SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has acquired forward Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
McCarron, 30 (3/7/1995), owns 12 points (5-7=12), 73 penalty minutes (PIM) and a 52.8 face-off percentage (428/811) in 59 games for Nashville this season while leading the Predators and ranking T-17th in the NHL with a career-high 165 hits. For his career, 6-foot-6, 232-pound native of Grosse Point, Mich., has recorded 74 career points (33-41=74) and 495 PIM in 361 games across parts of nine NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens (2015-18) and Nashville (2020-26). McCarron has also skated in nine career Stanley Cup Playoff games across three postseason appearances with Montreal (2017) and Nashville (2022, 2024), totaling 12 shots on goal. He also collected two points (1-1=2) and 15 shots on goal to help the United States win the Gold Medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
McCarron has collected 141 points (58-83=141) in 262 games in parts of seven seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL), spending time with the St. John’s IceCaps (2015-17), Laval Rocket (2017-20) and Milwaukee Admirals (2019-23). He has posted seven points (4-3=7) in 17 Calder Cup Playoff games across two postseason appearances with Milwaukee (2023) and St. John’s (2017). Prior to his professional career, McCarron spent two seasons (2013-15) in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), winning the 2015 Memorial Cup and OHL championship with the Oshawa Generals, and was named to the 2015 Memorial Cup All-Star Team. McCarron was originally selected by Montreal in the first round (No. 25 overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey TV/Streaming: NESN+ (Boston market), MSGSN (New York market), Sportsnet ONE / Sportsnet+ (Canada), PWHL YouTube / thepwhl.com (international) Doors: 6:00 PM ET (with Kristýna Kaltounková bobblehead giveaway for fans)
This is a key Eastern Conference battle as the Fleet look to protect their slim lead atop the standings while the Sirens try to climb back into the top-four playoff mix at home.
Injury Report
Boston Fleet: No major injuries or absences reported. The roster is effectively at full strength post-Olympic break, with all key contributors (including Alina Müller, Aerin Frankel in net, and defensive core) available after the Feb. 28 shootout win.
New York Sirens: No new injuries listed. The team returned from the Olympic break relatively healthy, though goaltending depth was tested in the Feb. 26 loss (Kayle Osborne / Callie Shanahan split duties). Full roster expected.
Recent Form (Last 5–6 Games)
Fleet: 4-1-1 (strong post-break form)
Feb 28 @ Ottawa: W 3-2 SO (Müller & Newhook regulation goals; Brandt shootout winner; Frankel 23 saves).
Pre-break: Consistent winners with excellent special teams and goaltending. Averaging ~2.5 goals scored / 1.7 allowed lately.
Sirens: 2-3-1 (rough start to second half)
Feb 26 vs. Montréal: L 1-4 (only goal from Casey O’Brien; outshot but poor finishing).
Pre-break: Mixed results with flashes of offense but defensive lapses. Scoring has dried up (averaging under 2.0 goals in recent losses).
Key Player Matchups
Alina Müller / Abby Newhook / Hannah Brandt (BOS) vs. Sirens’ defense — Müller (team leader in points/assists) and Newhook exploit speed and power-play chances against a NY blue line that has been leaky.
Kristýna Kaltounková / Sarah Fillier / Casey O’Brien (NY) vs. Boston’s shutdown pairs & Aerin Frankel — Kaltounková (league-leading ~11–12 goals) is the Sirens’ primary threat; Fillier leads in assists. Boston’s Frankel (elite save %) and structured defense have contained top scorers all season.
Goaltending: Aerin Frankel (BOS – top-tier) vs. Kayle Osborne / Callie Shanahan tandem (NY – solid but inconsistent). Edge clearly to Boston.
Special Teams: Fleet rank among league leaders on PP/PK; Sirens have been average-to-below at home.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Boston leads the season series 2-0.
Jan 28 @ Boston (Lowell): Fleet 4-3 SO win (Müller shootout heroics).
Dec 17 @ New York: Fleet 2-0 shutout win.
Recent trend: Low-scoring, tight games with Boston finding ways to win (often late or in extras). The Fleet have outscored the Sirens 6-3 across the two meetings.
Betting Trends
Fleet are strong favorites in road games vs. sub-.500 teams and have covered in recent head-to-heads.
Sirens are 3-4-1 at home this season and have gone Under in 4 of their last 5.
Under 5.5 has hit in both prior Fleet-Sirens games this season.
