The New York Rangers signed backup goalie Jonathan Quick to a one-year extension for his age-40 season. According to sources, the AAV is $1.55 million and includes performance bonuses.

Quick is in his second with the Rangers and has a 27-12-4 record, .904 save percentage, 2.83 goals-against average in New York plus five shutouts -- including three shutouts this season.

Quick is a three-time Stanley Cup champion: twice with Los Angeles (including winning the Conn Smythe in 2012) and once in Las Vegas in 2023.

This season he became the 15th goalie in NHL history -- and first U.S. born goaltender -- to reach 400 career wins.

This is the third straight one-year deal Quick has signed with the Rangers to be Igor Shesterkin's backup. He joined the team on deal for less than $1 million during free agency in 2023 and then re-signed for $1.25 million this season.

In December, the 29-year-old Shesterkin signed an eight year, $92 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2033.

The Rangers believe Quick has been a crucial role model in the locker room, especially to younger players.

FRISCO, Texas -- Newly acquired Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen says he's pleased with where he landed while denying his former coach's claim that he gave Carolina a list of teams he preferred in a trade, and the Hurricanes weren't on it.

Rantanen addressed reporters after his first practice with the Stars on Wednesday. He played two games in Canada on a four-game road trip interrupted at the halfway point by a four-day break.

The star forward had a goal and an assist in a 5-4 loss to Edmonton on Saturday, then scored again on an empty-netter in a 4-1 victory in Vancouver the next night.

The Stars play at Central Division-leading Winnipeg on Friday before a Sunday visit to Colorado. Rantanen was abruptly traded by the Avalanche to Carolina on Jan. 24, then moved again with the Hurricanes worried they would lose the 28-year-old in free agency without getting anything in return.

Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour told a radio station in Raleigh, North Carolina, this week that Rantanen told the front office he was only willing to sign his next contract with four teams, and Carolina was not on that list.

"I saw some things were said that I had a list of teams ready when I went (to Carolina), but that's false," Rantanen said. "Obviously, it was a big shock to leave Colorado, but I went (to Carolina) with an open mind and tried my best on the ice."

The Dallas deal came together the morning of the trade deadline Friday, after Stars general manager Jim Nill went to bed the night before believing the sides wouldn't be able to agree on a contract extension to complete the deal.

Rantanen signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Dallas as part of the trade. The Hurricanes acquired promising young forward Logan Stankoven along with two first-round picks and two third-rounders.

"When I put the jersey on there, I tried my best and just decided just a little bit before the deadline that Carolina would probably get a better return for me if I would do a sign and trade," Rantanen said. "That it would be better for their team rather than me being a rental and going somewhere to play. So that was the decision. I want to make it clear that I was open-minded in Carolina and really thought about staying there."

Rantanen will have to wait to see how fans react to his return to Colorado. The 10th overall pick of the 2015 draft spent his first nine-plus seasons with the Avalanche, getting 681 points (287 goals, 394 assists) in 619 regular-season games. He has 101 points (34 goals, 67 assists) in 81 playoff games.

"Colorado was always where I wanted to stay, but I understand it's business and they made a decision," Rantanen said. "I tried my best in Carolina and I'm here now and I'm so happy to be here, locked in for eight years with a good team and with good coaches. I'm thankful for Dallas to have the trust in me."

The Vancouver Canucks were the regular-season champions of the Pacific Division in 2023-24, and won their first-round playoff matchup against the Nashville Predators. The Calgary Flames finished 17 points out of a wild-card spot last season, and during last season and the offseason, traded away Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev.

One might say that expectations were different for the two clubs before the season, which is backed up by the preseason point total over/unders from ESPN BET: the Canucks were listed at 99.5, with the Flames at 81.5

Nevertheless, the two Western Canadian teams are battling for the final Western Conference wild-card spot with a little over a month left in the season. On Wednesday night, the they'll face off in Calgary (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+). Heading into the game, Calgary has 70 points and 24 regulation wins in 63 games, and Vancouver has 69 and 23 through 63. This will be the final head-to-match matchup between the clubs.

Of the Flames' remaining games beyond Wednesday, 10 out of 18 are against teams in a playoff position. For the Canucks, it's nine out of the final 17.

Stathletes projects the Flames to finish in that coveted wild-card position, with 89.6 points. Vancouver is projected at 88.1 points, behind Calgary and also the St. Louis Blues and Utah Hockey Club.

Given the tight margins, every game counts, particularly one against a fellow wild-card bubble team.

There is a lot of runway left until the final day of the season April 17, and we'll help you keep track of it all on the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races -- along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Calgary Flames
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings

Wednesday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Buffalo Sabres at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks at Utah Hockey Club, 10 p.m. (TNT)
Montreal Canadiens at Seattle Kraken, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday's scoreboard

Boston Bruins 3, Florida Panthers 2
New Jersey Devils 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 3
Ottawa Senators 5, Philadelphia Flyers 2
Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2 (OT)
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 1
Minnesota Wild 2, Colorado Avalanche 1 (SO)
Winnipeg Jets 2, New York Rangers 1
Montreal Canadiens 4, Vancouver Canucks 2
Washington Capitals 7, Anaheim Ducks 4
Los Angeles Kings 4, New York Islanders 1
Nashville Predators 3, San Jose Sharks 2

