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Jared McCann, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Travis Konecny Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NHL Editor
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Jared McCann, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Travis Konecny Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NEW YORK – Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Feb. 1.

FIRST STAR – JARED McCANN, LW, SEATTLE KRAKEN

McCann registered 4-3—7 in three games to lift the Kraken (26-19-9, 61 points) to a perfect week and into third place in the Pacific Division. He notched his second career four-point performance (also Feb. 22, 2024 vs. VAN: 1-3—4) with 2-2—4, including his 26th career game-winning goal, in a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals Jan. 27. McCann then posted 1-1—2, his sixth multi-point effort of the campaign, in a 5-2 triumph versus the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 29. He capped the week by scoring his 200th NHL goal (and 134th with Seattle) in a 3-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights Jan. 31. The 29-year-old McCann, the Kraken’s all-time leader in goals and points, ranks second on the team with 16 goals and sixth with 29 points despite only playing in 30 of Seattle’s 54 total contests this season (16‑13—29).

SECOND STAR – ANDREI VASILEVSKIY, G, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Vasilevskiy went 3-0-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average, .930 save percentage and one shutout to push the Lightning (35-14-4, 74 points) to the top of the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. He earned his 42nd career shutout with 28 saves in a 2-0 win versus the Utah Mammoth Jan. 26 before yielding one goal on 24 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets Jan. 29. Vasilevskiy then made 29 saves, and denied all three shootout attempts, as Tampa Bay rallied from a 5-1 deficit for a 6-5 triumph against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series – held Feb. 1 in front of a sold-out crowd of 64,617 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The 31-year-old Vasilevskiy, buoyed by a 14-0-1 record in his last 15 appearances dating to Dec. 20, places among the top two in the NHL in goals-against average (1st; 2.12), wins (t-1st; 25) and save percentage (2nd; .919) through 35 total games this season (25-7-3).

THIRD STAR – TRAVIS KONECNY, RW, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Konecny led the NHL in goals and factored on seven of Philadelphia’s eight total tallies (5-2—7) as part of a 0-3-1 week for the Flyers (24-20-10, 58 points). He and the team were shut out during a 4-0 loss to the New York Islanders Jan. 26, but Konecny rebounded by scoring his third career hat trick in a 5-3 defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets Jan. 28. Konecny then registered 1-1—2 in each of his next two outings, a 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins Jan. 29 and a 3-2 overtime setback versus the Los Angeles Kings Jan. 31. The 28-year-old Konecny, in his 10th NHL season (all w/ PHI), paces the Flyers in goals (22), assists (30) and points (52) through 53 total contests in 2025-26.

PWHL Weekly Notebook

PWHL Editor
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PWHL Weekly Notebook

LEAGUE ATTENDANCE UP 17 PERCENT HEADING INTO OLYMPIC BREAK 

New York’s Kristýna Kaltounková Named PWHL Player of the Week Presented by SharkNinja

NEW YORK AND TORONTO – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season is officially at the midway mark on the heels of record-setting attendance across the first half of the 2025-26 campaign — and a record four-game schedule on Wednesday that saw all eight teams in action on the same night for the first time in league history. The Ultimate Send-Off featured 20 goals, a shutout, a comeback, a shootout, and more milestones as fans celebrated the PWHL’s Olympians before they depart for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

THE ULTIMATE AWAY GAME

The PWHL will pause game action from Jan. 29 through Feb. 26 for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, with 61 players from all eight PWHL teams set to compete, representing 30% of the league across eight different countries. The Winter Olympics women’s ice hockey tournament is set to take place from Feb 5. until Feb. 19. For the latest news throughout the tournament, visit the PWHL’s Milano Cortina 2026 Hub here.

PWHL ATTENDANCE UP 17 PERCENT WITH RECORD-SETTING JANUARY, FIRST HALF

Attendance through 61 games of the 2025-26 PWHL season reached 527,663, with a per-game average of 8,650. This represents a more than 17% season-over-season increase, with 450,809 fans attending the first 61 games of the 2024-25 season for a per-game average of 7,390. January’s 28 games had a total attendance of 254,442 for a per-game average of 9,087, setting new benchmarks for PWHL attendance in a single month. It also capped a first half that saw the league set a new weekend attendance record (47,858 from Jan. 17-18), a new single day record (36,868 on Dec. 27), a new U.S. record for an in-arena women’s hockey game (17,228 on Jan. 18 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.) , and a new single game attendance record at a primary venue during Seattle’s inaugural home opener at Climate Pledge Arena (16,014 on Nov. 28).

