Sunday’s Tampa Bay vs Boston outdoor game delivered a true spectacle — great hockey weather, a goalie fight, and a wild Lightning comeback from four goals down — though not without controversy, as Boston bristled at the penalty disparity and power plays that swung momentum, even if, as Ray notes, the Bruins are among the league’s most-penalized teams. The game also raised Olympic questions with Anthony Cirelli injured and Brayden Point’s status looming, highlighting the rigidity of Olympic rosters where changes can’t be made once the tournament begins, prompting speculation about potential standby players flying to Italy, while Sam Bennett is banged up but expected to be fine and Zach Hyman’s name creeps into the conversation given his 50-goal-pace production and versatility. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid gave fans a rare, heartfelt glimpse into his mindset with his Players’ Tribune piece “Dear Canada,” a raw expression of his love for the game and a clear signal — especially to Oilers fans — of his desire to win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton. Barry Trotz announced he’ll step down as Nashville Predators GM at season’s end for family reasons, with the organization hoping to have a new GM in place by the draft, marking the first time in franchise history that neither Trotz nor David Poile will be involved. Plus, Ryan Rishaug checks in from Milano Cortina to talk facilities and schedule in advance of the Olympic Hockey tournaments.

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Artemi Panarin appears to be headed out of New York, with the Rangers reportedly shelving him through the Olympic break to protect the asset, and his no-trade clause giving him significant control as teams like LA, Washington, San Jose and possibly Dallas circle, with the expectation he wants an extension wherever he lands. In Toronto, the Leafs sit eight points out a wildcard position and face hard questions about whether it’s time for Brad Treliving to cut bait on depth pieces, with a critical western road trip looming. Ottawa, despite months of negative noise, has suddenly surged with statement wins over Vegas and Colorado, while the Avalanche’s recent skid feels like a natural correction ahead of a needed reset and healthier lineup. Meanwhile, Bryan Rust’s three-game suspension for elbowing Brock Boeser surprised some, with Ray arguing the length of penalty should be the standard for that type of play, regardless of a player’s reputation.

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The Edmonton Oilers made history with back-to-back hat tricks by defencemen; Bouchard and then Ekholm, the former now sits among the league’s top-scoring blueliners, after a typically slow start to the season. In Toronto, William Nylander was fined $5,000 for an ill-advised gesture toward a TV camera, a minor distraction but not enough to hide the Leafs’ returning inconsistency, raising questions about whether Brad Treliving needs to make a move with the Olympic break looming. Buffalo continues its surprising surge behind the league’s hottest goalie, Alex Lyon, forcing tough decisions on players like Alex Tuch as playoff hopes feel real for the first time in years. Winnipeg’s playoff fight hit another low after a 5–1 loss to Detroit, prompting a harsh postgame from Scott Arniel and renewed debate about whether the Jets should re-tool on the fly. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s injury woes deepen with Brock Boeser and Zeev Buium sidelined, in addition to growing concern that Thatcher Demko may be shut down to ensure he’s fully healthy for next season.

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