NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2026

by | Oct 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 25, 2026

Senators winger Drake Batherson has a four-point game, Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov sets a franchise record, Maple Leafs winger William Nylander reaches a scoring milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson had a four-point performance (including a hat trick) in a 7-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Jake Sanderson had a goal and two assists, and Jonas Johansson stopped 24 shots in his debut with the 8-4-0 Senators. J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (7-5-1).

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson (NHL Images)

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov collected an assist to pass Steven Stamkos as the franchise’s all-time points leader (1,138) in a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth. Defenseman Dmitri Simashev scored his first two NHL goals (including the winner in overtime) as the Mammoth (8-4-0) hold first place in the Central Division with 16 points. Jake Guentzel scored his seventh goal of the season for the 7-3-1 Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning captain Victor Hedman missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander scored twice to reach 300 career goals as his club thumped the Edmonton Oilers 7-2. Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves while Jack Roslovic and Kirill Marchenko each had two points for the 7-4-2 Maple Leafs as they extended their win streak to four games. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals with assists from Connor McDavid for the Oilers (8-2-1), who cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 17 points.

Former Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch scored twice, including the overtime winner, as the Washington Capitals downed the Sabres 4-3. Dylan Strome scored twice and collected an assist as the Capitals improved to 6-4-0. Jack Quinn scored his team-leading sixth goal and 11th point for the Sabres as they dropped to 4-4-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Justin Sourdif returned to the lineup after an illness sidelined them for several games. The club also claimed defenseman Jack St. Ivany off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

The Anaheim Ducks snapped a five-game losing skid by nipping the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4, ending the latter’s three-game win streak. Defenseman Tristan Luneau had a goal and two assists, and Leo Carlsson scored and picked up an assist for the Ducks (5-6-0). Matvei Michkov tallied twice for the 3-7-3 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen returned to action after missing nine games with an injured hand.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce snapped a 1-1 as his club downed the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. Arseny Gritsyuk’s empty-netter extended his goal streak to five games as the 7-4-0 Devils’ win streak reached three games. Scott Laughton replied for the Kings (2-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Devils held a press conference to welcome Connor Hellebuyck following his acquisition from the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. The 33-year-old goaltender said he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice and working with his new teammates.

Hellebuyck hasn’t played since the Jets suspended him without pay for skipping training camp after going public with his trade request in August. He intends to wait to speak to Jets fans about his departure until after the Heritage Classic between the Jets and Montreal Canadiens in Winnipeg on Sunday. “And I hope they know I care about them,” Hellebuyck said.

The Boston Bruins got third-period goals from David Pastrnak, James Hagens, and Fraser Minten for a 6-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Hagens, Minten, and Casey Mittelstadt each finished with a goal and an assist for the 9-2-1 Bruins, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 19 points. Jacob Trouba collected two assists for the Sharks (6-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks center Adam Gaudette made his season debut after being sidelined since training camp with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Ville Koivunen lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Nashville Predators 3-2. Arturs Silovs made 24 saves for the Penguins (5-6-1). Steven Stamkos and Jayden Struble scored for the 3-3-4 Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Predators claimed defenseman Daemon Hunt off waivers from the Minnesota Wild.

The Columbus Blue Jackets upset the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 on an overtime power-play goal by Adam Fantilli. Denton Mateychuk also scored, and Cam Talbot turned aside 26 shots for the 4-5-0 Blue Jackets. Tomas Hertl replied for the 8-4-1 Golden Knights.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made 24 saves to win his seventh straight start by shutting out the St. Louis Blues 4-0. Sean Walker, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Logan Stankoven, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Hurricanes (9-2-2), who hold first place in the overall standings with 20 points. Joel Hofer made 35 saves for the 5-5-1 Blues.

The Calgary Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Joel Farabee had a goal and two assists, and Devin Cooley stopped 28 shots for the suddenly hot Flames (4-6-0) as their win streak reached three games. Andrew Copp scored for the 4-4-3 Red Wings.