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Florida Panthers

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 104.7
Next game: @ TOR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 103.8
Next game: vs. FLA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 99.9
Next game: @ PHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Ottawa Senators

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 18
Points pace: 93.5
Next game: vs. BOS (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 95.2%
Tragic number: N/A

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ SEA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 9.9%
Tragic number: 35

Boston Bruins

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 84.5
Next game: @ OTT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 5.7%
Tragic number: 31

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 84.6
Next game: vs. BUF (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 6.7%
Tragic number: 33

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 72.9
Next game: @ DET (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 25

Metro Division

Washington Capitals

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 118.6
Next game: @ LA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 103.5
Next game: vs. DET (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

New Jersey Devils

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 94.4
Next game: vs. EDM (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 94%
Tragic number: N/A

Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 89.7
Next game: vs. VGK (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 41.6%
Tragic number: N/A

New York Rangers

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 85.8
Next game: @ MIN (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 29.9%
Tragic number: 33

New York Islanders

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 83.3
Next game: vs. EDM (Friday)
Playoff chances: 14.5%
Tragic number: 32

Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 77.0
Next game: vs. TB (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 2.3%
Tragic number: 25

Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 75.9
Next game: vs. STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Tragic number: 23

Central Division

Winnipeg Jets

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 116.8
Next game: vs. DAL (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Dallas Stars

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 110.2
Next game: @ WPG (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Colorado Avalanche

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 100.6
Next game: @ CGY (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Minnesota Wild

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 98.4
Next game: vs. NYR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 91%
Tragic number: N/A

St. Louis Blues

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ PIT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 29.8%
Tragic number: 34

Utah Hockey Club

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 85.8
Next game: vs. ANA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 25.9%
Tragic number: 34

Nashville Predators

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 73.0
Next game: @ ANA (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 24

Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 61.8
Next game: @ SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 14

Pacific Division

Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 18
Points pace: 106.3
Next game: @ CBJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 99.9
Next game: @ NJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Los Angeles Kings

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 19
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: vs. WSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 97.2%
Tragic number: N/A

Calgary Flames

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 19
Points pace: 91.1
Next game: vs. VAN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 35.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Vancouver Canucks

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 88.4
Next game: @ CGY (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 20.3%
Tragic number: 36

Anaheim Ducks

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 80.7
Next game: @ UTA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Tragic number: 30

Seattle Kraken

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 73.2
Next game: vs. MTL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 23

San Jose Sharks

Points: 43
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 53.4
Next game: vs. CHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 6

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

1. San Jose Sharks

Points: 43
Regulation wins: 12

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17

3. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 21

4. Nashville Predators

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21

5. Seattle Kraken

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 22

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 17

7. Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 17

8. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 20

9. New York Islanders

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 23

10. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 22

11. Utah Hockey Club

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20

12. Montreal Canadiens

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 21

13. Boston Bruins

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23

14. New York Rangers

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 29

15. St. Louis Blues

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22

16. Vancouver Canucks

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23

While the Stanley Cup playoffs races remain tight and delightfully chaotic, the races for the NHL Awards have also seen some major shifts since last month: There's a new leader for MVP and for the league's best defenseman.

Welcome to the NHL Awards Watch for March. We've polled a wide selection of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters anonymously to get a sense of where the wind is blowing for the current leaders. We've made sure it's a cross section from the entire league, trying to gain as many perspectives as possible.

Bear in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng finalists, broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams, and general managers handle the Vezina.

All stats are from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.

Jump ahead:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams

Art Ross Trophy (points leader)

Click here for the updated point-scoring standings.

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy

Click here for the updated goal-scoring standings.

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Leader: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers; Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

Nathan MacKinnon takes the MVP lead back from Connor Hellebuyck, who had a tenuous grasp on the top spot last month.

MacKinnon is trying to become the first back-to-back league MVP since Alex Ovechkin from 2007-08 to 2008-09. Since 1980, only three players have captured the Hart in consecutive seasons: Ovechkin, Dominik Hasek (1996-97, 1997-98) and Wayne Gretzky, who went on a run of eight straight league MVPs from 1979 through 1987. That's the level of feat MacKinnon is trying to accomplish here.

He's also trying to do something for the first time in his career: win the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading points producer. He was second to Nikita Kucherov (144 points) last season despite a career-high 140 points. That MacKinnon is threatening the scoring lead after the Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen in January has bolstered his MVP credentials. So has the fact that he has turned Martin Necas into a more than acceptable replacement.

"Incredibly consistent and so crucial to Colorado's success this season," one voter said.

"Colorado doesn't get enough credit for being where they are despite having brutal depth and terrible goaltending for the first eight weeks of the season," another voter explained.

MacKinnon had 33% of the first-place votes on the ballots we surveyed. It's not a runaway by any means.

Right behind him with around 26% of the first-place votes is Leon Draisaitl. The Edmonton star has had a comfortable lead in the NHL goal-scoring race all season -- while he led the NHL in points back in 2019-20, he has never won the Rocket Richard Trophy for goals. The season Draisaitl won the Art Ross is also the only time he captured the Hart Trophy, though that's understandable when Connor McDavid -- three-time MVP, six-time finalist -- is on your team.

"MacKinnon is on pace to win his second Hart Trophy in a row but Leon Draisaitl isn't far behind," a MacKinnon voter said.

