In a recent development, the National Hockey League (NHL) confirmed a meeting with a billionaire-led consortium, expressing interest in introducing an expansion team based in Houston. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the news to The Associated Press via email on Thursday evening.

The interested party spearheading the initiative is none other than billionaire Dan Friedkin, who, according to Forbes, boasts a whopping net worth of $6.4 billion. Friedkin is no stranger to the sports world, having recently acquired a 98.8% stake in Everton, one of the longstanding clubs in the English Premier League.

Based in Houston, The Friedkin Group, which Dan runs with his son Ryan, is a well-diversified conglomerate with a robust portfolio spanning the automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and sports industries. However, an official comment from the Friedkin Group on the matter remains forthcoming.

Recent reports from ESPN suggest that Friedkin has emerged as a front-runner for securing a franchise, should the NHL decide to expand beyond its current 32 teams. However, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has repeatedly clarified that the league is not formally considering expansion at this point. Interestingly, Atlanta has also seen multiple groups expressing interest in bringing hockey back to Georgia’s capital for a third attempt.

Bettman, in a conversation with The AP in September, had emphasized a targeted approach towards expansion, if at all. He stated that the process would not resemble previous expansions where multiple applications were considered simultaneously. Instead, if a party ticks all the boxes and is keen to progress, the matter would be taken up individually with the executive committee.

The annual general managers’ spring meeting in Florida, which concluded recently with Bettman’s news conference, did not bring up the topic of expansion. However, there have been instances in the past where interest in expansion teams has materialized into reality. For instance, the Smith Entertainment Group announced its interest in a Utah-based expansion team over a year ago and soon after purchased the Arizona Coyotes, moving them to Salt Lake City. Now, they are known as the Utah Hockey Club for this season.

The NHL’s expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle has been incredibly successful, sparking speculation about the potential rise in expansion fees, which might touch close to $1 billion for future teams. The league last expanded its team roster in 2000 with the inclusion of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild, before adding the Golden Knights in 2017.

Dan Friedkin, who amassed his wealth by distributing Toyotas in Texas, was also recently rumored to be considering a bid for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, before they were sold last Thursday.

O conteúdo Billionaire Dan Friedkin in Talks with NHL for Potential Houston Expansion Team aparece primeiro em M Sports.

In a crucial rebound attempt following a snapped six-match winning streak, the Ottawa Senators are gearing up to face the formidable Colorado Avalanche this Thursday. The Senators’ captain, Brady Tkachuk, expressed his disappointment about their recent performance, but remained hopeful of learning valuable lessons from their setbacks.

“It was a tough pill to swallow,” admitted Tkachuk, reflecting on the lost game. He highlighted the Senators’ faltering strategy in the final period as a key factor in their defeat. He continued, “However, every cloud has a silver lining. This could be a timely wake-up call that helps us learn and improve our game strategy as we approach the end of the season.”

Tkachuk, the Senators’ top scorer with 27 goals in 65 games, saw his nine-match point streak come to an end in Montreal. The Senators’ offensive line is also bolstered by Tim Stutzle, who leads the team with 48 assists and 68 points in 67 games.

Thursday’s face-off will be the second and last encounter between the Senators and the Avalanche this season. Their previous clash ended with a narrow 5-4 victory for Colorado on Oct. 27 in Denver. Mackenzie Blackwood’s 24 saves weren’t enough to prevent the Senators’ defeat.

The Avalanche, currently third in the Central Division, are hot on the heels of the second-place Dallas Stars and striving to maintain their lead over the fourth-place Minnesota Wild. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar emphasized the importance of consistent performance. “We can’t afford to lose focus. We need to keep playing quality hockey, especially as we’re jostling for position at this stage of the season,” he said.

Despite suffering a loss to the Leafs, Avalanche’s key players, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, continued to impress. MacKinnon, leading the NHL with 104 points and 77 assists, added one more assist to his tally. Makar, the league’s top defenseman in terms of points (79), goals (25), and assists (54), also contributed to Nichushkin’s 18th goal of the season.

O conteúdo Senators Seek Redemption Against Avalanche After Win Streak Ends: A Look at NHL’s Upcoming Face-Off aparece primeiro em M Sports.

