All things come to an end.

Sometimes it isn't pretty, like Utah HC’s 6-1 season-ending loss to the St. Louis Blues, who clinched a playoff spot with the win.

x marks the (playoff) spot pic.twitter.com/oLAqgrCuzJ

— x - St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) April 16, 2025

But for Utah, the end of this season is only the beginning of many more to come. Instead of lingering on the disappointment of missing the playoffs, Utah is in a position where it can look ahead with optimism.

There’s just something about Utah defensemen’s homecomings that result in Utah losses.

This time, it was Robert Bortuzzo’s turn to fall short in his return to the St. Louis Blues—a team he was a part of for over 10 seasons, winning a Stanley Cup with them in 2019. Rumors that this might have been the final game of his 14-year NHL career only made his appearance more sentimental.

But it was the playoff implications for the Blues that ultimately overshadowed Bortuzzo’s return, leading to a dominant win.

It wasn’t as if the Blues didn’t celebrate Bortuzzo, as he did receive a standing ovation from the St. Louis faithful.

Robert Bortuzzo gets standing ovation at Enterprise Center. pic.twitter.com/PPSg5SO2qE

— Belle Fraser (@bellefraser1) April 16, 2025

But the Blues looked incredibly hungry and motivated to control their own fate and clinch a playoff spot.

Early on, they capitalized on poor positioning during an odd-man rush, as both defensemen—Ian Cole and Michael Kesselring—were caught playing high in the offensive zone.

SCHENN FROM SNUGGERUD... HOW'S THAT????!! pic.twitter.com/OiQt4eONVX

— x - St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) April 16, 2025

With only Logan Cooley back on defense, a simple swipe at the puck was all Jimmy Snuggerud needed to kick off the breakaway. Ultimately, Brayden Schenn would score on the rebound of Snuggerud's shot.

The Blues once again showed plenty of energy and focus, scoring their next goal after a series of decisive passes led to a wide-open chance for Pavel Buchnevich.

THIS PLACE IS FIRED UP!!! pic.twitter.com/r4ldBwgbwH

— x - St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) April 16, 2025

But that wouldn’t be the end of the Blues’ success in the first period, as they scored two more power-play goals to take a 4–0 lead to end the period. 

With strong defense stifling Utah’s offense, the deficit proved far too much to overcome. Utah’s only goal came from Clayton Keller on its first power play of the second period, briefly cutting into the lead.

🔥 Keller gets Utah on the board.

That's goal #30 this season for Kells! pic.twitter.com/AKhkjAhQAv

— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 16, 2025

Despite a much better second period from Utah, the Blues entered the third having made the proper adjustments to get back to their game plan. They limited the power-play opportunities Utah had in the second and recreated both the offensive and defensive success they showed in the first, scoring two more goals to secure the win.

It is an unfortunate trend: Utah has now lost its last three games when a defenseman returned to face his former team on the road.

In Mikhail Sergachev’s return to Tampa for the first time since being traded, the Lightning handed Utah its worst loss in franchise history, winning 8–0.

The very next game, Kevin Stenlund also came up short on his homecoming night against the Florida Panthers. Utah did play much better as it managed to force overtime in that game, despite struggling to generate offense or create quality scoring chances. Still, the game would end in a 2-1 for Utah. 

But whether or not this marks the end of Bortuzzo’s career, it had to feel good to get a start—his first since Jan. 2 against Calgary—against a team he shares so many memories with. 

And if it truly is his last game, there couldn't be a better way to end his career than in St. Louis. 

Borts back in STL 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ebGw8m7vgo

— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 16, 2025

Despite ending on a losing note, the inaugural season for Utah was an improvement in every way.

On the ice, the team earned 89 points in the standings, surpassing the performance of last year's squad when they were still playing as the Arizona Coyotes. The development of young stars like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther also helped team captain Clayton Keller set new career highs in both assists and points. 

Not only that, but the stadium improved, with the Delta Center now serving as its official home, rather than a temporary relocation. The practice facility, once completed, will be considered one of the best in the NHL, as announced with the completion of its construction.

While the team’s move from Arizona to Utah was a significant change, it’s hard to ignore the benefits that the change in scenery under new owners Ryan and Ashley Smith has brought.

Vejmelka Caps Off Strong Season With Goalie Of The Week HonorsThe NHL has announced their top goalies of the week, and to no one’s surprise, Utah Hockey Club’s Karel Vejmelka has been named as one of them.

The season may have ended without a postseason trip for Utah, but it served as a great building block and transition year. The team is sure to improve with more time and talent joining in the future.

