NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 23, 2025

Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli nets his first career hat trick against the Leafs, the Devils unveil their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli collected his first NHL hat trick to upset the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1. Elvis Merzlikins made 28 saves and Luca Del Bel Belluz had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 53 points. Toronto captain Auston Matthews scored his 20th of the season, extending his goal streak to five games as his club’s three-game win streak ended. The Leafs hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 62 points.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs also lost winger Matthew Knies to an upper-body injury in the second period. They placed winger Max Pacioretty (upper body) on injured reserve earlier in the day.

An overtime goal by Neal Pionk propelled the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Gabriel Vilardi tallied his 20th of the season, Josh Morrissey collected two assists and Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 25 shots for the Western Conference-leading Jets (67 points), who moved within two points of the league-leading Washington Capitals. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar scored for the Avalanche, who are 1-2-1 in their last four and hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL linesman Jonny Murray left the game with an injury following a collision with Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews. Earlier in the day, the Avs announced winger Valeri Nichushkin suffered a setback in his return from a lower-body injury and is listed as week-to-week. Meanwhile, the Jets played without captain Adam Lowry, who is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered during Monday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club.

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Boston Bruins 5-1. Devils captain Nico Hischier led the way with a goal and two assists and Dawson Mercer scored twice as the Devils snapped a four-game win streak and sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points. Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins, who sit outside the final Eastern wild-card spot with 52 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly win for the Devils as goaltender Jacob Markstrom left this game in the second period with an injured left leg following a collision with Bruins forward Justin Brazeau. Following the game, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Markstrom could miss some time.

Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period as his club nipped the Florida Panthers 2-1. Samuel Helenius also scored and Darcy Kuemper made 27 saves as the Kings sit third in the Pacific Division with 57 points. Evan Rodrigues scored and Spencer Knight stopped 26 shots for the Panthers (59 points), who remain three points behind the Leafs in the Atlantic Division.

HEADLINES

The New Jersey Devils unveiled their Quarter-Century Team.

Forwards Patrik Elias, Jack Hughes and Zach Parise, defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Scott Stevens, and goaltender Martin Brodeur comprised the First Team.

The Second Team featured goaltender Cory Schneider, defensemen Andy Greene and Brian Rafalski, and forwards Scott Gomez, Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac.

THE SCORE: Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov and defenseman Jared Spurgeon are expected to return from injuries on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be the first time since late December that Kaprizov and Spurgeon have been in the lineup together. Kaprizov missed 12 games and Spurgeon nine games with lower-body injuries. The Wild won seven of those 12 games but dropped four of their last six contests.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators winger David Perron will return to action on Thursday against the Bruins. He missed the last 26 games with a back injury. Meanwhile, forward Josh Norris is out for the weekend with an upper-body injury suffered during their 5-0 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vancouver Canucks placed defenseman Noah Juulsen on injured reserve.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers’ three-goalie system for this season has ended as Aleksei Kolosov has been sent to their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2024

Recapping Friday’s preseason action, Drew Doughty sidelined for months, plus the latest on Darnell Nurse, Robin Lehner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL PRESEASON RECAP

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres forward and Munich native JJ Peterka scored in his homecoming game in a 5-0 victory over EHC Red Bull Munchen 5-0 in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Germany. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi combined for a 12-save shutout.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (NHL Images).

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek netted two goals and collected three assists as his club downed the Winnipeg Jets 8-5. Kirill Kaprizov also scored twice for the Wild. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck gave up eight goals on 29 shots through two periods.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets announced before this game that defenseman Logan Stanley underwent knee surgery to repair a meniscus issue. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

The Dallas Stars doubled up the Colorado Avalanche 4-2. Matt Duchene scored two goals and picked up an assist and Tyler Seguin tallied a goal and chipped in two assists.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli collected a hat trick and Mathieu Olivier scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin scored one of the Capitals goals.

The Carolina Hurricanes thumped the Florida Panthers 8-2. Seth Jarvis tallied twice and Sean Walker picked up three points for the Hurricanes.

Detroit Red Wings goaltenders Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot combined for a 22-save shutout in a 2-0 blanking of the Chicago Blackhawks. Christian Fischer and Vladimir Tarasenko were the goal scorers.

The New York Islanders defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-1. Semyon Varlamov stopped 16 of 17 shots through two periods for the Isles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils scratched Jack Hughes from the lineup to give him an extra day of rest before their departure to Czechia to face the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 Global Series. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Hughes suffered a minor charley horse in his previous game.

Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord turned aside 19 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Brandon Montour scored his first preseason goal for the Kraken.

The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Utah Hockey Club 5-2. Jack Eichel led the Golden Knights with a goal and two assists.

The Tampa Bay Lightning postponed Friday’s game against the Nashville Predators at Amelie Arena after Hurricane Helene’s effect on the bay area.

HEADLINES

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty requires surgery to repair his broken left ankle and will miss most of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty’s absence leaves a gaping hole on the Kings’ blueline that will be difficult to fill. They could promote Brendt Clarke or Jordan Spence to replace him but those young rearguards lack the experience and leadership he brings to the defense corps. I’ll have more about this in today’s Rumors.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers hope for a bounce-back performance from Darnell Nurse after he struggled through 2023-24 and the 2024 playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong rebound effort by Nurse would go a long way toward improving the Oilers’ hopes for a Stanley Cup run next spring.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and William Nylander practiced on Friday and showed no ill effects from their recent upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, John Tavares is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks forwards William Eklund (upper body) and Mikael Granlund (lower body) and defenseman Matt Benning (lower body) missed practice on Friday. They’re listed as day-to-day.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Goaltender Alexei Kolosov finally took to the ice at Flyers training camp on Friday. It remains to be seen if he’ll get into any of their four remaining preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov is expected to see action this season with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley or he could be loaned back to KHL club Dinamo Minsk. I’ll have more about this in today’s Rumors update.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Golden Knights netminder Robin Lehner had his assets frozen by a federal bankruptcy judge on Friday. Lawyers from one of his creditors allege Lehner engaged in frivolous spending and made improper fund transfers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner has been sidelined since 2022 following hip and shoulder surgeries. He’s not expected to play this season and will be placed on long-term injury reserve. This season is the last of his five-year contract.

WINNIPEG SUN: Bryan Little will sign a one-day contract to officially retire with the Jets on Oct. 20.

Drafted 12th overall in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, Little spent his entire NHL career with the franchise, moving with them to Winnipeg when the team relocated in 2011. The 36-year-old center’s career was cut short by a perforated eardrum early in the 2019-20 season.

Little scored 217 goals and had 304 assists for 521 points in 843 career regular-season games from 2007-08 to 2019-20. He also had 12 points in 27 playoff contests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 11, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the Coyotes could move to Salt Lake City, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The St. Louis Blues kept their playoff hopes alive with a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Jordan Kyrou scored twice as the Blues scored on their first four shots and Robert Thomas picked up a goal and an assist. With a record of 42-32-5 (89 points), the Blues sit three points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the final Western Conference wildcard berth. Blackhawks rookie Landon Slaggert scored his first NHL goal.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou (NHL Images).

Speaking of the Golden Knights (42-28-8), they dropped a 5-1 decision to the Edmonton Oilers. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who improved to 48-24-5 and moved into ninth in the overall standings with 101 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers played without captain Connor McDavid as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to return to action at some point during their remaining five games before the end of the regular season.

An overtime goal by Logan Cooley lifted the Arizona Coyotes to a 4-3 upset of the Vancouver Canucks. Dylan Guenther had a goal and three assists for the Coyotes. Quinn Hughes collected three assists for the 48-22-9 as they sit fifth overall with 105 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes deserve credit for playing as well as they did against one of the league’s top teams considering the uncertainty about their futures in Arizona. Speaking of which…

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli was the first to report that Coyotes ownership and the NHL were working on an agreement to sell and relocate the franchise to Salt Lake City.

The league and the Coyotes have reportedly made what Seravalli’s sources called “significant and meaningful progress” on an agreement with Smith Entertainment Group that would have the team playing in Salt Lake City next season.

It’s believed the Coyotes players have been informed a “verbal agreement” is in place. However, nothing is officially in place as the deal is complicated with much work still to be done. Meanwhile, the league is working on two schedules for 2024-25, one with the Coyotes in Arizona and the other with the team in Salt Lake City.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported one Coyotes player said there are rumors of “meeting about the future” before he and his teammates go their separate ways for the offseason.

Friedman indicated the league is working as a broker with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo and prospective Utah owner Ryan Smith. He claims multiple sources said a real scenario has the league paying Meruelo $1 billion for the Coyotes, then selling the club to Smith for $1.2 billion.

Meruelo would also be offered a five-year exclusive window to bring an expansion team to Arizona.

