Fresh Off the Press: Bits From the NHL

The regular season has officially ended, with some first-time award winners and some familiar faces earning themselves some recognition. The Stanley Cup Playoff bracket is set, looking unlike anything ever seen before.

As the NHL springs into summer, there’s so much to look forward to. In a sport as fast-paced as hockey, news is coming in as fast as it’s coming off the press. Here are some “News In Brief” stories with the bits from around the league!

Nikita Kucherov Strikes Again

Courtesy of David Kirouac/Imagn Images

For the second consecutive season and the third time in his career, Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Nikita Kucherov was in a league of his own, statistically, with the most points of any player during the regular season. He closed out with 37 goals and 84 assists, totaling 121 points–five ahead of the runner-up, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon.

Although the NHL Awards aren’t until June, Kucherov has already claimed the Art Ross Trophy–the award given to the player who scores the most points during the regular season. Kucherov can now add his name to the legendary list of players who’ve won the award at least three times, including Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux and Phil Esposito, to name a few.

What’s especially remarkable about this accomplishment is Kucherov didn’t become the points leader in the league until March 29–trailing the former leader by 11 points! However, he turned on the gas and was able to come away this season with 33 multi-point performances, recording goals or assists in 65 of his 78 games.

Leon Draisaitl Rockets Ahead

Courtesy of Perry Nelson/Imagn Images

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl scored a lot of goals for the Oilers this past regular season–he even scored more than anyone else in the league. For the first time in his career, Draisaitl won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award, given to the player who scores the most goals. In the 71 games he played, Draisaitl netted 52 goals. This incredible feat also makes him the first German-born NHL player to win the award.

Draisaitl also scored at times when it really mattered. This is a term known as situational scoring–when a player makes offensive plays at the most crucial times during a game. For instance, in overtime or during an important faceoff. Situational scoring is much more difficult than scoring in a blowout game. Draisaitl led the league in situational scoring for both points and goals, showing that he really knows how to step up when it’s needed.

Connor Hellebuyck Defends the Net

Courtesy of Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made history by becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to be the sole winner of the William H. Jennings Trophy–given to the goaltender who allowed the least amount of goals in more than 25 games throughout the regular season. Simply said, he was the only goalie in the league who met the criteria for the second consecutive year, and became the fifth goalie to even win the award consecutively. Hellebuyck’s achievement made the Jets the first NHL team to win the award in consecutive seasons, regardless of their goalie.

This past season, Hellebuyck led the league with a record of 47-12-3 in 63 games. Only Braden Holtby and Martin Brodeur have registered more wins in a single season. He also led the Jets to a franchise record of 10 shutouts and allowed two or fewer goals in 46 of their 82 games.

Coaches Get Chopped

Courtesy of AP

Though lots of teams saw newfound success this season, some teams reached new lows. Thus, it was time for some teams to do some spring cleaning, especially to their coaching staff.

First, the Anaheim Ducks fired their head coach Greg Cronin after two seasons. During his first season, Cronin led the Ducks to a record of 27-50-5, finishing seventh place in the Pacific Division. In his second season, the Ducks looked like they were improving, with a record of 35-37-10. However, the team finished sixth, which was not the improvement they were hoping for. Though it was a tough decision to part ways with Cronin, Ducks’ general manager Pat Verbeek said the team needed a “change of direction and a new voice.”

Then, the New York Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette, also after his second season behind the bench. Laviolette led the Rangers to their record of 94-59-11 and to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024. This season, the Rangers were expected to be key figures in playoff contention. However, the Rangers never found consistency, and many key players had underwhelming performances. As a result, the team did not make the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

All American Original 6 Teams Miss the Playoffs

Courtesy of NHL.com

For the first time in NHL history, the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks–all the American “Original 6” NHL teams–missed the playoffs.

Since the league’s inception, at least one of these teams has been in the running for the NHL’s ultimate prize. Though the American teams are out, both Canadian teams–the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs–are in the bracket. The Leafs are looking to advance to the second round again, and the Canadiens are looking to replicate their incredible run from 2021. Though the playoffs will look different without some familiar faces, it will be exciting to see what the Canadian teams accomplish!

While the regular season has ended, a whole new chapter is beginning as the playoffs commence and teams make adjustments. What a hectic but exciting time to be a hockey fan!

Edited by Jenna Mandarano