Drake and Justin Bieber are among the most famous celebrities in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>‘ fanbase, with the two iconic singers of this century showing their passion for the NHL franchise in Toronto. However, Drake didn’t mince words as he put the blame for the Stanley Cup Playoffs elimination on Bieber, as the 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers cost Drake over $1M.



The Maple Leafs failed to end their heartcrushing, losing skid in winner-takes-all matchups in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> postseason. Toronto has now lost seven Game 7s in a row, along with a Game 5 defeat in a best of 5 series in 2020.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida</a> walked into Scotiabank and delivered yet another whopping victory, imposing its will over a team that had the air knocked out of its sails, and whose own fanbase turned against them midway through the action. It was awful to watch as the Panthers ran up the score on the Leafs who had no response. To add insult to injury, they had to endure the jeers and booing from its fans, who tossed jerseys, empty cans, and all sort of debris on the ice.



For the second straight home game at Scotiabank Arena, the Leafs fell 6-1 to the Panthers, but this time it was during a Game 7, where fans expected to see their team lay it all on the ice. That confidence led Drake to place approximately $1.25M in bets, believing the Leafs would win, and they’d do so by a two-goal margin. Drake betted a million on a Leafs’ win, and 250 thousand on a two-goal victory margin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250519_BUS_400788_Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-1024x576_f171e5c5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-400815" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/19120557/Singer-Justin-Bieber-of-team-Matthews-and-Auston-Matthews-34-of-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-pose-for-a-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Singer Justin Bieber of team Matthews and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs pose for a photo in warm ups prior to the 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Game on February 03, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.</figcaption></figure>



However, his bets never stood a chance, as the Cats blew the Leafs out of the water and knocked them out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup Playoffs</a>—once again. While Drake is often blamed for jinxing teams in pop culture, this time the rapper shifted the blame, taking a shot at Justin Bieber, who watched the action from the front row, right behind the Leafs’ bench. “Bieber curse…,” Drake wrote in a post on his Instagram stories.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/all-32-nhl-teams-by-social-media-popularity"></div>

 

 


<h2>Bieber’s message to Maple Leafs</h2>



Although the ending to the 2024-25 NHL season was gut-wrenching and a major blow to the hearts of every fan in Toronto, Justin Bieber’s love for his colors isn’t wavering.



Following the crushing 6-1 loss in Game 7 against the Panthers, Bieber made a sincere statement on his Instagram, with a clear message to the organization ahead of an offseason with major implications for the roster, most importantly for the core-four of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander.



“I don’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t been obsessed with the Leafs,” Bieber stated. “This year we made it farther than we have in so long and I’m happy about that. I can be patient because I know this is the team to do it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250519_BUS_400788_auston-3-1024x576_7354f108.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Auston Matthews" class="wp-image-399691" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17081038/auston-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Florida Panthers during the third period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>At a crossroads</h2>



By the looks of it, Bieber hopes the franchise can keep the core together, though it seems highly unlikely that Marner will stay in Toronto when the 2025-26 season gets underway. Tavares is another star who could be headed for the exit, as his contract comes to an end on July 1st, as well.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="682b572e9a59e2e0ea8f6a7d" data-title="Where will Marner play next season?" data-options="5"></div>


The 6-1 loss wasn’t just the end of the season for the Maple Leafs, who once again fell short of expectations — it might also mark the end of an era. And it certainly felt that way as Marner walked off the ice, heartbroken and overcome with sorrow.

NHL News: Drake blames Justin Bieber after losing $1M on Maple Leafs’ elimination vs Panthers in Stanley Cup Playoffs

Auston Matthews’ net worth: How much money does the Toronto Maple Leafs star own?

Florida Panthers: A deep dive into their Stanley Cup pursuit

NHL News: Drake blames Justin Bieber after losing $1M on Maple Leafs' elimination vs Panthers in Stanley Cup Playoffs - Bolavip US

Drake blames Justin Bieber ater losing $1M on Toronto's elimination vs Florida

miniaturas

The Dallas Stars and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> are set to clash in the NHL’s Western Conference Final for the second consecutive year—and the fourth time they meet with a trip to the Stanley Cup Final on the line. Ahead of Game 1 in Dallas, head coach Kris Knoblauch issued a significant update on the potential return of two key teammates to Connor McDavid’s lineup.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">McDavid</a> and the Oilers are hoping to repeat the success they had last season when they eliminated the Stars in six games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final, though they ultimately lost in the grand stage.