With the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot within a four-point reach for six teams, the Boston Bruins are heading into a pivotal five-game road trip. The journey commences with a high-stakes face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights, who currently spearhead the Pacific Division, on Thursday in Las Vegas. According to team coach Sacco, the Bruins are still very much in the contest and their preparation or mindset need not waver under the pressure. A couple of victories strung together could catapult them back into the fray, he added.

The Bruins’ recent 3-2 overtime defeat to Buffalo at home still leaves a sour taste, particularly as it denied them a crucial second point. Alex Tuch, who scored the decisive goal on a power play, redirected Owen Power’s shot with a mere 11 seconds left on the clock in the additional time.

David Pastrnak, right wing and top scorer for the Bruins with 34 goals and 83 points, expressed his disappointment over the loss. However, he recognized the need to focus on the upcoming demanding West Coast trip. He stressed that the team’s effort was commendable in the previous game and that they should build on it. Pastrnak warned that if they do not step up their game with hard work and effort, the road trip could end up being a tough ride.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are gearing up for the match under the guidance of coach Bruce Cassidy. After a loss to Detroit, Cassidy prioritized rest but also underscored the importance of practice. He admitted that the decision to practice on Tuesday was a toss-up, but he felt that a pace practice was needed to work on the plays his team usually excels at but had been missing recently.

In a fortuitous turn of events, center William Karlsson, who has been sidelined since January 20 due to a lower-body injury, fully participated in both practices. Cassidy hinted that Karlsson might be given the green light to play in Thursday’s game.

In conclusion, the Bruins-Golden Knights matchup has a significant bearing on the playoff scenario. Both teams are gearing up to bring their A-game, with the Bruins eager to claw back into contention and the Golden Knights aiming to consolidate their position atop the Pacific Division. With Karlsson potentially making his comeback, the game promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The stakes are high, and so is the anticipation.

O conteúdo Bruins Eye Crucial Wins in Upcoming Clash with Golden Knights: Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance aparece primeiro em M Sports.

In a dazzling performance that showcased their offensive might, the Minnesota Wild scored three rapid-fire goals at the onset of the match, leading to a crushing 4-0 defeat for the Seattle Kraken. A stellar performance from Filip Gustavsson, who recorded his fifth shutout of the season with a whopping 34 saves, was the linchpin that secured the victory on Wednesday night.

The Wild’s remarkable opening salvo, coming from Ryan Hartman, Matt Boldy, and Liam Ohgren, was delivered within a time frame of just 1 minute and 42 seconds in the first period. This blitzkrieg left the Kraken scrambling for stability and was instrumental in propelling the Wild within striking distance, just two points shy of the third-place Colorado in the Central Division.

Despite the Kraken’s commendable effort in outshooting the Wild 34-28, their attempts proved futile. This defeat marks their second loss in regulation play in their last seven games. The loss becomes even more noteworthy considering it’s the Kraken’s fourth match within six days, and the team’s inability to break their unfortunate streak of 0-11 in second games of back-to-back contests this season.

Matt Boldy, who scored the opening and closing goals for the Wild, brought an end to his 12-game goal drought. His twin strikes have catapulted him to the top of the team’s scoring charts, sharing the honor with Kirill Kaprizov. Remarkably, Kaprizov has managed to retain his position despite missing all but three games since December 23.

However, the Wild’s victory was not without its setbacks. Center Marco Rossi, the third-highest goal scorer for the team with 21 goals, had to exit the game in the first period. Rossi sustained a lower-body injury after being struck by a shot from his teammate, Boldy. Rossi’s departure is significant as he is one of the three Wild players who have featured in every game of the season.

In conclusion, the Minnesota Wild’s lightning-quick start and consistent offensive performance, combined with Filip Gustavsson’s solid goaltending, ensured a decisive victory over the Seattle Kraken. Despite a grueling schedule, the Wild continue to make strides towards the upper echelons of the Central Division.

O conteúdo Minnesota Wild Triumphs Over Seattle Kraken: A Swift Start and Stellar Shutout aparece primeiro em M Sports.

In a season characterized by highs and lows, Utah Hockey Club continues to vie for a coveted spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their resilience will be put to the test as they bounce back from their recent 7-1 defeat against the Edmonton Oilers, one of their most significant losses this season. Utah is set to host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, a match they hope will steer their season back in the right direction.

