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Miami Herald
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
‘They trust each other': How a Panthers team filled with stars plays without ego
Walk into the Florida Panthers' dressing room and you'll see the star power. Aleksander Barkov is the captain and one of the league's top two-way forwards. Wingers Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand are the brash, vocal media darlings, who make their presence known through their interview quips just as much as they do with their pesky play on the ice. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is well on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame once his career ends. Carter Verhaeghe is the clutch playoff performer. Sam Reinhart has morphed into one of the league's top goal scorers. Gustav Forsling is becoming one of the NHL's top defensemen. The list goes on and on. Now, close your eyes while your in that room and try to establish who the top players were based on how the group interacts with each other. That becomes a much tougher task. 'Truly,' Panthers coach Paul Maurice said, 'if you didn't know the face, if you walked into that locker room, or walked on the airplane, or watched him, you couldn't tell who the star was.' It's part of what has driven the Panthers' success over the past three years, success that has seen them make it to the Stanley Cup Final two years in a row and, entering Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, are two wins away from getting there again. There's no ego on this team. Every player understands his role, and every player respects the role he has. Talent is the first step for success, Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito acknowledges, but talent only gets you so far. How the talent on the roster meshes together to form a cohesive unit is key, and he's seeing the fruits of the labor of the roster he has created pan out before his eyes. 'By my way of thinking, it's the character and culture of that talent,' Zito said. 'For the players, it's that they play as a team. It's easy to say 'I'm team first.' It's easy to think that you mean it, but these guys live it. It's not just something they say. It's what they are, and the way they treat the staff, coaches, myself. It's cliche to say that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, but in this instance, it's a great example of exactly that. 'They respect each other. They like each other. They trust each other.' Added forward Evan Rodrigues: 'It's obviously a welcoming group, and a very mature group. I think the biggest thing is you don't really have a choice. You either conform or you don't. You've got to fit the group right? You've got to play the way they play. And if you don't, it doesn't work. Everyone's very welcoming. Everyone's very friendly, and it's a fun group to be around. And I think when guys come in, they find that very easily.' How did the Panthers get to that point where the room is as cohesive as it is? Maurice needs to point to just one player. 'I think that's all Barkov,' Maurice said. 'Matthew's like that too, and Brad, and some of the older guys, some of the guys who make the media — and I understand why they do — but I think it's all Barkov.' Florida's captain since the start of the 2018-19 season, Barkov has instilled a sense of decorum in the dressing room. He's not the most vocal player, but he commands respect when he does speak. And he makes sure everyone's voice is heard, whether you're one of the stars or wearing a suit on game day as a healthy scratch. 'We're a team right?' said defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Florida's second-longest tenured player behind Barkov. We're all in it together, and we treat everyone the same. It's worked for us.' Florida's depth — they have 15 forwards and seven defensemen who could all easily play on any given night — could create a contentious environment among those vying for the final lineup spots each game. But there's been no wavering, no qualms, no issues from the players who ultimately don't draw in. 'I love all the guys in this group, and you have to check your ego aside,' said fourth-line forward Jonah Gadjovich, who didn't play at all in the postseason last year when Florida won the Stanley Cup and had to wait until Game 3 of the second-round this year to make his postseason debut. 'Obviously I want to play the whole time, every game, but if I were to get called on and I wasn't ready, that's on me. We're treated just like any other guy in the lineup, even though we weren't in the lineup. It's such a tight group, top to bottom. We have a lot of fun doing what we do.' The camaraderie, the open communication nd the understanding of the ultimate goal eliminates any tension that could be created. 'The leadership group, the way that everyone kind of does their day-to-day stuff and the vibe around the locker room, like, no one's better than anyone,' said forward A.J. Greer, who plays on Florida's fourth line. 'It's just the way that guys do certain things. You kind of mesh into the locker room as a new guy, you kind of come into the footsteps of guys like Barky, Reino, Forsy, Ekblad, guys that are Panthers legends. So being able to do the same that they do shows the commitment, shows the energy and willingness to win.'
