NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

Could the Senators shop for a goaltender or claim Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers? Should the Leafs trade prospect Easton Cowan? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators should be scouring the trade market for a goaltender with starter Linus Ullmark sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

Ullmark departed during the Senators’ 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. There is no timetable for his return. The Senators are currently using backup Anton Forsberg and call-up Leevi Merilainen.

Garrioch cited sources claiming the market for goaltenders isn’t great. Those who could be available include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Cayden Primeau of the Montreal Canadiens, and James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. If the Ducks were willing to retain part of his salary he might not accept a trade to Ottawa. It’s rumored the seven Canadian teams are on his no-trade list.

Primeau passed unclaimed through waivers last week. The Sabres claimed Reimer off waivers from the Ducks in November and will likely hang onto him for insurance.

A source told Garrioch the Detroit Red Wings would be willing to move Ville Husso. However, he carries a $4.75 million cap hit and the Wings aren’t willing to retain salary.

Garrioch also wondered if the Senators might claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He pointed out that general manager Steve Staios has a long history with the 23-year-old winger as they won the 2018 OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out after the noon ET deadline on Monday. Kaliyev had a promising rookie season with the Kings in 2021-22 but struggled afterward to maintain a regular roster spot. He fractured his clavicle on Oct. 6 and only recently came off injured reserve.

SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE EASTON COWAN?

YARDBARKER: Nick Matthews of Maple Leafs Daily cited former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro suggesting the Leafs should trade top prospect Easton Cowan following his disappointing performance for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors.

“Contrary to what a lot of folks are saying, (Cowan) still has a lot of value. But Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs should give up on Cowan because of a couple of bad weeks at the WJC.

“I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. “Number two, I think it’s bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Friedman. The Leafs are already near the bottom third with their prospect pipeline. Cowan is among the few prospects they have with the skills to become an NHL player. They’re in win-now mode but must maintain an eye on the future.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 6, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 6, 2025

Milestone games for the Ducks’ John Gibson and the Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho, the Ducks re-sign Frank Vatrano, Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark sidelined again, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson kicked out 36 shots for his 200th NHL regular-season win in a 4-1 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Frank Vatrano tallied twice and set up another and Troy Terry scored a goal and an assist as the Ducks picked up their fourth win in their last five contests. Jake Guentzel replied for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks signed Vatrano before the game to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4,571,189.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the 30-year-old forward will receive a base salary of $3 million annually with $9 million of his salary deferred until 2035, when he’ll receive $900k annually for 10 years, lowering the AAV from $6 million. Vatrano intends to reside outside California and its tax system by that point of his retirement.

Speaking of Gibson, he was part of the Ducks’ Quarter-Century Team, joining defensemen Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin and forwards Paul Kariya, Bobby Ryan, and Jakob Silfverberg on the Second Team. Forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne, defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Cam Fowle,r and goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere comprised the First Team.

Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho’s overtime goal lifted his club over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3, giving him his 600th NHL regular-season point. Aho also collected two assists while teammate Seth Jarvis scored twice and had an assist. Erik Karlsson scored a goal and an assist for the Penguins, who hold the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins activated defenseman Kris Letang off injured reserve for this game and placed winger Philip Tomasino (lower-body injury) on IR.

The Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on an overtime goal by Morgan Rielly. Matthews Knies and Oliver Ekman-Larsson also scored and Auston Matthews picked up two assists as the Leafs got their fifth win in their last six outings. Tyson Foerster and Scott Laughton scored for the Flyers, who’ve dropped seven of their last 10 contests (3-6-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toronto (54 points) sits one point behind the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals. Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe left the game in the first period after striking his head on the ice during a fight with Flyers winger Garnet Hathaway. An update on his condition is expected on Monday.

New York Islanders center Bo Horvat scored in overtime in a 5-4 upset of the Boston Bruins. The Isles took a 4-2 lead with Anders Lee scoring two goals but the Bruins rallied as David Pastrnak tallied twice in the third period to force the extra period. The Isles snapped a three-game losing skid while the Bruins are winless in their last four (0-3-1).