Minnesota Wild winger Blake Coleman scored two goals in a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek each had a goal and an assist for the 7-3-2 Wild. Berkly Catton replied for the Kraken (7-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken forward Jared McCann missed this game as he’s being evaluated for a lower-body injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2026

by | Oct 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 24, 2026

A milestone game for Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, the Canadiens defeat the Blackhawks, the Sharks are entering the next phase of competitiveness, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Martin Necas had a goal and two assists as the Avalanche improved to 6-4-1. Jake Guentzel tallied twice for the 7-3-0 Lightning.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon is the fourth-fastest active NHL player to reach 1,300 total points (regular season and playoffs combined), doing so in 1,069 games. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid is the fastest active player to reach that milestone (869 total games), followed by Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (1,023), and Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (1,035).

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans tallied two goals and collected an assist to lead his club over the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle had a goal and an assist, and goaltender Jacob Fowler stopped 20 shots for the 5-3-2 Canadiens. Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks as they dropped to 3-7-0.

RATINGS: Marco D’Amico interviewed San Jose Sharks assistant general manager Jeff Kealty, who believes his rebuilding club is entering its “competitive phase”.

Kealty joined the Sharks in his current role after spending 25 years with the Nashville Predators in various front-office roles. His focus with his new club is pro scouting and development.

“We’re going to be entering our competitive phase here with the team,” Kealty said. “That pro personnel aspect is going to be really crucial to see what additions we can make and really try to push this thing along in the next few years of the competitive window.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks made several notable pro additions this summer before Kealty’s hiring on July 17, signing Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba, and trading for Darnell Nurse and Michael Kesselring. It’s Kealty’s job to help them add more veteran talent as needed to move this club from rebuilding to contending for the playoffs. They’re currently holding a wild-card berth in the Western Conference.

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne examines why NHL save percentages have declined in recent years.

Improved shooting by skaters, the value of puck possession, more screened shots, and the predictability of goalies are among the factors cited by Bourne.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourne noted the introduction of one-piece sticks has led to harder, more accurate shots. Skaters also figured out the butterfly style of goaltending, shooting higher on netminders.

Creative shot attempts have been a factor. Players today are more willing to try shots from difficult angles, leading to goals that were rarely seen in the past.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals defenseman Vincent Desharnais will be sidelined four to six weeks following an appendectomy.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers goaltender Devon Levi (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve.

ROTOWIRE: The Anaheim Ducks placed defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body) on IR.










Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck to the Devils

by | Oct 23, 2026

Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck to the Devils

The Winnipeg Jets trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils for goalie Nico Daws, forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad, prospect center Alexander Command, a second-round pick in 2029, and a seventh-round pick in 2027.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hellebuyck saga has ended as he heads to a team that few predicted he would agree to be traded to. Most of the speculation had him going to the Carolina Hurricanes or Buffalo Sabres. 

Winnipeg Jets trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, this was a move that Devils first-year general manager Sunny Mehta felt had to be made. His club began the season with two backup goaltenders in Daws and Jake Allen splitting the goaltending duties. As of today, their combined save percentage (.880) was among the league’s bottom third.

That wasn’t going to cut it for a team with aspirations of moving up into Stanley Cup contention, especially with superstars such as Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier on the roster.

Hellebuyck will need time to regain the form that made him the league’s only active three-time Vezina Trophy winner, a Hart Trophy winner in 2024-25, and the top goaltender in the 2026 Winter Olympics by backstopping Team USA to their first gold medal in 46 years.

Once Hellebuyck returns to game shape, the Devils could become one of the dominant teams in the Eastern Conference this season.

Trade rumors also linked the Devils to Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who is UFA-eligible next summer. The cost of acquiring Hellebuyck could take them out of contention for the Wild’s superstar blueliner, dashing the hopes of Devils fans for a Hughes brothers reunion in New Jersey next year.

