The Pittsburgh Penguins closed out the 2024-25 season on Thursday night with a final game against longtime rivals Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. And while I hoped for a final loss to improve the draft odds, the Penguins, ever the professionals, played to win, and win they did, beating Washington 5-2. [Recap]

The Pittsburgh team made one last regular-season roster transaction, recalling former first-rounder Sam Poulin from the AHL. Poulin was featured on the fourth line last night. [Trib Live]

Thursday night’s game was the 73rd career meeting between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. The 2024-25 season will be remembered for the records and milestones both players set, and as they met each other again, the rivals who have interlinked for 20 years have a great mutual respect for one another. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL…

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin was reportedly accused of sexual assault by a former team employee in a since-settled lawsuit, it was revealed on Thursday. [Yahoo! Sports]

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl secured the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goalscorer (52), while Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov captured the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season, ending the season with 121 points (37 goals and 84 assists). [Sportsnet]

Here is the full schedule for Round 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. [NHL]