NHL Daily: Flyers’ Top Prospect Rolls; Minnesota Wild Surges

Center Cutter Gauthier could be playing for the Flyers next season, but for now, his focus is on helping Boston College make some noise in the Hockey East Tournament.

So far, so good.

Gauthier, 19, had three assists and was plus-3 as eighth-seeded BC defeated No. 9 Massachusetts, 5-2, in a Hockey East opener Wednesday night. Boston College will face second-seeded Merrimack in Saturday night’s quarterfinals.

Earlier Wednesday, Gauthier was named to the Hockey East’s all-freshman team. That wasn’t a surprise. He has been the Eagles’ leading scorer this season.

Shifting to the NHL …

The Flyers, of course, are out of the playoff picture, but some other teams are peaking at the right time.

Take the Minnesota Wild (37-21-7), for instance.

The Wild are getting strong play from a player who is twice Gauthier’s age, Marc-Andre Fleury. The 38-year-old goaltender many 46 saves Wednesday, leading the Wild to a 4-2 win in Winnipeg. Minnesota is on a 9-0-2 run, and it moved into a tie with Dallas atop the Central Division. The Stars have a game in hand.

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Watch the great set up by Cutter Gauthier. @NHLFlyers https://t.co/TWNZQAJVcB

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) March 9, 2023

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Defenseman Tony DeAngelo received a two-game suspension for spearing Corey Perry in the groin Tuesday. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier continued his outstanding play for Boston College. Philadelphia Flyers.

Minnesota Wild: In Minnesota’s win in Winnipeg, Marc-Andre Fleury was superb and Marcus Foligno had a goal and an assist. The Wild have a concern, however, because star forward Karill Kaprizov was injured in the third period.  Minnesota Wild.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights have five unanswered questions as they head for the stretch run. Vegas Golden Knights.

Colorado Hockey Now: Concern seems to be rising on Gabriel Landeskog’s injury situation. Colorado Avalanche.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings ended a six-game losing streak as they defeated Chicago, 4-3. Former Blackhawk Dominik Kubalik snapped a late 3-3 tie by scoring against his former team. Detroit Red Wings.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: In his first year on the job, the Isles’ Lane Lambert seems to be finding his coaching stride. New York Islanders.

Boston Bruins: Who will the powerful Bruins play in the opening round? Jimmy Murphy looks at the candidates. Boston Bruins.