After knocking the Vegas Golden Knights out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Second Round, Knoblauch’s Oilers are ready to go to battle against the Stars. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-stars">Dallas</a> is coming off a dramatic overtime victory to advance past the Winnipeg Jets in a series that meant much more than just hockey.



The Oilers have played every series without home-ice advantage, fully embracing the villain role as they walk into the most intimidating environments in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> and walk out seemingly unbothered and victorious. Their achievements are magnified as they’ve battled through injuries to key players like Mattias Ekholm and Calvin Pickard.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250519_BUS_400601_Kris-Knoblauch-1024x576_25fe2f32.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kris Knoblauch" class="wp-image-368668" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/02112425/Kris-Knoblauch.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center on January 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.</figcaption></figure>



On that note, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kris-knoblauch">Knoblauch</a> delivered a confident update on the timelines for both the blueliner and netminder to return to the lineup and aid McDavid and company in their pursuit of Edmonton’s sixth Stanley Cup in franchise history.


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/wayne-gretzky-names-4x-stanley-cup-champ-as-the-toughest-goaltender-he-faced-in-his-nhl-career-he-hated-me-and-i-hated-him"></div>

 


“[Ekholm is] day to day and I’m not anticipating him being ready for Game 1 or 2,” Knoblauch said, via NHL.com. “But we’re optimistic that maybe some time in the third round he will join us. Probably not when the series starts, but I would think [Pickard] probably sometime in the same timeline as Ekholm, sometime during the series. Certainly not Game 1, but sometime in the middle.”



<h2>Key absences</h2>



Ekholm hasn’t played for McDavid’s Oilers since April 11 during the NHL regular season. Since, the 34-year-old blueliner has been dealing with an undisclosed injury. Prior to the injury, he appeared in 69 games for Edmonton, registering 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists) in the 2024-25 campaign.



As for Pickard, the goaltender who had come in on Stuart Skinner’s aid after Game 2 of the First Round suffered a lower-body injury in Game 2 of the Second Round matchup with Vegas. 



Although Pickard acts as a buffer in the bench, Skinner has been on an absolute tear lately and Oil Country is as confident as ever in their goaltending heading to a Western Conference Final showdown against the Stars.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250519_BUS_400601_Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-1024x576_729a118a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers prepares to play against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey." class="wp-image-395641" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/11155841/Calvin-Pickard-30-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-prepares-to-play-against-the-New-Jersey-Devils-at-Prudenti.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Calvin Pickard #30 of the Edmonton Oilers prepares to play against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Fasten your seatbelts</h2>



Now, Edmonton and Dallas are gearing up for an electric matchup at the gates of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> Final in a series that could very well be decided by the goaltenders. With Jake Oettinger and Stuart Skinner between the pipes, their performances could be the decisive factor between two evenly-matched star-studded offenses and solid defenses with no shortage of production on the opposite end of the ice.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/dallas-stars-stanley-cup-glory"></div>


The Oilers and Stars boast the two highest-scoring defensemen in the postseason—Evan Bouchard with 12 points and Thomas Harley with 11. They also feature the top-performing forwards so far in the playoffs, with Connor McDavid and Mikko Rantanen leading the charge.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="682a7c849a59e2e0ea8f6a58" data-title="Who will advance to the Stanley Cup Final?" data-options="2"></div>


The table is set for an electric showdown swinging between American Airlines Center and Rogers Place. The winner will punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final—a monumental reward after a grueling journey through the West, yet merely the beginning of a battle all the marbles against the Eastern Conference champion.

Connor McDavid, Edmonton to be back in full-force during WCF vs Stars, Kris Knoblauch reveals timeline for key Oilers teammates

Edmonton Oilers: A legacy of Stanley Cup victories

Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch sends message to Stuart Skinner after clutch back-to-back shutouts

Connor McDavid, Edmonton to be back in full-force during WCF vs Stars, Kris Knoblauch reveals timeline for key Oilers teammates - Bolavip US

McDavid, Oilers to be back in full-force vs Stars, Knoblauch reveals timeline for key teammates

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> has faced no shortage of high-end goaltenders throughout his NHL career, with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. He scored in bunches against most of them, but there was one that managed to get under his skin unlike any other, as ‘The Great One’ revealed a four-time Stanley Cup champion was the toughest goalie he ever came up against on the ice.