The Coyotes owner hopes to win a land auction on June 27 for a parcel of land on which he wants to build an arena and sports entertainment complex. The league initially hoped to let the auction play out but there is concern over what would happen if Meruelo lost the auction and the possibility of playing another three seasons at Mullett Arena. According to Friedman, there wasn’t much enthusiasm for the latter.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Kevin Zimmerman lists several factors that could see the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City.

He noted that there are “many entities” that don’t want the Coyotes building an arena in the Phoenix area. Among them is Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, who wrote a letter indicating the biggest problem was the Coyotes’ lack of consultation with Scottsdale regarding infrastructure issues like traffic and water mains.

Zimmerman also believes the NHL and NHL Players’ Association appear to be losing confidence in the Coyotes’ efforts to construct a new arena.

As for why Ryan Smith prefers to bring an existing franchise to Salt Lake City over an expansion club, it’s because it would bring NHL hockey more quickly to Utah. The Coyotes are an “intriguing hockey product” with promising young players such as Clayton Keller and Matias Maccelli and a general manager who is preaching patience with his rebuilding project.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the NHL sent a status report memo to its Board of Governors on Wednesday in response to the media coverage of this story. The memo stressed that there is still nothing done as there are “moving parts” to this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having followed the Coyotes ownership saga for nearly two decades, I realize that nothing is set in stone and this situation could take another dramatic twist. Nevertheless, this is the first time that it feels that relocation is imminent. While it’s a complicated scenario that could fall apart in the coming weeks, this seems like a genuine effort by the team’s owner, the league and a prospective buyer in Salt Lake City to make this move happen.

The Coyotes cannot continue as they have in Arizona. It’s not feasible to play in the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena for another three years given the uncertainty over whether a new arena will be built. NHLPA leadership has spoken out in recent months about the Coyotes’ handling of its arena situation because it’s a drag on hockey-related revenue.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has fought for two decades to keep the struggling Coyotes in Arizona because it’s one of the biggest markets in North America. While his patience is long, it’s not endless, and I daresay he’s hearing grumbling from a growing chorus of existing NHL team owners.

I feel sorry for Coyotes fans. They knew this day was coming but it still sucks. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of people supported the Coyotes for decades through the good and mostly bad times. Decades of bumbling by multiple owners and general managers brought this franchise to this point. Coyotes fans deserve better.

THE SCORE: Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is still working on bringing an NHL franchise to his city. “I’m working on it, “ he said. The Rockets play in the 19,000-seat Toyota Center, which would hold 17,800 fans when converted for hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Houston becomes a viable alternative if efforts to relocate the Coyotes to Salt Lake City fall through. Otherwise, expect an expansion franchise in Houston (and one in Atlanta) before 2030. It’s going to happen. The league will expand to 34 franchises and perhaps 35 if the NHL attempts to return to Arizona.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports a Philadelphia Flyers management source said John Tortorella will not be losing his job as head coach despite the club’s recent downturn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This comes in response to speculation that Tortorella would be fired or be moved into a management role.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli will miss the remainder of the season. He’s been sidelined by a lacerated calf since Jan. 28. However, Fantilli could skate for Team Canada at next month’s World Championships if he’s fully recovered by then.

NHLPA: The results of the latest players’ poll have been released. Follow the link provided for the results on the players’ views on topics such as the top positional players, the most complete player the toughest arena to play in, the best dressed, and more.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, reaction to the Flames trading Elias Lindholm to the Canucks, Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantelli sidelined for eight weeks, and the latest on Phil Kessel in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings snapped a four-game winless skid by doubling up the Nashville Predators 4-2, handing the latter their third straight loss. Rookie forward Alex Turcotte had a goal and an assist for his first NHL points while David Rittich kicked out 39 shots for the 23-15-10 Kings as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 56 points. Filip Forsberg and Philip Tomasino replied for the 26-23-2 Predators, who sit two points behind the Kings and remain behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by Shane Pinto lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 upset of the Detroit Red Wings. Pinto finished the night with two points while Joonas Korpisalo stopped 23 shots for the 20-25-2 Senators. Daniel Sprong and Dylan Larkin scored for the Red Wings (26-18-6) as they hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and didn’t return. He’ll be re-evaluated when the club returns to Ottawa.

The Anaheim Ducks got an overtime goal by Frank Vatrano to nip the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Troy Terry had a goal and an assist while John Gibson made 26 saves for the 18-30-2 Ducks. Anthony Duclair and Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied for the 14-32-5 Sharks.