GAME ODDS
Boston Fleet – 160
New York Sirens 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, March 4, 2026
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Conor Geekie from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced today.
Geekie, 21, has played in six games for the Bolts this season, tallying one assist and four penalty minutes while averaging 10:02 of time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound forward has skated in 58 career NHL games, all with the Lightning, logging eight goals, 15 points and three game-winning goals.
A native of Strathclair, Manitoba, Geekie has appeared in 47 games for the Crunch this season and has posted 14 goals and 51 points. He leads Syracuse skaters with 37 assists, while ranking second for points and fourth for goals. Geekie also represented the Crunch at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic. Geekie has played in 71 career AHL games with the Crunch, recording 25 goals and 71 points to go along with a plus-14 rating.
Geekie was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round, 11th overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft and was acquired by Tampa Bay via trade on June 29, 2024.
Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course – Hainan Island, Hainan, People’s Republic of China Thursday–Sunday, March 5–8, 2026 Purse: $2,600,000 | Winner’s Share: $390,000 | Race to the CME Globe: 500 points 108-player field, no cut (full 72 holes)
Venue & Course Overview
Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course (designed by Schmidt-Curley with significant 2020s renovations), a modern resort layout on the northeast coast of Hainan Island. Par 72 | 6,712 yards | Bermuda fairways/greens | Rating/Slope: ~74.5/135 (from tips)
The course features wide, forgiving fairways framed by manmade dunes and palm trees, multiple reachable par-5s, and large, undulating TifEagle Bermuda greens that can get firm and quick. Water hazards and strategic bunkering come into play on approach shots, especially on the back nine. Wind is the primary defense here — even moderate breezes turn birdie holes into pars and pars into bogeys. Record 72-hole score: −19 (269) by Bailey Tardy in 2024; low-round record: 64.2026 Course Conditions (early-week reports): Firm and fast after a dry start to the dry season. Greens running 11.5–12.5 on the Stimpmeter, receptive but firming further under sun and wind. Rough is penal but playable; expect scoring opportunities on the par-5s (holes 5, 8, 13, 16) and a premium on approach accuracy and lag putting.
Weather Forecast (Hainan Island – March 5–8, 2026)
Tropical March conditions: warm, humid, with a daily chance of brief passing showers or isolated thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Thursday (Rd 1): High 82–84°F (28–29°C), low ~72°F. Mostly cloudy with 40–50% chance of passing showers. NE/E winds 10–14 mph.
Friday (Rd 2): High 82–84°F, low ~71°F. Partly cloudy, 35–45% shower chance (highest late afternoon). Winds E/SE 12–15 mph.
Saturday (Rd 3): High 83–85°F, low ~70°F. Breaks of sun, 30–40% isolated showers. Winds 10–14 mph.
Sunday (Final Rd): High 82–84°F, low ~71°F. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, 20–30% shower risk. Winds 10–13 mph.
Heat index near 90–95°F (32–35°C) in the afternoons. Ideal for low scoring early in the week; wind and any rain could firm the course and reward precision by the weekend.
Tournament History
9th playing of the Blue Bay LPGA (debut 2014; annual since 2015 except pandemic gaps). Known as one of the LPGA’s strongest international events in Asia and a birdie-fest when conditions are calm. Recent Winners & Scores:
2025: Rio Takeda (−17, 271) – dominant final-round 64, won by 6 strokes
Low scores dominate (average winning total ~−15 or better in recent editions). Defending champions have strong history here; Asian and power players thrive.
Key Player Matchups & Storylines
Top Contenders
Rio Takeda (+1400 to +1600) – Defending champion and 2025 winner. Japanese star riding momentum; elite iron play and putting fit this scoring venue perfectly.
Ayaka Furue (+1000 to +1200) – Consistent ball-striker and recent winner; loves Asian tracks and has multiple top-5s here in past appearances.
Hye-Jin Choi (+1000) – World-class putter and scrambler; strong recent form post-HSBC.
A Lim Kim (+1600) – Power player who excels in wind; multiple top-10s in 2026.
Auston Kim / Ruoning Yin (+1800 range) – Young stars with length off the tee and hot putters.
Other Notables
Yuka Saso (major winner), Jasmine Suwannapura (recent winner), Lindy Duncan, Esther Henseleit, Chinese contingent (Muni He, local amateurs/sponsors).
