NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 9, 2025

by | Jan 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 9, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s action, outdoor games coming in Florida, injury updates and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois scored twice to lift the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks. Logan Thompson made 30 saves as the Capitals (58 points) extended their points streak to five games (3-0-2), opening a two-point lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place in the Eastern Conference. Conor Garland replied for the Canucks, who’ve dropped eight of their last 10 contests (2-3-5) and cling to the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 46 points.

Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks got some good news on Wednesday as Filip Hronek is headed to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford on a two-week conditioning stint. He’s been sidelined by injuries since late November.

The Chicago Blackhawks got a two-point performance by Connor Bedard in a 3-1 upset of the Colorado Avalanche. Bedard extended his points streak to a career-high eight games while Petr Mrazek kicked out 35 shots for the win. Juuso Parssinen scored for the Avalanche, who hold the first Western wild-card spot with 51 points.

Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist tallied twice and Sam Reinhart netted his 23rd goal to defeat the Utah Hockey Club 4-1. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 26 shots for the Panthers as they sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 52 points. Utah HC has one win in their last eight games (1-5-2).

The Calgary Flames-Los Angeles Kings game was postponed because of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The league announced two outdoor games will be held in Florida next season. The Panthers will host the 2026 Winter Classic at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2, 2026, against the New York Rangers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning will face the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium in the 2026 Stadium Series on Feb. 1, 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kudos to the league for coming up with a different host for the Winter Classic, though the Bruins would be a better opponent for the Panthers considering the recent rivalry between the two clubs.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan is expected to miss some time with a wrist injury suffered during Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan is among the Jackets’ leading scorers with 41 points in as many games. He was on pace to match his career-high 82-point performance with the Calgary Flames in 2018-19.

CBS SPORTS: The Detroit Red Wings placed defenseman Jeff Petry (undisclosed) on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 2.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks forward Fabian Zetterlund is day-to-day with a lower-body ailment. He’s fourth among Sharks scorers with 27 points in 43 games.

TSN: The Seattle Kraken placed winger Daniel Sprong on waivers. He was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 8 in exchange for future considerations.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Minnesota Wild recalled defenseman David Jiricek.

RG.ORG: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov hopes to sign a long-term contract extension. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has been logging top-pairing minutes with the Kings.

Gavrikov said there have been no extension talks with the Kings as both sides agree it’s too early for such discussions. He’s not worried about the March 7 trade deadline as he carries a full no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings won’t be moving Gavrikov given their position in the middle of the Western Conference playoff chase and his value to their defense corps. How things pan out over the rest of the season could determine his future with the Kings.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: looks at what an NHL player pays in taxes depending on their team.

THE ATHLETIC: The Winnipeg Jets have seen a 12 percent increase in attendance this season following several seasons of decline following the pandemic. On Jan. 1, 2024, they were averaging 12,500 fans per game. A year later, it’s up to 14,000 in a building that seats 15,225.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ improved play this season is a contributing factor but they’ve also improved how they sell their product in the community, moving away from veiled reminders about the fate of the original Jets. The club admits they must rebuild a more robust season-ticket base, but they’re heading in the right direction.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 8, 2025

by | Jan 8, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 8, 2025

Milestone games for Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and Leafs captain Auston Matthews, the Wild unveils their Quarter-Century Team and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves for his 300th NHL regular-season win by downing the Nashville Predators 5-2. Kyle Connor’s 23rd goal of the season was the game-winner while Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry collected two assists each as the Jets snapped a three-game losing skid while the Predators’ two-game win streak ended.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck is the third-fastest goaltender to reach the 300-win plateau, accomplishing the feat in 538 games. He trails Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy (490 games) and Hall-of-Famer Jacques Plante (521).

It was a costly game for both clubs. Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey left the game early in the second period with a lower-body injury. They were already missing a blueliner in this contest as Colin Miller is sidelined with a fractured larynx for at least two weeks. Meanwhile, Predators forwards Steven Stamkos (undisclosed) and Luke Evangelista left this game with injuries.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored a goal and collected an assist for his 200th career multipoint game in a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Matthew Knies snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period, Mitch Marner and John Tavares each had two points and Joseph Woll stopped 30 shots for their fifth consecutive win. The Flyers got both goals from winger Travis Konecny as they’ve dropped three straight.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is the fastest US-born player to reach 200 multipoint games, having done so in 589 games. The Leafs are tied with the idle Washington Capitals with 56 points but the latter holds first overall in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand.

