Cernak, who has never been suspended in his two-year career, was not penalized for the elbow.
Dahlin was the first overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft and a Calder Trophy finalist in his rookie season. The 19-year-old defenseman entered Monday's action with 16 points in 23 games in his sophomore campaign.
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist moved into sole possession of fifth on the NHL's all-time wins list with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.
Lundqvist made 26 stops to pass Curtis Joseph with the 455th win of his illustrious career.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will receive a big boost Monday against the Calgary Flames.
Head coach Mike Sullivan announced defenseman Kris Letang will return to the lineup after missing the last eight games with a lower-body injury, according to NHL.com's Wes Crosby.
Letang will be a welcome addition as the Pens continue to play without captain Sidney Crosby, who underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury and was given a six-week recovery timeline on Nov. 14. Pittsburgh is also without forward Nick Bjugstad and right-handed D-man Justin Schultz.
Rookie defenseman John Marino has been one of the team's unsung heroes this season, logging nearly 22 minutes per game and tallying six points during Letang's absence.
Injuries have plagued Letang throughout his career, but he's been one of the league's most productive blue-liners when healthy. The 32-year-old has 12 points in 15 games this season.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock used a humiliating motivational tactic with Mitch Marner during the forward's rookie campaign in 2016-17.
The tactic involved Babcock asking a rookie to list his teammates based on their work ethic during the club's annual fathers' road trip - which occurred in January 2017 of that season - as first reported by the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshan. The Athletic's Ian Tulloch later reported that the rookie was Marner.
Once Marner complied, Babcock revealed the list to the players who'd been listed at the bottom, according to Koshan.
Marner addressed the incident Monday and said he's thankful for how his teammates handled what could've been an ugly situation.
"It was just surprising," the 6-foot winger said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton. "I was lucky enough that the guys that were there with me, none of them took it to heart and they knew it wasn't up to me.
"It was huge for a first-year guy," Marner said about his teammates' support following the incident. "When I heard about (what Babcock did), I didn't really know what to think. But I was lucky enough to have that first-year group with me and our team was very tight and very well-knit together. That was a lucky situation."
Babcock - who was fired by the club last week in his fifth campaign behind the bench - expressed his regret about the decision but said he had nothing but good intentions for his young player.
"I was trying to focus on work ethic with Mitch - focusing on role models - it ended up not being a good idea. I apologized at the time," Babcock said.
Marner, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered Nov. 9, has recorded four goals and 18 points this season.
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The NHL has offered up a treat in the buildup to American Thanksgiving.
The highlights this week include a renewal of hockey's oldest rivalry, a rematch between the defending Cup champions and preseason favorites, a date with the league's highest-scoring teams, and a meeting of two Hart Trophy favorites. Giddy up.
Here's a guide to wagering during this week's slate.
Game betting
Vancouver Canucks at Philadelphia Flyers (Monday)
This is a good bounce-back spot for the Flyers after losing to the Flames in a shootout Saturday. The Canucks began their East Coast swing with a shootout victory of their own in Washington, giving them consecutive road wins for just the second time this season. Philadelphia won't let Vancouver play the type of game it wants and at a reasonable price, you should back Carter Hart and the Flyers.
Minnesota Wild at New York Rangers (Monday)
This game seemed important to feature in this preview due to the strange line. For just the second time this season the Wild are -125 favorites on the road. They were the same price in Ottawa early in October, winning 2-0, but it's odd to see them favored in this spot against a Rangers team that has won three of their last four at home and is coming off an impressive comeback win in Montreal. This is the fourth game in six nights for New York, though, who left everything on the ice on Saturday. Listen to what the oddsmakers are telling you here and back Minnesota.
Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday)
Blowing a 4-0 lead to lose in regulation can either send a team into a tailspin or act as a wake-up call. The Canadiens have a lot of experience in their room and are too well-coached to let the loss impact them. Claude Julien was livid with his team's defensive effort on Saturday and that should result in a much more disciplined showing against the division-leading Bruins. Consider the Habs as small home 'dogs, but the play here feels like under 6.5 goals.
St. Louis Blues at Tampa Bay Lightning (Wednesday)
Last week I had you fade the overvalued Lightning when they visited the Blues, who went on to win 3-1. It was a comfortable victory for St. Louis, a team that imposed its will on the Bolts in impressive fashion. Let's flip the script here, though. The Lightning will be able to play more to their style on home ice and should have a lot more urgency. The Blues find themselves in higher-scoring games more often on the road and that will work into Tampa's hands. Back the Bolts to pick up a confidence-boosting win.
Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)
This might be the best game of the week between a pair of free-scoring teams. No two clubs have tallied more goals this season than the Capitals (91) and Panthers (88). The over would be the obvious play - it has hit in the last four meetings between these teams - but instead, consider backing Florida. The Eastern Conference-leading Capitals have cooled off, playing .500 hockey over the last two weeks, while the Panthers have some impressive road wins under their belt this season. They've also won four consecutive in Washington.
Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche (Wednesday)
Two of the league's best players lead their teams into battle Thursday as Connor McDavid and the Oilers visit Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche. With both teams being a bit unpredictable this season, the over is the play here as the NHL's most explosive forwards will treat us to fireworks. The over is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings between these clubs in Colorado.
Game props
Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars (Monday)
This wasn't included in the game bets above, but the under is a strong play here. Adding to that, take the Stars' team total under 2.5 at +150. Dallas has scored just four goals in its last three games against the Golden Knights and has never scored more than three in six all-time meetings. The under 3.5 at -170 could also be good parlay fodder.
Boston Bruins at Ottawa Senators (Wednesday)
D.J. Smith deserves a ton of credit for the work he's done while in charge of the Senators, as do the players for fully buying into the system. Ottawa has proven itself a very tough team to play against and enters the week on a three-match winning streak. Over the weekend I said to take the over in the first period in their game against the Rangers, which hit, but go the other way here. The Senators will look to play physical and contain the Bruins, which makes the under 1.5 goals in the first period an attractive play. It has hit in each of the last seven meetings between these teams in Ottawa.
Winnipeg Jets at San Jose Sharks (Wednesday)
The Jets are one of the least profitable teams when it comes to first-period overs, while the Sharks are one of the most. However, San Jose is trending the other way with the first-period total going 5-5 in its last 10. The Sharks are tightening up defensively, while the Jets continue to play solid two-way hockey. There was just one goal in the opening 20 minutes when these teams met earlier this month, and you should consider taking the first-period under once again in this spot at plus-money.
Player props
Game
Aleksander Barkov loves the Capitals. The Panthers' captain had a goal and an assist in their overtime loss to Washington earlier in the campaign and registered five assists in three games against them last season. Back him to get on the scoresheet with over 0.5 assists in this contest, which shouldn't be lacking in goals.
Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.
The suspension is Kerfoot's first in his 179-game NHL career.
The 25-year-old was playing his former team when the infraction occurred after being traded from Colorado to Toronto in July.
"First and foremost, I think I'm disappointed in myself," Kerfoot said Monday, according to TSN. "It was obviously a bad play. I know Johnson well and I just hope he's alright, I hope that he doesn't miss any time or anything like that. I feel terrible.
“He kind of unfortunately lost possession right as I was pushing him and then he stumbles and I pushed him into the boards. It's no excuse. It was unfortunate timing but it was also a bad play by me and I just hope he's alright.”
Kerfoot has tallied five goals and eight points in 22 games during his first season with the Maple Leafs.
The 5-foot-10 pivot will be eligible to return in the latter contest of a home-and-home series with the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
Every Monday, theScore offers a weekly fantasy hockey column detailing a handful of moves you should make. This week's edition focuses on Week 8. Ownership percentages and position eligibility are courtesy of Yahoo.
Trade for Tyson Barrie
Team: Maple Leafs Position: D Ownership: 83%
Nearly every player on the Maple Leafs should see a bump in their fantasy value with Sheldon Keefe replacing Mike Babcock behind the bench, but nobody will seemingly benefit more than Barrie.
Toronto's prized offseason acquisition struggled under the former bench boss, but with Keefe - a young, innovative coach encouraging skill and creativity - Barrie should flourish. He has two goals and an assist in two games under Keefe and has been promoted to the top power-play unit.
It may be tough to acquire Barrie if his owner is a Leafs fan, but otherwise, he shouldn't be too difficult to pry away.
Buy low on Johnny Gaudreau
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Team: Flames Position: LW Ownership: 99%
It's been a rough go for the Flames of late, and that includes Gaudreau. "Johnny Hockey" has just a pair of assists in his last seven games and is on pace for his lowest point total ever.
However, things could begin to turn around soon. Gaudreau's 7.2 shooting percentage is less than half of his 14.7% mark from last year, and it's well below his career clip of 12.8% entering the season.
While he's been snakebitten in the goal column, Gaudreau's dynamic playmaking skills have still been on display this season; he's tied for fourth in the league in slot pass completions, according to The Point Hockey.
Part of Gaudreau's struggles can be attributed to Sean Monahan's inability to finish this season after back-to-back 30-goal campaigns. Monahan's expected goals rate and high-danger scoring chance rate fall in line with his career averages, so he should start burying his chances in no time.
Gaudreau has been the most frequently traded player Sunday and Monday in Yahoo leagues, so he's certainly up for grabs, but Monahan also makes for an intriguing buy-low candidate. It's only a matter of time before Calgary's dynamic duo starts filling the net.