Rising rookies and Top-80 money-list qualifiers fill out a solid but not superstar-heavy field (many elites resting after Singapore or preparing for U.S. swing).
Storylines: Rio Takeda seeking rare back-to-back; strong Asian representation; FedExCME points battle in a wide-open alternate-style event.
Recent Player Forms (Entering the Week)
Takeda: Dominant 2025 winner here + consistent cuts and top-15s early 2026.
Furue / Hye-Jin Choi: Multiple top-10s post-HSBC; sharp iron play.
A Lim Kim / Auston Kim: Hot putters with recent strong finishes.
Field features several players coming off solid HSBC performances or early-season wins.
Betting Trends
Low scores win: Winning totals routinely −15 to −19 in good weather.
Approach & putting rule: Past champs excel in SG: Approach and SG: Putting.
Favorites perform well but value in mid-tier Asians and course-repeaters.
Wind management key: Players who scramble and manage par-5s outperform.
Final-round comebacks common in this birdie-friendly setup.
Venue Location Stellenbosch Golf Club, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa (approximately 45 minutes east of Cape Town). This historic parkland layout (founded 1904, redesigned over the decades) returns to host the national open for the first time since 1999. The course plays as a par 70 at 7,268 yards (lengthened significantly with 15 new or rebuilt tee boxes). Kikuyu fairways and rough provide firm, tight lies; bentgrass greens run fast and true (typically 11–12 on the Stimpmeter).
Key features include elevation changes, strategic bunkering (all 44 upgraded), tree planting for tighter corridors, and an enlarged dam guarding the 18th green. The layout rewards accurate driving, precise iron play (especially mid-irons), and strong scrambling. Mountain views of the Helderberg range add to the scenic challenge. The course is in immaculate, tournament-ready condition after extensive agronomic upgrades.
Starting Date and Tee Time is scheduled for Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 (72-hole stroke play; 36-hole cut to top 65 + ties).
Practice/Pro-Am rounds: Wednesday, February 25.
Round 1 (Thu 26 Feb): Tee times from ~7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. SAST (gates open early).
Round 2 (Fri 27 Feb): Same window.
Round 3 (Sat 28 Feb): ~8:00 a.m. start.
Final Round (Sun 1 Mar): ~8:00 a.m. start; trophy presentation ~3:00–4:00 p.m. SAST. Purse: $1,500,000 (winner ≈ $459,000 + 3,000 Race to Dubai points). Broadcast: Sky Sports Golf (UK/Europe), SuperSport (South Africa), DP World Tour YouTube/ app, and select international feeds.
Weather Conditions Mild late-summer/early-autumn Western Cape weather — ideal for golf after a dry, warm lead-up.
Highs: 72–82°F (22–28°C) daily, warming slightly toward the weekend.
Lows: 52–63°F (11–17°C) — cool evenings.
Wind: Light to moderate (8–15 mph, predominantly southwesterly/south-easterly) — will firm the course and test accuracy on exposed holes.
Precipitation: Low risk early (possible isolated light showers or drizzle Thursday/Friday, <20% chance); mostly sunny to partly cloudy by weekend.
Humidity: Moderate (50–70%). Perfect scoring conditions expected early; wind and firmer surfaces could add 1–2 strokes per round on the weekend. No extreme heat or rain disruptions forecast.
Course Conditions Firm, fast, and beautifully presented. Kikuyu fairways are tight and running; rough is penal but playable. Bentgrass greens are smooth, quick, and holding well. Recent upgrades (new tees, bunker rebuilds, strategic tree planting, enlarged 18th dam) make the course play longer and more strategically demanding than in 1999. Expect a scoring average around 70–71 early, rising if wind strengthens. Birdie opportunities on the front nine; back-nine precision (especially approaching elevated greens) will decide the tournament.
Tournament History The 115th Investec South African Open is one of the oldest national opens in the world (dating to 1903). It has been co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour since 1997 (with occasional exceptions). Past winners include legends like Gary Player (13 titles), Ernie Els (5), Bobby Locke, and more recent stars.
Defending Champion: Dylan Naidoo (2025 at Durban Country Club — first DP World Tour win).
Notable recent winners: Dean Burmester (2024), Thriston Lawrence (2023), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (2020).
Stellenbosch hosted once before (1999). South African players have dominated recently (last seven champions were locals). Winning score typically 12–18 under in benign conditions.