Anyone who played in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> during Gretzky’s reign will admit that ‘The Great One’ was the most difficult player to stop once he got going. That was especially true for goaltenders, who bore both the privilege and the burden of trying to shut down Gretzky’s relentless attacks. He led the league in scoring for decades—until Alex Ovechkin finally shattered his record in 2025.



While Gretzky is universally respected in the NHL—renowned not just for his unmatched skill and hockey IQ, but also for his grace and humility—he wasn’t immune to feuds and rivalries. Tempers often flared, especially during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup Playoffs</a> and throughout the 1980s, when enforcers still roamed the ice, wreaking havoc night in and night out.



However, as it’s often the case for natural-born goalscorers and playmakers like Gretzky, his biggest disdain arose for netminders, the culprits for stifling countless would-be goals throughout his NHL career.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400542_Wayne-Gretzky-7-1024x576_9469d2fb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Wayne Gretzky" class="wp-image-360306" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/21083307/Wayne-Gretzky-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky talks to the crowd during the Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Reunion at Rexall Place on October 10, 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



On that note, when asked about the toughest goaltender he ever faced, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a>‘ legend wasted no time, voicing an immediate answer as if he had been waiting for years to take that frustration off his chest. His answer? Billy Smith, the goaltender who <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">led the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cups</a>.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/wayne-gretzky-net-worth"></div>

 

 


<h2>On-ice hate, off-the-ice respect</h2>



During an appearance on SmartLess podcast in November 2022, Gretzky showed no second-thoughts when naming the toughest netminder he ever played against in the NHL, dropping a powerful confession along the way.



“They’re all so good; they’re such good athletes. And they’re better athletes today than they were 40 years ago. But Billy Smith, the game was on the line, the pressure and the thing that made him so good is he hated me, and I hated him,” Gretzky confessed.



“But that was when we played, and now that we’re done and over, we have a mutual respect for each other,” Gretzky explained. “And he was, no question, one of the greatest ever.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400542_Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-1024x576_1a27df4b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-400584" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18191042/Former-New-York-Islander-Billy-Smith-is-honored-prior-to-the-New-York-Islanders-game-against-the-Pit.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Former New York Islander Billy Smith is honored prior to the New York Islanders game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on November 22, 2014 in Uniondale, New York.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Fierce competitor</h2>



Billy Smith’s nickname: Battlin, should tell everything that needs to be known about the elite goaltender who played from 1971 until 1989, racking up penalty minutes, impressive performances, and both individual and team trophies along the way.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/legacy-of-champions-stanley-cup-winners-list"></div>


Smith finished his career with 305 wins, including 22 shutouts, 490 penalty minutes, and an average save percentage of .895. Yet, more importantly, he hoisted four Stanley Cups, along with a Vezina Trophy, and a Conn Smythe Trophy for his heroics during the 1982-83 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-islanders">Islanders</a>.



Smith was so talented—and played with such fire in his veins—that Gretzky knew better than to try his signature behind-the-net goal, where he’d bank the puck off the goaltender’s back and in. Dazzling, yes—but also deeply humiliating.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="682a68709a59e2e0ea8f6a51" data-title="Who is the best goaltender in NHL history?" data-options="7"></div>


“He was too good and too smart for that. If I was back there, he would have been swinging his stick at me,” Gretzky said during his appearance on the SmartLess podcast.

