretty good. We got an early lead. Obviously, it’s a big start to the game, and we’re able to play with the lead most of the game.

The second period got a little hairy with all the penalties, but 5-on-5, we did a nice job. They obviously pushed in the third period, but then we capitalized at the end. Good, hard-fought game by both teams. It’s good to get the two points.

Coach Mark Comment

Perfect response from a player who just signed long-term. Necas impacts the game with speed and decisions, not just highlights. Colorado secured a core driver and he delivered immediately. That is how you set the tone for a locker room.

Red Wings Survive Late Push, Beat Kings 4-3 in Shootout | IHM News

IHM Academy - Lesson #8 Neutral Zone Face-Off Loss

IHM Academy – Lesson #8 · By Coach Mark Lehtonen

By Coach Mark Lehtonen · IHM Academy

Neutral Zone Face-Off Loss – Pressure, Structure & Lane Denial

Losing a neutral-zone draw is not a mistake – it’s a trigger. Elite teams don’t panic or react passively. They activate pressure, deny middle ice, and force a predictable breakout. A face-off loss becomes a win when your structure and patience create a turnover.

Neutral Zone Face-Off Loss - Lane Denial & Pressure Triggers

Objective

Eliminate immediate middle support options, force play to the wall, and pressure into a turnover or dump-in.

Core Responsibilities

C – contest, delay, and then immediately jump to track middle support.
Strong-side wing – pressure to force puck wide, stick inside lane.
Weak-side wing – collapse to middle, protect inside first, then read.
D1 – hold blue line angle, deny middle step, stay inside the dots.
D2 – anchor middle ice, ready to close gap or retreat if stretched.

Pressure Phases

Face-off drop: Win tie-up, or immediately lock onto your lane responsibility.
First read: If puck goes D-to-D, strong-side pressure increases.
Middle denial: Weak-side forward locks inside seam.
Commit & close: Force the puck to the boards – angle, don’t chase.

Coaching Cues

Inside first, outside second – we don’t open middle ice.
Sticks active – blade on ice, kill middle lanes.
Skate through checks – do not stop feet after tie-up.
Read top hand – identify breakout side fast.
No fly-bys – finish lanes with control, not chaos.

Why It Works

This system forces the opponent to make the longest, slowest breakout choice – off the wall. It eliminates the quick middle pop and destroys stretch options before they develop. Neutral-zone control starts with structure, not speed.

Coach Mark Lehtonen says:

“You don’t lose a draw – you trigger a trap. The moment they think they gained possession, we remind them how expensive middle ice is against us.”

Summary

Face-off losses reveal discipline. Hold middle ice, angle to the wall, press with purpose. We don’t chase pucks – we remove options and wait for our moment to strike.

Train your neutral-zone reads and pressure habits at IHM Academy.

IHM Academy – Lesson #7 · By Coach Mark Lehtonen

IHM Academy - Lesson #7 · By Coach Mark Lehtonen

Neutral Zone Face-Off Win – Lane Activation & Speed Release

A neutral-zone draw isn’t a reset – it’s an opportunity to strike. At the higher levels, possession off the neutral-zone face-off is one of the most efficient ways to enter with speed and catch opponents in transition. We don’t simply “win it back” – we build lanes and stretch pressure instantly.

Coach Mark Lehtonen explains how to turn neutral-zone face-offs into fast-break scoring opportunities through lane timing and structured release.

Objective

Create confusion for defenders by sending forwards into pre-planned lanes with speed, opening passing seams for a fast controlled entry.

Structure & Timing

C wins the puck back with a strong pivot to the inside shoulder.
Weak-side wing explodes up-ice into the far-side lane immediately on the drop.
Strong-side wing delays half a beat before cutting middle to force defensive switches.
D-man receives and scans early – head up, deception, freeze forechecker.
Second D supports underneath to reset if pressure comes.

Why It Works

Defenders hate indecision. By sending forwards into different predetermined lanes, we force hesitation:

Coverage confusion – who takes the middle cut?
Weak-side defender breaks structure
Passing seam opens before defensive rotation completes
Speed advantage – we move first

Key Teaching Cues

Head up by the D – sell middle, release wide.
Forward timing – first fast, second late cut.
Staggered depth – avoid stacking lanes.
Middle ice threat first – it opens the flank.
Commit to pace – hesitation kills the play.

What Players Must Feel

Neutral-zone face-offs are not “neutral”. We are attacking. The first three strides determine whether we enter with speed or dump and chase. This system punishes slow defensive recognition – we sprint into space before they organize.

Coach Mark Lehtonen says:

“Speed isn’t straight-line – it’s timing. If one forward runs and one delays, the defense has to guess. Every guess we force is a lane we create.”

Summary

Win, separate, stretch – that’s the formula. Controlled entries start with structure. Set lanes, clean timing, strong pivot on the draw, and a defenseman scanning early. Every neutral-zone face-off is a runway – build speed and attack.