Still, Utah surely would have wanted to take home a win against the team that stole its playoff berth.

But with Utah general manager Bill Armstrong having success with both the draft and his recent trades, Utah fans should be excited for what the offseason has to offer and how it will ultimately improve the team ahead of next season.

Utah's Keller & Schmaltz Set Career-Highs Against PredatorsLast night, in Utah Hockey Club's 7-2 win over the Nashville Predators, a few new career-highs were set. Both Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz reached new personal bests in points.

The Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets have finally determined their opponent for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Thanks to a commanding 6-1 win over Utah on Tuesday night, the St. Louis Blues will be travelling to Manitoba's capital for the opening round, best-of-seven series.

With the win, St. Louis eliminated the Calgary Flames from playoff contention and cemented a matchup between the second-place Vegas Golden Knights and the Minnesota Wild in the process.

Despite their final playoff seed positioning, the Blues (43-30-8) are no pushover, as they have gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and only recently had their 12-game winning streak snapped (in Winnipeg last week).

Having clinched the trophy for being first in the league, Winnipeg (55-24-4) has had to wait longer than most clubs to begin its plan of attack against its previously unknown opponent.

The other aspect of the opening round matchup is that of the dates of the seven games.

With a concert scheduled for Canada Life Centre on Saturday, and concerts at Enterprise Center the following Friday and Saturday, the most likely plan of attack will be games on Sunday and Tuesday in Winnipeg, followed by Thursday and Sunday in St. Louis, before the series shifts back to Winnipeg for Game 5, and St. Louis for Game 6 and Winnipeg again for Game 7 - all of which will only occur if needed. 

Unless the concerts featuring Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Winnipeg), Brooks and Dunn (St. Louis) and Katt Williams (St. Louis) are rescheduled, this proposed series schedule would be the most likely scenario.

However, with Winnipeg wrapping up its season on Wednesday, and the Blues now having completed their 2024-25 campaign, the league would be interested in teams done playing before Thursday the option of starting the postseason on Saturday. 

So at this point, all options do remain on the table. 

Head to head this season, Winnipeg holds a 3-1-0 advantage over St. Louis, with a 3.37 goals-for per game up against a 3.01 goals-for from the Blues. Winnipeg allows just 2.33 goals against, while St. Louis gives up on average 2.84 goals a game. The Jets have the best power play, while St. Louis' is ranked No. 18. 

Adding some additional fire to the fold is that of the battle between the Schenn brothers. Blues captain Brayden will take on his older brother Luke, who was added at the trade deadline by Winnipeg. The two have already joked about cutting off all lines of communication should this matchup arise. 

Details on the schedule are expected to come as early as Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins nominated forward Kevin Hayes for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an award given annually to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Hayes, 32, is well-known for his personality on and off the ice, as his peers also just voted him most likely to have a career in broadcasting for the annual NHL Players Association (NHLPA) Players Poll. But his humanitarian efforts are really what distinguish him.

After each home game this season, his initiative, "Hayes' Heroes," recognizes a first responder and their family. For each game in Pittsburgh, Hayes purchases tickets for a first responder and their family, and he meets them after the game. 

The initiative began during his playing days with the New York Rangers, when he honored families affected by the 9/11 attacks. He carried the program over to Philadelphia, then St. Louis, and now Pittsburgh, and first responders as a whole have become a focus.

If Hayes would win the Clancy trophy, $25,000 would be awarded to a charity of Hayes' choice. Every NHL team announced a nominee on Tuesday, and a winner will be chosen by a selection committee that includes former winners of the trophy.

No Penguins' player has ever won the award.

Sidney Crosby Named 'Most Complete Player' For Sixth Consecutive Season In NHLPA Player PollFor the sixth consecutive season,

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!     

It's unfortunately set in stone: the Calgary Flames will not be part of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It became official when St. Louis beat Utah 6-1 during the second intermission of the Flames' own game with the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Earlier, Minnesota took the other wild-card spot by getting a point after forcing overtime in the final minute of their game against Anaheim.

The Flames season was highlighted by the coming of rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, who is in the running for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year. Other young stars that made an impact include Connor Zary and Matt Coronato.

Calgary still has one more regular season game left. It is a Thursday away encounter against the Los Angeles Kings. Considering the elimination, another highly touted prospect, Zayne Parekh, could make his debut in that game.

Toronto has clinched the division title for the first time since the 1999-00 season.

With a 4-0 win on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres, the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched the Atlantic division title, their first divisional title since 2000.