The Utah club faced a significant setback in their last game, trailing 3-0 after the initial period and widening the gap to 5-0 halfway through the second. The six-goal margin in the final score marked the team’s largest this season.

Utah’s defenseman, Sean Durzi, expressed his team’s disappointment, stating, “Obviously, this doesn’t reflect who we are, and it wasn’t the performance we were hoping for. We’re understandably upset. This isn’t the time of year to falter. We must regroup, move forward, and leave this defeat behind us.”

Echoing Durzi’s sentiments, Utah’s coach, Andre Tourigny, emphasized the collective responsibility for the loss and pledged to ensure such a defeat doesn’t happen again. Tourigny underscored the lack of fight, resilience, and connection, qualities that Utah is known for, in the game against the Oilers.

Meanwhile, the Sabres are bringing a strong defensive record into the upcoming match, having limited the Golden Knights and Bruins to 20 or fewer shots on goal in their recent victories. The team’s center, Peyton Krebs, attributed this success to consistent adherence to their system. He stressed the team’s focus on maintaining their lead, an issue they’ve struggled with throughout the year.

Despite being virtually eliminated from playoff contention, the Sabres are committed to improving their away performance. Krebs said, “We need to enhance our play on the road. That would significantly improve our chances of making the playoffs. It’s evident that teams with the best road record often make it to the playoffs. We need to continue building on this and play the right way to ensure positive outcomes.”

As Utah Hockey Club and Buffalo Sabres prepare to face off, their commitment to overcoming challenges and improving their play will be crucial. With each game, both teams continue to redefine their identities, striving for excellence and growth throughout the remainder of the season.

O conteúdo Utah Hockey Club Aims for Resilience against Buffalo Sabres in Playoff Pursuit aparece primeiro em M Sports.

The Carolina Hurricanes, currently the NHL’s most formidable team, are gearing up to sustain their winning streak as they prepare to clash with the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. Fresh off their impressive 5-0 triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Hurricanes are setting their sights on San Jose, marking the next destination in their four-game road tour. Although the team is thriving, its four-day intermission is typically not desired, as indicated by Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the break’s potential long-term benefits, considering the gruelling schedule that lies ahead.

This interval has also been beneficial for the Hurricanes’ injured players, offering them a chance to recover. Dmitry Orlov, who has been sidelined due to an upper-body injury, joined the practice on Wednesday, indicating his potential return after a five-game absence. However, Andrei Svechnikov’s presence remains uncertain as he is still nursing an upper-body injury, which might lead him to miss his fourth consecutive game.

The Sharks, on the other hand, are banking on their rising star, Macklin Celebrini, who is leading the team’s resurgence with his impressive haul of 50 points, including 21 goals and 29 assists. Adding to the excitement for the Sharks is the anticipated NHL debut of Luca Cagnoni, their fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Cagnoni, a promising defenseman, has been called up from the AHL, having amassed 47 points from his first 56 AHL games.

Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks’ coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Cagnoni’s skills, particularly his potential to boost the team’s offensive capabilities. Additionally, goalie Georgi Romanov is set to make his first NHL start on Thursday. Romanov has previously stepped in three times for the Sharks, including his last appearance against Washington, replacing starter Alexandar Georgiev.

The Hurricanes’ goaltending responsibilities will likely fall upon Frederik Andersen. Despite Pyotr Kochetkov’s commendable 26-save shutout performance against Philadelphia, Carolina has been alternating between these two goalies for the past couple of months.

Finally, Brent Burns, the stalwart defenseman of the Hurricanes, is poised to play his 911th consecutive game on Thursday. This will secure him the fifth spot in the NHL’s record of longest ironman streaks.

In conclusion, the upcoming clash between the Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks promises to be an exhilarating encounter, with both teams showcasing renewed strength and strategy. Whether the Hurricanes can sustain their winning momentum, or the Sharks can leverage their emerging talent to secure a victory, remains to be seen.

O conteúdo Carolina Hurricanes Aim for Continued Success on Road Trip Against Rebuilding San Jose Sharks aparece primeiro em M Sports.

As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the imminent playoffs, they are preparing to face the Winnipeg Jets on home ground this coming Thursday. The Oilers are riding high on a winning streak, having dominated their third consecutive game by thrashing the visiting Utah Hockey Club with a 7-1 victory on Tuesday – a triumphant display of their highest single-game goal tally in the last 39 matches.

