Late-round gems in the NHL draft can lead to impactful careers, even as scouting and analytics improve draft strategies. Players like Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall, exemplify this, as he should have been picked earlier. Recent success stories include Troy Terry (148th), Andrew Mangiapane (166th), and Mark Stone (178th), all of whom overcame doubts about their size and skill. The key to their success lies in possessing elite attributes that set them apart.

This year's draft presents potential diamonds in the rough, even as odds diminish for players selected after the third round. Notable prospects include Cameron Schmidt, a dynamic scorer despite his smaller stature, and Jacob Rombach, a towering defenseman with shutdown potential. Teams seek separating skills, and players like Viktor Klingsell and David Bedkowski have shown flashes of their unique talents in international play. These players embody the essence of late-round success, defying the odds stacked against them.

The 2025 Stanley Pup event is set to bring even more excitement than its predecessor, featuring 32 adoptable rescue dogs showcasing their talents on ice. Scheduled for June 6, the event will be broadcast live from 7 p.m. ET on TruTV, with encore presentations on NHL Network and various digital platforms.

This unique competition, organized by the NHL and Petco Love, emphasizes pet adoption and aims to spread joy while entertaining fans. Celebrity commentators will include Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who will join a lineup of dog-loving stars. The event promises to be a fun-filled family affair, with playful pups representing each NHL team and a special appearance by a singing pig.

Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks suffered an injury during a recent game, colliding with teammate Frank Vatrano and leaving in the third period without an update on his status. Meanwhile, Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers missed his game due to a lower-body injury and is currently day-to-day. In Carolina, Jordan Staal also missed his game with a lower-body issue. For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid is not traveling on their road trip, but coach Kris Knoblauch is optimistic about his return before the regular season concludes. Leon Draisaitl has returned to the lineup as the Oilers prepare for a crucial stretch. Additionally, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is working towards a comeback, but his return may not be imminent, as he will consult with his doctors to determine the next steps.

In a thrilling comeback, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in a hard-fought game at home. After trailing by two goals, the Ducks rallied back with Mason McTavish and Frank Vatrano scoring in quick succession during the second period to level the score. Alex Killorn then netted the decisive goal late in the third period, securing the Ducks' fourth victory in five games.

The Canadiens initially took the lead with Joel Armia's short-handed goal and Christian Dvorak's power-play tally in the first period. However, despite a strong start, Montreal faltered as Anaheim's Lukas Dostal made 21 saves to preserve the win. This defeat marks Montreal’s fifth straight loss as they continue their California road trip.

Mason McTavish played a pivotal role in leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 6-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken. He scored the tying goal early in the second period and assisted on Robby Fabbri's go-ahead goal just over four minutes later. The Ducks surged with three goals in the first eight minutes of the second period, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after a rough patch where they lost seven of eight games.

In addition to McTavish and Fabbri, Troy Terry, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, and Frank Vatrano contributed to the scoreline, each netting a goal. The Ducks have now won three consecutive games, largely due to solid performances from their players, including Lukas Dostal, who made 26 saves. The Kraken saw goals from Eeli Tolvanen, Mitchell Stephens, Jaden Schwartz, and Shane Wright, but ultimately couldn't overcome the Ducks' offensive onslaught.