Player Matchups & Key Contenders (Field: 126–156 players) A strong, story-rich field mixing DP World Tour stars, LIV Golf crossovers, and a deep South African contingent. No ultra-elite OWGR top-10s, but plenty of quality.
Top Contenders:
Patrick Reed (LIV/DPWT): Clear favorite (~9/1–11/1). Red-hot form (multiple recent DPWT wins + runner-up); proven winner on demanding layouts.
Jayden Schaper: Co-favorite (~10/1–11/1). Multiple 2026 wins; outstanding ball-striking and local knowledge.
Branden Grace / Dean Burmester / Hennie du Plessis (~16/1–20/1): Home heroes with multiple SA Open titles or strong course history.
Others to watch: Charl Schwartzel, Ernie Els (five-time winner, sentimental favorite), Thriston Lawrence, Dylan Naidoo (defending), Oliver Bekker (excellent course record here), Jacob Skov Olesen, Connor Syme.
Recent Player Forms
Reed: Dominant on DP World Tour — wins in Dubai & Qatar, runner-up in Bahrain; elite iron play and short game.
Schaper: Multiple Sunshine Tour/DPWT victories this season; red-hot tee-to-green.
Home South Africans (Grace, Burmester, du Plessis, Lawrence): Strong domestic form; thrive in familiar conditions and crowds.
Ayora / Skov Olesen: Consistent top-10/5 finishes recently. The field favors accurate drivers, strong iron players (mid-to-long), and scramblers who handle wind and firm conditions.
Betting Trends & Insights
Favorites: Reed leads the market, but value lies with in-form home players (Schaper, Grace, du Plessis) who know the conditions and have recent wins.
Trends: South Africans have won the last seven editions; course history at Stellenbosch (limited but positive for locals like Bekker) is key. Windy/firm setups reward precision over power. High made-cut rate for top contenders; birdie fests possible early if wind stays light.
Overall Outlook This historic 115th edition marks a special return to Stellenbosch Golf Club after 27 years, with a competitive, locally flavored field and perfect late-summer conditions. Patrick Reed enters as the class act and favorite, but the deep South African contingent (led by Schaper, Grace, Burmester, and defending champion Naidoo) makes this one of the most open and patriotic events on the DP World Tour calendar. Expect low scores early, with the upgraded layout and potential wind separating the field on the weekend. A winning total around 14–17 under is likely.
Grand Reserve Golf Club (Championship Course) – Río Grande, Puerto Rico Tee-Off is scheduled for March 5–8, 2026 Purse: $4,000,000 | Winner’s Share: $720,000 | FedExCup Points: 300 Additional/Alternate Event (opposite Arnold Palmer Invitational) – 120-player field, no cut (full 72 holes)
Venue & Course Overview
Tom Kite-designed Grand Reserve Golf Club (Championship Course), a beachfront peninsula layout in Río Grande on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast. Par 72 | 7,506 yards | Seashore paspalum fairways/greens | Rating/Slope: ~74.8/133 (from tips)
This lengthy, wind-exposed track features four par 5s (two exceeding 600 yards on the front nine in 2026’s nines-flipped setup), multiple water hazards, and demanding approach angles. The back nine closes with stout par 3s and long par 4s where pars are premium. Wind is the primary defense — even moderate breezes turn birdie opportunities into bogeys. Record 72-hole score: 262 (−26) by Karl Vilips in 2025; 18-hole record: 62.2026 Course Conditions (early-week reports): Firm and fast after a relatively dry Caribbean winter. Greens running 11.5–12.5 on the Stimpmeter. Bermuda/paspalum surfaces receptive but will firm further if winds pick up. Rough is penal but not overly thick. Expect scoring opportunities on the par 5s, but precision on approaches and lag putting will separate the field.
Weather Forecast (Río Grande, PR – March 5–8, 2026)
Classic tropical March conditions: warm, humid, with a daily chance of brief afternoon showers.
Thursday (Rd 1): High 82–84°F (28–29°C), low ~73°F. Partly sunny with 40% chance of scattered showers. East winds 12–18 mph.
Friday (Rd 2): High 83–85°F, low ~72°F. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, 35% shower chance. Winds E 10–16 mph.
Saturday (Rd 3): High 82–84°F, low ~73°F. Mixed sun/clouds, 45% isolated showers. Light to moderate E/SE winds 8–15 mph.
Sunday (Final Rd): High 81–83°F, low ~72°F. Partly cloudy with 40% shower risk late afternoon. Winds 10–17 mph.