KALTOUNKOVÁ TAKES OVER PWHL LEAD IN GOALS

New York rookie forward Kristýna Kaltounková leads the league with 11 goals after scoring twice on four shots in the Sirens’ 4-3 shootout loss to Boston on Wednesday, earning PWHL Player of the Week presented by SharkNinja honors. She leads the league with three multi-goal games, enters the break on a career-high four-game point streak (4G, 1A), and is first in scoring among rookies with 12 points (1G, 11A) in 16 games. Kaltounková is just the third rookie in PWHL history to reach double digits in goals, following teammate Sarah Fillier (13) in 2024-25, and Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle (11) in 2024. The 23-year-old from Vlasim, Czechia, was selected first overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft and will represent her country in her first Olympic Winter Games next week (read more on Kaltounková here on the PWHL’s Milano Cortina 2026 hub). See this season’s top offensive rookies here.

BOSTON ENTERS BREAK ON TOP

The Fleet (8-2-2-2) stand alone atop the PWHL standings with 30 points in 14 games, riding a five-game point streak and wins in all six of their primary home venue games so far this season. The Frost (7-2-3-3) are in second place with 28 points with a six-game point streak at the midway mark of their season, followed by the Victoire (7-3-0-5) in third with 27 points through 15 games and six straight wins at Place Bell to open their season. Montréal is seven points behind their first-place total at this stage of the 2024-25 season, while Minnesota is three points ahead of where they stood at the end of last season’s first half. The Sirens (7-0-3-6) hold onto fourth place with 24 points in 16 games, salvaging two points in a stretch of three straight losses, followed by the Charge (4-5-0-7) in fifth with 22 points in 16 games following a fourth straight win at TD Place. The Goldeneyes (5-1-2-8) are in sixth place with 19 points in 16 games, the Sceptres (4-1-3-8) hold seventh with 17 points in 16 games and three straight regulation losses, and the Torrent (4-1-2-7) have dropped two straight and remain in eighth place with 16 points through 14 games. See full PWHL standings here.

KNIGHT, JENNER, HEISE JOIN HALF-CENTURY CLUB

A trio of PWHL superstars and Olympians made history on Wednesday, becoming the fifth, sixth, and seventh players to record 50 career points. Torrent captain and soon-to-be five-time U.S. Olympian Hilary Knight was the first of last night’s trio to accomplish the feat, scoring a second period power play goal in Ottawa to bring her point total to 50 (24G, 26A) in 68 games. In the same game, Charge captain and soon-to-be four-time Canadian Olympian Brianne Jenner picked up an assist for point number 50 (24G, 26A) and holds an identical stat line as her U.S. counterpart through equal games. Frost forward and first-time U.S. Olympian Taylor Heise produced two assists on home ice to surpass 50 career points (15G, 36A) in her 63rd career game. Earlier this season, the milestone was first met by Victoire captain and soon-to-be five-time Canadian Olympian Marie-Philip Poulin, Frost captain and soon-to-be four-time U.S. Olympian Kendall Coyne Schofield, Sceptres forward and first-time Canadian Olympian Daryl Watts, and Torrent alternate captain and soon-to-be three-time U.S. Olympian Alex Carpenter. See PWHL all-time leaders here.

POULIN REPRESENTS VICTOIRE WEARING THE ‘GREAT CANADIAN JERSEY’

Rogers recently unveiled The Great Canadian Jersey, bringing together pieces of hockey jerseys sourced from every province and territory in Canada to represent all facets of the sport and the country’s deep history with the game. Poulin arrived to Wednesday’s game wearing the handcrafted design, which includes a patch from one of her Victoire jerseys donated for the project. Sarah Nurse‘s Ancaster Avalanche jersey is also featured on the piece, designed and stitched together by former OHL player Cameron Lizotte. The jersey includes patches from the seven Canadian NHL teams, various minor league hockey teams, women’s and girl’s hockey teams, and beer league and old timer’s hockey teams. Click here for more.

FOUR FROST FROZEN IN SCORING LEAD

The top of the PWHL scoring race is painted purple with four members of Minnesota all averaging a point-per-game or higher at the break. Captain Coyne Schofield (10G, 6A), Britta Curl-Salemme (7G, 9A), and Heise (3G, 13A) all have 16 points in 15 games, and alternate captain Kelly Pannek is right behind with 15 points (8G, 7A) in 15 games to round out the quartet of U.S. Olympians. Heise has 10 points (2G, 8A) as part of an active six-game point streak that is tied with Poulin (Dec. 20 to Jan. 11) for the longest of the season. Pannek has goals in four straight games after scoring at 19:59 of the first period in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Vancouver, and is tied with Watts (Dec. 23 to Jan. 3) for the longest goal streak of the season. Jenner has 15 points (8G, 7A) in 16 games to stay inside the league’s top five scorers, while Nurse, a fellow Canadian Olympian and Goldeneyes alternate captain, has six points (4G, 2A) in a five-game point streak to lead the league with a 1.20 points-per-game average. Fleet captain and U.S. Olympian Megan Keller leads all defenders with 11 points (5G, 6A) in 14 games. See this season’s PWHL leaders here.

