NHL Rumor Mill – March 15, 2025

by | Mar 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 15, 2025

Updates on the Rangers and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently looked ahead at possible offseason moves by the New York Rangers.

The Rangers have a projected $84 million invested in 17 active roster players for 2025-26, leaving them with less than $11 million in cap space. With restricted free agents K’Andre Miller and Will Cuylle due for new contracts, it won’t leave much room to take a big swing in the free-agent market this summer.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Baugh believes the Rangers must move players out if they’re going to make substantial roster changes this summer. Chris Kreider is the obvious trade candidate, though moving his $6.5 million cap hit won’t be easy given his 15-team no-trade list and disappointing performance this season.

The Rangers could trade Miller if he proves too expensive to re-sign, but that would risk letting a high-upside player get away. Trading Mika Zibanejad or Artemi Panarin would free up even more cap space, but they have full no-movement clauses.

Baugh also wondered if a rival club with plentiful cap space, like the Chicago Blackhawks, might attempt to sign away someone like Cuylle with an offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin might draw more interest than Kreider or Zibanejad because he has a year left on his contract. He has a hefty $11.6 million AAV but will earn $8 million in actual salary next season, with $7 million of that a signing bonus.

Panarin’s production is down compared to the last three seasons but he has 69 points in 64 games. He could be of interest to a Cup contender seeking additional scoring punch. Still, he’d have to agree to a trade and the Rangers would probably have to retain part of his cap hit.

So, what say you, Rangers fans? What moves should your team make to free up cap space for meaningful change? Let us know in the comments section below.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Athletic’s Murat Ates discussed Neal Pionk’s future with the Winnipeg Jets. The 29-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible this summer with 37 points in 65 games this season. His production cooled off lately before he was sidelined by a lower-body injury.

Ates said Pionk is comfortable with the state of negotiations between his agent and Jets management. He expects the Jets want to retain him to keep their second-pairing defense core intact. Pionk skates alongside Dylan Samberg, who’s a restricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pionk is completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $5.875 million. It could cost around $7.5 million annually to keep him in Winnipeg. As a right-shot, puck-moving defenseman, he could draw lots of interest if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 10, 2025

by | Mar 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 10, 2025

The latest on Mitch Marner plus updates on the Rangers and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS GM HOPES MARNER REMAINS WITH THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving addressed reports claiming the club spoke to Mitch Marner about a possible trade to the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen, who was later dealt to the Dallas Stars.

The reports stated the Leafs offered prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten, plus two first-round picks to the Hurricanes for Rantanen. The Hurricanes countered by pitching a swap of Rantanen for Marner. Treliving is believed to have told the winger that their priority was to re-sign him, but there was an opportunity to be traded to Carolina if he preferred. Marner is said to have stated he wanted to stay in Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Treliving said he wouldn’t get into questions about contract talks with the Marner camp. However, he claimed they wanted to keep the winger in Toronto for a long time, dismissing the possibility of the trade request becoming a distraction. He also praised Marner for how well he handled this situation.

Marner said he was focused on this season, adding he wants to play for the Leafs. Nevertheless, Koshan believes plenty of teams will line up to sign the 27-year-old winger if he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner will seek a substantial raise over his current $10.3 million annual cap hit. He might accept slightly less than Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ team-leading $13.25 million AAV to stay in Toronto, but he could get more than that on the open market.

The reports indicated that Leafs management stressed to Marner that they wanted to re-sign him when they informed him of the trade offer from the Hurricanes. They didn’t ask him to waive his no-movement clause but left it up to him to decide what he wanted to do.

Taken at face value, it doesn’t seem like this situation will adversely affect their contract negotiations. Nevertheless, with the trade deadline having passed, we’ve reached the point where speculation over the future of pending UFA stars like Marner will begin to dominate the rumor mill.

WHAT WILL THE RANGERS DO WITH ZIBANEJAD, PANARIN & KREIDER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks briefly looked ahead at what could be in store in the offseason for forwards Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Both players surfaced in trade rumors this season.

Zibanejad has a full no-movement clause throughout his contract, which expires in 2029-30. Brooks believes any discussions with the 31-year-old forward will be held this summer and won’t be allowed to carry over into training camp in September. The same goes for any possibility of a trade for Kreider.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also believes any discussions regarding the futures of Zibanejad and Kreider will be relegated to the offseason. He speculated that Kreider could become a buyout candidate if no one wants to take on his $6.5 million AAV for the next two seasons.

