Rick Tocchet will not return as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, entering yet another chapter in the team's tumultuous coaching history. This announcement comes after a mixed tenure of 2.5 seasons, where he achieved significant milestones, including winning the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year in 2024. Under his leadership, the Canucks reached 50 wins and claimed the top spot in the Pacific Division, despite facing internal conflicts, injuries to key players like Quinn Hughes, and ultimately falling short of the playoffs.

During his time, the Canucks dealt with notable locker room issues, particularly surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The organization made a critical move by trading Miller to the New York Rangers, and Tocchet expressed dissatisfaction with Pettersson’s performance at the season's end. As he opts to prioritize his family and explore new opportunities, his departure has reignited speculation about his next coaching destination, with several NHL teams eyeing his experience.

Returning from the break, Wild center Yakov Trenin is eager to continue his momentum after a strong six-game stretch that saw him contribute significantly in both scoring and physical play. Trenin, who had experienced a rocky period with a demotion and benching, managed to bounce back impressively, scoring in his last two games including a pivotal game-winner against the New York Islanders. His performance is a testament to his ability to thrive in competitive situations, with coach John Hynes praising his potential to be a critical player as the season progresses.

During the recent hiatus due to the 4 Nations Face-Off, Trenin kept a mental check on the competition but was also focused on rest. His commitment to returning stronger was evident when he recorded a career-high eight shots in a recent match. Trenin is now looking to cement his role further, having notched six goals in 50 games, a notable improvement from his previous seasons. As the Wild ramp up for the playoff push, Trenin's ability to perform under pressure could make him a key asset.

Matt Boldy showcased his scoring prowess with two goals and an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders. The Wild mounted a comeback by scoring five unanswered goals after falling behind 3-1, with Boldy playing a pivotal role. Marco Rossi, Frederick Gaudreau, Yakov Trenin, and Marcus Foligno also contributed to the scoreboard for Minnesota, who increased their winning streak to five out of seven games. Jared Spurgeon aided with two assists, while Filip Gustavsson made a solid 30 saves in goal.

The Islanders, despite a strong start with two goals from Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson, couldn't maintain their lead. Sorokin faced a barrage of shots and ended the game with 27 saves. The loss marked New York's third defeat in four games after a seven-game winning streak.

In a closely contested matchup, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Colorado Avalanche with a 3-1 victory, thanks largely to Yakov Trenin's goal against his former team. Trenin scored early in the third period, breaking a 1-1 tie and providing the Wild with a crucial lead. Jake Middleton contributed with a goal and an assist, while Brock Faber also found the net. The seasoned Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 26 Avalanche shots, showcasing his veteran prowess in the crease.

Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon tied the game late in the second period, marking his 18th goal of the season. However, despite a late push, including an attempt to capitalize on an extra skater in the final minutes, the Avalanche could not find the equalizer. The Wild, missing key players like Jared Spurgeon and Kirill Kaprizov, displayed solid teamwork to secure the win.

The Colorado Avalanche faced a disappointing 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, unable to capitalize on their previous success against the same team just over a week ago. Coach Jared Bednar noted the team struggled offensively, highlighting a lack of chances generated throughout the game. Even though Nathan MacKinnon scored a spectacular goal, it wasn’t sufficient to change the game’s outcome.

Mackenzie Blackwood played a commendable game in goal, making critical saves, but Colorado's power play faltered, going 0 for 3. This loss keeps the Avs in fourth place in the Central Division, while the Wild secured important points despite missing key players.