NHL on NBC analyst Mike Milbury made it clear who he believes is at fault for the Nashville Predators' disappointing season thus far, which resulted in head coach Peter Laviolette getting fired Monday.

Milbury pointed fingers at the club's top three centers - Ryan Johansen, Matt Duchene, and Kyle Turris.

"I think the problem in Nashville is down the middle," Milbury said on Monday's broadcast. "Johansen, Duchene, and Turris, all chronic underachievers. You're not gonna win with those guys in the middle. You can't count on them. Johansen had one playoff season where he was going pretty good till he got hurt, but the rest of these guys, when the moment comes, they have faltered."

"... I don't see this middle as being anything I'd be afraid of to go up against. These guys I think are overpaid and underperforming."

Johansen, Duchene, and Turris have all had disappointing seasons thus far. Johansen and Duchene are the team's two highest-paid players this season, and Turris is tied for fourth.

Nashville has not yet named a replacement for Laviolette. When studio host Kathryn Tappen asked what kind of coach could get this trio going, Milbury said it would require some magic.

"Houdini, it would be Houdini to get them going here in the middle," he said. "These guys ... they bark a lot. That's not good enough for me. They don't try hard enough down the middle here. And if you have that in that key position, you're never gonna be successful."

Milbury doubled down on the players' effort level and questioned their character.

"I don't see them coming to the well night after night with effort," he said. "That's what bothers me."

Johansen, Duchene, and Turris were all acquired in major moves by general manager David Poile during Laviolette's reign as head coach.

Johansen was traded straight up for Seth Jones in 2016, then eventually signed an eight-year, $64-million extension with the Predators. Turris came to Nashville from the Ottawa Senators in a three-way trade on Nov. 17, 2017, and immediately signed a six-year, $36-million extension that day. Duchene inked a seven-year, $56-million contract as a prized free agent this summer.

Milbury also noted that the Predators need better goaltending from Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros (combined .894 save percentage) to be successful, but he didn't tee off on the netminders in the same manner as he did Johansen, Duchene, and Turris.

Nashville is sixth in the Central Division and sits five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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The Nashville Predators have fired head coach Peter Laviolette and associate coach Kevin McCarthy, the team announced Monday.

No interim coach has been named, with a decision on who will coach the club on Tuesday versus the Bruins to be announced, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Laviolette's contract was scheduled to run through the 2020-2021 season. The Predators must honor the remaining $2.5 million owed to the bench boss unless Laviolette is hired somewhere else before the deal expires, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

The Predators suffered their fourth loss in five games on Sunday, dropping their record to 19-15-7 on the season. The club sits four points out of a wild-card playoff seed entering Monday's action.

Laviolette was hired by the Predators ahead of the 2014-15 season. He posted a record of 248-143-60 behind Nashville's bench and helped the club reach the postseason over five consecutive campaigns, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. He becomes the sixth head coach fired this season.

In 2017-18, Laviollete led the club to a franchise-best 53-win season to capture the Presidents' Trophy.

The 55-year-old was just the second coach in Nashville's history. Barry Trotz filled the position from the franchise's inaugural season in 1998-99 until 2013-14.

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Two of the NHL's biggest stars are voicing their hope that the league will return to the Olympics.

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers want a chance to represent their respective countries on the world's biggest stage. They expressed their feelings one day after IIHF president Rene Fasel said the NHL has been given until the end of August to determine whether it will send players to Beijing in 2022.

"A lot of guys take a lot of pride in playing for their country, so the Olympics is top of the tops as far as that goes," Matthews said on Monday ahead of his matchup with McDavid, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "That'd be a pretty amazing experience to be able to put on the U.S. jersey and play in a tournament, for sure."

McDavid feels the same way.

"Anytime you get a chance to represent Canada on a best-on-best tournament, it's always so special and makes for the best hockey. So, I definitely hope that I get that opportunity one day," he said.

The NHL didn't send its players to the games in 2018 for the first time since 1998. Matthews and McDavid are just two of the numerous players who have said they'd relish the opportunity to play in the Olympics.

However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman remained resistant to the idea when asked about it in November, saying the tournament is "incredibly disruptive" to the NHL season.

The most recent best-on-best tournament for players over 20 years old was the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, when Matthews and McDavid dazzled as linemates on Team North America. Both players have also received a taste of international play at the world juniors and world championship.

Matthews is currently second in the NHL in goals this season with 28, while McDavid is tied for the league-lead in points with 65 through 44 contests.

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Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section

Now that every NHL team has played at least 40 games this season, the first Monday of 2020 signals the start of the second half.

Meanwhile, I've evaluated our bets from the opening half of the campaign and identified strong and weak points in our approach. For instance, we've been hitting on our underdog plays at a strong rate. Moving forward, we'll focus more on those value plays - while limiting the number of favorites we back - in hopes of ensuring a profitable stretch run.