Study more tactical entries and timing principles at IHM Academy.

IHM Academy – Lesson #6 · By Coach Mark Lehtonen

Gap Control & Angling - Controlling Speed and Space | IHM Academy (Coach Mark Lehtonen)

IHM Academy – Lesson #6 · By Coach Mark Lehtonen

Gap Control & Angling – Controlling Speed, Space, and Advantage

The best defenders don’t chase – they guide. Gap control and angling are the foundation of elite defensive play. These skills allow you to slow opponents, close space at the right time, and force turnovers instead of reacting to them. When done correctly, the attacker plays in your structure, not theirs.

Top-down tactical hockey diagram on dark ice, steel tones, red vs blue players labeled D and F. 1-on-1 neutral-zone angling

Objective

Control the attacker’s options by managing space, steering their route, and winning position before physical contact ever happens. Defense starts before the puck crosses your blue line.

Gap Control Principles

Match the attacker’s speed – too slow and you’re dead, too fast and you overrun the play.
Stick length gap – one stick length is the gold standard entering the blue line.
Inside-out body position – always between attacker and middle ice.
Close gap early – better to squeeze in the neutral zone than give space at blue line.

Angling Mechanics

Deny middle first – if you remove the inside, the outside is predictable.
Lead the attacker to pressure – boards, backchecker, partner support.
Stick on ice, toes angled – your feet dictate their path.
Hands quiet, hips low – won battles happen before contact.

Body Positioning

Shoulder inside shoulder – body-line dominance.
Stick in lane – blade seals passing lane; body seals skating lane.
Finish with control – pin, bump, or ride-off – not chaos, control.

Game Intelligence

Elite defenders don’t chase speed – they remove options. Your first job is to take away space and steer the rush. Backpressure turns good defenders into elite ones. Neutral zone wins save more goals than desperation blocks.

Coach Mark Lehtonen says:

“Good defense isn’t about stopping an attacker – it’s about making them skate where you want and when you want. If you decide the route, you already won the battle.”

Summary

Gap and angling create predictable offense – predictable offense is easy to kill. Control space, deny middle, steer play, trust support. Defense is geometry and timing, not chaos.

Study more details and pro habits at IHM Academy.

Red Wings Survive Late Push, Beat Kings 4-3 in Shootout | IHM News

by IHM Team | IHM News | Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena

Detroit built a 3-1 cushion on the road, saw Corey Perry tie it with two goals in 40 seconds late in the third, then kept their composure to close a 4-3 shootout win. Marco Kasper scored twice, Alex DeBrincat added a goal and assist, and Cam Talbot made 35 saves plus a perfect 3-for-3 in the shootout.

Los Angeles extended its point streak to seven games but remains winless at home. Quinton Byfield had two assists, Darcy Kuemper stopped 24 shots, and an overtime power-play winner from Kevin Fiala was overturned for goalie interference.

“Two points is two points. We battled through the swings and finished the job in the shootout,” said Alex DeBrincat.

Game Flow

1-0 LAK (12:39 2nd): Alex Laferriere short-handed breakaway, backhand finish.
1-1 DET (13:22 2nd, PP): DeBrincat one-timer from the left circle on a feed from Lucas Raymond.
2-1 DET (15:46 2nd, PP): Marco Kasper redirects Axel Sandin-Pellikka long shot. Good goal after stick-height review.
3-1 DET (14:45 3rd): Kasper crashes the net on an odd-man rush from Mason Appleton.
3-2 LAK (17:47 3rd, 6-on-5): Corey Perry cleans up a deflected point shot.
3-3 LAK (18:27 3rd, 6-on-5): Perry redirects Byfield wrist shot from the slot.
OT: Kevin Fiala goal waved off for goalie interference at 4:21.
Shootout: Raymond scores the lone tally. Talbot stops all three attempts.

Cam Talbot rebounded from a tough previous start: big save on a 2-on-1 in the opening minute set his rhythm and the bench’s belief.

Coach Mark Lehtonen’s Take

“Detroit will like the response. Special teams delivered, Kasper played inside ice and stopped at the paint, and Talbot was calm in the skill moments. The Kings drove late with volume and net presence, which is their identity. The difference came down to the small goalkeeping details and one clean shot in the shootout.”

IHM Verdict

A grown-up road win for the Red Wings: controlled special teams, a young center driving the middle, and veteran goaltending in leverage time. The Kings bank a point again but still need a first home win to match their road form.

Final: Red Wings 4-3 Kings (SO)

Author: IHM Team | Commentary by Coach Mark Lehtonen

Sharks Blitz Early, Handle Devils 5-2 | IHM News

San Jose Sharks celebration at SAP Center

Sharks Blitz Early, Handle Devils 5-2 | IHM News

Sharks Blitz Early, Handle Devils 5-2

by IHM Team | IHM News | San Jose, SAP Center

San Jose landed three quick punches in the first period and never let New Jersey breathe. William Eklund scored 42 seconds in, Philipp Kurashev and Alexander Wennberg added two more in a five-minute span, and the Sharks closed out a confident 5-2 home win.