HEADLINES

THE PROVINCE/CALGARY SUN: Pundits are reacting to yesterday’s trade between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks that saw the Flames ship center Elias Lindholm to the Canucks in exchange for winger Andrei Kuzmenko, two defense prospects and two draft picks, including the Canucks’ 2024 first-rounder.

The Province’s Patrick Johnston believes the price wasn’t that steep for the Canucks. He cited Kuzemenko’s struggles this season, considered prospects Joni Jurmo and Hunter Brzustewicz to be long-shots to reach the NHL, and noted the first-rounder will likely be in the high 20s or even in the 30s by the time this season is over.

Johnston also felt this move indicates that Canucks management isn’t fooling around. He considers the acquisition of two-way center Lindholm as “pushing their chips in to win the Stanley Cup.”

Meanwhile, Sun pundit Wes Gilbertson felt the Flames got a “substantial haul” from the Canucks for Lindholm. He called Kuzmenko “an intriguing talent”. However, he acknowledged his inclusion in the deal may have had more to do with making the cap dollars fit in this deal than how he potentially fits into the Flames’ long-term plans.

Brzustewicz currently leads the OHL in assists by a wide margin (61 in 47 games) and sits third in that league’s scoring race. Jurmo is a big blueliner (6’4”, 210 pounds) skating in Finland’s pro league.

Gilbertson also noted the willingness of Flames general manager Craig Conroy to trade one of his favorite players. He also considered this proof that Conroy is serious about rebuilding the roster and will prioritize acquiring future assets in any trade talks regarding pending free agents Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think this is a move the Canucks could afford to make this season. They’re an entertaining club loaded with talent generating excitement among their fans. Bringing in Lindholm indicates confidence by management that this team can stage a deep playoff run.

Yes, there’s a risk that it might not work out and Lindholm departs this summer as a free agent. Nevertheless, they already possess some good young talent on their roster and they didn’t have to part with one of their better prospects such as Jonathan Lekkerimaki or Tom Willander to get Lindholm. If they’re going to take the chance by acquiring a notable potential rental player, this is the season to do it.

As for the Flames, I agree with Gilbertson that Conroy isn’t waffling on what to do with his pending UFAs. If they don’t want to re-sign or are dragging their feet about it, he’s going to move them before March 8 for the best possible returns. Tanev and Hanifin are likely on their way out in the coming weeks.

TSN: Speaking of the Canucks, they signed general manager Patrik Allvin to a multi-year contract extension. This news was announced before they acquired Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hired in January 2022, Allvin’s done a fine job thus far in reversing the Canucks’ fortunes as they currently sit atop the NHL’s overall standings. He’s also been the busiest GM in the trade market since the start of the regular season, making six trades since Oct. 8. Those include the additions of Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Sam Lafferty.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets rookie center Adam Fantilli will miss the next eight weeks after suffering a skate laceration to his left calf muscle. He suffered the injury on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big blow to Fantilli and the struggling Blue Jackets. He sits third among their skaters and fourth among rookie scorers with 27 points in 49 games.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Phil Kessel remains in contact with several NHL teams and is still hopeful of signing with a club this season. The 36-year-old free-agent winger has been skating and trying to remain ready in case a team comes calling. He holds the NHL Ironman record with 1,064 consecutive regular-season games played. Kessel had 36 points in 82 games last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, winning his third Stanley Cup.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2024

The Senators rally to defeat the Predators, the three stars of the week are announced, plus updates on Jack Hughes, Tomas Hertl, Adam Fantilli, Jack Quinn and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators overcame a 3-0 deficit to upset the Nashville Predators 4-3 on an overtime goal by Claude Giroux. Second-period goals by Drake Batherson, Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk set the stage for Giroux’s game-winner for the 19-25-2 Senators. Roman Josi and Philip Tomasino each collected two points for the Predators (26-22-2), who’ve dropped four of their last five and sit outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 54 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators and St. Louis Blues have the same number of points but the Blues hold the final wild-card spot with two games in hand. Preds defenseman Alexandre Carrier left this game in the second period with an undisclosed injury and didn’t return.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, and Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 28.

ESPN: Greg Wyshynski reports the NHL remains hopeful that New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes can still participate in the NHL All-Star Game and the skills competition this weekend. Hughes, 22, has been sidelined since Jan. 5 with an upper-body injury. The Devils star wants to take part in the All-Star weekend and continues to be evaluated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes should be careful not to push too hard to take part in this weekend. While it means a lot to him to take part in the All-Star Game, aggravating his injury in a meaningless tournament could prolong his absence from the Devils lineup as they try to secure a playoff berth down the stretch.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Sharks center Tomas Hertl wants to know how long it will take the rebuilding club to become competitive and where he fits into their long-term plans. The 30-year-old Hertl has six years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.135 million and a no-movement clause.