"This award still seems very much up for grabs. I keep flip flopping here," a Draisaitl voter quipped.

What Draisaitl has going for him: a strong analytics case, leading the NHL in goals scored above replacement, per Evolving Hockey.

Hellebuyck, last month's leader, still has a ton of support, with 22% of the first-place votes. He has led the NHL in traditional goalie stats all season. Money Puck has him leading in goals saved above expected, while Stathletes has him in the top three.

The NHL hasn't had a goalie win MVP since Montreal's Carey Price in 2014-15.

"There is a zero percent chance Winnipeg is the best team in the league right now if not for Hellebuyck. That's undeniable," a Hellebuyck voter declared.

That's the top three, but there are two other players who received first-place votes as well.

One of them is Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team with perhaps the most uplifting story of the playoff race. He leads his team in scoring and has played nearly 27 minutes per game this season, doing everything to elevate the Jackets to an unlikely postseason push.

A defenseman hasn't won the Hart since Chris Pronger captured the MVP with the St. Louis Blues in 1999-2000.

The other player in the mix is Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has a points-per-game argument against MacKinnon's point totals this season. Kucherov also has a sizable lead in his own team's scoring race, with a gap that was recently more than 20 points ahead of Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point.

"There's enough racetrack left for Tampa's dark horse to give voters little choice but to at least consider him a legitimate race finalist," a Kucherov backer noted.

Norris Trophy (top defenseman)

Leader: Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Finalists: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks; Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

For the first time this season, Zach Werenski is the leader for the Norris Trophy. Quinn Hughes had been the established leader for the award throughout the season, earning 45% of the first-place votes last month. But Hughes has played only three games since Jan. 31, and his limited games played vs. the other Norris candidates has dropped him down the rankings.

"Hughes had it locked up before his injury," a voter concluded.

Werenski, meanwhile, is having his moment. Whether it's the Jackets' incredible story, the Stadium Series spotlight or his play in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Werenski's star is rising at the right time, and he has the stats to back up his case.

"I'm on the Zach Werenski train. He's a big, big reason for why the Blue Jackets are still in this thing," a voter noted

"The Blue Jackets? A playoff team? Not without Werenski playing the way he has," another voter said.

"Werenski has been incredible, but it's a three-horse race between him, Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar," another voter offered.

Werenski earned 48% of the first-place votes from the ballots we surveyed. This is easily the most awards buzz Werenski has gotten, as he has previously placed only as high as eighth in the Norris voting.

Someone who is used to awards buzz is Makar, who has been a Norris finalist four straight seasons and won the award in 2021-22. The Colorado blueliner snatched the scoring lead among defensemen and hasn't looked back, skating over 25 minutes per game. Makar had 41% of the first-place votes.

"Makar is as good as it gets on the blue line," a voter declared.

"Makar has been excellent all season," another voter offered.

That said, some Makar voters acknowledge there are mitigating circumstances here. "It's Makar, but only because injuries have hurt Quinn Hughes' season," a voter suggested.

Others are glancing over their shoulders at what Werenski is doing.

"A late push from Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets could sway this voter," they said.

"Werenski is now No. 2 with a bullet for me," a Makar voter confirmed.

Hughes still has some true believers in his corner, earning the rest of the first-place votes. Before his injury, Hughes was building a case for the Hart Trophy as well as his second straight Norris Trophy.

Calder Trophy (top rookie)

Leader: Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
Finalists: Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens; Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

The same top three as last month's Awards Watch, and with the same ranking: Macklin Celebrini leads, with Dustin Wolf next and Lane Hutson behind him. But the race continues to tighten.

Celebrini, 18, has seen his first-place vote share go from 90% to 60% to now 48% this month -- still a sizable advantage, but other rookies are clearly invited to the party. Celebrini has been around the rookie lead in goals and points, and has steadily led in points per game after having missed some time earlier this season.

"This is Macklin Celebrini's to lose and I don't think he will," a voter proposed.

"Celebrini's all-around impact on the game is undeniable. Every time I watch a Sharks game, I'm amazed by how polished his game is," another voter admitted. "He's a borderline elite NHL player at 18 years old."

"The race may be tightening, but I still lean toward the most dynamic presence playing on the worst team," another voter revealed.

Wolf has solidified his case as the best rookie goaltender -- there's not really anyone else in the conversation at this point -- but also as the MVP of the Flames' playoff push. His traditional stats are strong, and he's just outside the top 10 in goals saved above expected. The last rookie goalie to win the Calder was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008-09.

"If the Flames make the playoffs, there's a legit chance," a voter noted.

"If we're talking about who has truly been the best performing rookie over the balance of the season, it has to be Dustin Wolf," another voter argued. "What he's done in Calgary is remarkable and he's the only rookie in the discussion who's been consistently at the top of his game all year."

Like Wolf with goalies, Hutson is lapping the field among rookie defensemen. He's also a serious threat to lead all rookies in scoring as a defenseman, something Quinn Hughes did in 2019-20 -- although he finished second in the Calder race to Makar that season.

Hutson has been a highlight-generating blueliner for the Canadiens. He earned 11% of the first-place votes.

"Hutson's just been an absolute force," a voter quipped.

"He's been a big part of Montreal's surprising season," another voter pointed out.