Let's kick off 2020 with a bang.

Game betting

Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs (Monday)

While both of these teams are certainly capable of playing run-and-gun hockey, it's not the preference for either of them. The Oilers have been the second-most-profitable under team on the road this season, while the Leafs have trended to the under on home ice since Sheldon Keefe's appointment as head coach. With a high total of 6.5, the under warrants serious consideration here.

Colorado Avalanche at New York Rangers (Tuesday)

I like the Avalanche to beat the somewhat struggling Islanders on Monday before facing the Rangers on Tuesday. However, Colorado's in the midst of a 3-9 run on the road when given no rest, with six of the last seven such contests staying under the total. The Rangers are playing just .500 hockey on home ice, but they offer great value in this spot as home 'dogs.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Vegas Golden Knights (Tuesday)

This game is part of a seven-game homestand for the Golden Knights, who've already won the first four. And Vegas has lost just once in eight attempts when playing its fifth successive home contest. Meanwhile, the Penguins are in the midst of an impressive road run, which has seen them win five of their last six away from Pittsburgh. They've been scoring a ton of goals - as have the Knights on home ice - which suggests the over is the strongest play here.

Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers (Wednesday)

The Flyers have posted an impeccable 13-2-4 record at home this season. The Capitals, once unbeatable on the road, have slipped a bit in recent weeks, losing in Boston and Carolina. This will be the second game of a back-to-back for Washington - which is playing at home on Tuesday - and when you consider the Flyers' impenetrable home form, they're certainly worth backing as 'dogs here.

Arizona Coyotes at Tampa Bay Lightning (Thursday)

Taylor Hall hasn't exactly hit the ground running with the Coyotes, scoring only twice in nine games while Arizona has posted just a 5-4 record with him in the lineup. The Lightning, meanwhile, finally seem to be figuring it out. They've won eight in a row entering this week and have shored up their defensive issues. But instead of laying a ton of juice with Tampa, consider the under 6.5 goals in a game featuring a pair of teams that have played stout defensive hockey in recent weeks.

Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks (Thursday)

The Stars will be decent-sized favorites when they visit California on Thursday, as they sit well ahead of the Ducks in the standings. However, the Ducks are a very different team on home ice (11-7-3) versus on the road (6-13-2). They've also won six straight over the Stars in Anaheim, holding Dallas to just nine total goals in those games, including a pair of shutouts. Ride with the Ducks as home 'dogs in this one.

Game props

Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals (Tuesday)

You have to go all the way back to November 2013 to find the last time the Senators scored at least three goals in Washington. Ottawa has been held to two goals or fewer in its last eight visits to D.C., making its team total under 2.5 a very strong bet here.

Vancouver Canucks at Florida Panthers (Thursday)

These teams are no strangers to scoring - or allowing - early goals. The Canucks have hit the first-period over in six of their last eight on the road, while the Panthers have hit the mark in three straight at home and five of their last seven overall. So, there should be plenty of fireworks when these clubs meet in the Sunshine State; don't hesitate to back the over 1.5 goals in the first period.

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.

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Ilya Kovalchuk will suit up for his first game as a member of the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night versus the Winnipeg Jets, the team announced.

The veteran sniper practiced on the Habs' top line alongside Tomas Tatar and Phillip Danault on Monday morning, according to Sportsnet. Kovalchuk should get significant ice time between that role and the power play.

"Obviously, the coach put me on one of the top lines, so it's a lot of responsibility," Kovalchuk told reporters after the team's morning skate. "But I'm feeling good, I'm ready to go."

Montreal signed Kovalchuk to a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000 at the NHL level Jan. 3, weeks after the Los Angeles Kings terminated what remained of his previous contract. He hasn't played in a game since Nov. 9 and has posted nine points in 17 games this season.

The Canadiens, who've been hit hard by injuries recently, are hoping the former 50-goal scorer can help boost their attack as they look to climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

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The New York Rangers have recalled goaltender Igor Shesterkin from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, the team announced Monday.

Shesterkin was drafted 118th overall by New York in 2014, and he's been one of the world's top goalie prospects ever since.

Across 117 KHL appearances over the past six years, the 24-year-old posted an 88-16-7 record along with a .935 save percentage. And his success has translated well to the North American game in his first season, as he leads the AHL in goals-against average (1.93), save percentage (.932), and shutouts (three).

Goaltenders Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev have shared duties for the Rangers this season, but Shesterkin will get his first NHL start on Tuesday versus the Colorado Avalanche with Lundqvist backing him up, according to The Athletic's Rick Carpiniello.

The Rangers are 19-18-4 this season, seven points back of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

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Most hockey fans in Russia spent Sunday disappointed. Some gleefully unaware supporters, on the other hand, partied like it was 2011.