The New York Rangers picked up their second win in their last seven games by downing the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2. Filip Chytil scored two goals, Mika Zibanejad picked up his 400th regular-season assist, and Louis Domingue stopped 25 shots in his first start since Nov. 2023. Tyler Bertuzzi and Wyatt Kaiser scored for the Blackhawks, who’ve lost six of their last seven.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers winger Chris Kreider missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Some folks wondered if he was being sat out as a prelude to a trade but he’s reportedly battled a back injury since November.

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark is listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered on Dec. 22 against the Edmonton Oilers. Defenseman Travis Hamonic will be sidelined for two to four weeks with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators were on a six-game winning streak when Ullmark was sidelined. They’ve lost four of their last five and slipped out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken placed goaltender Joey Daccord (upper body) and center Yanni Gourde (lower body) on injured reserve.

SPORTSNET: Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety on Saturday for roughing Penguins forward Drew O’Connor during Friday’s game between the two clubs.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings placed forward Arthur Kaliyev on waivers while the Utah Hockey Club claimed defenseman Nick DeSimone off waivers from the New Jersey Devils.

IIHF.COM: An overtime goal by Nashville Predators prospect Teddy Stiga gave Team USA a 4-3 victory over Finland in the Gold Medal Game at the 2025 World Junior Championship. It’s the first time the United States has won back-to-back WJC gold medals.

Team USA captain (and Washington Capitals prospect) Ryan Leonard was named tournament MVP and was named to the tournament All-Star Team.

Czechia nipped Sweden 3-2 in the Bronze Medal Game in a record-setting 14-round shootout. Seattle Kraken prospect Eduard Sale scored the game-winner.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2025

by | Jan 5, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun and Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CANUCKS TESTING TRADE MARKET FOR PETTERSSON & MILLER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks are “definitely” looking at the trade market for centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Friedman indicated three outcomes: neither gets dealt, one gets dealt or both get dealt. He didn’t make predictions about which was the more likely.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

If Vancouver makes a trade they’ll likely want a center in return. While Canucks fans are concerned about the state of the blueline with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries, they would prioritize getting a center back if Pettersson, Miller, or both are traded.

Miller has a full no-movement clause in his contract. If he waives it, Friedman believes it would be for a US-based club, dismissing speculation he could go to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He doesn’t think rumors of a return to the New York Rangers with center Mika Zibanejad and defenseman K’Andre Miller going to Vancouver are entirely accurate.

“I just think that if Vancouver wanted to do that, they would’ve done it already,” said Friedman, pointing out that Zibanejad also has a full NMC.

Friedman also addressed recent speculation suggesting someone has asked for a trade out of Vancouver. He claims he can find no evidence of that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t the first time Pettersson has appeared in trade rumors. There were reports the Canucks had talks with the Carolina Hurricanes before they returned to the negotiating table with the Pettersson camp, re-signing him to his eight-year contract.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin raised eyebrows last week in his year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre when he didn’t dismiss the possibility of trading Pettersson. However, he also stressed that he still believes in the 26-year-old center and his ability to become a top-line center.

It’s worthwhile for the Canucks to explore all their options in this situation. This could be management sending a message to both players that they could be moved if they can’t resolve their differences.

Both players will draw interest in the trade market but getting a suitable return could be difficult. Pettersson carries the more expensive contract at $11.6 million annually through 2031-32. However, he’s 26 and is in his prime despite his struggles this season. Miller brings more intensity to his game but he’s also in his early thirties and won’t have many prime seasons left.

Miller to Toronto doesn’t make sense unless the Leafs decide not to re-sign Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Taking on a center who turns 32 in March with an $8 million average annual value through 2029-30 on his contract would be an expensive long-term gamble they could regret.

The Rangers already have several aging, expensive core players. Swapping out Zibanejad for Miller might provide a short-term boost but they would end up in the same place within a couple of years.

UPDATES ON JAKOB CHYCHRUN AND MARCUS PETTERSSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reported Thursday that Jakob Chychrun feels at home with the Washington Capitals. The 26-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Ottawa Senators last summer.

Chychrun has fit in well with the Capitals with 11 goals and 27 points in 34 games. He praised the organization and is enjoying playing with a winning team. Eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, Chychrun said he sees himself staying with the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun will garner attention if he hits the open market on July 1. His current cap hit is $4.6 million but could seek over $8 million annually on his next contract.