DESBIENS’ THIRD SHUTOUT IS PWHL’S 12TH OF THE SEASON

Montréal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens became the second goaltender to record three shutouts this season with a 22-save performance in a 3-0 victory over Toronto Wednesday. She heads to Italy tied with fellow Canadian Olympian Kayle Osborne and U.S. Olympian Aerin Frankel of Boston for the league lead in shutouts, while sharing the league lead with Frankel for wins with nine. Desbiens and Frankel are also tops in the league with goals-against-averages of 1.15 and 1.35, and save percentages of .954 and .946, respectively. There have been 12 shutouts this season recorded by six different goaltenders, representing shutouts in nearly 20% of all games, and tying the total number of shutouts produced across the 2024-25 season’s 90 games (13%). Seattle’s Corinne Schroeder holds the single season record of four shutouts, achieved last season with New York. See PWHL goaltending leaders here.

CHARGE CUE ANOTHER COMEBACK

Ottawa became just the second team this season to score four goals in a third period on Wednesday, and the first to do so in a comeback victory, surging past Seattle, 4-2. Rebecca Leslie led the Charge with two goals, including the game-tying tally and the winner to climb into a tie for sixth in league scoring with 14 points (8G, 6A). The winning goal at 19:30 was followed 13 seconds later with an insurance marker by Canadian Olympian Emily Clark at 19:43. The sequence comes just days after Vancouver set a league record with two goals in 11 seconds on Jan. 22 and Minnesota followed with two goals in 12 seconds on Jan. 25. There have been 27 goals scored in the final minute of a regulation period this season, including 15 in the final frame, with nine of them empty netters. The Charge have won four games this season when trailing after two periods, with the rest of the league combining for five such wins. Follow all PWHL results here.

FLEET WIN RECORD-TYING SHOOTOUT

Boston has shootout wins in back-to-back decisions, with Wednesday’s tying a league record by going eight rounds. Fleet alternate captain and Swiss Olympian Alina Müller was the difference maker, scoring twice in the seventh and eighth rounds. The Fleet were previously on the losing side of an eight-round shootout on Dec. 27 in Ottawa and have been involved in four of the league’s six shootouts this season. Frankel has already faced 25 shootout attempts this season, stopping 17, and shattering the previous single season record of 15 shootout attempts faced by Minnesota’s Maddie Rooney in 2024-25, and her own record of 12 shootout saves on 13 attempts last season. Boston’s Hannah Brandt leads the league with eight shootout attempts, and her three shootout goals are tied with Jenner for the PWHL lead. Poulin holds single season records with five goals and 10 attempts in 2024-25.

COOPER SCORES FIRST CAREER GOAL

Minnesota’s Kendall Cooper opened the scoring in the Frost’s 4-1 win over the Goldeneyes with her first career PWHL goal in her 15th game. The milestone adds to a decorated rookie season for the 23-year-old from Oakville, ON, who was a first-round pick from Quinnipiac University. She previously set a PWHL record with a six-game assist streak from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4 and currently leads all rookie defenders with nine points. There have been 99 different goal scorers this PWHL season, including six rookie defenders.

WILL ANYBODY SCORE A PENALTY SHOT GOAL?

One of the few still outstanding PWHL firsts is a penalty shot goal, with Boston’s Ella Huber the latest victim of the perfect run by goaltenders since the league’s launch. There have been three penalty shots so far this season with Osborne getting the best of Huber last night, Toronto’s Elaine Chuli stopping Kaltounková on Jan. 6, and fellow Sceptre Raygan Kirk denying Pannek on Nov. 21. There were four unsuccessful shootout attempts across the first two seasons. Of the league’s original six teams, Ottawa and Toronto have never taken a penalty shot, and neither Boston nor Minnesota have faced a penalty shot.

TAKEOVER TOUR DRIVES GRASSROOTS GROWTH

The PWHL Takeover Tour™ was introduced to spark new fan engagement and expand the PWHL’s reach beyond its home markets, and youth hockey development is one of the primary opportunities to deliver this goal. Through the first 10 of 16 stops on the 2025-26 Tour, the league has hosted 14 grassroots clinics in Takeover Tour markets attended by over 560 participants, in addition to a youth hockey jamboree in Dallas and a coaches panel in Halifax. Teams have also held 12 open practices and 30 autograph sessions to further connect with new fans. During the league’s second half, the Takeover Tour returns to Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and Edmonton, and makes first-time visits to Calgary and Winnipeg to continue the momentum. Click here for more about the PWHL Takeover Tour™ including local event schedules.

TRADE FREEZE

The PWHL has implemented a trade freeze in recognition of the Olympic period. Effective Jan. 29 through Feb. 23, inclusive, all player trades are prohibited in order to provide stability for players, teams, and national programs during the Olympic window. All other roster-related rules and operational requirements remain in effect. Players not competing at the Olympic Winter Games will return to team training by Feb. 8.