Temperatures ideal for scoring early in the week; wind and any rain could firm the course and elevate difficulty by the weekend. Humidity ~70–80%.
Tournament History
18th playing of the Puerto Rico Open (first in 2008 as an opposite-field event). Known for launching careers and producing low scores in calm conditions. Recent Winners & Scores:
2025: Karl Vilips (−26) – tournament-record 262, won by 3 (8-under 64 Sunday)
2024: Brice Garnett (−19, playoff)
2023: Nico Echavarria (−21)
2022: Ryan Brehm (−20)
2021: Branden Grace (−19)
2020: Viktor Hovland (−20) – first PGA TOUR win
Low-scoring affairs dominate (average winning score ~−20 or better in recent years). Only one playoff in the last six editions. Defending champs have mixed results here, but course history is limited for most.
Key Player Matchups & Storylines
Top Contenders
Rasmus Højgaard (+1100 to +1125) – Clear betting favorite. European Ryder Cupper making his second Puerto Rico start; recent T9 at Cognizant Classic shows sharp form. Elite ball-striker who thrives in breezy conditions.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (+1200 to +1650) – 2025 runner-up here (−23). Consistent scorer on this track; strong recent form makes him a course specialist.
Davis Thompson (+1750–2200) – Multiple recent top-10s; excellent iron player and putter in calm-to-moderate wind.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando, Florida Tee-Off is scheduled for March 5–8, 2026 Purse: $20,000,000 | Winner’s Share: $4,000,000 | FedExCup Points: 700 Signature Event – Limited field of 72, cut after 36 holes (top 50 + ties + anyone within 10 shots of the lead)
Venue & Course Overview
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Bay Hill, FL – a southwest Orlando suburb). Par 72 | 7,466 yards | Bermuda greens & rough | Rating/Slope: 76.4/138
This classic Dick Wilson design (with decades of Palmer tweaks) features water in play on 14+ holes, generous but strategically placed fairways, and a brutal closing stretch (holes 16–18: reachable par-5, long par-3 over water, dogleg par-4 with water left). It plays like a “U.S. Open Lite” – one of the toughest non-major setups on the PGA Tour. The past nine editions have produced scoring averages over par, rewarding elite ball-striking, precise iron play, scrambling, and bogey avoidance far more than raw distance.2026 Course Conditions (as of early-week reports): Firm and fast Bermuda surfaces expected after a dry Florida winter. Rough will be “major-championship thick” (Bermuda overseeded with rye). Greens running 12–13 on the Stimpmeter by weekend. Wind is the great equalizer here – even 10–15 mph breezes make approach shots and lag putting extremely difficult.
Weather Forecast (Orlando/Bay Hill – March 5–8, 2026)
Ideal scoring weather early, with potential for the course to firm up and play even tougher by the weekend if winds increase.
Tournament History
Hosted at Bay Hill since 1979 (48th edition in 2026). Arnold Palmer’s personal playground and one of the most prestigious non-majors on the schedule. Recent Winners:
2025: Russell Henley (−11)
2024: Scottie Scheffler (−15)
2023: Kurt Kitayama (−9)
2022: Scottie Scheffler (−5)
2021: Bryson DeChambeau (−11)
2020: Tyrrell Hatton (−4)
2018: Rory McIlroy (−18)
Tiger Woods owns the all-time record with 8 victories (last in 2013).
Only two successful defenses in the last 50+ years (Matt Every 2014–15). Past champions in 2026 field: Scheffler (2×), McIlroy, Henley, Kitayama, Day.
Key Player Matchups & Storylines
The Big Three Favorites
Scottie Scheffler (+300 to +340) – World No. 1, two-time Bay Hill winner (2022, 2024), never finished worse than T25 in five starts. Coming off T12 at Genesis (ended 18 straight top-10s) but historically bounces back instantly. Elite in SG: Approach & Around-the-Green – exactly what Bay Hill demands.
Rory McIlroy (+950 to +1000) – 2018 champion, T2 in 2023. Fresh off strong TGL play and always dangerous when motivated heading into Masters season.
Russell Henley (+3000 to +3700) – Defending champion. Seeks rare back-to-back (first since Every in 2015). Exceptional iron player and putter; posted bogey-free Friday en route to 2025 title.
Other Contenders to Watch
Tommy Fleetwood (+1750–1900) – Consistent performer at tough tracks.