Channel One, a widely viewed Russian TV news station, aired Canada's 4-3 victory over the nation in the 2020 gold-medal game at the World Junior Hockey Championship, according to The Associated Press.

However, Match TV - the country's primary sports network - simultaneously showed the 2011 final, in which Russia overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period to defeat Canada 5-3.

Several prominent Russians, including politician Mikhail Degtyarev and soccer player Dmitry Tarasov, were apparently fooled.

St. Louis Blues star Vladimir Tarasenko's wife, Yana, posted in Russian on Instagram that her husband watched the 2011 final on Sunday for 10 minutes "until he saw himself in the game," as The AP translated.

Match TV showed live games earlier in the 2020 tournament, but Channel One exclusively aired the medal-round contests.

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This is the eighth 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 one New Year's resolution for each team in 2020.

1. Washington Capitals (29-9-5)

Previous Rank: 1

While the Capitals have been dominant this season, an improved power play would make them unstoppable. Washington owns the league's 11th-ranked man advantage (21.8%) but has converted on just five of 33 opportunities over its last 10 games (15.15%).

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (25-12-5)

Previous Rank: 7

Like many of us, the Penguins should make a concerted effort to be healthier in 2020. Pittsburgh currently has more than $24 million going to players on its long-term injured reserve, but at least the club keeps winning.

3. St. Louis Blues (26-10-7)

Previous Rank: 2

Give Robert Thomas more ice time. The speedy sophomore leads the team in points per 60 minutes and individual high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (both at five-on-five), but he's averaging just 13:53 of time per game - less than Tyler Bozak, Oskar Sundqvist, Alex Steen, and Ivan Barbashev.

4. Boston Bruins (24-8-11)

Previous Rank: 4

In 2020, the Bruins need to close out tight games. In 13 trips to extra time this season, they've come out with just two wins while going 0-for-6 in shootouts.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs (24-14-5)

Previous Rank: 11

Don't be afraid to give Michael Hutchinson more starts. The Maple Leafs are 15-4-1 under Sheldon Keefe, which has given them a bit of a cushion in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Hutchinson was brutal to begin the season, but he's won all three of his starts since Mike Babcock was fired, posting a .945 save percentage in the process. A well-rested Frederik Andersen will give Toronto its best shot at a deep playoff run in the spring.

6. Vegas Golden Knights (24-15-6)

Previous Rank: 8

The Golden Knights have taken over the driver's seat in the Pacific Division following a slow start to the season. Priority No. 1 for 2020 should be to keep it that way.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-13-4)

Previous Rank: 17

The Lightning must resolve to stop giving out so many no-trade clauses. With five pending RFAs, four pending UFAs, and only $8 million in projected cap space for 2020-21, the Lightning will need to get creative to lock up key players like Mikhail Sergachev and Anthony Cirelli - especially because they also have a whopping nine players with no-trade clauses.

8. New York Islanders (25-12-3)

Previous Rank: 6

The Islanders play a unique style of hockey, but in 2020, they'll need to get more pucks on net. The team ranks dead last in shots on goal with 1,148 - almost 400 less than the top-ranked Golden Knights.

9. Colorado Avalanche (25-13-4)

Previous Rank: 3

This club needs to make a splash in 2020. The Avalanche are in a rare situation as a Cup-contending team with ample cap space and plenty of trade capital. One more elite player would push them over the top.

10. Vancouver Canucks (23-15-4)

Previous Rank: 21

It's been a roller-coaster season for the Canucks, and a current seven-game winning streak has put them back in the playoff mix. Finding some consistency is of the utmost importance in 2020.

11. Dallas Stars (24-14-4)

Previous Rank: 14

Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski, and Tyler Seguin will need to hit a shooting clinic sometime soon. All three players are on pace for the lowest goals-per-game totals of their careers, so they should resolve to light the lamp at their usual levels in 2020.

12. Carolina Hurricanes (24-16-2)

Previous Rank: 5

Give Andrei Svechnikov more ice time. The 19-year-old phenom has emerged as one of the best and most exciting young talents in the league, but he's played just 16:42 per game - almost three full minutes less than Teuvo Teravainen. It's time to let the kid loose.

13. Arizona Coyotes (24-16-4)

Previous Rank: 9

Someone needs to light a fire under Phil Kessel, who's on pace for just 45 points, which would be his lowest output since 2007-08. With goalies Darcy Kuemper and Antti Raanta battling injuries, Kessel needs to be an offensive catalyst. He can start by shooting the puck more often, considering his 2.32 shots per game would rank as the lowest mark of his career.

14. Florida Panthers (22-15-5)

Previous Rank: 16

The Panthers need to be better on the road. Their 8-8-3 mark away from BB&T Center thus far won't cut it in the playoff race.