The Maple Leafs secured the North division crown in 2021 during the COVID-19 season, but this was clearly different. With a fresh head coach who implemented new systems, Toronto found a way to stand ahead of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I think it's a goal that you set out at the end of the year to claim that. It's a good step for our group," Auston Matthews, who scored his 400th career goal, said on Tuesday.

"Obviously, a lot of work to be done, but a good little checkmark for us."

here we see a great thing, and Auston Matthews scoring his 400th NHL goal pic.twitter.com/HnxyIdNDn0

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) April 16, 2025

Toronto's division-clinching win now sets up one of the most anticipated playoff matchups this year: the Battle of Ontario.

The Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators haven't battled in the playoffs since 2004, when Toronto eliminated them in seven games. Since then, the Maple Leafs have won just one playoff series (against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023) but are looking to strike again.

"Yeah, I'm excited. Bring it on," Steven Lorentz said before reminiscing about the Battle of Ontario as a child.

"It's exciting for the fans, obviously. There's a lot of passion in both organizations. But I grew up watching this series when I was a kid a few times, so I've got fond memories and to be able to play in it now is just special, and I'm looking forward to it."

His favorite memory against the Senators in the playoffs?

"I remember the two back-to-back goals, the one five-hole on [Patrick Lalime]. Joe Nieuwendyk, if I remember correctly. But yeah, I just remember being a little kid, having a mini stick net right in front of the TV, and in the TV timeout, I'd fire the ball in the net," Lorentz said.

"Now, to be able to do this, I still feel like I'm that eight-year-old kid watching on TV, but I get to sit on the bench with the big boys and put my effort in out there."

Nieuwendyk gets two soft goals against LalimeWatch as Joe Niewendyk scores two identical soft goals back-to-back against Patrick Lalime in the game clincher against Ottawa in the 2004 playoffs.---------...

It'll be Lorentz's first playoff series wearing blue and white, but Matthews and Mitch Marner have had their fair share of battles in the postseason. They've played the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning, to name a few, but never the Senators.

"Yeah, it'll be cool. I mean, it's been a long time. Obviously, they're a good young team. They're hungry," Matthew said.

"They've taken steps as well, so I think it's going to be great. It's going to be fun. It's good for hockey. Obviously, it's going to be intense, so I think we're looking forward to it."

Anthony Stolarz, who secured his third shutout in the last eight games, has played the Senators twice this season. The Maple Leafs have lost both times, but Stolarz has put together a .908 save percentage in that span.

After Toronto's win against Buffalo, Stolarz sits first in the NHL with a .926 save percentage. While it remains uncertain who gets Game 1 against Ottawa, Stolarz will be ready if he gets the nod.

"It'll be fun for sure. I think they're a hungry team. They haven't made the playoffs in a couple years here," Stolarz said. "We feel good about our game and it's going to be a blood bath; it's going to be a little bit of a war, so we'll be ready."

Toronto has one final game — against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday — before the playoff fun begins.

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Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Kings (47-24-9) face the Seattle Kraken (35-40-6)  in a season series winner-take-all match at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA on Tuesday, April 15. 

Both the Kraken and the Kings won two games apiece during the 2024-2025, and notably the last time the LA Kings played the Kraken on home ice, they were shocked with a 2-1 loss on Monday, April 7.  With the Las Vegas Golden Knights clinching the Pacific Division, though the Kings play these games with the intent to maintain their second place standing which affects seeding for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Notably, many of the Kings' best stars including defenseman Drew Doughty, defenseman Mikey Anderson, center Anze Kopitar, right wing Quinton Byfield, and defenseman Joel Edmundson are out in order to rest them with the playoffs right around the corner. 

FIRST PERIOD

Los Angeles have deployed the B-squad to face the Kraken tonight, with goaltender David Rittich starting for the Kings. The first period begins with the Kings' B squad and the Kraken vying for control of the puck.

x - LA Kings (@LAKings) on XGo time in the Emerald City! 🏙️ @SimonLawGroup | #GoKingsGo

LA commits the first penalty of the night - defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov with a hooking penalty. Seattle begin the first period with a free power play against the B-squad. The Kraken make no use of the power play, but neither team has much offensive momentum at the moment. 

As the former half of the first period comes around, both teams play relatively clean hockey and Seattle surprisingly has made an impressive amount of shots at the Los Angeles net -- 11 shots compared to the Kings' 3 shots. So far, neither team has broken through, despite some excellent stick play by both teams. 

