Penguins and Sabres Emerge as Surprise Playoff Contenders
Penguins and Sabres end long playoff droughts, returning to postseason competition.
Event / Sports
NHL 2025-2026 Season
Coverage of the 2025-2026 National Hockey League season, including regular season games, standings updates, and playoff implications.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Apr, 09:06 UTC
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What happened
Jon Cooper is first Lightning Jack Adams Award winner since John Tortorella in 2004
Jon Cooper became the first Tampa Bay Lightning coach since John Tortorella in 2004 to win the Jack Adams Award. Cooper was a three-time finalist for the award prior to his 2026 victory.
Jon Cooper reaches 600 career wins milestone in 1,005 games
Jon Cooper achieved his 600th career coaching win in January in just his 1,005th game coached, ranking him behind only Scotty Bowman as the fastest to reach this milestone in NHL history.
Tampa Bay Lightning achieve ninth consecutive playoff berth under Jon Cooper
The Tampa Bay Lightning qualified for the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season under Jon Cooper's leadership. The team compiled a 50-26-6 regular season record during the 2025-26 season, Cooper's 13th season with the organization.
Pittsburgh Penguins achieve first playoff appearance in four years under Dan Muse
Dan Muse guided the Pittsburgh Penguins to their first playoff appearance in four years in his inaugural season as head coach, earning him a finalist spot for the Jack Adams Award.
Jon Cooper wins 2025-26 Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year
Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning was named the 2025-26 Jack Adams Award winner, awarded annually to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success. Cooper defeated Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Muse and Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff in voting by the NHL Broadcasters' Association.
Tampa Bay Lightning defeated by Montreal Canadiens in first-round playoffs
The Tampa Bay Lightning were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs during the 2025-26 season.
Andrei Vasilevskiy records 39 wins for Tampa Bay Lightning
Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy tied his career second-best mark with 39 wins in the 2025-26 season for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Nikita Kucherov produces 130 points in 76 games for Lightning
Forward Nikita Kucherov recorded 130 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season, the second-highest points total of his career.
Buffalo Sabres return to playoffs for first time since 2011 under Lindy Ruff
Lindy Ruff snapped the longest postseason drought in the NHL by leading the Buffalo Sabres to their first playoff berth since 2011, earning the team a finalist spot for the Jack Adams Award.
Jon Cooper achieves .639 points percentage over 14 seasons with Lightning
Jon Cooper compiled a regular-season record of 622-332-89 with a .639 points percentage in 14 seasons as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. His postseason record includes 162 wins, 91 losses, and 71 ties, highlighted by back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
St. Louis Blues move within three points of Western Conference wild-card spot
With the victory, the St. Louis Blues improved to 32-31-12 with 76 points and pulled to within three points of the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining in the regular season.
Anaheim Ducks lose grip on Pacific Division lead
The Anaheim Ducks fell to 41-30-5 with 87 points and lost their hold on the top spot in the Pacific Division. The Edmonton Oilers also have 87 points and hold the tiebreaker edge. The Ducks are winless in their last four games with a record of 0-3-1.
St. Louis Blues defeat Anaheim Ducks 6-2 in NHL game
The St. Louis Blues defeated the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 on Friday night. Dylan Holloway scored two power-play goals, Robert Thomas scored once and had two assists, Pius Suter scored once and added an assist, Colton Parayko scored once and added an assist, and Jonatan Berggren scored once. Goaltender Joel Hofer made 25 saves for St. Louis.
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2 alternative perspectives
Cooper Wins Jack Adams Award After Lightning Playoff Run
Jon Cooper wins Jack Adams Award after 14 seasons building Tampa Bay's nine-year playoff streak.
Blues Close Gap on Wild Card With Victory Over Ducks
Blues beat Ducks 6-2, close on wild-card spot; Ducks lose division lead.