The rest of the first-place votes went to Matvei Michkov, who dropped out of the top three for the Calder last month. He's still very much in the race for most points and goals. But the "tough love" from coach John Tortorella this season, which has included a healthy scratch and benchings, might have created the perception that there are holes in his game.

"I have time for all of these rookies. Michkov is a strong No. 4 guy," a voter offered.

Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)

Note: The NHL's general managers vote for this award.

Leader: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Finalists: Logan Thompson, Washington Capitals; Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

It's Connor Hellebuyck for the Vezina. It's unanimous (at least if the PHWA voted on this one).

Every voter we surveyed had Hellebuyck atop their ballots, citing his dominating statistical season and his importance to the Jets' push for the conference title. Hellebuyck won the Vezina for the second time in his career last season. The last goalie to win at least three Vezina trophies was Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, who was also the last goalie to win back-to-back Vezinas.

"It's still Connor Hellebuyck's world and we're all just trying not to look silly attempting to score in it," a voter explained.

"Best goaltender in the world and I don't think it's particularly close," another voter declared.

Logan Thompson made the top three last month and even syphoned off support from Hellebuyck, earning 15% of the first-place votes. He has been outstanding for the Capitals, who have traded the league lead in points with Hellebuyck's Jets for most of the season. Thompson received the most down-ballot support, if not a first-place vote.

"Hellebuyck is the only option here. Thompson has been great, but he's just not in the same realm," a voter concluded.

Dustin Wolf was the third choice last month, but it's clear that Andrei Vasilevskiy has entered the chat. The Lightning goalie, who won the Vezina in 2018-19, has steadily gotten better as the season has gone on for Tampa Bay. He was 18-7-2 from December through February.

Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)

Leader: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Finalists: Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs; Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

Right now, it appears that Aleksander Barkov will continue his Patrice Bergeron-like run as the best defensive forward in the NHL. The Panthers star earned 56% of the first-place votes, which was only slightly down from last month's 60%.

"Selke Sasha. I think we've found a new nickname for Barkov," one voter joked. "It's his award now, right?"

Barkov won the Selke for the second time last season. He has won the award twice in the past four seasons, broken up by Bergeron's back-to-back Selke wins from 2021-22 to 2022-23.

But he's not the only Panthers player in the mix for the Selke. Sam Reinhart has impressive underlying numbers, some better than teammate Barkov's.

"Reinhart has better on-ice impacts on expected goals and goals against rate. He was excellent when Barkov was out. He deserves the nod this year over his teammate," a voter explained.

Another Reinhart voter declared: "Give it to a winger!"

That's a worthy goal in Selke voting, provided there's a worthy candidate. Centers have won the Selke every season since 2002-03, when right wing Jere Lehtinen of the Dallas Stars captured the award. But Reinhart isn't the only winger with some support. Mitch Marner received the next-most first-place votes.

"I'm tempted to put Marner here," a Barkov voter revealed.

"He somehow manages to be underrated, outside of Toronto," a Marner voter noted.

The other three players to receive first-place votes were center Jordan Staal, the Carolina Hurricanes captain who has been searching for his first Selke win for 15 years and finished second for the award last season; Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli; and, somewhat surprisingly, Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois.

"He's a sleeper that could get some votes. Really playing a shutdown, two-way game," a voter offered.

Also receiving some love down the ballots: New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and winger Mark Stone, and Flyers winger Noah Cates. Hischier was in the top three last month.

Lady Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play)

This is the part where I mention that the Lady Byng Trophy for gentlemanly play should be voted on by the league's on-ice officials or by the NHL Players' Association instead of the PHWA.

Traditionally, this award goes to a player with a top-20 point total and the lowest penalty minutes among those players.

Brayden Point of the Lightning had just two penalty minutes in his first 58 games of the season. Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights has a shot, having amassed only six penalty minutes through his first 61 games.

Jack Adams Award (best coach)

Note: The NHL Broadcasters' Association votes on this award.

Leader: Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
Finalists: Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets; Dean Evason, Columbus Blue Jackets

The top three of last month's NHL Awards Watch remain the top three this month.

Spencer Carbery received 63% of the first-place votes, getting the majority of the credit for the Capitals' ascent from bubble team last season to top of the NHL this season.

"Carbery, and it's not even close," a voter concluded.

"Every time the Capitals hint at wobbling a bit, they quickly veer back on track," another voter explained. "Carbery deserves a great deal of credit for keeping his team focused on never losing their momentum from season's start."

"Carbery is having a masterful year and is pressing all the right buttons," another voter proposed.

"Washington has been able to sustain their play all season and Carbery's system has clearly brought the best out of many players," another voter offered.

But a handful of Carbery voters said that if there's one coach that could pass him in the Jack Adams race, it would be Dean Evason, who has led the Blue Jackets from the unthinkable tragedy of Johnny Gaudreau's death to a potential playoff berth.

"It feels like Dean Evason is Carbery's only competition," a voter noted.

"It's still difficult not to give the edge to Carbery, but at what point do we need to start acknowledging the job Dean Evason has done in Columbus?" another voter pondered. "Losing arguably their best player to a horrific tragedy before a season that was already viewed as a playoff longshot and look at them now."

Evason earned 15% of the first-place votes.

