For the fifth time in his career, Connor McDavid was named the most outstanding player in the league by the NHLPA. Unfortunately, for McDavid the award was handed to him on the golf course instead of the ice. It’s the fifth time he’s won the award, matching Wayne Gretzky on top of the list, and at 29, there is a good chance that he’ll pass the Great One at some point in his career.
McDavid dragged the Edmonton Oilers to the playoffs on his back as led the league with 138 points (48 goals, 90 assists). Unfortunately, they were upset in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks (hence McDavid being on the golf course). It’s the sixth time in his eleven years in the NHL that he’s led the league in scoring and the third time he’s cracked the 130-point mark.
Hockey News
Vasilevskiy’s top five Vezina moments of 2025-26 [Tampa Bay Lightning]
Can’t believe we forgot to mention Vasilevskiy vs. Swayman in our post about the Big Cat’s Vezina victory. Not sure if that swayed any of the voters, but it was definitely a highlight!
How sensible is it for each team to trade for Larkin [The Athletic]
The folks at The Athletic don’t think it makes much sense for the Lightning to make a deal for the Red Wings’ captain, but we’ll have more thoughts on that later tonight. The Wild. It’ll be the Wild.
Jack Pridham officially commits to University of Denver [Kitchener Rangers]
When the Lightning made the deal, the rumor was that Pridham would join the National Champions, and now it’s official.
Backchecking the Bolts: Andrew and Justin for the Aud Pod talk O’Reilly/Pridham [Backchecking the Bolts]
Want to know more about Pridham and Sam O’Reilly? Well, we chatted with a couple of guys that had first-row seats for the duo’s amazing championship run. You can’t not be excited about their future after listening to this episode.
Bussi or Andersen? No starter named yet for Carolina in Game 4 [The Athletic]
You know what is awesome during a two-day break between games? Having a goaltending controversy. Frederik Andersen started the first three games of the series, but was yoinked in Game 3. Brandon Bussi was strong in relief as Carolina made their big comeback, but was foiled by a bouncy goal in the second overtime.
Updated PWHL rosters [The Ice Garden]
The PWHL has started their multi-stage expansion process. The folks over at The Ice Garden are keeping track of all of the player movement.
