Monthly Archives: April 2025

ECHL, Hockey News

Former Railers Netminder Makes NHL Debut With Islanders

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Apr 10, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg (50) makes a save on New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) during the third period at UBS Arena. (Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler, Imagn Images)

It was not a fun night for the New York Islanders Thursday, as they were routed by the rival New York Rangers 9-2.

For one player, however, the night would be unforgettable if not brief.

Former Worcester Railers goaltender Tristan Lennox made his NHL debut for the Islanders, after head coach Patrick Roy inserted the 22-year-old netminder in the third period with the Islanders down 6-1.

Lennox relieved Marcus Hogberg but faced just one shot, a Brett Berard five-hole on an odd-man rush to increase the Rangers’ lead to 7-2.

Roy then elected to put Hogberg back in the game after that, but it mattered little as the Isles were all but eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention with the lopsided loss.

Photo Courtesy of the Worcester Railers

Lennox was emergency recalled on Thursday after a lower-body injury to starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin. The Islanders’ third-round pick (93rd overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft has appeared in four games with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League this season, posting a 0-3-0 record with a 4.44 goals-against average and an .832 save percentage.

An injury in 2023-24 with the Railers has limited Lennox’s action in net this season. He went 5-6-2 last season with the Railers, recording a .909 SP and 2.94 GAA over 13 games.

The native of Ottawa became the 766th former ECHL player to make his NHL debut and the 14th this season.

The 6-foot-4, 196-pound goaltender is the fourth Railer player to go on to play in the NHL after appearing in a game for Worcester. He joins Jakub Skarek, who made his NHL debut for the Islanders on Feb. 2, 2025, Arnaud Durandeau, who made his NHL debut for the Islanders on Feb. 20, 2023, and Ken Appleby, who appeared in one game for the Isles on Jan. 15, 2024.

Hockey News

Smith And Karlsson’s Penalty Killing Pose Additional Offensive Threats For Golden Knights

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Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) celebrates his goal scored with right wing Reilly Smith (19) and defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

William Karlsson and Reilly Smith are the Vegas Golden Knights franchise leaders in shorthanded goals and points, and after being reunited at the deadline, they are showing just how dangerous and effective they can be on the penalty kill.

The 2024-25 campaign has been challenging for Karlsson. The 32-year-old has scored just nine goals and 27 points in 50 games, dealing with two long-term injuries throughout the season. 

Although it's been a down year, a trade deadline acquisition has revived his play. Since Smith's re-arrival to Vegas, Karlsson has scored two goals and nine points in 12 games.

The Golden Knights are in safer hands defensively and can now count on Karlsson and Smith to chip in with depth scoring. 

Surprisingly, some of their best offensive chances come on the penalty kill. Against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, Karlsson recorded his eighth goal of the season, set up Smith. 

Karlsson and Smith are one and two in the rankings for shorthanded goals and points, with Karlsson recording 14 goals and 25 points and Smith registering 12 goals and 21 points. As each game passes by, their chemistry continues to build.

"It helps a lot playing with Karl," said Smith following the 2-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. "It seems like every time I don't get the puck out he's behind me, and he does a good job so, just keep on working and keep on getting better. We have a few more games, and hopefully, we get our game in top shape when we get to the playoffs."

Following the 3-2 shootout loss to the Avalanche, HC Bruce Cassidy told the travelling media that he believed the Karlsson, Smith, and Victor Olofsson trio was the best line that night. 

If Karlsson and Smith can win their matchups at 5-on-5 and allow Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl more favourable opponents, the Golden Knights will pose a serious threat to any opponent. Mixing in the inevitable danger they create while shorthanded, the Golden Knights will be a handful for any team. 

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