As for the Jets, they’re moving on from the greatest goalie in franchise history after 11 seasons. It’s not the ending either side envisioned when Hellebuyck signed his seven-year contract three years ago. However, he forced it by going public with his trade request in August and skipping training camp last month. That led to the Jets suspending Hellebuyck without pay, which was slated to end today.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has a reputation for patiently awaiting the right returns for players who’ve previously sought trades. That patience may have paid off again.

Mercer, 24, is a versatile young two-way forward who can play center or wing on the second or third line. He’s in the final season of a three-year contract with a $4 million AAV and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.

Daws is in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.1 million. He’s spent five seasons bouncing between the Devils and their AHL affiliate. The 25-year-old goaltender will get a chance to stick with the Jets this season as he’ll likely share duties with current starter Stuart Skinner.

The 34-year-old Bjugstad is a big, well-traveled checking-line forward who also plays center or on the wing. He’s in the second season of a two-year deal with a $1.75 million AAV.

Command was chosen 12th overall in this year’s draft. The 18-year-old center is considered an energetic, two-way playmaker. He’s currently playing for Örebro HK in the Swedish Hockey League.

It can be argued that the Jets didn’t get full value for Hellebuyck, but trades for superstars rarely fetch returns equivalent to their talent. It doesn’t make the Jets a Stanley Cup contender this season, but it should help them remain competitive now and in the future.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 23, 2026

by | Oct 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 23, 2026

Oilers captain Connor McDavid has a historic game, Bruins stars David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy have four-point performances, Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is sidelined with an injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had five points (two goals, three assists), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored the winning goal in a shootout to nip the Carolina Hurricanes 6-5. Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist in regulation for the 8-1-1 Oilers, who moved into first place in the Western Conference with 17 points. This was Nugent-Hopkins’ first game since suffering a lower-body injury during a pre-game skate on Sept. 29. 

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

Seth Jarvis scored for the Hurricanes in his return from offseason shoulder surgery, and Sebastian Aho had a goal and an assist. The Hurricanes (8-2-2) picked up a point and hold first place in the overall standings with 18 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was an historic game for McDavid. His league-leading 31 points made him the fourth player in league history to reach the 30-point plateau in his first 10 games of the season. He’s the first player in 31 years to do so, joining Hall of Famers Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux. Bossy and Gretzky each did it once (1984-85), while Lemieux did it three times in 1988-89, 1992-93, and 1995-96.

McDavid, Draisaitl, and teammate Evan Bouchard hold the top three spots among the NHL scoring leaders. Draisaitl has 21 points while Bouchard has 19.

Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm suffered an upper-body injury during this contest. He will be sidelined for at least one week.

Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro made 28 saves for his first NHL shutout in a 6-0 drubbing of the Nashville Predators. David Pastrnak scored two goals and picked up two assists, and Charlie McAvoy collected four assists for the Bruins (8-2-1), who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 17 points. Justus Annunen made 25 saves for the Predators, who dropped to 3-3-3.

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz tallied two goals, including the winner in overtime, to lift his club over the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. Wyatt Johnson scored his first of the season and picked up an assist for the 6-3-1 Stars. Stuart Skinner kicked out 35 shots while Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor replied for the Jets (4-3-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Jets could reach an agreement with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to delay the latter’s physical until after the Heritage Classic with the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. Hellebuyck is slated to return to the Jets on Friday after the club suspended him without pay for skipping training camp. Their focus remains on trying to move the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, who went public with his trade request in August.

The Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the Florida Panthers 4-0. Arturs Silovs made 26 saves for the shutout while teammate Nick Robertson scored two goals for the Penguins (4-6-1), snapping a four-game losing skid. Rookie goalie Cooper Black made 17 saves in his NHL debut with the 5-4-2 Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’9” Black became the tallest goaltender to start a game in NHL history. The league’s department of player safety fined Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk and Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins for their actions in a scrum during the Senators’ 5-1 win over the Panthers on Wednesday.

Before this game, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas provided an update on Ben Kindel, saying the 19-year-old winger has returned to Pittsburgh.