Staple suggested looking into whether Artemi Panarin will waive his NMC. The 33-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin carries an AAV of $11.6 million for next season, but he’s due to earn $8 million in actual salary, of which $7 million will be paid out on July 1 as a signing bonus. That could make him enticing for cost-conscious clubs, assuming he’s willing to accept a trade to one of them.

Zibanejad has an AAV of $8.5 million but has five more years left on this deal. Factor in his age (he turns 32 in April) and declining production, and he won’t be an easy sell in the trade market. The 33-year-old Kreider and his recent injury history could also affect his trade value. Buying out his contract will count as $3 million against the Rangers’ salary cap for 2025-26, $4 million for 2026-27, and $1.5 million annually for the following two seasons. 

LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports the trade of Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators for Josh Norris on Friday wouldn’t have happened if Sabres owner Terry Pegula was planning to fire general manager Kevyn Adams. However, Harrington believes Adams is getting one last chance from Pegula.

Meanwhile, Adams denied there was any truth to a rumored move of pending restricted free agent JJ Peterka to the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are about to extend their league-record playoff drought to 14 seasons. Adams will have a projected $22.4 million in offseason cap space to make additions to his roster.

Adams complained last December of the difficulty he faced last summer trying to attract quality players via free agency or the trade market. If his offseason moves fail to improve the Sabres, he won’t be in his current job by this time next season.










NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – March 7, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, JJ Peterka, Brock Boeser, Kyle Palmieri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

MIKKO RANTANEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported overnight that the Dalla Stars were actively negotiating a contract extension with Mikko Rantanen’s camp with the Carolina Hurricanes’ permission, “and a trade is conditioned on an extension.”

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Seravalli reported sources claiming the Stars and Hurricanes had agreed to a trade in principle on the condition that an agreement on a contract extension was reached before Friday’s 3 PM ET trade deadline.

However, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports there is no deal between the two clubs, suggesting the Hurricanes might have to go back to the drawing board. “Doesn’t mean a deal/extension with Dallas can’t materialize, but it’s not there as of now.”

BRAD MARCHAND

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa reports that a league executive claims the Boston Bruins are serious about trading Brad Marchand. They have set a high asking price of a first-round pick, a roster player, and an A-level prospect.

The two sides have been talking contract extension throughout this season. However, the differences may be too great to overcome.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Ian MacIntyre reports the Vancouver Canucks are taking offers on winger Brock Boeser, center Pius Suter, and defenseman Derek Forbort.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports there are rumors that the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Mikko Rantanen. He indicates the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars are believed to be among the suitors, but they could also have an interest in Boeser if they miss out on Rantanen.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports of a rumor that connected Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson, Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen, and Devils forward Dawson Mercer and defenseman Simon Nemec in a potential three-team deal.

Murphy cited a Devils source say the club was in talks with the Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks but didn’t specify which players, picks or prospects might’ve been involved.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils have expressed interest in Rantanen, Ryan O’Reilly and Brock Boeser. They also had an interest in Brock Nelson before he was traded to the Avalanche.

JJ PETERKA

THE BUFFALO NEWS’ Lance Lysowski reports the New York Rangers are among the teams trying to acquire JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. However, a deal like this is unlikely at the deadline. The Sabres seek NHL players, not draft picks and prospects.

KYLE PALMIERI

NEW YORK POST: With Brock Nelson traded by the Islanders to the Avalanche, Ethan Sears reports the focus shifts to Isles winger Kyle Palmieri. The lack of a contract extension for the pending free agent suggests he could be moved by the deadline.

CHRIS KREIDER

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers aren’t shopping Chris Kreider, who has a 15-team no-trade list. They are listening to offers, but there are concerns over his physical condition after missing 13 games with three separate issues.

PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that multiple teams are interested in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell, especially Western clubs. A Penguins source said the asking price is “immense.”

It’s not impossible that Erik Karlsson could be moved by the trade deadline. However, it’s unlikely to happen until the summer.

RYAN DONATO

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report the Chicago Blackhawks are getting plenty of calls about Ryan Donato, but they’re mostly checking in to see what their asking price will be for the 28-year-old forward. The Blackhawks are open to keeping him past the deadline and attempting to sign him to a contract extension.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 2, 2025

by | Mar 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 2, 2025

The Blue Jackets defeat the Red Wings in Ohio Stadium, Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of the all-time goal record, a milestone game for Connor McDavid, and more from a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for details and analysis of the three March 1 trades headlined by the Chicago Blackhawks sending Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series before 94,751 fans at Ohio Stadium. Justin Danforth snapped a 3-3 tie late in the third period, Elvis Merzlikins kicked out 43 shots, and Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner each had two assists for the Blues Jackets. Alex DeBrincat tallied twice and Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second-highest-attended outdoor game in NHL history, sitting behind the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium (105,491). The fans witnessed an entertaining contest between two teams jockeying for wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets sit in the first wild card with 68 points, while the Red Wings hold the second berth with 66 points.