Xander Schauffele / Matt Fitzpatrick / Collin Morikawa (+2200–3100) – All elite ball-strikers with strong Bay Hill history (Morikawa was runner-up in 2025).
Justin Thomas (+5500) – First TOUR start since November 2025 back surgery. TGL rust-buster completed; T12 here in 2024. High-upside return spot.
Sungjae Im (+10000) – Season debut after wrist injury; loves Florida tracks.
Longshots with course affinity: Si Woo Kim, Harris English, Kurt Kitayama, Jordan Spieth (multiple top-5s here).
Notable Field Notes: Every top-10 (and top-20) OWGR player is in. Jacob Bridgeman (FedExCup leader), Nico Echavarria (last week’s Cognizant winner), and sponsor exemptions (Spieth, Horschel, Kirk) round out the star power.
Recent Player Forms (Last 5–6 Starts Entering the Week)
Scheffler: T12 (Genesis), multiple wins earlier in 2026 swing – still the most consistent player on Earth.
McIlroy: Strong TGL form; solid but winless in early 2026 events.
* Nathan MacKinnon scored his League-leading 41st goal of the season, moved within one of the 100-point mark and helped the Avalanche become the NHL’s first team to 40 wins in 2025-26.
* Jason Robertson tied the longest streak of consecutive 70-point campaigns among active U.S.-born players as the Stars set a franchise record with their ninth straight win.
* A European player factored on each of Detroit’s four goals during “NHL Prime Time” – a special broadcast airing in prime-time for fans in Europe – as LucasRaymond and the Red Wings ensured movement within the Atlantic Division standings for the fifth time in six days since the return to NHL action last week.
* JackHughes and MatthewTkachuk will go head-to-head to open an NHL on TNT doubleheader in the U.S., which will be capped by Kirill Kaprizov vying for a franchise record when he and the Wild host the Lightning. Tonight’s 11-game slate could result in a shift in power atop the Pacific Division as the Ducks vie for the top seed against the League-leading Avalanche.
AVALANCHE BECOME FIRST TEAM TO 40 WINS
Nathan MacKinnon (1-1—2) scored his League-leading 41st goal of the season and moved within one of the 100-point mark as the Avalanche skated to their 40th win. Since the franchise relocated to Colorado in 1995-96, the Avalanche have been the first team to reach 40 wins in four different seasons (2025-26, 2021-22, 2000-01 & 1996-97) – the only other teams to do so as many times over that span are the Red Wings (5x) and Lightning (4x).
* The Avalanche hit the 40-win mark in 59 games, marking their second-fastest pace to the plateau behind 2021-22 (54 GP). Colorado finished second in the League standings that season before going on to win its first Stanley Cup since 2000-01.
* Martin Necas (1-2—3) recorded his 10th three-point game since joining the Avalanche last season. Necas (86 GP) became the sixth-fastest player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to record 10 three-point outings with the club, following Peter Forsberg (60 GP), Peter Stastny (64 GP), Real Cloutier (64 GP), Brent Ashton (78 GP) and Jacques Richard (85 GP).
STARS SET FRANCHISE RECORD WITH NINTH STRAIGHT WIN
Jason Robertson (1-1—2) and Miro Heiskanen (0-2—2) were two of nine different players to find the score sheet and Jake Oettinger stopped 13 of 14 shots to propel the Stars to a franchise-record nine-game winning streak. Dallas (37-14-9, 83 points) created a three-point cushion over Minnesota (35-16-10, 80 points) for second in the Central Division and became the third team this season to record a winning streak of that length (also TBL w/ 11 GP, COL w/ 10 GP twice & Buffalo w/ 10 GP).
* Robertson (34-36—70 in 60 GP) scored his 34th goal of the season to move into a tie with Kirill Kaprizov for the fifth most across the NHL. He also tied the second-longest streak of consecutive 70-point seasons in Stars/North Stars history (also 5: Mike Modano from 1998-99 – 2002-03, Dave Gagner from 1988-89 — 1992-93 & Bobby Smith from 1978-79 –1982-83). Tyler Seguin tops the list with a six-season run from 2013-14 to 2018-19.
* Heiskanen found his name on multiple Finnish lists, including tying Risto Siltanen (3) for the second-most 50-point seasons by a Finnish defenseman behind Reijo Ruotsalainen (5). He also tied Ruotsalainen (77) for the fifth-most multi-point games by a Finnish-born blueliner behind Kimmo Timonen (113), Teppo Numminen (97), Jyrki Lumme (85) and Siltanen (84).
