NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 1, 2025
Connor Bedard leading the Blackhawks to a comeback victory highlights Sunday’s NHL action, an update on the injury status of Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: Connor Bedard scored two goals and assisted on two others to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Spencer Knight stopped 23 shots as the 11-9-5 Blackhawks overcame a 3-0 deficit, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry each had two points for the Ducks (15-9-1), who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 31 points.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard moves into a tie for second place in the points race (37) with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini. Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek left the game midway through the third period with a lower-body injury.
Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied a hat trick and picked up an assist in a 6-1 drubbing of the Ottawa Senators. Jason Robertson had a goal and two assists, and Mikko Rantanen collected three assists for the 17-5-4 Stars, who picked up their fourth straight win. Jake Sanderson scored for the Senators (12-9-4), who have dropped three of their last four games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin returned to action after missing six games with a lower-body injury.
The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the Calgary Flames 1-0 on an overtime goal by Nikolaj Ehlers. Brandon Bussi made 15 saves for the shutout as the Hurricanes improved to 16-7-2. Devin Cooley stopped 17 shots for the 9-14-4 Flames.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils into first place in the Metropolitan Division with 34 points.
Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson scored two goals to defeat the New York Islanders 4-1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 909th career NHL regular-season goal, and Logan Thompson kicked out 30 shots for the Capitals (15-9-2), who collected their fourth straight victory. Bo Horvat scored for the 13-10-3 Islanders, who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).
NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox was placed on long-term injury reserve with what is believed to be an injured left shoulder suffered during Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The injury is not considered season-threatening, and he will be reevaluated around Christmas.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s absence creates a big hole in the Rangers’ blueline. He’s their top defenseman and is currently tied with winger Artemi Panarin as the club’s leading scorer with 26 points.
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights recalled goaltender Carter Hart and assigned Carl Lindbom to their AHL affiliate. He’s expected to start in their Dec. 2 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After seeing Adam Fox go down with a shoulder injury Saturday,I wonder if the importance that players put on the Olympic Games hasn t hurt the quality of play in the NHL with the condensed schedule. Owners must bristle at the thought that players rehabs are all lined up to get players back for the Olympic Games. Why not have a World Cup tournament before the NHL season begins. You could do it in conjunction with training camp since most of these players play very few exhibition games anyway. I know I sound like a Neanderthal but leave the Olympic Games up to the amateurs and give them something that some of them will never get by playing in the NHL.