Amidst a dismal season, the Chicago Blackhawks confront pivotal decisions regarding Seth Jones and other players. Jones, who requested a trade, is tied to a hefty $9.5 million annual contract for the next five years and has displayed solid offensive stats (27 points in 42 games) despite injury setbacks. The significant salary demands pose a challenge for management, especially considering his declining speed at 30 years old.

The Blackhawks are also considering the future of Connor Murphy, a dependable defenseman looking for playoff opportunities after 721 regular-season games without a playoff appearance. Murphy's contract, set at $4.4 million for one more season, may entice teams looking for defensive assets. Meanwhile, Ryan Donato is enjoying a career year, and if the Blackhawks can secure a solid return for him, it could be an avenue for rebuilding.

In a dominating performance, the Anaheim Ducks secured their fifth consecutive home victory by beating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Key players included Frank Vatrano, Cutter Gauthier, and Ryan Strome, who all scored during a pivotal second period. Lukas Dostal made 22 saves in goal, contributing to the Ducks' eighth win in 11 matches. Despite a strong opening from the Canucks, who scored two quick goals, the Ducks responded with five unanswered goals, marking a significant momentum shift.

Strome's game-winning goal late in the second period was crucial, showcasing his scoring ability alongside Troy Terry, who rounded off the scoring with an empty-net goal. The Ducks have shown resilience, particularly in their recent home stretch, reflecting a turnaround in their season after a rough start.

Connor McDavid led Team Canada to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the United States, capping off a high-stakes matchup that has intensified rivalries in international hockey. McDavid's goal at 8:18 of overtime not only secured the win but also provided a symbolic moment of pride for Canadian fans, who sang along to their anthem without opposition in the stands. This tightly contested game saw Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett also score for Canada, while Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson found the net for the U.S.

The match was played against a backdrop of political tensions, echoing Trump's previous comments about annexation and tariffs. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of Stanley Cup finals, with fans passionately supporting their teams as both nations vie for international hockey supremacy.

The Washington Capitals faced a disappointing 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, marking the team’s second visit to the Canadian Tire Centre in just 14 days. The loss dropped the Capitals to a 34-11-6 record this season, concluding a season-long road trip with a 3-1-1 tally. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren recorded 30 saves in a game that saw numerous lead changes.

In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, both teams exchanged goals, with significant contributions from players like Connor McMichael, who scored to end an 11-game goal drought, and Dylan Strome, who tied the game late in the third period. On the Senators’ side, Josh Norris shined with two goals, including a highlight-reel penalty shot.

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.