Add Anthony Beauvillier
Team: Islanders Position: C/LW Ownership: 23%
It's quite remarkable Beauvillier is still owned in less than a quarter of leagues after potting six goals and adding two helpers in his last five games. The former first-round pick seems to be really coming into his own in his fourth season. He's getting the chance to shine as well, logging over three minutes more per game than he did a year ago.
Beauvillier's linemates Brock Nelson (50%) and Derick Brassard (29%) are worth adding too, but the 22-year-old clearly has the most upside of the three.
Buy low on Devan Dubnyk
Norm Hall / National Hockey League / Getty
Team: Wild Position: G Ownership: 52%
Dubnyk has missed the last three games due to a personal matter, but he's expected to return on Thursday. His overall numbers are ugly (3.35 goals-against average, .893 save percentage) but he had a few strong showings leading up to his absence.
The Wild are the best team in the league when it comes to suppressing high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. When Dubnyk returns, he'll get a prime opportunity to shine, and he can probably be had for pennies on the dollar.
If you're seeking immediate help in goal early this week, Minnesota's backup Alex Stalock (10%) is a prime streaming option.
The former No. 1 overall pick got off to a sluggish start this season after inking a big contract extension, but he's picked up four points in as many games and could be in for a larger outburst this week.
This is the fifth edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for 2019-20. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.
In this edition, we identify each team's most valuable player at the quarter mark of the season.
1. New York Islanders (16-3-2)
Previous rank: 4
Thomas Greiss is out to prove that his success in 2018-19 was no fluke. The German netminder has been lights out for the Islanders once again this season, posting a 9-1-0 record with a 2.07 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage.
2. Washington Capitals (16-4-5)
John Carlson has his eye on the Norris Trophy this season, and it's safe to say he has a pretty good chance thanks to eight goals and 28 assists through 25 games.
Previous rank: 1
3. Boston Bruins (15-3-5)
Previous rank: 3
David Pastrnak's all-world scoring has been mesmerizing, but it's hard to deny Brad Marchand the title of most valuable Bruins player. The veteran forward leads the team in points, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals. He also ranks first among Boston forwards in ice time and is called upon in all situations.
4. Dallas Stars (14-8-2)
Glenn James / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 16
Sophomore blue-liner Miro Heiskanen has been a key piece of the Stars' recent turnaround, and he's only getting better. The 20-year-old ranks second on Dallas with 17 points and logs almost 25 minutes per night.
5. St. Louis Blues (14-5-5)
Previous rank: 2
Several forwards have stepped up in the wake of Vladimir Tarasenko's injury, but Alex Pietrangelo has been the Blues' most important player. The 29-year-old captain is on pace for a career-best 64 points and has logged a team-high 24:04 of ice time per game.
6. Edmonton Oilers (16-7-3)
Previous rank: 6
Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are the top two scorers in the NHL by a considerable margin, so we have to hand out co-MVP honors to the Oilers' unstoppable duo.
7. Arizona Coyotes (14-8-3)
Previous rank: 18
Darcy Kuemper has emerged as one of the game's best netminders this season following a breakout campaign in 2018-19. The 6-foot-5 puck-stopper boasts a league-best 1.98 goals-against average and his elite play has helped take a young Coyotes squad to the next level.
8. Winnipeg Jets (14-9-1)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Previous rank: 22
Connor Hellebuyck has managed an incredible turnaround so far this year, giving the Jets a real chance to win every night with a .928 save percentage in 19 starts.
9. Colorado Avalanche (13-8-2)
Previous rank: 5
With points in 19 of 23 contests, including a 13-game streak to start the campaign, Nathan MacKinnon has been the pulse of an Avalanche team that keeps on rolling despite the absences of Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen.
10. Carolina Hurricanes (15-8-1)
Previous rank: 20
Dougie Hamilton has been a force for the Hurricanes, leading all NHL defensemen with 10 goals to go with 15 assists in 24 games. The 26-year-old has also paced all Carolina skaters in ice time, and the team has posted a sterling 56.87% expected goals rate with Hamilton on the ice at five-on-five.
11. San Jose Sharks (12-11-1)
Previous rank: 23
Logan Couture has been dynamite in his first season as captain, leading the Sharks back into the playoff picture after a dreadful month of October. The 30-year-old forward has tallied a team-best 24 points, including 14 in November as the Sharks have won eight of 11 contests in the month.
12. Florida Panthers (12-7-5)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Previous rank: 19
Both Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau have been fantastic for the Panthers this year, but the hulking pivot narrowly gets the nod here. Barkov drives the bus for Florida's dominant top line - he's put up 29 points, logged over 20 minutes per night, and won 54% of his draws.
13. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-7-4)
Previous rank: 9
The Penguins rode Sidney Crosby's point-per-game production to a 10-6-1 record while missing several key pieces. With Crosby out of the lineup, however, Pittsburgh has won just two of six contests and has no victories away from home.