Wayne Gretzky names 4x Stanley Cup champ as the toughest goaltender he faced in his NHL career: ‘He hated me and I hated him’

The most bizarre NHL superstitions: Wild rituals players swear by

The most unbreakable records in NHL history: Moments of greatness that define hockey&#039;s legacy

Wayne Gretzky names 4x Stanley Cup champ as the toughest goaltender he faced in his NHL career: 'He hated me and I hated him' - Bolavip US

Gretzky names the toughest goalie he faced in the NHL: 'He hated me and I hated him'

Canada extended its unstoppable form in the 2025 IIHF World Championship with yet another blowout triumph in the Preliminary Round of the competition. Following the 7-0 victory over Slovakia, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" rel="nofollow">Sidney Crosby</a> issued a firm message about young star Macklin Celebrini, which could easily make Connor Bedard re-consider his controversial decision to forego an invite to the tournament, instead opting to focus on himself ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard">Bedard</a> came off a disappointing NHL campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks, in which the constant lopsided results took a toll both emotionally and mentally for the 19-year-old, who is now determined to right the ship next season.



On that note, Bedard chose his personal training and growth ahead of his third year in the league instead of joining Team Canada in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he would’ve gotten the chance to play alongside childhood idol, Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and the rest of stars in a stacked roster.



Who has taken advantage of that opportunity is Celebrini, the former first overall selection in the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> entry Draft and finalist to the 2024-25 Calder Trophy, who is embracing the international spotlight and truly shining under the lights.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400399_Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-1024x576_309b282b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes his way from the locker room to the ice for warmups before the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington." class="wp-image-398996" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15195224/Connor-Bedard-98-of-the-Chicago-Blackhawks-makes-his-way-from-the-locker-room-to-the-ice-for-warmup.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes his way from the locker room to the ice for warmups before the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.</figcaption></figure>



Following a 3-point performance (1 goal, 2 assists) against Slovakia, Crosby delivered a powerful admission about the 18-year-old who’s already establishing himself among the world’s best—a statement many believe could’ve applied to Bedard, had he chosen to participate in the IIHF World Championship.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-connor-bedards-blackhawks-reportedly-closing-in-on-under-the-radar-successor-to-anders-sorensen"></div>


“[Celebrini] holds on to the puck so well and plays with a lot of poise, and he gave me a nice tap in [goal] tonight,” Sidney Crosby said during his postgame interview. “I am hoping I can have as much poise as him and set him up for more goals at some point, but it has been a lot of fun to play with him. He makes me work hard in practice and in games, so I need to keep up with him.”



<h2>Ever present comparisons</h2>



The NHL’s latest first overall selections in the Draft have been compared throughout their careers and their arrival to the league was no different, as Sharks and Blackhawks fans debate on who the better talent it.



As Celebrini lines up alongside Crosby on Canada’s top line, the conversation is back on everyone’s lips—while Bedard steps out of the spotlight, the Sharks’ rising star climbs to the top of the pyramid.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400399_Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-1024x576_22f32b29.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before their game against the Nashville Predators at SAP Center on March 11, 2025 in San Jose, California." class="wp-image-400515" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18173217/Macklin-Celebrini-71-of-the-San-Jose-Sharks-warms-up-before-their-game-against-the-Nashville-Predat.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before their game against the Nashville Predators at SAP Center on March 11, 2025 in San Jose, California. </figcaption></figure>



Canada has been on an absolute tear so far in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, prevailing in their first five outings. So far, Canada has scored 28 goals while allowing just two on their own net. Crosby and Canada will close out the Preliminary Round with meetings against Finland and Sweden on May 19-20.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/iihf-world-championship-winners-by-year"></div>


<h2>Why isn’t Bedard on Canada’s roster?</h2>



Bedard played in every game for the Blackhawks during the 2024-25 NHL season, which visibly took a toll in his body, as well as in his head as he now looks for a rest from the action on the ice to focus on his individual skills. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="682a52b99a59e2e0ea8f6a4c" data-title="Who will win the 2025 IIHF World Championship?" data-options="7"></div>


According to reports from The Athletic, Bedard believes there are some areas of his game he can polish heading into next season. He hopes he can achieve those improvements by staying in the continent, even if it means missing a key tournament appearance with Crosby and MacKinnon’s Canada.

Crosby’s powerful statement about Celebrini may have Bedard re-considering decision to decline invite to IIHF World Championship

Crosby's powerful statement about Celebrini may have Bedard re-considering decision to decline invite to IIHF World Championship - Bolavip US

Crosby's comment on Celebrini may have Bedard re-considering missing the 2025 IIHF World Championship

The Florida Panthers are gearing up for a crucial Game 7 in their Second Round matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024-25 NHL season. Ahead of an electric showdown at Scotiabank Arena, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew Tkachuk</a> voiced a firm message to the locker room, including Brad Marchand.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> cannot hang their heads after a deflating 2-0 defeat on home ice in Game 6, which pushed the series to a winner-takes-all Game 7 back in Toronto. Florida must answer the bell from the get-go, as the Maple Leafs will charge out of the tunnel like a team shot out of a cannon.