Kindel suffered a vasovagal episode as the club was departing Salt Lake City on their charter flight on Tuesday, losing consciousness following a sharp drop in heart rate and blood pressure. The plane returned to the airport, where an ambulance transported Kindel to hospital for observation.

“We will obviously follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe return to training and play for Ben,” Dubas said. “That’s our primary goal and paramount to his health and future, so that’s how we will handle it.”

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Barron had his first four-point game (one goal, three assists) in a 6-2 upset of the Vegas Golden Knights. Dylan Holloway scored twice and picked up an assist, and Joel Hofer made 27 saves for the Blues, who improved to 5-4-1. Brett Howden and Jack Eichel scored for the 8-4-0 Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner missed this game to be with his wife as she gave birth to their second child.

A last-minute goal by Troy Stecher lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the New York Rangers 5-4. Brandon Duhaime had a goal and two assists for the Maple Leafs (6-4-2). Adam Fox had four assists for the 7-4-1 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Maple Leafs placed defenseman Marshall Rifai (lower body) on injured reserve. The Rangers announced the signing of free-agent center Luke Glendening to a one-year prorated contract.

A 41-save performance by goalie Yaroslav Askarov powered the San Jose Sharks to a 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Collin Graf and Jacob Trouba each had a goal and an assist for the 6-4-2 Sharks. Tim Stutzle and Jordan Spence replied for the Senators (7-4-0).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Senators announced that goalie Linus Ullmark (lower body) was placed on injured reserve. He is expected to miss one to two weeks. Sharks winger Igor Chernyshov left this game in the first period with an injured left arm and is expected to be out long term.

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-1. Arseny Gritsyuk scored to extend his goal streak to four games while Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes each had two points for the 6-4-0 Devils. Tim Washe scored for the Ducks (4-6-0) as their losing skid reached five games.

After blowing a 2-0 lead, the Los Angeles Kings beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on an overtime goal by Brandt Clarke. Darcy Kuemper made 41 saves, and Artemi Panarin tallied twice for the 2-4-2 Kings. Victor Eklund and Matthew Schaefer scored for the Islanders (5-3-2).

A 36-save performance by Devin Cooley enabled the Calgary Flames to hold off the Minnesota Wild by a score of 2-1. Aydar Suniev and Joel Farabee scored for the 3-6-0 Flames, and Michael McCarron tallied for the Wild (6-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild captain Jared Spurgeon returned to action after missing four games with an upper-body injury.

The Seattle Kraken recovered from blowing a 3-1 lead for a 5-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Mackie Samoskevich snapped a 3-3 tie while Jordan Eberle and Brandon Montour each had a goal and an assist for the 7-3-1 Kraken. Logan Cooley scored two goals for the Mammoth (7-4-0), who cling to first place in the Central Division with 14 points.

Lucas Raymond had two goals and an assist to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Viktor Arvidsson had two assists for the Red Wings (4-3-3). Jonathan Lekkerimaki had a goal and an assist for the 2-9-1 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings goalie John Gibson left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is out two-to-four weeks with an injured hand. The 27-year-old center suffered the injury during Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a big blow to the Canadiens, who are off to an underwhelming 4-3-2 start to this season. Suzuki is their first-line center and their reigning Selke Trophy winner, playing a strong role on their special teams. It will take a strong team effort to offset his absence, prompting speculation over whether they’ll pursue a center in the trade market.

NEW YORK POST: Former NHL forward Ron Duguay passed away on Thursday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 69.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A fast-skating scoring forward with flowing locks, Duguay became a popular star with the Rangers from 1977-78 to 1982-83. He also spent three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, two with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and two with the Los Angeles Kings, retiring at the end of the 1988-89 season.

Duguay scored 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 points in 864 regular-season games, and 31 goals and 53 points in 89 playoff contests.