RAYMOND RECORDS 20TH GOAL, 200TH ASSIST FOR RED WINGS IN “NHL PRIME TIME”
European players on both the Red Wings and Predators showed out during prime time for fans in Europe in the first “NHL Prime Time” of the season. Filip Forsberg (SWE; 1-0—1) and Roman Josi (SUI; 0-1—1) found the score sheet for Nashville, while Lucas Raymond (SWE; 1-1—2), Marco Kasper (AUT; 0-2—2) and Albert Johansson (SWE; game-winning goal) did so for Detroit. Other upcoming international events include “Hockey Day” celebrations in Czechia (March 6-7), Germany (March 13-14) and Finland (March 27-28).
* Raymond notched his 20th goal of the season as well as his 200th career assist as the Red Wings (35-20-6, 76 points) jumped back into third place in the Atlantic Division standings – a position that has changed on five of six days since play resumed after the Olympic break.
* Raymond (20-44—64 in 59 GP) became the third active Swedish player to post four 20-goal seasons through his first five NHL campaigns, following Elias Pettersson (4 of 5 from 2018-19 to 2022-23) and Gabriel Landeskog (4 of 5 from 2011-12 to 2015-16). Raymond is on pace to set a new career high in points and to be the first Detroit player in 17 years to average a point per game in an 82-game season (Pavel Datsyuk in 2008-09).
* Raymond(379 GP) became the fastest Red Wings player to 200 NHL assists since Datsyuk in 2006-07, and seventh fastest to the benchmark in franchise history.
BLUE JACKETS, FLYERS MOVE CLOSER TO PLAYOFF LINE The Blue Jackets and Flyers each withstood third-period rallies to earn crucial wins and improve their positioning in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. Columbus (30-21-8, 68 points) moved within three points of Boston (33-21-5, 71 points) for the second Wild Card spot in the East, while Philadelphia (28-21-11, 67 points) moved within four points of the playoff line.
* Trevor Zegrasscored the shootout winner and Dan Vladar made 29 saves before stopping two of three shootout attempts to help the Flyers earn their first win against the Maple Leafs since March 19, 2024. Vladar earned his 19th win of 2025-26, which is the third most among goaltenders skating on a new team this season behind Carolina’s Brandon Bussi (24) and Detroit’s John Gibson (23). The last goaltender to post more wins in their first season with Philadelphia wasBrian Elliott (23 in 2017-18).
* The Blue Jackets carried a 4-0 lead into the final frame and withstood a four-goal, third-period rally from the Rangers as Kirill Marchenko (2-1—3) netted the overtime winner. Marchenko recorded his 13th career multi-goal game and passed Zach Werenski as well as Geoff Sanderson for seventh most in Blue Jackets history.
SEATTLE PLAYS STREAK SNAPPER IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES Joey Daccord stopped 35 of 36 shots and helped the Kraken stymy the Hurricanes’ point streak at 12 games as Seattle (29-22-9, 67 points) overtook idle Edmonton (29-24-8, 66 points) for third place in the Pacific Division. Find notes on Monday’s full slate in the latest edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.
WILD RECORD UP FOR GRABS DURING NHL ON TNT DOUBLEHEADER
A franchise record could fall during the first of two NHL on TNT doubleheaders this week (also Sunday, March 8) as Kirill Kaprizov needs one goal to stand alone as the top goal scorer in Wild history.Minnesota will look to keep pace among the top three in the Central Division standings against the top-seeded Lightning, owners of the best road record in the NHL despite suffering their first set of consecutive defeats since mid-December.
* Lightning goaltender AndreiVasilevskiy owns an active eight-game road point streak (7-0-1) and a share of the NHL wins lead as he sits two victories shy of joining Devils legend MartinBrodeur as the only netminders in League history with nine consecutive 30-win seasons.
* Brodeur’s former club will open the doubleheader when JackHughes and MatthewTkachuk meet for the first time since winning gold together in Milan. Now chasing silver and battling for playoff spots with the Devils and Panthers, respectively, they will aim to help their clubs become the latest to overcome a standings deficit to secure a postseason appearance – something Tkachuk helped the Panthers do in his first season in South Florida, spurring a stretch in which the club has made three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and claimed two championships to go along with the gold Tkachuk won last month thanks to Hughes’ overtime-clinching goal.