Looking back at the team’s impressive performance, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse expressed his hopes for continued growth and momentum. “The goal is to hit the playoffs at the peak of our game,” Nurse said. “We’re displaying some of our finest hockey right now, and we aim to maintain this rhythm.”

The Oilers’ assistant coach, Jay Woodcroft, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the team’s focus on the approaching postseason. “The playoff vision is crystal clear to everyone,” he stated, “We’re honing our game, with particular attention to defense. We’ve learned our lessons from last season about the significance of home-ice advantage.”

Currently, the Oilers are breathing down the necks of the Pacific Division leaders, the Golden Knights, trailing them by a mere two points.

In the Jets’ camp, coach Scott Arniel made some strategic changes mid-game on Tuesday. Newly added player Brandon Tanev was paired with Alex Iafallo, joining third-line center and captain Adam Lowry. The coach’s willingness to experiment with this lineup could hint at his plans for the Edmonton game. Iafallo expressed his enthusiasm for the new formation, stating, “We’re aiming to keep the pressure on and generate offense. The Edmonton match will be a great test for this strategy.”

One question hovering over the Jets pertains to their goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, a strong contender for the Vezina Trophy. Despite conceding five goals from 21 shots in the game against the Canucks, the Jets do not seem inclined to give Hellebuyck more rest before the playoffs. Coach Arniel dismissed the idea, stating, “The blame for those goals does not rest on Hellebuyck. He’s performed outstandingly for us all season and will bounce back for the Edmonton game.”

In terms of injuries, Oilers’ defenseman John Klingberg, who was benched for the Utah game, might return to the lineup against Winnipeg. On the other hand, the Jets will continue to miss defenseman Neal Pionk, who is nursing an undisclosed injury.

As the Oilers and Jets prepare for their showdown, the anticipation is high. With playoff spots on the line and strategies being tweaked, Thursday’s face-off promises to be an exciting chapter in the NHL season.

O conteúdo Edmonton Oilers Gear Up for Playoff Push with Winnipeg Jets Showdown aparece primeiro em M Sports.

Joseph Woll, the 26-year-old goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is demonstrating why he should be the first choice for the team’s crease this playoff season. His consistent high-level performances, particularly his recent 38-save feat during a 2-1 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche, have placed him in the spotlight.

Woll’s tenacity and dedication to the game have not gone unnoticed, particularly by the team’s captain, Auston Matthews. Matthews commended Woll’s unchanging mentality and focus, regardless of the game’s status or his individual performance.

Woll’s resilience has been tested in the past. He was thrown into the fray during the 2023 playoffs’ second round against the Florida Panthers, with the Leafs trailing 3-0. Despite the pressure, Woll kept the Leafs competitive in Game 4, although they were later ousted in overtime in Game 5.

The St. Louis-born goalie found himself in a similar situation against the Boston Bruins in the previous spring’s opening round. With the Leafs down 3-1 in the series, Woll stepped in and delivered two consecutive wins before a back injury sidelined him at the end of Game 6. Ilya Samsonov was brought in for the decisive final match, which the Leafs unfortunately lost in overtime.

Since then, Woll has been sharing duties with Anthony Stolarz, an acquisition made during the off-season. Yet, his recent performances, which saw him blocking an impressive 92 out of 98 shots, have sparked conversations about his potential to be the go-to goalie for the first game of the upcoming playoffs.

Woll, however, remains modest and focused, acknowledging the benefits of frequent play and the importance of being ready when called upon. He showcased his sharpness during the recent game against Colorado, making several crucial saves, including a spectacular glove stop against Brock Nelson.

Teammate Steven Lorentz lauded Woll’s resilience, highlighting the goalie’s ability to cover for the team’s occasional lapses. Lorentz believes that having a dependable goalie like Woll allows the team to play more aggressively, which can ultimately lead to more scoring opportunities.

The Leafs’ head coach, Craig Berube, has also expressed his satisfaction with Woll’s performances, although he remains noncommittal about his choice for the playoffs.

Off the ice, the Leafs had an unusual stroke of luck in the third period of the game against Colorado, when an attempted clear by Simon Benoit hit referee Kelly Sutherland, creating an unexpected rush that ended with Lorentz scoring a goal against Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood.

