Speculation surrounds the Vegas Golden Knights as trade rumors swirl about key players, notably William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. However, insiders suggest that a trade involving Karlsson is extremely unlikely. In addition, while the returns of Reilly Smith and Brandon Saad are anticipated, players such as Nick Hague and Nicholas Roy are drawing interest from around the league. Furthermore, the future of Alex Pietrangelo remains uncertain, with the potential for transactions involving him or even Rasmus Andersson. The Golden Knights have a lot of moving pieces to manage as they navigate these rumors.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face significant roster changes this offseason, with key players Mitch Marner and John Tavares hitting unrestricted free agency. Marner is most likely to depart, while the Leafs are focused on reaching a new contract with Tavares. Additionally, restricted free agent Matthew Knies will require a contract extension, and the team must replenish its dwindling prospect pool.

With limited draft picks to offer for trades, including only a second through seventh-round selection, GM Brad Treliving will need to navigate the trade market wisely. Potential moves could involve targeting Vegas for players like William Karlsson or Tomas Hertl to bolster their lineup.

The Vegas Golden Knights are actively exploring trade possibilities involving Tomas Hertl, with discussions pointing towards a potential move to an Eastern Conference team. There have been whispers connecting him to the Carolina Hurricanes, although there's been no confirmation of a deal.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for an active offseason, armed with significant draft picks, including the No. 11 selection and potentially the No. 12 from the New York Rangers. The Penguins are looking to bolster their roster with young talent through trades, potentially involving veterans like Erik Karlsson, whose hefty contract and no-movement clause complicate matters. Additionally, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have garnered interest, with Rust's no-movement clause set to expire soon, making him a viable trade candidate.

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.

The Vegas Golden Knights avoided elimination with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild. Ivan Barbashev scored the decisive goal, marking his first playoff tally after a strong regular season. Nicolas Roy and Tomas Hertl contributed significantly with a goal and an assist each, while Shea Theodore also found the net. Adin Hill was solid in net, stopping 29 shots. The Wild, despite three goals from Marco Rossi, Marcus Foligno, and Jared Spurgeon, struggled in overtime.

This win ties the series at 2-2, shifting momentum back to Vegas. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of regaining home ice advantage and maintaining composure despite the challenges faced. The teams will face off again in Game 5 in Vegas, setting the stage for a competitive finish to the series.