The Dallas Stars extended their points streak to seven games (6-0-1) by nipping the New York Rangers 5-4 on an overtime power-play goal by Jamie Benn. Thomas Harley finished the night with three points, including the game-tying goal late in the third period as the Stars overcame 3-0 and 4-3 deficits. Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck each tallied twice and Artemi Panarin had three assists for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury following a hard hit from Rangers forward Sam Carrick. Meanwhile, Stars winger Mason Marchment remains sidelined after undergoing surgery for a facial injury suffered on Dec. 27 and remains week-to-week.

Rangers center Filip Chytil left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury. Winger Chris Kreider (upper body) missed this contest as he was placed on injured reserve.

An overtime goal by Patrick Kane lifted the Detroit Red Wings over the Ottawa Senators 3-2, giving the Wings their fifth straight win. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin scored to extend his goal streak to four games. Thomas Chabot and Brady Tkachuk replied for the Senators, who’ve dropped five of their last six contests (1-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win gives the Senators 41 points, putting them one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Red Wings are right behind them with 40 points. Wings goaltender Alex Lyon left this contest following the first period with an upper-body injury. Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker missed this game with a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss some time.

The Edmonton Oilers blanked the Boston Bruins 4-0. Adam Henrique tallied two goals, Connor McDavid scored to end a two-game point drought, and Stuart Skinner made 26 saves as the Oilers picked up their fourth straight win. Jeremy Swayman turned aside 35 shots for the Bruins as their losing skid reached five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner was not awarded the shutout as he briefly left in the first period for concussion protocol following a collision with Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov. He returned to finish the game.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point scored with 52 seconds remaining in the third period to lift his club to a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, snapping a four-game losing skid. Andrei Vasilevskiy kicked out 30 shots as the Lightning hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 44 points.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (42 points) hold the final Eastern wild-card spot as they nipped the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko scored in the shootout and Dmitry Voronkov tallied twice in regulation for the Blue Jackets, who’ve won three of their last four games. Rickard Rakell scored twice and Sidney Crosby picked up two assists as the Penguins sit just behind the Blue Jackets in the standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both clubs have 42 points but the Jackets hold a game in hand and have 18 wins while the Penguins have 17. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin missed this game with an upper-body injury. Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan left in the third period with an upper-body injury.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone had a goal and an assist as his club doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2 for their ninth win in their last 10 games. Tomas Hertl scored against his former club and Shea Theodore had two assists as the Golden Knights lead the league with 59 points. William Eklund and Timothy Liljegren replied for the Sharks as their two-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks forward Nico Sturm missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 4-2 deficit for a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues, extending their win streak to four games. Jake Middleton had a goal and an assist in his first game back from an upper-body injury while Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 15 shots for the win after Filip Gustavsson gave up four goals on 18 shots. Dylan Holloway and Justin Faulk each had two assists for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild defenseman Brock Faber left this game with an upper-body injury in the first period. There was no postgame update on his condition.

Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau’s overtime goal gave his club a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Dustin Wolf made 26 saves for the Flames (45 points), who sit right behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western wild-card berth. Alex Killorn and Mason McTavish scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks also have 45 points but hold that wild card with a game in hand. Flames center Conor Zary left the game in the second period following a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson, who received a major penalty and a game misconduct.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Minnesota Wild’s Quarter-Century Team was unveiled on Tuesday.

Forwards Kirill Kaprizov, Marian Gaborik and Mikko Koivu, defensemen Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon, and goaltender Nicklas Backstrom comprised the First Team. Forwards Joel Eriksson Ek, Zach Parise, and Andrew Brunette, blueliners Nick Schultz and Ryan Suter, and goalie Devan Dubnyk formed the Second Team.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Islanders placed forward Simon Holmstrom on injured reserve.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Seattle Kraken activated goaltender Joey Daccord off injured reserve.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2025

by | Jan 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2025

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, injury updates and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews scored two goals and added an assist in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Mikko Rantanen extended his points streak to 14 games with an empty-net goal as the Avalanche have won seven of their last eight games. Carter Verhaeghe scored for the Panthers (50 points), who remain four points behind the first-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (NHL Images).