AVALANCHE VISIT DUCKS WITH HOSTS EYEING FIRST PLACE IN PACIFIC
The Ducks will put the NHL’s second-longest active winning streak (tied w/ NYI) on the line tonight against the League-leading Avalanche, with hopes of joining them as No. 1 seeds in the Western Conference. Anaheim has staged three consecutive comeback wins – all third-period rallies – to put themselves one point back of Vegas for first place in the Pacific Division standings – a rank they have already held for 40 game days this season (tops of any club that missed the playoffs in 2024-25). The Ducks last held first place in their division this late into a campaign in 2016-17.
* NathanMacKinnon, one point shy of his fourth consecutive/career 100-point season, will contend with a Ducks squad that has won 12 of its past 14 games since Jan. 13 (the top record in the League over that span). Anaheim is one of three clubs led in scoring by a player who has yet to celebrate his 23rd birthday (also CHI & SJS) as 22-year-old CutterGauthier (28-24—52 in 58 GP) needs one assist to establish new career highs in all three major scoring categories after already setting personal bests for goals and points.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa, ON TV: TSN (Canada) | FOX 13+ (Seattle local) | PWHL YouTube / thepwhl.com (international/out-of-market)
Recent Form (Last 5 Games / Post-Olympic Stretch)
Torrent (struggling post-break: 0-2-0-0 or worse recently; 3-6-0-1 in last 10):
Feb 27: L 5-2 vs. TOR (home; record attendance but outplayed; struggled to adjust post-Olympics)
Earlier: Losses including 2-4 @ OTT (Jan 28), 3-1 L vs. VAN, mixed results pre-break.
Seattle’s Olympic contingent (multiple players with strong international showings) returned, but integration has been slow — offense stagnant, defense leaky on the road.
Charge (solid home form; 7-2-0-1 or similar in recent 10):
Feb 28: L 3-2 SO vs. BOS (competitive; lost in shootout after tying late)
Jan 28: W 4-2 vs. SEA (Leslie 2G including GWG in 3rd)
Prior: Wins mixed with tight losses; focus on consistency as noted by coach Carla MacLeod.
Ottawa enters motivated after a close loss, looking to capitalize on home ice and recent success vs. Seattle.
Injury Report
Seattle Torrent
Hilary Knight (F, captain): LTIR (lower-body injury from Olympics) — significant loss; placed late Feb, out indefinitely. Rookie Sydney Langseth signed as replacement.
Other Olympians returned but team adjusting; no additional major reports, but depth tested without Knight’s leadership/scoring.
Ottawa Charge
No major injuries reported for key players. Roster healthy post-Olympics; full lineup expected with focus on consistent play.
Ottawa has the health edge; Seattle missing its star captain hurts offensive creation.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
Goaltending: Seattle’s starter (e.g., recent performers) vs. Ottawa’s tandem — Charge have been steadier at home; expect Ottawa to pressure with volume shots.
Top Forward Lines: Seattle’s Olympic returnees (e.g., group that combined for strong international points) trying to ignite vs. Ottawa’s Rebecca Leslie (clutch scorer — 2G in Jan win over SEA), Brooke McQuigge, and depth forwards. Leslie’s third-period heroics could be key again.
Defense & Physicality: Seattle’s blue line vulnerable on road; Ottawa’s group (strong home structure) excels at forechecking and transition. Expect board battles and Ottawa leveraging home energy.
Special Teams: Both middle-pack; Ottawa’s PP/PPK needs to click at home for separation.
Ottawa holds edges in health, home form, and recent head-to-head success.
Series History
2025-26 Season: Ottawa leads the season series (at least 1-0; Jan 28: OTT 4-2 SEA at home — Leslie’s late goals decisive).
Trend: Limited meetings so far (expansion/early season), but Ottawa has shown ability to pull away late against Seattle. Games trend competitive but with Ottawa capitalizing on mistakes. At TD Place, Charge strong vs. lower-standing teams.
Betting Odds
Ottawa strong as home favorites in mid-pack matchups; recent home games trend toward regulation wins.
Seattle poor on road (limited wins); post-Olympic road underdogs struggle.
Head-to-head: Ottawa covered in Jan meeting; games stay Under in structured defensive battles.
PWHL home teams win ~55-60% in similar spots; Charge 4-5-1-7 but better indoors.
GAME ODDS
Seattle Torrent 5.5
Ottawa Charge – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026