15. Philadelphia Flyers (22-15-5)

Previous Rank: 10

The Flyers should resolve to rise above mediocrity in 2020. Ranked 15th in these power rankings, Philly also sits 15th in power-play percentage, 16th in penalty-kill percentage, 16th in goals scored, and 15th in the league's overall standings.

16. Edmonton Oilers (22-17-5)

Previous Rank: 15

It might be obvious, but the Oilers simply need someone not named Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl to score some goals. James Neal has chipped in with 19 this season, but 11 of those came during October.

17. Winnipeg Jets (22-16-4)

Previous Rank: 12

The Jets must stop allowing so many power-play goals. Winnipeg can't keep being the NHL's worst penalty-killing club if it plans to keep pace in the rough-and-tumble Central Division.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets (19-15-8)

Previous Rank: 22

The Blue Jackets must remember to keep funds in their savings account this year, just in case a referee does something their coach doesn't agree with.

19. Calgary Flames (22-17-5)

Previous Rank: 13

The Flames should acquire a top-six forward. Michael Frolik’s departure created the required cap space to land such a player, but actions speak louder than words, and GM Brad Treliving needs to make it happen before the trade deadline.

20. Minnesota Wild (20-17-6)

Previous Rank: 23

Wild goaltenders need to make more saves in 2020, especially considering they play behind one of the league's stingiest defensive teams. Minnesota ranks near the top of the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes, scoring chances against per 60 minutes, and high-danger scoring chances against per 60 minutes, yet Alex Stalock, Devan Dubnyk, and Kaapo Kahkonen have combined for a save percentage below .900 and a goals-against average above 3.00. Even league-average goaltending the rest of the way could get the Wild into the playoffs.

21. Nashville Predators (19-15-7)

Previous Rank: 20

Pekka Rinne needs to play up to his usual standard. The Predators are largely pulling their weight on both offense and defense, while their longtime starting goaltender is the primary reason they've underachieved to date.

22. Buffalo Sabres (19-17-7)

Previous Rank: 19

More roster improvements are needed in 2020. The Sabres have made a series of smart trades over the past year but haven't kept pace in the top-heavy Atlantic Division. Fortunately, Buffalo still has some expendable pieces on its roster who could be dealt for reinforcements. Perhaps some additions can help the Sabres snap their lengthy playoff drought.

23. New York Rangers (19-18-4)

Previous Rank: 24

Stop taking so many penalties. The Rangers have been shorthanded more often than any other team in the league this season, and their 23rd-ranked penalty kill (78.4%) hasn’t done them any favors.

24. Montreal Canadiens (18-17-7)

Previous Rank: 18

The Canadiens must resolve to close out key games. Montreal has gone just 4-7-3 against divisional opponents this season, while 15 of its total losses have been decided by one goal.

25. Chicago Blackhawks (19-18-6)

Previous Rank: 25

The Blackhawks need to spend the first six weeks of 2020 figuring out their long-term plan. Do they go full rebuild or can they stay the course with a mix of youth and experience in hopes of simply qualifying for the playoffs? The former would be more feasible if not for the hefty contracts of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith, but it bears considering.

26. San Jose Sharks (19-21-4)

Previous Rank: 28

Climb the standings - it's that simple. This already appears to be a lost season for the Sharks, but it could get even worse if the first-round pick they owe the Senators ends up in the top five.

27. New Jersey Devils (15-20-6)

Previous Rank: 30

While this season is a write-off, the Devils should still believe in their not-so-distant future. Following a disastrous start, they've gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games while showing glimpses of potential. This team is loaded with young talent and a handful of key veterans, so it should resolve to keep on trucking in 2020.

28. Ottawa Senators (16-21-5)

Previous Rank: 26

Ottawa must re-sign Anthony Duclair. The 24-year-old - who was considered a throwaway in last year's Ryan Dzingel trade - is in the midst of a breakout season. The Senators have plenty of cap space but don't feature many foundational pieces, so locking up Duclair should be a priority. He's always had the talent to produce at this rate, so there's a strong chance that he's for real.

29. Los Angeles Kings (17-22-4)

Previous Rank: 29

With $21 million tied up between franchise cornerstones Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty until 2024, the Kings will need to make big strides in their rebuild this year. Both veterans are now in their 30s, so the window to become competitive again won't stay open much longer.

30. Anaheim Ducks (17-20-5)

Previous Rank: 27

A complete teardown is needed in 2020. The on-the-fly retool - or whatever you want to call the current situation in Anaheim - isn't working. This needs to be the year in which the Ducks start from scratch.

31. Detroit Red Wings (10-30-3)

Previous Rank: 31

Where does one even begin with these Red Wings? Let's start with Dylan Larkin. While the young forward's candor about wanting to skip the All-Star Game could be considered refreshing, it likely didn't sit well with many fans. Larkin could stand to show a bit more tact in 2020.

(Advanced stats source: Natural Stat Trick)

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