Ranking third was Scott Arniel. Like Evason, he's in his first season as head coach of his current team, although he had previous NHL experience. The Jets have been near the top of the NHL all season. While Hellebuyck deserves a lot of credit for that, the Jets' offense has also been tremendous.

Also receiving a first-place vote: Jon Cooper of the Lightning, who has never won the Jack Adams in his successful career in Tampa Bay. "I know Carbery is the likely front-runner here because Washington's success has been unexpected, but did anybody truly expect the Lightning to be one of the top defensive teams after how last year went?" one voter asked.

The home stretch is here for all of these awards contenders. There's still plenty of time for these races to shift.

Jude Bellingham said his Real Madrid team has the ability to change their mentality for big games, as they edged past city rivals Atlético Madrid on penalties to reach the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team was not at their best and lost 1-0 after extra time to leave the tie 2-2 on aggregate. But once again the holders found a way to progress and stay on course to lift the European Cup for a record-extending 16th time.

England international Bellingham netted one of Real's four successful penalties in the shootout as they set up a last-eight clash against Premier League side Arsenal.

"That's sometimes what it takes, those moments of composure and poise. It's not always the mad quality that you see from us," Bellingham said after the match. "There is a change of mentality when we come into these games, we know that there's a certain way of winning games.

"We're very good at that. We understand game situations really well, and tonight was another example."

Real had turned on the style to beat Manchester City in their playoff clash to reach the knockout phase, beating the Premier League champions 6-3 on aggregate.

Against Atlético, in the raucous home of their rivals, they were stunned inside a minute as Conor Gallagher scored for the hosts to level the tie on aggregate.

But Carlo Ancelotti's side dug in their heels as the game drifted through normal time and extra time with Atlético unable to capitalize on their flying start.

They then got a huge slice of luck as Julián Álvarez scored Atlético's second penalty only to have his effort ruled out because he had slipped and inadvertently kicked the ball twice.

Although Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved Lucas Vázquez's attempt, a miss by Marcos Llorente allowed Antonio Rüdiger to squeeze his decisive penalty past Oblak to spark scenes of joy amongst the Real players and supporters.

"Really happy. It's a huge game for us to win," Bellingham said. "It's massive for us, so important for us to get through at this stage. It will mean a lot to the fans because of who we were playing against."

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is thrilled to have steered his side past Club Brugge and into a Champions League quarterfinal, but now wants even more as they face a daunting clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

"For our club, it is very important to be in the Champions League quarterfinal, to play against Paris Saint-Germain is something we have to be proud of," said Emery after Wednesday's defeat of Club Brugge in the last 16.

"We are in this level, we have to be proud, but we want more. We want to compete against the best teams in the world. Now our priority is to try to be close to the level we are facing."

Emery, who has won the Europa League four times, said PSG would be formidable opponents after they defeated Liverpool to set up the quarterfinal clash.

"Of course to play a quarterfinal is fantastic, we are very excited, very motivated," he said.

"To play against PSG is very difficult. They showed their capacity playing against Liverpool, the best team in the Premier League, the best team in Europe until yesterday."

Back in Europe's elite competition for the first time in more than four decades, Villa captain John McGinn said he is determined to continue the club's dream run.

"Paris Saint-Germain are frightening over two legs, so it's going to be really tough," he told TNT.

"But Aston Villa are Champions League quarterfinalists, we can't ask for much more at the minute, and we'll strive for more, you never know."

"It's mad ... We're giving these fans experiences they'll remember forever. We want to write our names in history and make these nights more frequent."

Emery. who was PSG coach from 2016-18, was disappointed with his side's first-half performance against Brugge in the second leg of their knockout, when they failed to score after the visitors had a man sent off. But it all came good with three goals after the break for a 6-1 aggregate victory.

"I'm very happy how we competed over the two matches," he said.

He singled out Marco Asensio for praise after his second-half double when he came on as a substitute.

"We are happy with him. We are protecting him because he is not 100 percent ... Today, he was feeling good. He wanted to start the match, but I decided to protect him. He played in the moment we needed him and he took the responsibility to do his task and score goals."

The 29-year-old Asensio, who first made his name in a nearly decade-long stint at Real Madrid, has scored seven goals in his last five games for Villa -- where he has slotted in seamlessly following his a deadline-day move in Europe's winter transfer window.

Three of them have come against Brugge, having also converted a penalty in Villa's 3-1 win in the first leg in Belgium last week.

"We are still adapting, all the new players," said Asensio, referring to fellow recent arrivals Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi, "but I think that we are in the right way, and keep pushing.

"I am very comfortable, very happy with the teammates, with the fans, with the city, so keep continuing."

Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Champions League quarterfinals bracket was set Wednesday, and it sends Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain toward more English teams standing in their path of the title.

Madrid's beat city rival Atlético Madrid in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 on Wednesday -- after Atlético's 1-0 win tied the aggregate score at 2-2 -- having already eliminated Manchester City in the new knockout playoffs round last month.

Defending champion Madrid now faces Arsenal -- which beat PSV Eindhoven -- with the first leg in London on April 8 or 9. The return game is on April 15 or 16.

PSG's reward for eliminating top-seeded Liverpool on Tuesday is playing Aston Villa with the first leg in Paris. The winner over two legs will play Arsenal or Madrid in the semifinals. That could yet be a clash of Kylian Mbappé's past and present clubs.