The Buffalo Sabres snapped a three-game losing skid by nipping the Washington Capitals 4-3 on shootout goals by Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka. Tuch also tallied twice and Peterka collected two assists in regulation. Tom Wilson scored two goals for the Capitals and teammate John Carlsson had two assists to become the seventh US-born defenseman to reach 700 regular-season points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals picked up a point to sit two points ahead of the Leafs for first place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 21 saves and Dawson Mercer had a goal and an assist to down the Seattle Kraken 3-2, ending a four-game losing skid. Adam Larsson and Shane Wright replied for the Kraken, who are winless in their last three contests (0-2-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Twelve members of the Kraken’s roster were named to the club’s Quarter-Century Team. That’s not unusual since this franchise has existed since 2021-22. Jordan Eberle, Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn comprise part of their First Team while Matty Beniers, Brandon Montour and Philipp Grubauer are part of the Second Team.

Meanwhile, Devils forward Erik Haula is expected to miss several weeks with a sprained ankle.

An overtime goal by Nick Suzuki capped a three-point night for the Montreal Canadiens captain as he led his team over the Vancouver Canucks 5-4. Lane Hutson also had a goal and two assists and Cole Caufield tallied his 22nd goal of the season for the Canadiens, who’ve won eight of their last 10 and moved into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 41 points. Canucks center J.T. Miller scored two goals and two assists and Quinn Hughes collected two assists after missing four games with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first wild-card berth but the Lightning hold three games in hand. The Pittsburgh Penguins also have 41 points but have played one more game and have two fewer wins. The Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets are one point back and the Philadelphia Flyers are two points behind.

Hutson leads all rookies this season with 30 points. The Canucks placed forward Dakota Joshua (leg injury) on injured reserve and recalled Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who scored his second goal of the season in this contest.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi, Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry, and Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 5.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Jared Spurgeon (lower body) on injured reserve.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators defenseman Jeremy Lauzon is on IR with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (upper-body injury) was placed on IR. Meanwhile, Leafs forward Max Domi was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL’s department of player safety for elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway during Sunday’s game between the two clubs.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker was helped off the ice during practice on Monday after suffering an injury to his left leg.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers claimed winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Alex Chiasson announced his retirement. He spent 11 seasons in the league (2012-13 to 2022-23) with the Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, winning a Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2017-18. Chiasson had 120 goals and 113 assists for 233 points in 651 regular-season games and seven points in 37 playoff contests.

ARIZONA INSIDER: Craig Morgan reports that newly elected Maricopa Board of Supervisors Chairman Tom Galvin announced the formation of a committee dedicated to bringing the NHL back to the Phoenix Metro Area. The Arizona Coyotes relocated to Utah last spring after their former owner’s plans for a new arena fell through.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL hasn’t given up on returning to Phoenix. However, it will require stable ownership and a new arena in metro Phoenix.

TSN: Former NHL player, coach and executive Al MacNeil passed away at the age of 89. MacNeil played 11 seasons (1955-56 to 1967-68) as a defenseman with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

MacNeil was head coach of the Canadiens for one season, winning the Stanley Cup in 1970-71. He also spent six seasons with their AHL affiliate in Halifax, NS, winning three Calder Cup championships. He also spent three seasons coaching the Atlanta/Calgary Flames (1979-80 to 1981-82) and served as an interim coach with the Flames in 2002-03.

MacNeil also spent stints as the Flames’ assistant general manager and director of player personnel and scouting.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Dwight Foster passed away at age 67. He spent 10 seasons in the NHL (1977-78 to 1986-87) with the Boston Bruins, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings. In 541 games, Foster scored 111 goals and 163 assists for 274 regular-season points and had 17 points in 35 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families, friends, former teammates, and associates of MacNeil and Foster.










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.










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 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.