The ceremonial faceoff between the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2025 Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium (NHL.com).

The memory of Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau was honored by both clubs before the game, with the Gaudreau family leading the Jackets onto the ice. Gaudreau and his brother were killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 884th regular-season NHL goal in a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mitchell Chaffee, Gage Goncalves and Brandon Hagel scored for the Lightning, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. The Capital remains first overall in the Eastern Conference (84 points), but they’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 11 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

The Edmonton Oilers snapped a five-game losing skid by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1. Leon Draisaitl collected two assists to extend his points streak to 11 games, while Connor McDavid collected his 700th career assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 74 points. The Hurricanes hold second place in the Metropolitan Division (72 points) but have won only twice in their last eight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid joins Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as the only players in league history to reach 700 assists in less than 700 games.

Third-period goals by Timo Meier and Curtis Lazar lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Devils captain Nico Hischier scored to collect his 400th career point as the Devils sit third in the Metro Division with 72 points. Mikhail Sergachev replied for Utah (63 points) as they remain two points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes hold second place in the division because they hold a game in hand over the Devils.

Speaking of the Canucks, they dropped a 6-3 decision to the Seattle Kraken. Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals and Brandon Montour had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Due to an undisclosed injury, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes didn’t play the final nine minutes of this game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet said Hughes tweaked something and would be reevaluated on Sunday. The Canucks have dropped four of their last five games.

The Florida Panthers got a 23-save shutout from Sergei Bobrovsky to blank the Calgary Flames 3-0, picking up their eighth win in their last 10 contests. Jonah Gadjovich, Evan Rodrigues and Mackie Samoskevich scored for the Panthers (77 points) as they reclaimed first place in the Atlantic Division. Daniel Vladar made 39 saves for the Flames (64 points), who remain one point behind the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar kept the score respectable for the Flames. The Panthers dominated this game.

St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Robert Thomas collected an assist to extend his points streak to nine games as the Blues (64 points) picked up their fourth straight win. They sit one point back of the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Kevin Fiala scored for the Kings as they’re 0-2-1 in their last three games to remain in third place in the Pacific Division with 70 points.

The Ottawa Senators snapped a five-game losing skid by defeating the San Jose Sharks 5-3. Tim Stutzle extended his points streak to 11 games with a goal and an assist, while Brady Tkachuk and Shane Pinto scored in their first games after returning from injuries. Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini each had two points for the Sharks as they’re 0-5-3 in their last eight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators (64 points) are two points behind the Red Wings for the final Eastern wild-card berth. Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun missed this game with an upper-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak pushed his points streak to 17 games with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, ending a five-game losing skid. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 31 shots for the Bruins as they sit two points behind the Red Wings. Anthony Beauvillier and Rickard Rakell replied for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand left this game with an upper-body injury after being hit from behind into the boards by Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Marchand will be reevaluated on Sunday.

The Montreal Canadiens collected their fourth straight win by doubling up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Cole Caufield tallied a career-high 29th goal, while Lane Hutson and Christian Dvorak each collected two assists for the Canadiens (63 points) as they sit three back of the Wings in the Eastern wild-card chase. Alex Tuch and Jiri Kulich scored for the Sabres.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin was credited with a goal in a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators. Brock Nelson tallied twice and had an assist as the Islanders (61 points) kept their playoff hopes alive, sitting five points behind the Red Wings. Cole Smith scored two goals for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sorokin is the 20th goaltender in NHL history to be credited with a goal and joins Billy Smith as the only Islanders netminders to do so.

The Philadelphia Flyers also stayed in the Eastern Conference wild-card race by upsetting the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in a shootout. Ivan Fedotov stopped 29 shots, Jamie Drysdale scored the tying goal and Matvei Michkov netted the winner for the Flyers (62 points). Mark Scheifele scored his 34th of the season for the Jets, who remain first in the overall standings with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheifele is on pace to eclipse his career-high of 42 goals in 2022-23.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato had two goals and an assist and Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists to beat the Anaheim Ducks 6-3. Leo Carlsson tallied twice for the Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl are the NHL Players of the Month for February 2025. Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov is the Rookie of the Month for February.