Wennberg and Kurashev finished with a goal and an assist each. Will Smith and Tyler Toffoli also scored. Timothy Liljegren posted two assists, and Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 29 shots as San Jose collected its first home and first regulation win of the season. The Sharks have now won three of five and look more organized shift to shift.

For New Jersey, Dawson Mercer delivered both goals on the power play with Dougie Hamilton supplying two helpers, but the Devils could not overcome the opening ten minutes. After an eight-game heater, they have now dropped two in a row.

“Just compete and play. I liked our start and the maturity in the third,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

Game Flow

1-0 SJ (0:42 1st): Eklund outraces the bounce and beats Jake Allen five hole.
2-0 SJ (12:12 1st): Wennberg threads from the wall, Kurashev one-timer glove side.
3-0 SJ (15:47 1st): Mario Ferraro shot deflects in off Wennberg.
3-1 (19:00 1st): Mercer tips Jack Hughes puck in on the power play.
4-1 SJ (16:50 2nd): Macklin Celebrini wins the draw, Smith scores on his own rebound.
5-1 SJ (18:30 2nd): Dmitry Orlov wrister glances off Toffoli and in.
5-2 (4:19 3rd): Mercer redirects Hamilton point shot on the power play.

Nedeljkovic credited the group in front: “We were detailed, blocked shots, good layers. A lot never got through.”

Coach Mark Lehtonen’s Take

“San Jose played to identity. Early pace, direct entries, pucks to the blue paint, and they protected the house for Nedeljkovic. For the Devils, this was not structure as much as urgency. When your first three shifts lose races and sticks, you chase. Special teams kept them alive, but five-on-five compete has to spike.”

IHM Verdict

Clean, professional home win for the Sharks with clear shot selection and middle-lane drive. New Jersey’s response after the first was better, but the opening blitz decided it.

Final: Sharks 5-2 Devils

Author: IHM Team | Commentary by Coach Mark Lehtonen

Martin Nečas Signs 8-Year Contract With Colorado Avalanche | IHM News

Senators Rally Late, Beat Flames 4-3 in Shootout | IHM News

Senators Rally Late, Beat Flames 4-3 in Shootout

by IHM Team | IHM News | Ottawa, Canadian Tire Centre

The Senators showed real growth under pressure. Jake Sanderson tied the game with 2:49 left in regulation when his shot from the left circle pinballed off bodies, kissed the crossbar, and dropped in. Ottawa then finished the job in the shootout on goals from Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle, edging Calgary 4-3.

Ottawa trailed three different times in the third but never cracked. Lars Eller had a short-handed goal and an assist, Artem Zub scored through traffic, and Linus Ullmark made 27 saves. The Senators move to 4-1-1 in their last six and look increasingly comfortable in tight, grindy games.

“It was a mucky game,” Batherson said. “We knew they were desperate. We stayed patient and found a way.”

For Calgary, there were positives in defeat. Devin Cooley stopped 35 shots and was outstanding in overtime with seven saves, including multiple stops during a 4-on-3 penalty kill. Nazem Kadri, Yegor Sharangovich, and Matt Coronato scored, but the Flames could not close it out and fall to 1-8-2 in their last eleven.

Game Flow

1-0 CGY (5:51, 1st): Sharangovich beats Ullmark high glove on the power play from the right circle.
1-1 (7:37, 1st): Eller finishes a short-handed 2-on-1 off a Shane Pinto rebound. Ottawa’s first short-handed goal of the season.
2-1 CGY (15:53, 1st): Coronato jams home a loose puck on the power play.
2-2 (2:36, 3rd): Zub’s point shot finds a lane through a heavy screen.
3-2 CGY (8:16, 3rd): Kadri executes a give-and-go with Jonathan Huberdeau, snaps it off the right post and in.
3-3 (17:11, 3rd): Sanderson’s drive deflects twice, off the bar and over the line.
Shootout: Batherson and Stutzle score, Ullmark seals it.

Calgary coach Ryan Huska praised Cooley’s poise: “He made key saves at important times. Backup life is staying ready. He did that.”

Coach Mark Lehtonen’s Take

“Ottawa’s habits are maturing. They did not chase the game late. They layered their rushes, shot through traffic, and got bodies to the crease. Sanderson’s poise under pressure is big-time. Calgary’s structure was better, and Cooley battled, but game management in the last five minutes cost them. When you are in a spiral, you must close out the routine plays.”

IHM Verdict

Ottawa banked a grown-up win. Calgary showed effort and goaltending, but the margins in the third were the difference.

Final: Senators 4-3 SO Flames

Author: IHM Team | Commentary by Coach Mark Lehtonen

Martin Nečas Signs 8-Year Contract With Colorado Avalanche | IHM News