Borussia Dortmund rallied to beat Lille on Wednesday and will reunite with former star forward Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona in the quarterfinals, starting in Spain.

Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, which both advanced Tuesday, meet in the quarterfinals for a rematch of the 2010 final won by the Italian champion.

The first leg on April 8 or 9 is at Bayern's stadium that also stages the final on May 31.

The expected exits for Brugge and PSV -- after Benfica and Feyenoord were eliminated Tuesday -- leaves only the five wealthiest leagues in Europe are now represented.

No team from outside England, Spain, Germany, Italy or France has reached the Champions League final since Porto coached by Jose Mourinho won in 2004.

UEFA will share almost 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) total prize money among the 36 Champions League teams this season and the 20% higher payouts this season figure to widen the wealth gap in European soccer. England and Spain also are in line for bonus fifth places in the Champions League next season, sending tens of millions more in prize money there.

Each quarterfinalist will get 12.5 million euros ($13.6 million). A place in the semifinals pays an extra 15 million euros ($16.3 million).

Quarterfinals draw

Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa

Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan.

First-leg games are on April 8 or 9 and return games are one week later.

Diego Simeone questioned the decision to disallow Julián Álvarez's crucial penalty in Real Madrid's Champions League shootout win over Atlético Madrid, insisting "the ball doesn't move" after VAR decided the forward had kicked the ball twice.

The round-of-16 tie finished 2-2 on aggregate on Wednesday, after Conor Gallagher's early goal gave Atlético a 1-0 win at the Metropolitano to force extra time.

In the shootout, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Antonio Rüdiger all converted for Real. Álvarez's penalty was ruled out after the VAR deemed that the Argentina international had touched the ball with both feet as he slipped when striking the ball.

"I've just seen the images, the referee says Julián touches the ball with his supporting leg, but the ball doesn't move," Simeone said in his post-match news conference. "That's debatable, whether it was a goal or not. But I'm proud of my players, I'm honestly happy, because we competed in an exemplary way."

Real Madrid will now play Arsenal in the quarterfinals, with the first leg on April 8, and the return on April 16.

Atlético dominated much of Wednesday's game, and Simeone said he was "at peace" with the result, because "the team gave everything."

"When Julián kicks [the penalty], the ball doesn't even move a bit," Simeone said. "I imagine that they called the VAR and saw that he touched it. I want to believe that they'll have seen that he touched it."

Simeone then repeatedly challenged journalists in the news conference to "raise your hand" if they thought Álvarez's penalty should have been disallowed.

"I felt that he touched the ball twice and I told the referee," Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said. "It's not easy to see that. It was a bit of bad luck."

When told of Simeone's comments, Courtois added: "For UEFA, it's clear. I'm sick of this victimhood, always crying about things like this. Referees don't want to benefit one team or another in Spain or in Europe, for them it was clear. With the technology, in the VAR room they saw it clearly, they have a lot of cameras and a lot of images."

"It looks to me like he touches it with his left foot," coach Carlo Ancelotti agreed. "[Penalties] are a lottery, heads or tails. It came up heads today. Atletico go out with their heads high."

Ancelotti revealed that he'd planned to allow young forward Endrick to take the fifth and decisive spot kick, before opting for Rüdiger, who scored.

"We had doubts between Endrick and Rüdiger," Ancelotti said. "I saw Endrick's face, and I thought 'better Rüdiger'!"

Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout Wednesday as the reigning champions advanced to the quarterfinals, in another UEFA Champions League victory over their local rivals.

Atlético -- who have never eliminated Real in the Champions League -- won 1-0 on the night, thanks to Conor Gallagher's goal after just 27 seconds, to level the tie 2-2 on aggregate.

Vinícius Júnior missed a second-half penalty at the Metropolitano, as the game went to extra time, and then penalties.

Julián Álvarez's spot kick was ruled out by VAR after the Atlético forward slipped, kicking the ball with both feet, before Antonio Rüdiger scored the decisive penalty to send Real into the last eight, where they'll play Arsenal.

It all started so well for Atléti

It took only 27 seconds for Atlético Madrid to take the lead, and for the crowd at the Metropolitano to believe that yes, after so many years of heartbreak against their biggest rivals, this really could be their night in the Champions League. The goal came so soon that some late-comers were still taking their seats inside the packed stadium. Real Madrid weren't ready, either.

Atlético kicked off with Álvarez playing the ball back to Pablo Barrios, and then Rodrigo De Paul. He played it back to the defense, where it found its way to Clément Lenglet. Under pressure, Lenglet launched it long, sparking instant panic for Real. Raúl Asencio's hurried clearance went straight to Antoine Griezmann. He gave it quickly to Gallagher, who moved it on to Álvarez, who spotted De Paul advancing on the right. De Paul's cross was cleverly skipped over by Giuliano Simeone, and there was Gallagher, sliding in.

Atlético's fans could barely believe it. The celebrations saw Álvarez jumping for joy, De Paul facing the crowd, punching the air, Gallagher screaming "Yes!" at the crowd. It was all smiles; Atlético led 1-0, it was 2-2 on aggregate, and one thing was clear: Atlético were right back in the tie. If Real Madrid were going to progress, they'd have to do it the hard way. -- Alex Kirkland

Vinícius endures a rough evening

In the end, he's a winner. In the end he, and his indomitable team, march on and, in the end, his penalty wasn't, by a long stretch, the controversial one.