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket brings big change to OT
NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket brings big change to OT Show Caption Hide Caption Can the Florida Panthers really go back-to-back? With a dominant roster and playoff experience, the Panthers are poised to make a strong run at back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. Sports Pulse The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, bringing a major change to the overtime format. No more three-on-three play, no more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless play, as happens during regular-season overtime. There is sudden death, but it could last a very long time. This postseason has seen the third-longest Game 7 when the Winnipeg Jets tied the St. Louis Blues with a furious rally then won it at 16:10 of the second overtime. Two years ago, the Florida Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 1 of the 2023 Eastern Conference final in a game that lasted nearly a full four overtime periods. Florida's Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner with 12.7 seconds left in the period in the sixth-longest playoff game in NHL history. So far in the 2025 NHL playoffs, 16 games have gone to overtime, including three double-overtime games. Here's a primer on playoff hockey overtime: How does overtime work in playoff hockey? If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's five-on-five play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench. The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored. In last year's Stars-Avalanche series, the league upheld a no-goal call on an apparent score by Dallas' Mason Marchment because referees ruled Matt Duchene had interfered with then-Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev. Duchene later scored the winning goal. What is the longest overtime in NHL history? 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals, March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner. (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals, March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner. 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner. (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner. 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner. (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner. 4. Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner. (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner. 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner. (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner. 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner. 2025 NHL playoff overtime goals May 14: Edmonton's Kasperi Kapanen scored at 7:19 of the first overtime for a 1-0 Oilers win against the Golden Knights. May 9: Florida's Brad Marchand scored at 15:27 of the first overtime for a 5-4 Panthers win against the Maple Leafs. May 8: Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl scored at 15:20 of the first overtime for a 5-4 Oilers win against the Golden Knights. May 6: Carolina's Jaccob Slavin scored at 3:06 of the first overtime for a 2-1 Hurricanes win against the Capitals. May 4: Winnipeg's Adam Lowry scored at 16:10 of the second overtime for a 4-3 Jets win against the Blues. April 29: Vegas' Brett Howden scored at 15:55 of the first overtime for a 3-2 Golden Knights win against the Wild. April 29: Carolina's Sebastian Aho scored at 15:43 of the second overtime for a 5-4 Hurricanes win against the Devils. April 27: Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl scored at 18:18 of the first overtime for a 4-3 Oilers win against the Kings. April 26: Vegas' Ivan Barbashev scored at 17:26 of the first overtime for a 4-3 Golden Knights win against the Wild. April 26: Ottawa's Jake Sanderson scored at 17:42 of the first overtime for a 4-3 Senators win against the Maple Leafs. April 25: New Jersey's Simon Nemec scored at 2:36 of the second overtime for a 3-2 Devils win against the Hurricanes. April 24: Toronto's Simon Benoit scored at 1:19 of the first overtime for a 3-2 Maple Leafs win against the Senators. April 23: Dallas' Tyler Seguin scored at 5:26 of the first overtime for a 2-1 Stars win against the Avalanche. April 22: Toronto's Max Domi scored at 16:51 of the first overtime for a 3-2 Maple Leafs win against the Senators. April 21: Dallas' Colin Blackwell scored at 17:46 of the first overtime for a 4-3 Stars win against the Avalanche. April 21: Washington's Alex Ovechkin scored at 2:26 of the first overtime for a 3-2 Capitals win against the Canadiens. Which 2025 postseason players have the most playoff overtime goals? 5 - Corey Perry, Oilers; Carter Verhaeghe, Panthers Corey Perry, Oilers; Carter Verhaeghe, Panthers 4 - Brad Marchand, Panthers Brad Marchand, Panthers 3 - Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers; Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; John Tavares, Maple Leafs; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars Is NHL overtime first to score? Yes, it's sudden death. Once a team scores (and it's clear it's a good goal), the game is over. How long is NHL playoff overtime? It lasts as long as it takes for a team to score. If no one scores after 20 minutes in the first overtime, there's an intermission, then they play a second overtime, etc. How long is NHL overtime intermission? Intermission is 15 minutes, the same length as it is during regulation time. Players go to the dressing room while the ice is resurfaced.