My condolences to Duguay’s family, friends, former teammates, and the Rangers’ organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2026

by | Oct 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2026

Senators fans give former captain Brady Tkachuk a heated welcome in his return to Ottawa, the Flyers win their third straight after a nine-game winless skid, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1 in a game largely overshadowed by Senators fans booing and jeering former captain Brady Tkachuk throughout this contest.

Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle (NHL Images).

Tkachuk opened the scoring for the Panthers (5-3-2), but it was all Senators after that, with Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, and Stephen Halliday each collecting two points in a dominant performance that improved their record to 7-3-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators fans didn’t hold back expressing their disdain for Tkachuk, whom they feel betrayed them by forcing a trade to the Panthers in June. He knew what to expect and handled the situation well.

As for his former teammates, they were obviously ready for this contest. The Senators were the better team and didn’t allow the emotions of the moment to get away from them.

The only downside for the Senators was the departure of starting goalie Linus Ullmark with a lower-body injury. He will be reevaluated on Thursday. Ullmark has played a big role in the injury-riddled Senators’ strong performance this season. Losing him for a significant period could be a major blow.

The Philadelphia Flyers collected their third straight win by downing the Buffalo Sabres 3-1. Rookie forward Cole Knuble scored his first two NHL goals, defenseman Oliver Bonk collected two assists, and Dan Vladar stopped 27 shots for the Flyers as they improved to 3-6-3 after going winless in their first nine games. Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres (4-4-2) in his season debut for the Sabres after missing the first nine games recovering from sports hernia surgery.

HEADLINES

RATINGS: Marco D’Amico reports former Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron is finding it “a little hard to process” that he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame next month.

“I think I’ll realize it when I’m there, or after I receive the plaque that will commemorate the moment,” Bergeron said.

Bergeron praised former teammate Zdeno Chara for his mentorship and friendship during their years with the Bruins. “It was a really nice evolution,” he said. “He was a big influence for me in my career, and I’m really glad to call him my friend today.”

Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will be inducted with Bergeron in the Class of 2026. The former Bruins star reflected on their roles in the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, praising Price’s poise and “flawless technique.”

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins head coach Dan Muse said forward Ben Kindel is improving and could travel back to Pittsburgh soon. The 19-year-old Kindel suffered a medical emergency shortly after the Penguins’ charter flight left Salt Lake City on Tuesday. The plane returned to Salt Lake City, and Kindel was taken by ambulance to hospital for evaluation.

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes activated forward Seth Jarvis off injured reserve. He hasn’t played this season as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins announced they signed forward Murat Khusnutdinov to a three-year, $11.85 million contract extension. Khusnutdinov, 24, will earn an average annual value of $3.95 million starting in 2027-28.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens returned defenseman David Reinbacher and forward Owen Beck to their AHL affiliate in Laval. This could mean that Mike Matheson and Florian Xhekaj are returning from injuries.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights placed defenseman Lukas Cormier on waivers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 21, 2026

by | Oct 21, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 21, 2026

Oilers captain Connor McDavid sets an assist record, Nikita Kucherov ties a Lightning scoring record, the Kings finally get their first win of the season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected three assists to become the fastest player in league history to reach the 20-assist mark in a season (nine games) as his club nipped the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on an overtime goal by Evan Bouchard. Leon Draisaitl tallied twice for the 7-1-1 Oilers. Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy each had two points for the Wild (6-2-2).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall of Famers Pat Lafontaine (1992-93), Mario Lemieux (1988-89), and Wayne Gretzky (1986-87) held the previous record of 10 games.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists to lead his club to a 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves, and Anthony Cirelli scored two goals for the Lightning (7-2-0) as they won their third straight game. Ivan Barbashev and Mark Stone replied for the Golden Knights (8-3-0) as they cling to first place in the Western Conference with 16 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 1,137 points, Kucherov has tied former Lightning center Steven Stamkos as the franchise’s highest-scoring player. He could break the record during Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Los Angeles Kings finally picked up their first win of the season by overcoming a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Washington Capitals 5-2. Artemi Panarin had a goal and two assists, and Adrian Kempe scored twice for the 1-4-2 Kings. Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson scored for the Capitals, who slipped to 5-4-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings center Quinton Byfield left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury. Winger Mats Zuccarello returned to the lineup after missing three games with an undisclosed injury.