But Wednesday was a night when we saw the most junior version of Vinícius Junior.

Whatever you think of him, and only a liar would contend that he's not sublimely talented and magically entertaining, Vinícius is a warrior. Sometimes he has "winner" juice just oozing out of him, sometimes his belligerence overtakes him. He has rough edges. But when the chips are down, usually, he's rough, tough and ready to battle anyone so that he, and Madrid, win.

There's an element of the street about this vibrant, sometimes venomous Brazilian. The street where you learn the most venerable of skills: The dribble, the feint, the trick, the shoulders going one way, hips the other, and boots, with ball, directly towards goal. The street, too, where it's "me vs. you", where the hard-nosed, "I will not be beaten" men and women of great sports franchises graduate from, and keep the memories all their lives.

But Vinícius' night at the Metropolitano wasn't summed up by the fizzing, flying penalty which soared over Jan Oblak's bar, too quickly for Atléti's keeper to even bother following its trajectory. The 24-year-old looked limp, listless, almost disinterested for most of this brutal contest, barring a short spell of "I must seek redemption" he missed Madrid's chance to win the tie in normal time. His body language was horrible.

And his night without shining armour was summed up when, Vinícius having been robbed of the ball, and sitting on the turf complaining about the referee, Jude Bellingham raced back down the pitch to make a saving tackle and then turned towards the green grass and beat his English fists down on the playing surface once, twice and then a third time.

That done, that fury expunged, he then stood up and, at about 15 metres distance from Vinícius, the 21-year-old Englishman pumped his fists out and back and out and back and roared his unmistakable fury at Vinícius. His gestures and words were: "Wake up! Take responsibility! Fight!!!! That's not good enough Vini!!!"

It all happened in front of their coach, Carlo Ancelotti, not someone who's prone to either Vinícius' hapless, helpless "not my night" posture ... but not someone who's much given to erupting in volcanic fury like Bellingham did.

Yet whatever he thought, whatever he saw, he seemed to side with the younger guy. Ancelotti said something and Vinícius just turned to his manager and spread his arms wide in the time-honoured: "What do you want me to do about it all boss?"

It was weird, he was washed-out and when he slouched off, to be replaced by Endrick, Ancelotti wasn't even counting on Vinícius for the spot-kick shootout. The inquest will follow. But, at least, it will follow with Madrid now facing up to the prospect of beating Arsenal to reach the Champions League semifinal ... again.

Something they'll have much less chance of doing with this version of Vinícius-lite. -- Graham Hunter

The missed call that could have changed the game

Because Madrid won in the end, less will be made of the moment when Lenglet fouled his international teammate, Kylian Mbappé, and conceded the penalty which threatened to eliminate Atléti long before a shootout actually did. But all you need to do, like some football detective, is read this article, go and read the football laws then add the replay of Lenglet's foul and you'll agree this was red-card worthy. No question.

The "Double Jeopardy" rule was clarified in 2016, realizing that an attacking team earning a penalty and having a defender sent off was a punishment too far. Now, the rule quite clearly states that when a foul in the box leads to a penalty, it's sufficient to book only the penalized player if he has made a genuine attempt to play the ball. In all other circumstances it's a penalty plus a red card. On Wednesday, the French defender was tricked and then left stranded by Mbappé -- who went from "no game" to "show game" the longer the match went on -- and then Lenglet pulled at Mbappé and fouled him. There's not attempt to get the ball and, frankly, I think referee Szymon Marciniak (and he's far, far from being alone in avoiding doling out the maximum punishment in this kind of situation) banks on the fact that the penalty will be scored and, generally, media and fans will sweep under the carpet that he ducked the full application of his duty.

It was a penalty, but there was no attempt to play the ball. It should have been "tough luck" for Lenglet, and Madrid should have been playing against 10 men from the 70th minute onward. Simple as that. -- Hunter

De Paul did everything he could for Atléti

Simeone is known for being a proactive, interventionist coach, never shy about making a double, or even triple substitution if he doesn't like what he's seeing. So the fact that on Wednesday he didn't make a single change until the 85th minute -- when Samuel Lino replaced Gallagher -- was notable. Even as Atlético tired, Simeone was reluctant to put fresh legs onto the pitch. Perhaps that was an acknowledgement that extra time was likely, and there'd be plenty of time for changes then. Or perhaps he was just perfectly happy with how his team were playing.

This was a game that Atlético dominated, with and without the ball. It was played at their speed, in their style, and on their terms. And who made sure of that? De Paul, Simeone's on-field lieutenant, setting the tempo in midfield. De Paul hasn't always convinced in his four years at Atlético. At times in Madrid, he has looked lightweight, an inferior version of the player who has excelled as Lionel Messi's minder and right-hand man with Argentina.

But here, he bossed the midfield with force of personality and rock-solid technique, never once looking overawed by the occasion. He was involved in Atlético's opener, crossing for Gallagher to convert, and had a hand in almost everything good thing the team did. And he barely tired, until his body could take no more in added time, and he fell to the field with because of a cramp. De Paul had given everything. He limped off to a standing ovation in the 94th minute, recognition of an outstanding individual performance, even if -- with the tie still level at 2-2 -- he was now unable to affect the outcome. -- Kirkland

The dual between Giménez and Bellingham

On a generally titanic night, there was a battle of the titans to enjoy: namely José María Giménez vs. Bellingham.