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette: NY missed NHL playoffs year after Presidents' Trophy
Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette: NY missed NHL playoffs year after Presidents' Trophy Show Caption Hide Caption Paul Bissonnette on Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry over last 20 years NHL on TNT's Paul Bissonnette breaks down the ongoing rivalry between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby Sports Seriously The New York Rangers fired coach Peter Laviolette on Saturday after the team finished out of the playoffs one year after they won the Presidents' Trophy as the top regular-season team. "After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves," general manager Chris Drury said. "Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included. "As we head into next season and beyond, I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.' Associate head coach Phil Housley also was fired. The Rangers finished with 16 fewer wins this season and missed the playoffs by six points, even though they began the season at 12-4-1 after a relatively quiet offseason following a trip to the Eastern Conference final. The culprit was a 4-15 slide that dropped them to .500 and led Drury to let other teams know he was willing to talk trade. Trades followed. Captain Jacob Trouba was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6 and forward Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken 12 days later. A late January trade for J.T. Miller gave the team a bump but in the end, it wasn't enough. Ryan Lindgren and Reilly Smith were moved before the deadline and though the Rangers briefly moved into the second wild-card spot, they became the fourth NHL team to go from Presidents' Trophy winner to out of the playoffs (also the 1992 and 1993 Rangers). The Rangers ranked 19th in goals against and 27th in shots against per game. Igor Shesterkin, who signed an extension that will make him the NHL's highest-paid goalie, faced the most shots in the league and had a career-worst 2.86 goals-against average. Their power play dropped from third last year to 28th this season. Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad all had noticeable drops in points. Drury will be hiring his third coach since was named general manager in 2021. Gerard Gallant, like Laviolette, lasted only two seasons. Laviolette, the winningest U.S.-born NHL coach, was let go with one year left on his contract. His firing was announced soon after the Ducks fired coach Greg Cronin. There were five coaching changes during the regular season: Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
New York Times
18-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Sabres' Lindy Ruff becomes fifth NHL coach to reach 900-win milestone
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Lindy Ruff became the fifth coach in NHL history to win 900 games when the Buffalo Sabres beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in their season finale on Thursday night. Ruff had reached 899 wins a week ago, but a four-game losing streak delayed the milestone. Ruff, 65, joined Scotty Bowman (1,244), Joel Quenneville (969), Paul Maurice (916) and Barry Trotz (914) as the only coaches in NHL history with 900 wins. Ruff has coached the third-most games of all time. Ruff is also one of two coaches in NHL history to have at least 600 wins with one franchise. Advertisement 'Lindy has proven his value as an NHL coach for over 30 years, being able to adapt to all changes in the style of hockey, and he has always been a winner,' Bowman, the NHL's all-time winningest coach, told The Athletic in a text message. 'To reach such a milestone that very few coaches have done is the true testament to what he is all about.' Ruff spent the first 16 years of his head-coaching career with the Sabres after a long career in Buffalo as a player. He led the Sabres to the Eastern Conference final three times and to the Stanley Cup Final once. He was hired for a second stint with the franchise last April. The expectation was that he would be able to help a young team get over the edge and end the franchise's league-record playoff drought. Instead, the Sabres took a step back from their point total last season and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season. A 13-game winless streak in December sank their season. Congratulations on 900 @NHL wins, Lindy! 👏 — Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 18, 2025 That's why Ruff hasn't taken much time to revel in the 900-win milestone in what he has described as one of the most challenging seasons of his career. 'I could care less about 900,' Ruff said last week. 'Seriously.' Ruff is under contract for one more season with the Sabres. To this point, there has been no indication that his job is in jeopardy. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said this week that Ruff will be back next season. Recently, Ruff has sounded like a coach who is intent on seeing things through with this Sabres team. 'I'm driven by the fact that I didn't get this team where I needed to get them soon enough,' Ruff said. 'That's what I'm driven by.' The Sabres still finished the season at the bottom of the standings. And given the list of issues the Sabres need to fix, the last thing on Ruff's mind is where he stands on the all-time wins list. 'It's not about me and how many games I've won,' Ruff said last week. 'It's about our team needing to consistently win hockey games, and that is really the whole focus.'