Toronto will be determined to set the pace early and make amends to their home fans, many of whom headed for the exits well before the final horn in their disastrous Game 5 showing.



Tkachuk and the Panthers were held off the scoreboard in Game 6 and will now look to get back on track with their backs against the wall in their visit to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto</a>. With both teams’ seasons on the line, they’re staring each other down like cowboys in a Western duel—hands hovering over the holster, knowing that if they miss, the counter will be deadly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400304_Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-1024x576_7106b1db.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers walks to the ice before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 16, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida" class="wp-image-400322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/18141520/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-walks-to-the-ice-before-playing-the-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-in.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers walks to the ice before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 16, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida </figcaption></figure>



It’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs—tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. But pressure is a privilege, and Tkachuk embraces it, urging <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Marchand</a> and the rest of the Panthers to do the same. This is where legends are born, and Tkachuk isn’t about to let that chance slip through his fingers. He made sure to deliver a firm message to his teammates.


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/what-happens-if-panthers-win-tie-or-lose-tonight-vs-maple-leafs-florida-visits-toronto-in-crucial-game-7"></div>

 


“It’s what you dream about. If you’re going to play tentative, you probably don’t belong in these games,” Matthew Tkachuk commented, via insider Jameson Olive on X.



<h2>Been there, done that</h2>



Marchand didn’t need no reminder about what’s at stake in a Game 7 during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup Playoffs</a>, as he’s been in plenty of them and especially against the Leafs. Ahead of the pivotal meeting, he offered his own two cents to the team.



“The difference between winning and losing sometimes doesn’t even come down to how you play,” Marchand stated. “It can be a bounce or a call. You obviously want to prepare to put your best game on the ice and take care of every detail because one detail is enough to win or lose a game.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400304_Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-1024x576_11d4a101.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida." class="wp-image-395908" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/12094603/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-celebrates-with-the-Stanley-Cup-following-a-2-1-victory.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Game 7 records</h2>



When the Maple Leafs and Panthers face off in Game 7, several personal records will be on the line. Paul Maurice is currently 5-0 in Game 7s throughout his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> coaching career, with two of them being with the Florida Panthers, including last season’s Stanley Cup Final.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit"></div>


The Panthers are 3-1 in winner-takes-all matchups in the postseason, with a 2-0 record on the road. Meanwhile, Toronto is 12-15, with a 7-3 record when playing on home-ice. However, they are currently dragging a 0-6 losing streak, in which Brad Marchand played a huge role. 



Marchand is 7-5 throughout his career in Game 7s, including a 4-0 record against the Maple Leafs in these do-or-die showdowns. Marchand will look to extend its unbeaten record against Toronto, though this year will be the first time he takes them on without the Spoked B on his chest.



“These are the ones you live for. You get excited about it,” Marchand told Miami Herald. “They’re the ones you don’t really worry about the pressure. You just worry about enjoying it and having fun. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="682a24ff9a59e2e0ea8f6a3b" data-title="Who has been the best player in the series?" data-options="5"></div>


“Whether you win or lose, they’re incredible moments, and you want to give yourself the best opportunity and to do that, you have to be in the moment all night and just be excited about it.“

NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk urges big response with blunt reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers about Game 7 vs Maple Leafs

Matthew Tkachuk’s blunt take after Panthers fail to seal series in Game 6 vs Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs

NHL Playoffs: Maple Leafs reveal uncertain injury update on key Auston Matthews teammate ahead of Game 7 vs Panthers

NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk urges big response with blunt reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers about Game 7 vs Maple Leafs - Bolavip US

Matthew Tkachuk drops blunt reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers ahead of Game 7 vs Maple Leafs

Get the latest NHL News, NHL Hockey Updates and Insights by Bolavip US!

NHL News | Bolavip US | Page 134

NHL - Page 134