Just to state the obvious, when Atléti were in possession and pushing -- something they didn't achieve often enough -- Wednesday night's tussle went into abeyance. But as Ancelotti acknowledged postmatch: "Atléti take up excellent defensive positions and work very hard for one another."

So, when that happened, Bellingham pushed into Atléti's penalty area whenever he could. His wingers would punt the ball into him, and Giménez would give Madrid's No. 5 a good sniff of his no-doubt expensive aftershave. Cheek-to-cheek, header after header, duel after duel -- two big characters, two big men, two driven winners.

It was a terrific sideshow and one which led both of them to give sparky shots of dialogue back and forth. I'm not sure which language they used, perhaps some of it was the kind of language you'd not use in front of your mum and kids. But they got their messages across. It all reached an absolute zenith when, late in the second half, a wonderful ball zinged in from Madrid's right touchline and there was Bellingham, lurking like a natural-born goal scorer in Atléti's six-yard area. It had goal written all over it; a goal to draw level on the night, to win the tie and to allow Bellingham to say "ta-ta sucker" to Giménez. But the defender lunged, lucked-out and blocked Madrid's outright best chance of a goal from open play.

Still, the winner takes all. But there's potentially another meeting between these two on the horizon in the Copa del Rey final. If both teams make it through the semis, get your hands on the tickets when they go on sale -- sometimes the sideshow beats the main show. -- Hunter

Real's Champions League history comes to the fore

How long can you rely on moments of singular, individual brilliance, on digging deep into vast reserves of elite Champions League-level experience, on an intangible aura, built on 70 years of European Cup success? This is Real Madrid, so the answer is: quite long, actually. Real were often second best Wednesday, looking like a team that has lost its way, bereft of identity, a stark contrast to Simeone's clinical Atlético. But they stayed in the game. In the 70th minute, it looked as if their chance had come, Mbappé -- in Real's one moment of unanswerable attacking quality -- sliced through the Atlético defense to win a penalty. But Vinícius couldn't convert.

After that, Real improved, as Ancelotti's changes -- introducing Eduardo Camavinga, Lucas Vázquez, Brahim Díaz and Fran García -- gave the team a much-needed sense of direction and urgency. As the clock ticked toward added time, you could feel a growing sense of tension from Atlético, both the team and the fans. They were so close. But they've been close, agonizingly close, against Real in Europe before. And it hasn't been enough.

In extra time -- a frequent occurrence when these teams meet in knockout competitions -- Real took control, and it was Atlético's turn to hang on. Then, on to penalties. Atlético's record in Champions League shootouts with Real, namely a defeat in the 2016 final in Milan, was not encouraging. And that was vindicated by flawless spot kicks from Mbappé, Bellingham and Valverde to put Real on top. There was confusion inside the stadium when Álvarez's penalty was disallowed, but that was soon forgotten when Rudiger's shot slipped through Jan Oblak's hands, to send the Germany international and his teammates sprinting up the pitch toward the away fans, high behind the other goal.

Next up for Real in the quarterfinals is Arsenal, a team they haven't faced since 2006. Then, a Real side packed full of Galácticos was eliminated in the last 16, thanks to Thierry Henry's sensational solo goal at the Bernabéu. This Real Madrid team is equally full of stars, and is just as unconvincing as a unit. If they're to go all the way in this year's competition, they'll surely have to improve as a collective.

Or will they? Having Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham and Valverde might be enough. -- Kirkland

What next for Atléti and Simeone?

Sometimes, even in the heights of the emotions which football, and nights like this can produce, it's actually the stats that tell the starkest tale. Even above the tear-stained eyes, the disbelieving faces and the broken hearts.

Atlético have now played Madrid in six separate European Cup or Champions League ties -- with 11 matches within those appointments -- and Simeone, in charge of the club since 2011, is yet to architect a win. Not one.

It's ultra ironic that when he arrived at the club, he was the jinx-buster, their savior. Atléti hadn't won a derbi against their dominant neighbors for 14 years and it was beyond a joke -- it was pure, agonizing pain. He broke the spell by winning the Spanish cup final, at the Bernabeu, in Jose Mourinho's last match in charge of Madrid and Atléti were whole again.

Now, it feels as if something similar is happening. Atléti lost two UCL finals to Madrid, 2014 and 2016, and Simeone, after the latter, spoke about being haunted by the notes of the Champions League anthem. A superstitious man, at the best of times, I think he thought he was jinxed. Truly. This was the chance. Madrid playing a pale, ghostly version of themselves and if not there for the taking, then vulnerable. The postmatch news conference, where Simeone was bouncy, proud of his team, funny about the VAR decision on Álvarez' double-touch on the penalty which was disallowed, didn't show the true hurt. Nor the psychological damage. Not really.

That will sink in and sour. Maybe these two meet again this season if each of them win their Copa del Rey semis. But when the international break comes, when his footballers head off for international duty and Simeone is left reflecting on another match that slipped through his hands, he'll either think: It's time to approach these tests more bravely, with attacking intent. Or he'll conclude that it's just not meant to be.

That's the way he's constructed. And what a pity because, in every other respect, he's Atléti's greatest man. -- Hunter