14. Montreal Canadiens (11-7-5)
Previous rank: 8
It's no coincidence that the Canadiens are in contention for a playoff spot with Shea Weber healthy. The veteran rearguard ranks second on the Habs with 18 points and still plays an incredibly sturdy game on the back end at 34 years old.
15. Tampa Bay Lightning (11-7-2)
Previous rank: 13
Thank goodness Nikita Kucherov's recent injury wasn't serious, because the reigning MVP is up to his usual ways, leading the Lightning with 20 points through 19 appearances.
16. Vancouver Canucks (12-8-4)
Jeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 14
Elias Pettersson is playing like a league MVP candidate, so it's a no-brainer that he's been the most valuable Canuck. Last year's Calder Trophy winner sits 11th in NHL scoring with 29 points through 24 games.
17. Philadelphia Flyers (11-7-5)
Previous rank: 11
After being rewarded with a six-year, $33-million contract in September, Travis Konecny has not disappointed. The Ontario native leads the Flyers with 23 points in as many games, and he's kept the club afloat despite slow starts from some of his typically productive teammates.
18. Toronto Maple Leafs (11-10-4)
Previous rank: 12
Auston Matthews was already the Maple Leafs' MVP front-runner before Mike Babcock was fired, but Toronto's superstar looks reinvigorated under his new coach. Matthews has posted three points in two games with Sheldon Keefe at the helm, putting himself on pace for 52 goals and 98 points.
19. Ottawa Senators (11-11-1)
Previous rank: 24
Jean-Gabriel Pageau has been a pleasant story for a Senators team that had low expectations for this season. Pageau has already surpassed his 2018-19 point total by seven in 16 fewer games, and he also leads Ottawa in both goals and points.
20. Vegas Golden Knights (11-10-4)
Zak Krill / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 15
Mark Stone leads all Golden Knights forwards in ice time and has paced the club with 10 goals. He's one of the best two-way forwards in hockey, and his first full year in Sin City has been impressive, to say the least.
21. Chicago Blackhawks (9-9-5)
Previous rank: 28
The Blackhawks will remain competitive as long as Patrick Kane is in town. The 2016 Hart Trophy winner is off to another all-world campaign with 30 points in 23 outings. Consistent as always, Kane is riding a 12-game point streak, amassing 21 in that span.
22. Nashville Predators (10-9-3)
Previous rank: 7
Roman Josi has more than proved he's worth the big-ticket extension he signed earlier this season. The Norris Trophy contender leads the Predators with 22 points in 22 games.
23. New York Rangers (10-9-2)
Previous rank: 25
The Rangers paid Artemi Panarin to play like an MVP candidate, and, so far, so good. The Russian marksman has recorded a team-best 12 goals and 27 points through his first 21 contests in the Big Apple.
24. Minnesota Wild (9-11-3)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Previous rank: 27
The ageless Eric Staal continues to produce at 35 years old. He leads the struggling Wild with 17 points thus far.
25. Columbus Blue Jackets (9-9-4)
Previous rank: 26
Pierre-Luc Dubois has done his best to pick up the slack after the Blue Jackets lost several key offensive pieces to free agency in the offseason. His 10 goals and 17 points are both team highs, as the 21-year-old continues to develop in his third NHL season.
26. Calgary Flames (11-12-3)
Previous rank: 10
Calgary is tumbling down the standings, but Matthew Tkachuk is developing into the team's heart and soul. Tkachuk has struggled to produce during the Flames' offensive drought, but he still leads the club with 20 points.
27. Buffalo Sabres (11-9-3)
Previous rank: 21
Where would Buffalo be without Jack Eichel? The Sabres captain is on pace to shatter career bests in both goals and points, and he's been the club's heartbeat through thick and thin.
28. Los Angeles Kings (9-13-1)
Juan Ocampo / National Hockey League / Getty
Previous rank: 30
Anze Kopitar has been the Kings' best player for years, which doesn't appear set to change anytime soon. Los Angeles ranks 28th in goals scored this season, but Kopitar has maintained a point-per-game pace through 23 contests.
29. Anaheim Ducks (10-11-3)
Previous rank: 17
His play has wavered somewhat in recent games, but a locked-in John Gibson gives the Ducks a chance to win every single night against any opponent.
30. New Jersey Devils (8-10-4)
Previous rank: 29
A tumultuous start for the Devils hasn't slowed down leading scorer Taylor Hall, who's up to 20 points in 22 games. Unfortunately, for New Jersey, its MVP will be a free agent in the offseason, and the club isn't doing a great job of convincing him to stick around.
31. Detroit Red Wings (7-16-3)
Previous rank: 31
Anthony Mantha has rediscovered the touch that made him one of the deadliest scorers in the history of junior hockey. The 6-foot-5 forward has potted 12 tallies in 26 games this season, putting him on pace for a career-best 38-goal campaign.