From all indications, Sharks general manager Mike Grier is in no hurry to move Hertl, who’s been his struggling club’s best player this season. Nevertheless, Grier has indicated that he would listen if Hertl or team captain Logan Couture reached a point where they wanted to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hertl decides he doesn’t fit into the Sharks plans his hefty contract will make it difficult to move him during the regular season. That type of trade would likely be an offseason move when clubs have more cap space to work with.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets rookie center Adam Fantilli suffered a lacerated left leg after he was cut by a skate blade during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. He won’t participate in tonight’s road game against the St. Louis Blues and will receive further evaluation when the club returns to Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantilli sits second among Blue Jackets scorers with 27 points and is fourth among this season’s rookie class.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres winger Jack Quinn underwent surgery to repair a lower-body injury suffered on Saturday in a game against the Sharks. He’s expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s another blow for Quinn, whose sophomore season was already shortened by a ruptured Achilles tendon during offseason training. His latest injury isn’t related to that nor was it a knee injury. He has 12 points in 17 games.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues are awaiting the results of an MRI on defenseman Scott Perunovich, who suffered a lower-body injury during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Minnesota Wild claimed defenseman Declan Chisholm off waivers from the Jets.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Seattle Kraken placed forward Devin Shore on waivers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL forward Zack Kassian’s retirement was a brief one. After hanging up his skates before the start of this season, he’s resumed his playing career by signing a one-year contract with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 29, 2024

Recaps of Sunday’s game, Patrik Laine enters the player assistance program, and Filip Chytil is out for the season. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The St. Louis Blues won in overtime for the third straight game by defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-3. Brayden Schenn scored the winning goal while Jordan Kyrou had a goal and two assists for the 26-20-2 Blues, who picked up their fifth straight victory to move into the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 54 points. Adrian Kempe, Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Phillip Danault replied for the struggling Kings (22-15-10) as they’ve won just twice in their last 16 games and cling to the first Western wild-card spot with 54 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues defenseman Scott Perunovich left this game with a lower-body injury in the third period. There was no postgame update regarding his condition. The Blues also announced blueliner Justin Faulk (lower-body injury) will likely remain sidelined through the upcoming All-Star break.

Seattle Kraken winger Jordan Eberle (NHL Images)

Seattle Kraken winger Jordan Eberle scored twice and collected an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jared McCann tallied his 20th goal of the season and Joey Daccord made 30 saves for the 21-18-10 (52 points) as they sit two points behind the Kings and Blues. Yegor Chinakhov scored both goals for the 15-24-10 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli left this game with a lower-body injury in the second period while hitting McCann into the boards. There was no postgame update regarding his status but he’s considered questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Blues.

HEADLINES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. In an Instagram post, the 25-year-old winger indicated he’s taking time to work on prioritizing his mental health and well-being. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen issued a press release saying Laine has the full support of the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine has been struggling with injuries since being acquired by the Blue Jackets in 2021. He has nine points in 18 games this season.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers forward Filip Chytil is sidelined for the remainder of this season with a suspected concussion. He’s been out since Nov. 2 and suffered a setback in his recovery on Friday while skating with his teammates during morning practice. The Rangers have placed him on long-term injury reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil took to Instagram saying he’s staying positive and hopes to return stronger than ever. However, there’s genuine concern that the oft-injured Chytil’s career could be in jeopardy. He’s been sidelined 10 times by injuries since 2018-19. This news will only fuel speculation that the Rangers will look to the trade market for a short-term replacement.

NHL.COM: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was fined $5,000.00 for elbowing Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly on Saturday.

THE GLOBE & MAIL: Unsigned Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton turned himself in to London, Ontario police on Sunday to face a charge of sexual assault. It’s in connection with allegations that five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team attacked a woman at a hotel.

Formenton’s lawyers issued a statement saying their client will “vigorously defend his innocence”, asking people not to rush to judgment until hearing all the evidence.

CBS SPORTS: Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson has been activated off LTIR following a 12-game absence with a lower-body injury.

INSIDE AHL HOCKEY’s Tony Androckitis reports the Carolina Hurricanes have loaned goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves during the upcoming NHL All-Star break. The move is believed to be a paper transaction designed to allow the Hurricanes to accrue some salary-cap space.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks set a franchise record with their 1-0 loss on Saturday to the Calgary Flames. It was their 20th straight road defeat.