AS I SPEAK, THE RINK HAS WOKEN UP AS KINGS CENTER SAMUEL HELENIUS, WITH THE ASSIST BY GAVRIKOV TO REDEEM HIMSELF, 1-0

BIG SAMMY GETS US STARTED! pic.twitter.com/sIYItUYWnh

— x - LA Kings (@LAKings) April 16, 2025

Los Angeles has jolted their offensive momentum during this first period, even with many bench players getting to shine on the hockey rink tonight. Meanwhile, Seattle commits their first penalty --- tripping against LA King left wing Trevor Moore ---, granting the Kings their first power play.

AS I WRITE THAT, ALEX TURCOTTE TIPS IN ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE KINGS, WITH LEFT WING KEVIN FIALA AND RIGHT WING ADRIAN KEMPE SCORING A POWER PLAY GOAL, 2-0 

TURCY DAY! pic.twitter.com/W0KbHKbx05

— x - LA Kings (@LAKings) April 16, 2025

The Kings' B-squad so far during the first period has kept the same offensive prowess the team is known for, peaking at the right time as the Stanley Cup Playoffs round the corner. 

SECOND PERIOD

The second period starts and so far both teams vie for control of the puck. Kraken defenseman Vince Mann has been penalized orignally for slashing Kuzmenko, but now he has been docked another penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Kings' B-squad players, granting LA a power play.

The Kings get nothing out of their second power play. 

As the period progresses, Seattle has gotten fairly aggressive in their shots. Kraken left wing Tye Kartye scores the first goal for his team with his own unassisted "I'm the man" shot into the LA net to keep the Kraken within one score, 2-1. 

Los Angeles defenseman Kyle Burroughs commits the second penalty -- high sticking ---, granting the Kraken another power play. Ultimately, the Kraken are unable to break through the Kings' defense, which burned time off the clock despite the Kraken's brazen amount of shots to the LA net. 

Now, the Kings are giving away power plays left and right, as center Phillip Danault get penalized for tripping. As a result, Seattle defenseman Brandon Montour scores another goal for the Kraken, tying the game2-2. 

So far in the second period, both goals made by Seattle were capitalized on through power plays and mistakes made by the Kings' B-squad. At the 7:00 minute mark, the Kraken have also outhit the Kings 21-8, despite the Kings not being afraid to put some hits onto the Seattle roster on ice. 

Adrian Kempe has now made history for himself, scoring 400 points throughout his National Hockey League career. 

AND WITH THAT IN MIND, KINGS LEFT WING WARREN FOEGELE SCORES ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE KINGS WITH A BACKHAND SHOT TO PUT THEM AHEAD AGAIN, 3-2

FAST HANDS FOEGS! pic.twitter.com/ZEdTdvJzVf

— x - LA Kings (@LAKings) April 16, 2025

OH MY, NOW THE KINGS HAVE GONE BACK-TO-BACK WITH RIGHT WING ALEX LAFERRIERE HITTING A SNAP SHOT TO EXTEND THE KINGS' LEAD, 4-2

LaFOURriere pic.twitter.com/5cHnEzHOhx

— x - LA Kings (@LAKings) April 16, 2025

Los Angeles have redeemed themselves this second period with their offensive bounce back, but the penalties they have made which at one point kept the Kraken in the game linger.

NEW YORK (AP) — Dylan Strome scored three times, and the Washington Capitals beat the New York Islanders 3-1 on Tuesday night.

It was Strome's third career hat trick. Charlie Lindgren made 33 saves for Washington, which had dropped two in a row.

Hudson Fasching scored in the third period for New York, and Ilya Sorokin stopped 33 shots.

The Islanders have dropped four of five going into their season finale at Columbus on Thursday night. They will miss the playoffs for the second time in four seasons.

The Capitals are preparing for the playoffs after winning the Metropolitan Division.

Strome completed the hat trick at 18:49 of the third period with an empty-net goal.

Takeaways

Capitals: Martin Fehervary left in the first period after blocking a Bo Horvat wrist shot with the inside of his left foot. He later returned — a positive sign for Washington, which can’t afford to lose another defenseman ahead of the playoffs.

Islanders: Veteran forward Matt Martin was an alternate captain for the first time in his career with New York. It was likely his final home game with the Islanders, after spending 14 of his 16 NHL seasons with the team.

Key moment

Lindgren made two critical stops on Pierre Engvall and Noah Dobson at 14:53 of the first period during an Islanders power play.

Key stat

Washington star Alex Ovechkin recorded his 28th assist this season and No. 726 for his career — part of a milestone season in which he surpassedWayne Gretzky atop the NHL’s career goals list.

Up next

The Capitals close out the regular season on Thursday at Pittsburgh.

The Islanders finish their season against the Blue Jackets.