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen’s hat trick lifted his club to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins, snapping the latter’s five-game win streak. Jake Oettinger turned aside 18 shots for the 5-3-1 Stars to extend their win streak to three games. Matthew Poitras and James Hagens scored for the Bruins (7-2-1), but they still hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 15 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Esa Lindell missed this game with a lower-body injury as he’ll be sidelined for a week.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Kirill Marchenko scored against his former team in a 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Easton Cowan and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and two assists for the Maple Leafs, who improved to 5-4-2. Jake Christiansen and Charlie Coyle scored for the 3-5-0 Blue Jackets, who remain in last place in the Eastern Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe left this game with a facial injury in the first period when he was accidentally cut by the stick of Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson. There was no postgame update regarding his condition.

San Jose Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini scored twice (including the winner in overtime) and collected an assist to rally his club from a 3-1 deficit for a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Michael Misa and Tyler Toffoli also scored for the Sharks as they improved to 5-4-1. Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield each had a goal and an assist for the 4-3-2 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have blown a two-goal lead in four of their nine games this season. Undisciplined play in those games led to costly turnovers and penalties.

Carolina Hurricanes forwards Nicolas Deslauriers, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Logan Stankoven each scored twice in a 6-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Ehlers, Stankoven, and Jackson Blake each finished with three points for the 8-2-1 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the overall standings with 17 points. Linus Karlsson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki replied for the Canucks, who dropped to 2-8-1.

The New Jersey Devils held off the Colorado Avalanche by a score of 4-3. Luke Evangelista had a goal and an assist, Jesper Boqvist scored what proved to be the game-winner, and Jake Allen made 31 saves for the 5-4-0 Devils. Artturi Lekhonen tallied twice for the 5-4-1 Avalanche.

First-period goals by Ondrej Palat, Victor Eklund, and Simon Holmstrom powered the New York Islanders to a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks, who got goals from Frank Vatrano and Alex Killorn. The Islanders improved to 5-3-1 while the Ducks (4-5-0) have lost four straight games.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg scored the winning goal to down the Winnipeg Jets 2-1. Joel Hofer stopped 32 shots, and Jimmy Snuggerud also scored for the Blues as they improved to 4-4-1. Cole Perfetti replied for the 4-3-2 Jets.

The Seattle Kraken blew a 3-0 lead but recovered to beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on a shootout goal by Bobby McMann. Mackie Samoskevich, Ryker Evans, and Brandon Montour scored in regulation for the Kraken (6-3-1). Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat each had a goal and an assist for the 3-3-3 Red Wings.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Ben Kindel had a medical emergency as his club was flying back from Utah on Tuesday. The plane returned to Salt Lake City, where Kindel was taken to hospital by ambulance. 

In a statement, the team didn’t provide details about the nature of Kindel’s medical episode, but they indicated he was conscious, alert, and in stable condition.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins stated they would provide further updates when appropriate. Let’s hope Kindel makes a full recovery and returns to action soon.

OTTAWA SUN: Brady Tkachuk faces the Senators on Wednesday for the first time since requesting a trade to the Florida Panthers earlier this year. He’s not expected to be welcomed back with open arms.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators fans were understandably upset when Tkachuk forced a trade to Florida. To his credit, he didn’t go public with the request, which made it easier for the Senators to move him to the Panthers, getting a decent return in the process. The Senators have played well in his absence, which could make this game against the Panthers all the more exciting.

TSN: Speaking of the Panthers, goaltender Jacob Markstrom will be sidelined for 10-14 days after suffering an undisclosed injury during practice.

DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

CBS SPORTS: Utah Mammoth forward Michael Carcone (upper body) was placed on injured reserve.