PWHL AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS

While PWHL games are on pause, the news will keep coming. Stay tuned for Milano Cortina 2026 highlights from the PWHL in a new, Olympic-themed media newsletter, with the first edition coming out before the first game.

Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Highland Ice Stakes at Will Rogers Downs

Agate Editor
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Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Highland Ice Stakes at Will Rogers Downs

Venue and Race Details

Will Rogers Downs is located at 20900 S 4200 Rd, Claremore, Oklahoma 74019, USA. This track is a one-mile dirt oval with a chute for sprint races, known for its Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meetings. The Highland Ice Stakes is a $50,000 guaranteed stakes race for three-year-olds and upward (with supplements for Oklahoma-breds), contested over 6 furlongs on dirt. It features a field of seven horses, with weights ranging from 120 to 126 lbs based on allowances for non-winners of certain purses in 2025-26.

Post time is scheduled for 4:44 PM Central Time (CT).

Expected Weather and Track Conditions

The forecast for February 2, 2026, in Claremore, OK, calls for mostly sunny conditions with a high of around 50°F (10°C) and a low of 30°F (-1°C). Winds will be from the southeast at 8-9 mph, with humidity around 51% and no significant precipitation expected (0% chance of rain based on available forecasts). These conditions should favor a fast dirt track, as there are no indications of recent or upcoming moisture that could soften the surface. Will Rogers Downs’ dirt track typically drains well, and assuming no overnight changes, expect firm, fast going that benefits speed horses.

Field Analysis

Below is a detailed breakdown of each entrant, including post position, horse details, jockey, trainer, recent finishes (based on available profiles and results), and analysis.

PostHorse (Age, Sex, Color, Pedigree)Jockey (Recent Win % at Track)Trainer (Recent Win % at Track)ML OddsRecent FinishesAnalysis
1Rexford (6, G, Bay; Tapiture – Peisinoe by Yes It’s True)David Cabrera (18% wins at WRD in 2025)Jose Padilla (15% wins at WRD)5/11st at Santa Anita (5/26/2025, Allowance), 3rd at Santa Anita (5/4/2025, Stakes), 2nd at Santa Anita (2/17/2025, Allowance)Versatile sprinter with solid California form, including recent wins on fast dirt. Cabrera is sharp on front-runners, and Padilla has a good strike rate here. Rexford’s speed figures (around 95-100 Beyer) suggest he can press the pace from the rail, but he may need a clean break to avoid traffic. Suited to 6f, but faces tougher Iowa and OK-breds. Owner: Sean Michael Perry; Breeder: English Range Farm.
2Wildatlanticstorm (6, H, Bay; Stormy Atlantic – Imsortaspecial by Big Brown)Elvin Gonzalez (22% wins at WRD)H. Ray Ashford Jr. (20% wins at WRD)2/11st at Oaklawn Park (1/15/2026, Allowance), 2nd at Oaklawn (12/2025, Stakes prep), 1st at Remington Park (11/2025, Allowance)The class of the field and morning-line favorite. This Iowa-bred star has 10 wins from 20 starts lifetime, with recent strong performances at Oaklawn, including forwardly placed runs in stakes company. Gonzalez knows the horse well and excels in sprints; Ashford is a top local trainer. Expect him to stalk from post 2 and kick on late—his closing speed on fast tracks makes him tough. High Beyers (100+) in recent outings. Owner: James Jorgensen; Breeder: James Lee Jorgensen.
3Coalcowboy (4, G, Dark Bay/Br; Coal Front – Mostly Distorted by Jimmy Creed)Alberto Pusac (12% wins at WRD)Mark Abney (10% wins at WRD)12/11st at Remington Park (12/18/2025, Allowance), 3rd at Remington (11/2025, Claiming), 2nd at Lone Star (10/2025, Maiden Special)Lightly raced but improving Texas-bred gelding with a recent upset win at Remington on fast dirt. Pusac is reliable, but Abney’s stable is more consistent in lower-grade races. Coalcowboy shows early speed but may fade against this pace pressure; best as a longshot for exotics if he gets loose on the lead. Pedigree suggests sprint affinity, but class rise is steep. Owner/Breeder: Sherry Abney (via Douglas Scharbauer).
4Spankster (7, H, Bay; Mastery – Spank by Blame)Richard Huckaby (14% wins at WRD)S.J. Cunningham (16% wins at WRD)6/11st at Oaklawn Park (3/9/2025, Starter Allowance), 2nd at Churchill Downs (5/24/2025, Allowance), 3rd at Oaklawn (1/28/2025, Stakes)Veteran with a win machine reputation (multiple stakes placings). Recent form includes a trainer’s first win as head at Oaklawn. Huckaby suits closers, and Cunningham-Westemeir team is sharp locally. Spankster’s Beyers (95-105) hold up in sprints; he could rally if the pace melts down. Solid each-way chance on fast ground. Owner: S. Jade Cunningham and Terry Westemeir; Breeder: Wedgewood Farm.
5Stage Left (10, G, Dark Bay/Br; Congrats – Diva Delite by Repent)Floyd Wethey Jr. (19% wins at WRD)Scott E. Young (17% wins at WRD)5/11st at Saratoga (7/24/2022, Allowance—older but active; recent: 2nd at Aqueduct (2/3/2025, Stakes), 1st at Oaklawn (12/2025, Claiming))Durable 10-year-old with 15 career wins, including graded stakes placings. Wethey Jr. is a track specialist, and Young has him in good nick. Recent form shows consistency in allowances; his experience could shine in a tactical race. Prefers fast tracks and 6f—watch for a mid-pack trip turning for home. Owner: A.M.P. Racing, LLC; Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds.
6Missin Hollywood (6, G, Chestnut; Blueskiesnrainbows – Redverse by Menifee)Benny Quinonez (15% wins at WRD)Tristan Ashford (13% wins at WRD)8/11st at Remington Park (8/15/2025, Allowance), 3rd at Will Rogers (5/2025, Stakes), 2nd at Remington (4/2025, Claiming)OK-bred gelding with local ties and recent wins at Remington. Quinonez can rate him well, and Ashford preps runners sharply. Missin Hollywood has speed but inconsistent finishes; could factor if he avoids a duel. Solid for trifectas on home turf. Owner/Breeder: Bad Boy Racing, LLC.
7Mi Saturday (4, G, Bay; Mitole – Saturday Suprise by Any Given Saturday)Walter De La Cruz (16% wins at WRD)Joe S. Offolter (14% wins at WRD)3/11st at Remington Park (11/2025, Allowance), 2nd at Oaklawn (1/2026, Prep), 1st at Will Rogers (10/2025, Maiden)Up-and-coming OK-bred with top billing alongside the favorite. Recent allowance wins show promise; De La Cruz is aggressive, and Offolter excels with young sprinters. Mi Saturday’s pedigree screams dirt speed—expect him to challenge early and hold strong. A live threat at value. Owner/Breeder: Bryan Hawk.