The Capitals will have $28.8 million in cap space next season if the cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That’s enough room to keep him in the fold, especially with long-time blueliner John Carlson in his mid-thirties. They’ll need Chychrun to fill the void if Carlson departs as a UFA in 2026 or retires.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported Wednesday that the Penguins haven’t held contract extension talks with Marcus Pettersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1 and recently returned to action after missing six games with a lower-body injury.

Petterson’s UFA status in July has made him the frequent subject of trade speculation. He said he’s trying to block that out and focus on his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will likely handle this as he did with Jake Guentzel last season. He’ll wait until February to open contract discussion and peddle Pettersson by the March 7 trade deadline if they fail to agree to an extension.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 5, 2025

by | Jan 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 5, 2025

Five-point performances by Leafs forwards Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continues gaining ground on the goals record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Matthews Knies and Mitch Marner each had five-point performances in a 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. Knies scored his first NHL hat trick and added two assists while Marner had a goal and four assists. Leafs captain Auston Matthews had a three-point night after missing six games with an upper-body injury. David Pastrnak tallied twice for the Bruins as they lost their third straight game.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and Marner comprise part of the Leafs’ Quarter-Century Team, joining teammate Morgan Rielly, former captain Mats Sundin, defenseman Tomas Kaberle, and goaltender Ed Belfour on the First Team.

Current Leafs William Nylander and John Tavares joined goaltender Curtis Joseph, forward Phil Kessel, and blueliners Bryan McCabe and Dion Phaneuf as part of the Second Team.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd NHL regular-season goal and collected an assist as his club defeated the New York Rangers 7-4. Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists as the Capitals (55 points) held a three-point lead over the Leafs for first place in the Eastern Conference. Rangers winger Chris Kreider scored his 13th goal as his club has lost five of its last six contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin’s been on a tear since returning from a broken left fibula on Dec. 28, collecting four goals and five points in five games. He’s within 23 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

The Edmonton Oilers doubled up the Seattle Kraken 4-2. Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl extended his points streak to 14 games with a goal and an assist and Viktor Arvidsson had two helpers as the Oilers have gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 contests. Chandler Stephenson and Jaden Schwartz replied for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl leads all NHL scorers with 29 goals this season. He’s poised to reach the 30-goal plateau for the seventh straight year. Kraken defenseman (and former Oiler) Adam Larsson left this game following the second period with an undisclosed injury.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi collected a career-high four assists in a 4-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Filip Gustavsson had a 21-save shutout while Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello each had three points as the Wild have won five of their last six contests. The Hurricanes have lost four of their last six (2-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s improved play silenced the trade rumors about the 23-year-old Wild center earlier this season. He’s sitting second among their scorers with 37 points in 40 games.

The Nashville Predators got a hat trick from Ryan O’Reilly to douse the Calgary Flames 4-1. Filip Forsberg and Fedor Svechkov collected two points each and Justus Annunen turned aside 31 shots for the Predators as they picked up their second straight victory. Mikael Backlund replied for the Flames as they dropped three of their last four games.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone scored to collect his 600th regular-season point in a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist against his former team as the Golden Knights overtook the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the overall standings with 57 points. Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres as they go 0-2-1 in their last three contests.

Speaking of the Jets, they were upset by the Detroit Red Wings 4-2. Lucas Raymond had a goal and two assists while Dylan Larkin scored twice for the Wings as they picked up their fourth straight win. Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Jets as they’re winless in their last three (0-2-1).

The San Jose Sharks upset the New Jersey Devils 3-2. Cody Ceci scored the winning goal with 25 seconds remaining in the third period. Nikolai Kovalenko and Macklin Celebrini also scored for the Sharks as they picked up their second straight win. Nico Hischier and Paul Cotter scored for the Devils as their losing skid reached four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks activated William Eklund off injured reserve for this game and placed defenseman Jake Walman on IR. Meanwhile, the Devils placed defenseman Nick DeSimone on waivers.

Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe’s third-period goal gave his club a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mikey Anderson also scored and Darcy Kuemper kicked out 34 shots as the Kings extended their winning streak to four games. Victor Hedman had the Lightning’s only goal as they’ve dropped three in a row.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings got a boost for this game as forwards Trevor Moore and Trevor Lewis came off injured reserve.

Shootout goals by Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 2-1 upset of the Colorado Avalanche. Caufield also scored the tying goal in regulation and rookie goalie Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots for his second straight win in as many games. Mikko Rantanen scored for the Avalanche as their six-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal forward Patrik Laine (illness) and defenseman David Savard (upper-body injury) missed their second straight game. The Canadiens (39 points) have won seven of their last 10 games and sit one point behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

The Dallas Stars nipped the Utah Hockey Club 3-2 on an overtime goal by Thomas Harley. Joel Oettinger made 33 saves while Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each picked up two assists for their club’s fourth straight victory. Matias Maccelli tallied both goals for Utah as they’d lost six of their last seven games (1-4-2).

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov tallied two goals while Sean Monahan and Ivan Provorov had three assists each in a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues. With the win, the Blue Jackets are one point out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Jordan Kyrou scored a goal and two assists for the Blues, who sat two points out of the final Western wild-card position.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

by | Jan 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

Are the Canucks planning to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could the Rangers, Islanders or Blackhawks get involved? What’s the latest on former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PETTERSSON AND MILLER TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Elliotte Friedman mused over the trade rumors swirling around Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman pointed out Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson during a year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. He wondered if the Canucks are serious about moving the 26-year-old center. He thinks they’ve spoken with other teams about Pettersson and Miller but believes they prefer to keep both players.

Noting the Miller speculation, Friedman believes he’s a player the Chicago Blackhawks should pursue. He also thinks the New York Rangers are interested in bringing back Miller but doesn’t think that will be easy to pull off.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal said the Canucks have spoken with the New York Rangers during his Friday appearance on Sportsnet’s 650’s Halford and Brough Show. He claimed the two sides spoke about “a lot of things, not just Miller.” Dhaliwal said the Canucks have been interested in Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller has a full no-movement clause. The 31-year-old center might not waive it to join a rebuilding team. He also doesn’t make sense for Chicago given his age. Miller will be past his prime by the time the Blackhawks are contenders.

Miller began his NHL career with the Rangers. He’d provide a short-term boost to the Blueshirts, especially if they were in Stanley Cup contention. However, their stunning collapse this season indicates they need more than quick fixes.

Over the long haul, Miller’s value to the Rangers would decline. They already carry aging, expensive assets like 33-year-old forwards Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and 31-year-old Mika Zibanejad. Adding another makes no sense for them right now.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if there was a way for the Islanders to acquire Pettersson and reunite him with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat. He cited industry sources claiming Isles defenseman Noah Dobson is high on the Canucks list. They would also be interested in Islanders center Brock Nelson if the pending free agent would sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Islanders have done business before, swinging a multi-player trade two years ago that sent Horvat to Long Island.

Rosner believes the deal’s framework would be Dobson, prospect Danny Nelson, and a first-round pick. The Islanders must also take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. A trade to the Isles would have to happen before then to ensure he doesn’t block it. That’s assuming the Canucks are ready to give up on him, which doesn’t seem likely. Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson but he still believes he can become a dominant center for the Canucks.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston replied to several readers’ questions about the recent rumors regarding Pettersson and Miller. He considers it unlikely that they’ll move either player.

Johnson believes Miller would interest the Rangers but doubts they’ll part with young players like Lafreniere and Schneider to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems the most sensible take thus far. Anything can happen and we can’t dismiss the possibility of a trade. However, the Canucks would need to get significant value for Miller (provided he’s willing to waive his NMC) or Pettersson.

The biggest issue facing the Canucks isn’t Miller and Pettersson supposedly clashing, it’s their lack of blueline depth which became even shallower with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries.

UPDATE ON JONATHAN TOEWS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Servalli claims there is no shortage of interest in Jonathan Toews after the former Chicago Blackhawks captain indicated he could stage a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23, when his career was derailed by health issues.