ROTOWIRE: The New York Rangers moved winger Chris Kreider (upper body) to injured reserve.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

by | Feb 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

Should the Rangers trade Alexis Lafreniere for Trevor Zegras? Could Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off improve his trade value? Are a couple of Western clubs looking at Islanders forward Jean Gabriel Pageau? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury should look into trading winger Alexis Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Trevor Zegras. He thinks the two 23-year-olds haven’t met expectations and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Brooks called Lafreniere’s unwillingness to backcheck in each of the Rangers’ last two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break “a bad look”. He believes the young winger hasn’t built off the promising 2023-24 performance that earned him a seven-year, $52.15 contract extension.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Zegras has been hampered by injuries and playing for a bad team in Anaheim for the past two seasons. He’s considered a one-dimensional player whose skills haven’t translated well into the NHL but Brooks doesn’t buy that assessment, suggesting Zegras might thrive playing close to family and friends in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks sees Lafreniere and Zegras as centerpieces of a larger deal with the Rangers perhaps including defenseman Zac Jones and the Ducks including a promising blueliner like Drew Helleson or Tyson Hinds.

Swapping Lafreniere for Zegras would be a bold move by Drury. He’s already made his share of them since December, shipping Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, sending Kaapo Kakko to Seattle for Will Borgen, and acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-asset deal.

However, Brooks isn’t saying that he’s hearing rumors of a Lafreniere-for-Zegras swap. He’s merely spitballing here.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh answered trade questions from several Rangers fans in a recent mailbag segment.

He doesn’t see Mika Zibanejad getting traded this summer partly because of his hefty contract, and his no-movement clause. The same factors apply to Artemi Panarin, including the difficulty in replacing his production.

Winger Chris Kreider faces an uncertain future with the Rangers. However, it’s doubtful that anyone will take on his contract in midseason. He’s also complained about back spasms, which have affected his performance and trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Drury goes into sell mode by March 7 it’ll be pending free-agents like Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren who get moved.

COULD ERIK KARLSSON’S 4-NATIONS PERFORMANCE IMPROVE HIS VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked by a reader if Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off would make rival general managers look at the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman more closely.

Yohe believes it does, pointing out that Karlsson was Sweden’s best player in their 4-3 overtime loss to Canada on Wednesday. “Karlsson playing well in this series only helps Dubas, I assure you.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s age and contract remain two sticking points. He turns 35 in May and has two seasons left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value. He still has his full no-movement clause.

OILERS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS INTERESTED IN PAGEAU?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner recently reported hearing several Western Conference teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The versatile Pageau, 32, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. He’s enjoying a bounce-back season with 27 points in 52 games, winning nearly 60 percent of his faceoffs, which would be a new career high. Pageau is also the Isles’ top penalty killer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could become a seller if his club hasn’t gained ground in the standings by March 7. He’ll more likely peddle pending UFAs like Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri but could entertain offers for aging veterans like Pageau who were signed past this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2025

by | Jan 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2025

The Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski’s home points streak puts him in elite company, Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson extends his lead in the rookie points race, the Bruins reveal their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski scored twice to extend his home points streak to 17 games in a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko scored in a shootout as the Blue Jackets won their fifth straight game. Bobby Brinks and Owen Tippett replied for the Flyers as their two-game win streak ended.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski’s streak puts him in elite company among NHL defensemen. He joins Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey, Phil Housley, Brian Leetch, Ray Bourque and John Van Boxmeer with the longest home points streaks (17-plus games). Orr remains the all-time leader with 25 games. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets (48 points) hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson collected three assists to widen his lead in the rookie scoring race as his club downed the Utah Hockey Club 5-3. Kirby Dach scored twice and Cole Caufield tallied the winning goal for the Canadiens, who’ve won 10 of their last 13 games (10-2-1) and sit two points behind the Blue Jackets. Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz each collected two assists for Utah as they’ve dropped four of their last five games (1-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson leads all rookies with 35 points, four points ahead of Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.

Canadiens winger Emil Heineman was struck by a car while walking in Salt Lake City and will be sidelined for three to four weeks recovering from his injuries. Meanwhile, Utah HC activated John Marino off injured reserve for this game. The 27-year-old defenseman was making his season debut with Utah after recovering from back surgery. He was acquired from the New Jersey Devils last June.

The Nashville Predators won their 1,000th game with a 5-3 upset of the Vegas Golden Knights. Steven Stamkos scored twice and collected an assist and Jonathan Marchessault got an assist in his first game against his former team since signing with the Predators last summer. Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev collected his first NHL hat trick as his club has dropped three of its last four games.