NFL team transactions report for Monday, February 2, 2026

NFL Editor
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NFL team transactions report for Monday, February 2, 2026

PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS
CONTRACTS EXPIRED
DENVER
Bandy, Michael WR San Diego
Christian, Geron T Louisville
DiNucci, Ben QB James Madison
Johnson, Brandon WR Central Florida
Lewis, Marcedes TE UCLA
McCalister, Tanner DB Ohio State
Moore, Elijah WR Mississippi
Murtagh, Patrick TE No College
Rowan, Kyrese WR Utah State
Turner-Yell, Delarrin DB Oklahoma
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Heflin, Jack DT Iowa
Johnson, Alex DB UCLA
Luketa, Jesse LB Penn State
Murchison, Larrell DE North Carolina State
Newman, Royce G Mississippi
Niemann, Ben LB Iowa

RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS
DALLAS
Grier, Will QB West Virginia – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
KANSAS CITY
Haener, Jake QB Fresno State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future
NEW YORK JETS
Heflin, Jack DT Iowa – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future

Minnesota Wild Recalls Goaltender Cal Petersen from Iowa

NHL Editor
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Minnesota Wild Recalls Goaltender Cal Petersen from Iowa

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled goaltender Cal Petersen under emergency conditions from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Petersen, 31 (10/19/94), owns a 4-13-0 record with a 2.82 goal-against average (GAA), a .897 save percentage (SV%) and two shutouts in 17 starts with Iowa this season. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound native of Waterloo, Iowa, owns a 96-111-19 record, 3.10 GAA, .901 SV% and 13 shutouts in 232 career games across seven AHL seasons with Lehigh Valley (2023-25), Ontario Reign (2017-23) and Iowa (2025-26), earning AHL All-Star game selections in 2017-18 and 2019-20. In 15 career Calder Cup Playoff games he owns a 5-10-1 record with a 2.94 GAA and a .884 SV%. Petersen has also recorded a 46-44-10 record, 2.96 GAA, .903 SV% and four shutouts in parts of six NHL seasons with the Los Angeles Kings (2018-23) and Philadelphia Flyers (2023-24).

Petersen has represented the United States at three IIHF World Championships (2017, 2021, 2023), notably posting a 5-2-0 record, two shutouts, tournament-leading 1.29 GAA and .953 SV%, and receiving the tournament’s Best Goaltender award as he helped Team USA to a bronze medal in 2021. Petersen played three collegiate seasons (2014-17) at the University of Notre Dame, appearing in 110 games and posting a 55-39-15 record. He earned First-Team All-Hockey East honors as a junior in 2016-17, Honorable Mention All-Hockey East honors as a sophomore in 2015-16 and Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors in 2014-15.

