John Matisz

Hamilton

Senior NHL Writer at TheScore

Senior NHL writer for @theScore. Member of @ThePHWA. [email protected]

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Articles

These Senators have 'been through some shit,' but hope's finally here

4 days ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Thomas Chabot scanned Madison Square Garden, absorbing the action with a quiet focus. It was May 5, 2024, the Rangers and Hurricanes were engaged in Game 1 of a second-round playoff series, and Chabot was in street clothes, watching from an MSG seat like any other paying customer. Throughout the game, Chabot ran the gamut of emotions alongside his wife, Marion. The career Senators defenseman felt jealous. Pissed off. Weird. Out of place.
For young on-ice officials, the learning curve is steep but rewarding

1 week ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Every June, the NHL takes over LECOM Harborcenter, the Buffalo Sabres' practice facility, to hold its scouting combine. With the draft a few weeks away, dozens of prospects undergo a series of fitness tests in front of general managers and other team staff before speaking to a swarm of reporters. The NHL returns to Harborcenter every August.
GOAT goal-scorer: Ovechkin's legacy is one of sheer force and authenticity

2 weeks ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Defenseman Mike Komisarek fired a breakout pass to partner Roman Hamrlik early in a Canadiens-Capitals game Feb. 18, 2009. The puck missed its target at Montreal's blue line and scooted into a largely empty neutral zone. Alex Ovechkin, 23 years old and in his fourth NHL season, smelled blood. The Capitals winger met the puck near the red line and backhanded it off the boards while spinning 180 degrees to avoid Hamrlik.
NHL trade deadline: Breaking down Friday's deals as they happen

1 month ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Quick-hit analysis of big-league moves completed Friday. Sabres re-up ZuckerBuffalo signs F Jason Zucker to 2-year, $9.5-million extensionThe Sabres have taken an attractive pending unrestricted free agent off the market. This might seem like a weird move for the Eastern Conference's last-place team. But Buffalo's situation is unique. The club's desperate for committed veterans during a record-setting postseason drought, and Zucker, 33, is clearly invested in the program.
How a Brock Nelson trade could boost 4 playoff-bound teams

1 month ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

NHL fans have heard Brock Nelson's name plenty of times over the past few weeks as Friday's trade deadline approaches. What exactly does Nelson - the consensus top "rental" center on the market - bring to the table? And how might he fit on four playoff-bound teams? Let's dig into it. Nelson, 33, has spent his entire 12-year career on Long Island.
Trade grades: Panthers score vital piece in Jones; Hawks get options

1 month ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Seth Jones got his wish. Less than two weeks after talking publicly about wanting to play for a contender, Jones is off to Florida. The Panthers acquired the 6-foot-4, 213-pound defenseman Saturday in a four-piece trade with the Blackhawks. Florida receives Jones and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick from Chicago in exchange for goalie Spencer Knight and a first-rounder in either 2026 or 2027.
7 NHLers who could use a change of scenery ahead of trade deadline

1 month ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

"Rental" becomes one of the most used words in hockey around this time every season. The spotlight shines bright on pending unrestricted free agents - and rightfully so, seeing as UFAs drive trade activity ahead of the deadline. But what about the other, typically younger guys moving midseason? We're talking about "change of scenery" trades, like the Jan. 30 deal between the Flyers and Flames.
Hockey in its purest form: 4 Nations brought best out of best - and Canada

2 months ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby was the first to hoist the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy, and he did so emphatically late Thursday night inside TD Garden. The oldest player in an adrenaline rush of a nine-day midseason event let out a roar before handing the silver prize to veterans Brad Marchand and Drew Doughty. Prime-time superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid were next.
4 Nations: Hagel's coming-out party, Matthews is due, and more

2 months ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

Before he boldly accepted Matthew Tkachuk's invitation to fight off the opening faceoff and spoke about playing for the flag rather than the drama, Brandon Hagel was the most anonymous player on Team Canada. Consider the scene inside Canada's dressing room following last Friday's practice in Brossard, Quebec. There was Hagel, sitting quietly at his stall as a swarm of reporters hung onto every word uttered by neighbor Brad Marchand.
'It's our time': Epic showdown reveals USA is coming for Canada's crown

2 months ago | thescore.com | John Matisz

MONTREAL - Matthew Tkachuk sat down at an interview station in the bowels of the Bell Centre late Saturday night. A grey towel rested on his shoulders. His game face still on, he looked like a boxer who'd gone 10 rounds, finally caught his breath, and wanted to immediately relive all the bloody glory. He fielded multiple questions about the most explosive start to a major-league hockey game in recent memory.