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson made 19 saves to shut out the Anaheim Ducks 3-0, extending their points streak to eight games (5-0-3). Brandon Duhaime, John Carlson, and Ethen Frank were the goalscorers for the Capitals as they hold first place in the overall standings with 63 points. The Ducks have dropped four of their last five contests (1-3-1).

A natural hat trick by Kyle Connor within a 6:38 span in the first period carried the Winnipeg Jet to a 6-1 romp over the Vancouver Canucks. Connor also collected an assist while Gabriel Vilardi collected three helpers. Nils Hoglander scored for the struggling Canucks as they’ve lost five of their last six contests (1-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets also have 63 points but the Capitals hold a game in hand. Meanwhile, the Canucks (48 points) remain one point behind the Calgary Flames, who hold the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

Speaking of the Flames, they dropped a 2-1 decision to the St. Louis Blues. Radek Faksa broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period and Jordan Binnington stopped 26 shots as the Blues sit three points behind the Flames and two behind the Canucks. Kevin Bahl scored for the Flames.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon collected two assists to reach his league-leading 70th point as his team rallied from a 2-1 deficit to nip the New York Rangers 3-2. Artturi Lehkonen scored with 1:13 remaining in regulation and Devon Toews tallied the winning goal in overtime for the Avalanche. Sam Carrick and Adam Edstrom scored for the Rangers, extending their points streak to five games (3-0-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers activated Chris Kreider (upper body) off injured reserve for this game. Blueshirts center Filip Chytil returned to action after missing the last two games with an upper-body injury.

The Boston Bruins built an early 4-0 lead on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightnings. David Pastrnak scored his 20th goal of the season and collected two assists and Jeremy Swayman kicked out 43 shots as the Bruins won their second straight game. Connor Geekie and Victor Hedman scored for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning center Brayden Point was scratched from this game for missing a team meeting earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the Bruins placed defenseman Charlie McAvoy and center Mark Kastelic on injured reserve, blueliner Hampus Lindholm on long-term injury reserve, and recalled center Matthew Poitras and defenseman Michael Callahan from their AHL affiliate in Providence.

Dallas Stars forwards Matt Duchene and Logan Stankoven each had three points to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Jake Oettinger turned aside 27 shots for the Stars, who’ve won eight of their last nine contests. Auston Matthews scored for the Leafs, who were booed off the ice by their fans following this game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars center Roope Hintz left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury. There was no postgame update about his condition.

Shootout goals by Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell gave the Florida Panthers a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Jesper Boqvist scored in regulation for the Panthers while Nico Hischier tallied his 20th of the season for the Devils.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Marilainen made 24 saves for his second shutout in three games in a 2-0 win over the New York Islanders. Adam Gaudette and Artem Zub scored for the Senators, who’ve won three straight and sit one point out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Marcus Hogberg stopped 25 shots for the Islanders as their three-game win streak is over.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot left this game in the first period after being struck in the face by a shot from Islanders blueliner Adam Pelech. He was ruled out of the rest of this game for precautionary reasons.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Jamie Oleksiak, Eeli Tovanen and Kaapo Kakko lifted the Seattle Kraken over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2. Philip Tomasino and Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins, who have one win in their last eight (1-4-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins activated Evgeni Malkin from injured reserve after missing four games with an upper-body injury and sent winger Jesse Puljujarvi to their AHL affiliate in Wilke-Barre/Scranton. The Penguins also released a statement indicating Malkin’s home was burglarized on Saturday and his three Stanley Cup rings were stolen.

The San Jose Sharks clipped the Detroit Red Wings 6-3, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli each had a goal and two assists for the Sharks while Vladimir Tarasenko tallied twice for the Red Wings, who also lost forward Tyler Motte in the second period to an upper-body injury.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Tuesday.

Forward Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Brad Marchand, defensemen Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy, and goaltender Tim Thomas comprised the First Team.

Forwards Joe Thornton, David Pastrnak and Milan Lucic, defensemen Torey Krug and Dennis Seidenberg, and goaltender Tuukka Rask made up the Second Team.

The schedule for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the full team rosters were released on Tuesday. The series will be held from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston with teams of NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States.

Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe was fined $5,000.00 by the department of player safety for slew-footing Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid during Monday’s game between the two teams.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL defenseman Tony DeAngelo’s contract with KHL club SKA Saint Petersburg was terminated for family reasons.