Petersen was originally selected in the fifth round (No. 129 overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He signed a one-year contract with Minnesota on July 2 and wears sweater No. 40 with the Wild.

Tampa Bay Lightning re-assign Defenseman Max Groshev to AHL Syracuse Crunch

NHL Editor
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Tampa Bay Lightning re-assign Defenseman Max Groshev to AHL Syracuse Crunch

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have reassigned defenseman Max Groshev to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League today, Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced. 

Groshev, 24, has played in two games with the Lightning this season, making his NHL debut on December 28 versus the Montreal Canadiens. During that game, he recorded his first career assist and point, while logging 13:03 of ice time. Groshev has played in 35 games with Syracuse this season, recording one goal and 13 points with a plus-8 rating. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound Groshev ranks second among all Crunch defensemen for points, while leading the club for assists (12) and shots on goal (66).

A native of Agryz, Russia, Groshev has appeared in 158 career AHL games, all with the Crunch, and registered 18 goals, 57 points and 55 penalty minutes with a plus-10 rating. 

Groshev was originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft.

New England Revolution Loan Jack Panayotou to Loudoun United FC

MLS Editor
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New England Revolution Loan Jack Panayotou to Loudoun United FC
Midfielder joins USL Championship side ahead of 2026 campaign
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution today loaned Homegrown midfielder Jack Panayotou to USL Championship side Loudoun United FC for the 2026 season. Panayotou, 21, signed as the 10th Homegrown Player in Revolution history on January 10, 2023 after developing in the Revolution Academy since 2019. In his MLS career, the Cambridge, Mass. native owns 17 appearances, with five starts, along with one goal and one assist in three Leagues Cup matches.

Over the past two seasons, the midfielder has spent time on loan with Rhode Island FC and Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship, amassing 23 appearances with three goals and six assists. Additionally, Panayotou has played in 28 games with Revolution II, notching 10 goals and five assists.

The Revolution’s preseason camp continues in Florida as the team prepares for the 2026 MLS season, which kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Nashville SC (8:30 p.m. ET). Two weeks later, New England returns to Gillette Stadium for its home opener on Saturday, March 7 vs. Houston Dynamo FC (2:30 p.m. ET). Watch every Revolution and MLS match on Apple TV. 

TRANSACTION: New England Revolution loan midfielder Jack Panayotou to Loudoun United FC of the USL Championship for the 2026 season on Feb. 2, 2026.

New England Revolution Sign Midfielder Carles Gil to Contract Extension

MLS Editor
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New England Revolution Sign Midfielder Carles Gil to Contract Extension
New England extends midfielder through the full 2027-2028 MLS season
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –  The New England Revolution announced today that the club has signed captain and midfielder Carles Gil to a contract extension through June 2028, allowing the Revolution to keep the Spanish playmaker in New England for three more full seasons, including the upcoming 2026 campaign, as the league shifts to the new summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027. Media Availability: Carles Gil will be available to media in a virtual press conference today, February 2 at 2:30 p.m. ET, along with Head Coach Marko Mitrović and midfielder Matt Polster. Click here to join via Webex.
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Carles Gil
“As we prepare to transition to the league’s new summer-to-spring format, it was important that we revise the length of Carles’ contract to remove any uncertainty about his ability to complete the full 2027-28 season in New England,” Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said. “We are glad to have Carles under contract for the next three seasons, and we look forward to watching him add to his legacy with the Revolution.” 

Gil has enjoyed a decorated career since arriving in New England in 2019. The 2021 MLS MVP ranks as the club’s all-time leader in assists (87) and goal contributions (136). Overall, Gil has netted 49 goals with 87 helpers, including a club-record 28 game-winning assists, across 193 MLS games played, 183 of them starts, throughout his seven seasons with the Revolution.

Gil owns an additional two goals and five assists across eight appearances, all starts, in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Gil produced another stellar campaign last season, scoring 10 goals and distributing 14 assists, seventh-most in MLS, while ranking second leaguewide in key passes (102), en route to his fourth MLS All-Star selection in 2025. Gil’s 14 assists in 2025 marked his fifth consecutive season with double-digit helpers. The 33-year-old is the first player in Revolution club history to reach that feat and one of just five in MLS history. Gil is also one of eight players in Revolution history with 40 goals and 40 assists in MLS play. 

In addition to winning the 2021 MLS MVP award, Gil’s list of accolades includes MLS Best XI selections in 2019 and 2021, 2019 MLS Newcomer of the Year, 2021 MLS Comeback Player of the Year, and five Revolution Team MVP awards. The dynamic playmaker from Spain is one of just three Boston pro athletes to win an MVP award since 2010, joining Tom Brady (New England Patriots- 2010, 2017) and Mookie Betts (Boston Red Sox- 2018). Gil also helped guide New England to its first Supporters’ Shield trophy in club history in 2021.