Meanwhile, Charlie Coyle, who recently joined the Colorado Avalanche following a trade with the Boston Bruins, praised the team’s commitment and caliber, which he believes are key to their success.

As the playoff season approaches, the Leafs, their fans, and indeed the wider NHL community will be keenly watching how things unfold, particularly regarding the team’s goalkeeping decisions. Woll’s recent performances, resilience, and focus certainly make him a strong contender for the top spot.

O conteúdo Joseph Woll’s Stellar Performance Bolsters Maple Leafs Playoff Bid: A Closer Look aparece primeiro em M Sports.

In the fluctuating journey to the NHL playoffs, the Los Angeles Kings are keeping their grip on a coveted spot despite recent setbacks. The Kings fell short of a six-game winning streak, suffering a 3-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild on Monday.

Reflecting on the match, Kings’ player Kempe acknowledged the evenly matched game, attributing the loss to penalties and penalty killing. He stated, “Both teams played solid defensively. At the end of the day, penalties and (penalty killing) came up short today.” Kempe admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow, losing in the final minutes.

The Kings are now setting their sights on the Blackhawks, seeking to tighten up their defense, which had allowed only one goal in the three games leading up to Monday’s defeat. Amidst this, Quinton Byfield’s scoring streak came to a halt in Minnesota, having previously scored in six consecutive games. Despite this, Byfield has managed to secure points in eight of the last twelve games.

On the other side of the ice, the Blackhawks are dealing with their struggles. Goalkeeper Spencer Knight allowed six consecutive goals in Tuesday’s 6-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, a disappointing performance following another 6-2 fall to Vancouver. Arvid Soderblom was the goaltender for that particular game.

Jason Dickinson, a forward for Chicago, admitted the team’s defensive shortcomings against Seattle, stating that the team “didn’t protect the slot at all,” leading to a surplus of high-danger scoring opportunities for their opponents.

Interim coach Anders Sorensen pointed to the team’s lack of assertiveness in regaining puck possession as a reason for their recent defensive lapses. He urged the players to respond effectively to turnovers, acknowledging that while turnovers are a part of the game, their impact needs to be minimized.

Looking back, Petr Mrazek was in goal when the Blackhawks narrowly defeated the Kings 4-3 in a shootout back in November. This victory was achieved before Mrazek was deemed surplus to requirements following the Knight deal.

Tyler Bertuzzi broke a 20-game goalless streak on Tuesday, pushing the Blackhawks lead to 2-0. Dickinson, however, is still in the midst of a cold spell, seeking his first goal since Dec. 23.

As the Kings and Blackhawks prepare to face-off, both teams will be looking to bolster their defenses, reinvigorate their scoring, and keep their playoff hopes alive. The match promises to be a testament to resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of victory in the competitive world of professional ice hockey.

O conteúdo Los Angeles Kings Strive for Playoff Spot and Redemption against the Blackhawks aparece primeiro em M Sports.

In an electrifying display of hockey prowess, Joseph Woll stood like a fortress between the goalposts, making an impressive 38 saves. Spearheading the offense, Steven Lorentz seized the opportunity to score a short-handed goal early in the third period. This combined effort led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night.

The Leafs’ victory is not just another notch in their belt. It’s a strategic move in their quest for supremacy in the Atlantic Division. They are neck and neck in this three-way struggle with the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, making every game a high stakes affair.

On the other side, the Colorado Avalanche, who fell to the Dallas Stars 4-2 in the second round of last year’s playoffs, are hot on the Stars’ heels. They’re gunning for the Central Division’s No. 2 seed, making this loss a tough pill to swallow.

One standout moment in the night’s clash was Matthews’ game-opening goal, a significant achievement as it marked the 65th of his career. This feat ties him with Dave Keon for the second-most game-opening goals in the franchise’s illustrious history. The top spot is held by Mats Sundin, who stands at 67.

In this high-octane game of ice and steel, every goal counts, every save matters. The Leafs have shown that they are not just contenders but potential champions. Their victory over the Avalanche is a testament to their grit and determination. As we look forward to the rest of the season, one thing is clear – the battle for divisional supremacy is just heating up.

O conteúdo Maple Leafs’ Pursuit of Atlantic Division Crown Bolstered by Woll’s Stellar Goalkeeping and Lorentz’s Short-Handed Winner aparece primeiro em M Sports.