Seravalli believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche are three teams to watch if Toews makes a comeback bid.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran cites a source saying it’s “too premature” to speculate on Toews, adding that his camp is “far from exploring deals” with teams.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2025

by | Jan 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2025

A big night for Blues winger Brandon Saad, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl extends his points streak, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad tallied a natural hat trick as his club blanked the Ottawa Senators 4-0. Goaltender Jordan Binnington turned in a 20-save shutout for the Blues (42 points), who’ve won four of their last five to move within two points of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. The Senators (40 points) have dropped four of their last five but still cling to the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad (NHL Images).

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl extended his point streak to 13 games by scoring the winning goal with 1:35 remaining in the third period in a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse had a goal and an assist. Brett Leason and Jackson LaCombe replied for the Ducks as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl leads the league with 28 goals. Oilers captain Connor McDavid saw his 12-game points streak end.

The Nashville Predators got a 27-save shutout by Juuse Saros to end a three-game losing skid by downing the Vancouver Canucks 3-0. Steven Stamkos, Gustav Nyquist and Colton Sissons were the goal scorers, with the last two being empty-net goals. Canucks netminder Kevin Lankinen stopped 16 of 17 shots as his club has lost three of their last four (1-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vancouver starter Thatcher Demko missed this game due to back spasms, forcing them to recall goalie Arturs Silovs on an emergency basis. The Canucks (44 points) hold a one-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card spot.

Shootout goals by Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell lifted the Florida Panthers to a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Gustav Forsling and Matthew Tkachuk scored in regulation while Spencer Knight made 29 saves for the Panthers. Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell replied for the Penguins, who are tied with the Senators with 40 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold the final Eastern wild-card berth with two games in hand and two more victories (19 to 17) than Pittsburgh. Penguins forward Philip Tomasino left the game in the third period with an undisclosed injury.

The Chicago Blackhawks snapped a five-game losing skid by doubling up the Montreal Canadiens 4-2, ending the latter’s three-game win streak. Arvid Soderblom kicked out 38 shots and Nick Foligno tallied two goals for the Blackhawks. Canadiens winger Cole Caufield netted his 20th of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were the dominant team for most of this contest but Soderblom was outstanding and Foligno was clutch for the Blackhawks. Pat Maroon lost a scrap with Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj in the first period but got the last laugh in the third with the game-winning goal.

The Blackhawks called up Colton Dach for this game. It was the first time he and his brother (Canadiens forward Kirby Dach) faced each other in NHL action.

HEADLINES

RG.ORG: Philadelphia Flyers rookie winger Matvei Michkov admits he’s still learning to adapt mentally and physically to the grind of his first NHL season. He said his English is improving and he is learning a lot from head coach John Tortorella despite the language barrier.

Michkov indicated he has a good relationship with his rival, Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. “He’s a good player and a good guy,” said the Flyers winger. “It’s exciting to watch players like him.”

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton was fined $2,000.00 for embellishment by the department of player safety. The incident occurred during a game against the New York Rangers on Dec. 23.

THE SCORE: The Colorado Avalanche hope goaltender Scott Wedgewood will only be sidelined for a couple of weeks. He suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Wedgewood is still being evaluated.

SPORTSNET: Winnipeg Jets center Mason Appleton (lower body) was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 28.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: The Bruins signed forward Mark Kastelic to a three-year contract extension. The average annual salary is $1.567 million.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs signed defenseman Phillipe Myers to a two-year deal worth $850K per season.

SPORTS MEDIA WATCH: Tuesday’s NHL Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Blues at Chicago’s Wrigley Field averaged 920,000 viewers, the smallest TV audience in the annual outdoor game’s history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The game involved two opponents not considered among this season’s elite teams. The Blackhawks are rebuilding while the Blues are battling for a wild-card spot. It was a lopsided affair with the Blues winning 6-2.

The league also staged this game on New Year’s Eve rather than New Year’s Day as it used to and did a poor job publicizing the event.

NHL.COM: Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Hall-of-Fame goaltender Roberto Luongo highlighted the Florida Panthers’ Quarter-Century Team.

Joining Barkov, Tkachuk and Luongo on the First Team are winger Jonathan Huberdeau and defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling.

Hall-of-Fame winger Pavel Bure joined forwards Sam Reinhart and Olli Jokinen, defensemen Jay Bouwmeester and Robert Svehla and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky on the Second Team.