Gil and the Revolution now embark on their fourth week of preseason training in Florida, as the team prepares for the 2026 MLS season, which kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Nashville SC (8:30 p.m. ET). Two weeks later, New England returns to Gillette Stadium for its home opener on Saturday, March 7 vs. Houston Dynamo FC (2:30 p.m. ET). Watch every Revolution and MLS match on Apple TV.
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution sign midfielder Carles Gil to a contract extension through June 2028 on Feb. 2, 2026.

NHL Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs (25-21-9) vs. Calgary Flames (22-26-6)

NHL Editor
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NHL Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs (25-21-9) vs. Calgary Flames (22-26-6)

The Toronto Maple Leafs (25-21-9, 6th in Atlantic Division) visit the Calgary Flames (22-26-6, 7th in Pacific Division) in an interconference clash on Monday night. The Maple Leafs are coming off a shootout victory to end a six-game skid, aiming to build momentum on the road. The Flames, losers of four straight before a recent win, look to capitalize on home ice and complete a season sweep. This is the second and final meeting this season, with Toronto winning the first 4-3 on October 28, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena.

Venue Location

Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta.

Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. MT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVAS, TSN4, with radio on SN 590 and Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Injury Report

Toronto’s defense is solid but depth-tested, while Calgary deals with key absences up front.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
Maple LeafsMorgan RiellyDDay-To-DayUpper Body
Maple LeafsChristopher TanevDOutGroin
Maple LeafsDakota JoshuaCOutKidney
FlamesBlake ColemanLWOutUpper Body
FlamesMartin PospisilFDay-To-DayUndisclosed
FlamesCullen PotterLWOutUndisclosed
FlamesJohn BeecherCIRUndisclosed

Rielly’s status is crucial for Toronto’s blue line; if out, more minutes for McCabe and Timmins.

Coleman’s absence hurts Calgary’s physicality and penalty kill.

Key

Player Matchups

Calgary’s grit could challenge Toronto’s skill, but the Leafs’ depth favors them. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionMaple LeafsFlames
LWMatthew KniesYegor Sharangovich
CAuston MatthewsNazem Kadri
RWMitch MarnerJonathan Huberdeau
DMorgan Rielly (or Benoit if out)Rasmus Andersson
DJake McCabeMacKenzie Weegar
GJoseph WollDustin Wolf

Key matchups to watch:

Auston Matthews vs. Nazem Kadri: Matthews (26G, team leader) exploded recently (projects 2+ points); Kadri’s agitating style (18G projection) could disrupt, but Matthews dominates inside.

Mitch Marner vs. Rasmus Andersson: Marner’s playmaking (projects 1+ assist) tests Andersson’s shutdown ability (high ice time).

William Nylander vs. MacKenzie Weegar: Nylander (17G in 38GP, back from injury) brings speed; Weegar’s physicality could limit him.

Overall: Leafs’ power play vs. Flames’ penalty kill: Toronto’s PP (20%) exploits Calgary’s middling PK (78%); goaltending duel Woll (.921 SV%) vs. Wolf (.888 SV%).

Recent Team Forms

Toronto snapped a slide but remains inconsistent; Calgary shows flashes but lacks finishing.

Maple Leafs’ Last 10 Games (4-5-1 record):

1/31 at VAN: W 3-2 (SO)

1/29 vs SEA: L 2-5

1/27 vs BUF: L 4-7

1/25 vs COL: L 0-5

1/24 at VGK: L 3-4 (OT)

Overall: 4-6 ATS in last 10, Over in 5 of last 10. Toronto averages 3.0 GPG but allows 4.2 in losses.

Flames’ Last 10 Games (3-5-2 record):

1/31 vs SJS: W 3-2

1/29 at MIN: L 1-4

1/27 vs ANA: L 3-4 (OT)

1/25 vs WSH: L 1-3

1/23 vs PIT: L 1-4

Overall: 3-7 ATS in last 10, Under in 6 of last 10. Calgary averages 2.5 GPG, allowing 3.3 in skid.

Series History

Toronto leads the all-time series 75-69-12-2 in 158 regular-season meetings.

The Maple Leafs have won 8 of the last 10 head-to-heads, including this season’s 4-3 victory (Matthews GWG). Flames are 2-5-3 in their last 10 vs. Toronto. Under has hit in 4 of the last 4 meetings.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Toronto 25-30 ATS (10-17 on road), Calgary 24-30 ATS (11-17 at home).

Over/Under: Over has hit in 27 of Toronto’s 55 games and 25 of Calgary’s 54; Under in 6 of last 10 head-to-heads.

Other trends: Toronto 8-2 SU last 10 vs. Calgary; Flames 1-4 SU last 5 at home

Game Odds

Toronto Maple Leafs      – 115

Calgary Flames                 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

NHL Game Preview: Vancouver Canucks (18-31-6) vs. Utah Mammoth (28-23-4)

NHL Editor
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NHL Game Preview: Vancouver Canucks (18-31-6) vs. Utah Mammoth (28-23-4)

The Vancouver Canucks (18-31-6, 15th in Pacific Division) visit the Utah Mammoth (28-23-4, 4th in Central Division) in an interconference matchup on Monday night. The Canucks, mired in a rebuild and plagued by injuries, seek to snap a four-game losing streak and salvage some momentum before the Olympic break. The Mammoth aim to extend their recent strong form at home, where they’ve won five of their last seven. This is the fourth and final meeting this season, with Utah holding a 3-0 edge after victories on December 5 (4-1), March 16 (3-1), and February 23 (2-1).

Venue Location

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. MT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, Sportsnet Pacific, Utah16, and radio on WXYT 97.1 FM and others.

Injury Report

Vancouver’s lengthy list has decimated their lineup, particularly in net and on the blue line, forcing reliance on backups. Utah’s absences are fewer but impact forward depth.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
CanucksBrock BoeserRWIRConcussion (Expected Return: Feb 25)
CanucksNils HoglanderLWDay-To-DayLower Body (Feb 2)
CanucksMarco RossiCIRUndisclosed (Feb 25)
CanucksZeev BuiumDIRUndisclosed (Feb 25)
CanucksThatcher DemkoGIRHip (Sep 15 or long-term)
CanucksGuillaume BriseboisDOutLower Body
CanucksFilip HronekDDay-To-DayIllness
CanucksDerek ForbortDOutUndisclosed
MammothAlexander KerfootCOut/IRUpper Body (Jan 10; Expected Return: Feb 27)
MammothLogan CooleyCOut/IRLower Body (Dec 12; Expected Return: Feb 4)

Vancouver’s goaltending is shaky without Demko, likely starting Vitek Vanecek or Arturs Silovs.

Utah misses Cooley’s speed but has Kailer Yamamoto on a hot streak (four goals in two games).

Key

Player Matchups

Utah’s balanced attack could exploit Vancouver’s thin defense. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionCanucksMammoth
LWJake DeBruskClayton Keller
CElias PetterssonBarrett Hayton
RWConor GarlandDylan Guenther
DQuinn HughesMikhail Sergachev
DTyler MyersSean Durzi
GArturs SilovsConnor Ingram

Key matchups to watch:

Elias Pettersson vs. Barrett Hayton: Pettersson (20G, 35A projection) leads Vancouver’s offense but has struggled recently (projects 1 point). Hayton’s two-way play could neutralize him.

Quinn Hughes vs. Clayton Keller: Hughes (elite D-man) must contain Keller’s speed (team-leading 25G projection), but Utah’s home ice favors Keller.

Jake DeBrusk vs. Dylan Guenther: DeBrusk provides secondary scoring, facing Guenther’s recent cold streak (one goal in six games).

Overall: Canucks’ goaltending vs. Mammoth’s scoring: Vancouver’s backups (.884 SV%) face Utah’s 3.6 GPG in recent wins; special teams key with Canucks’ strong PP (29%).

Recent Team Forms

Utah is surging, while Vancouver falters amid injuries.

Canucks’ Last 10 Games (2-6-2 record):

1/31 vs ANA: L 2-3

1/29 vs SJS: L 2-5

1/27 at PIT: L 2-3

1/25 vs TOR: W 4-3

1/24 at BOS: L 1-4

Overall: 3-7 ATS in last 10, Under in 6 of last 10. Vancouver averages 2.0 GPG in losses during skid.

Mammoth’s Last 10 Games (6-3-1 record):

1/31 vs DAL: L 2-3

1/29 vs CAR: L 2-3 (OT)

1/27 vs BOS: L 1-2 (OT)

1/25 vs NSH: W 4-1

1/24 vs PHI: W 4-3

Overall: 5-5 ATS in last 10, Over in 4 of last 10 home games. Utah averages 3.6 GPG, allowing 2.7 in recent stretch.

Series History

Utah leads the all-time series 4-0, with a +7 goal differential, including three wins this season (4-1, 3-1, 2-1).

The Under has hit in 4 of the last 4 head-to-heads. Utah is 14-0-1 in their last 15 vs. Vancouver.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Utah 24-30-1 ATS (15-13-1 at home), Vancouver 26-29 ATS (12-14-2 on road).

Over/Under: Over in 27 of Utah’s 55 games (49%), 28 of Vancouver’s 55 (51%); Under in 6 of last 7 head-to-head home games.

Other trends: Utah 18-5 as -218 or shorter favorites; Vancouver 0-11 as +201 or greater underdogs

Game Odds

Vancouver Canucks         6.5

Utah Mammoth               – 265

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

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