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.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

A five-point game for Utah’s Clayton Keller, the Predators end the Jets’ win streak, the Oilers drop their fifth straight, the Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings ahead of Saturday’s Stadium Series game, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller had a career-high five points (one goal, four assists) in a 6-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Nick Schmaltz had a goal and two assists for Utah (63 points) as they moved within two points of the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Frederick Gaudreau scored for the Wild, who sit third in the Central Division with 72 points.

Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller (NHL Images).

The Nashville Predators ended the Winnipeg Jets’ franchise-record win streak at 11 games with a 2-1 victory. Juuse Saros made 24 saves, while Filip Forsberg and Tommy Novak scored for the Predators. Neal Pionk replied for the Jets, who remain first overall in the standings with 87 points.

Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell had a goal and two assists to hold off the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, handing the latter their fifth straight loss. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers as they vaulted over the Toronto Maple Leafs into first place in the Atlantic Division with 75 points. Leon Drasaitl tallied his league-leading 44th goal and Zach Hyman netted his 20th as the Oilers sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton captain Connor McDavid has been struggling since scoring the tournament-winning goal for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He admits he hasn’t played up to his usual standard, managing three assists in his club’s last four games. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, sidelined Oilers winger Evander Kane’s full no-trade clause reverts to a 16-team no-trade list on Feb. 28.

The Columbus Blue Jackets scored four second-period goals en route to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings ahead of their Stadium Series game on Saturday in Columbus. James van Riemsdyk scored two goals and Boone Jenner collected three assists as the Jackets picked up their third straight win. They hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 66 points and 29 regulation wins. J.T. Compher had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings (66 points), who hold the first wild-card spot with 30 regulation wins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two teams will face off on Saturday before an estimated 90,000 fans at Ohio Stadium. Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan wasn’t pleased with the performance of several of his core players, singling out team captain Dylan Larkin among the no-shows.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg scored twice as his club defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2. Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist while teammate Brayden Schenn played in his 1,000th regular-season NHL game as the Blues (62 points) sit three points behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who’ve lost two straight games but remain first overall in the Eastern Conference with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brayden Schenn joined his brother, Predators defenseman Luke Schenn, as the 10th siblings in NHL history to play 1,000 games. Luke played his 1,000th game on Oct. 17th against the Oilers.

Anaheim Ducks forwards Ryan Strome and Troy Terry each had a goal and two assists in a 5-2 upset of the Vancouver Canucks. Tyler Myers had a goal and an assist for the Canucks as they cling to the final Western wild-card berth with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen is set to undergo season-ending hernia surgery. He’s been out since Feb. 2. The Ducks added winger Robby Fabbri (upper body) to their injured reserve list.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a 27-save shutout from Andrei Vasilevskiy to blank the Calgary Flames 3-0. Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman each had two points as the Lightning picked up their seventh straight win (72 points), moving within two points of the second-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division. The Flames remain one point behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning learned that backup goaltender Jonas Johansson will be ready for action by as early as next Tuesday. He’s been sidelined since Jan. 28 with a knee injury.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Taylor Hall scored his first goal with the Hurricanes since he and Rantanen joined the team on Feb. 24. Carolina sits second in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points. Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for the Sabres.

The Vegas Golden Knights scored five first-period goals on their way to a 7-5 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. Ivan Barbashev scored twice and collected two assists, Keegan Kolesar tallied two goals, and Jack Eichel collected an assist to set the Golden Knights’ single-season franchise record with 51 assists. Vegas holds first place in the Pacific Division with 76 points. Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy had three assists and forward Frank Nazar had two helpers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left the game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. There was no post-game update on his status.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin kicked out 38 shots to nip the Boston Bruins 2-1. Alexander Romanov and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Isles. Boston winger David Pastrnak scored, extending his points streak to 16 games while reaching the 800-point plateau. However, the loss left the Bruins (62 points) four points behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins announced that forward Trent Frederic is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. They also placed forward Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers.

The Montreal Canadiens kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks. Cole Caufield tallied the winning goal, while Nick Suzuki scored twice and collected an assist as the Canadiens (61 points) won their third straight game and sit five points back of the Blue Jackets. Will Smith and Alexander Wennberg each had two points for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson collected his 40th assist in this game, becoming the first rookie defenseman to reach that milestone in less than 60 games since Hall-of-Famer Nicklas Lidstrom in 1991-92.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin scored the tying and winning goals as his club overcame 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in overtime. Malkin also had two assists on the night, while Erik Karlsson scored two goals and picked up an assist. Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov also had two goals and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins came to life after goalie Alex Nedeljkovic ripped into his teammates and coaches after he was pulled from the game with the Flyers leading 3-0. Penguins forward Michael Bunting missed this game after undergoing appendix surgery and is sidelined indefinitely.

Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway was helped from the ice in the second period after receiving a blindside hit from Penguins forward Bokondji Imama, who was penalized for interference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

Canada defeated the United States in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime as Canada defeated the United States 3-2 to win the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Team Canada center Connor McDavid celebrates his winning goal in the 4 Nations Face-Off (NHL.com).

Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored in regulation while Mitch Marner assisted on Bennett’s game-tying goal and McDavid’s OT winner. Jordan Binnington made 31 saves, including six in overtime, twice thwarting Team USA captain Auston Matthews on point-blank scoring chances.

Matthews finished with two assists, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 shots for the United States.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s goal occurred because Matthews left him uncovered in the slot. Marner quickly fired a pass to the Edmonton Oilers superstar, who beat Hellebuyck high to the glove side.

On Bennett’s goal, Marner drew two defenders toward him as he entered the American zone, leaving the Florida Panthers forward open to snipe a top-shelf shot over Hellebuyck’s right shoulder.

All three Canadian goals were the result of shooting high on Hellebuyck. MacKinnon beat him on the stick side with a deflected shot through traffic to open the scoring.

MacKinnon was named tournament MVP, leading all scorers with four goals. Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski led the tournament with six points, followed by McDavid and Canadian captain Sidney Crosby with five points each.

Crosby joined Wayne Gretzky as the second player to captain two championship teams in NHL international tournament play. He also captained Canada to gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits believe this game was the passing of the leadership torch from Crosby to McDavid. The Oilers captain dismissed that notion, predicting Crosby would be leading Canada’s Olympic team next February.

THE ATHLETIC: Binnington silenced his doubters with his performance in this game, particularly in overtime. “He saved his best for last,” said Canadian head coach Jon Cooper. “That’s what winners do, and there wasn’t a chance I was not going to back the winner.”

Binnington was the only goalie play to every game for his country in this tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington had plenty of doubters (myself included) going into this tournament. He rose to the occasion and came through when Team Canada needed him most.

TSN: Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey missed this game due to illness. He was replaced by Thomas Harley, who saw nearly 22 minutes of ice time and had the primary assist on MacKinnon’s game-opening goal.

SPORTSNET: Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy was released from hospital on Thursday following a procedure to treat an infection stemming from an upper-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emotional McAvoy read out the starting lineup for his teammates in their dressing room before the game and was in attendance cheering them on.

THE SCORE: Winger Kyle Connor was a healthy scratch from this game, replaced by Chris Kreider. Connor leads all Americans in NHL scoring this season with 30 goals in 56 games but was held to one assist and one shot in three games in this tournament.

Canadian winger Mark Stone said he and his teammates felt the energy of their countrymen in this game. “Yeah, we wanted this one,” he said. “Forty million Canadians sitting at home, you feel that energy rooting us on. The pride we have to play for our country every time we get (the chance to wear) the flag on our chest, it’s a special feeling.”

Head coach Jon Cooper shared Stone’s sentiment. “I just hope Canada’s proud, because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian,” he said. “Did we need a win? Not only our team, but Canada needed a win. And the players (carried) that on their shoulders and they took it seriously.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Canadian winger Brad Marchand shared his thoughts on American forwards Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, who took several verbal shots at Team Canada through the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you,” said Marchand after the game. “You can do that during the season, but when it’s best-on-best, it’s different. They got a little ahead of themselves, but they’re great players. There’s not many guys who can do what they can do, and they’re very effective.”

“But when you start giving teams ammo, it can work against you as well,” he said. “They’re going to have long, great careers, and I think we saw how effective they can be at every level.”

ESPN.COM: Several United States players believe this tournament sent a message that Team USA has arrived and they’re just as good as Canada.

“I think I’d say it’s a pretty even playing field in my opinion,” said Auston Matthews. “It could have gone either way.” Zach Werenski shared that view. “We’ve proved tonight and to everyone that we’re right there with Canada,” he said. “It’s anyone’s game.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The United States has made tremendous strides over the past 25 years. In my opinion, their development program is the best in the world, tying them with Canada for the most World Junior Championships (five) since 2013, including their back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025.

Canada can justifiably savor this 4 Nations victory but they cannot take it for granted. A determined American team will be ready them at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

IN OTHER NEWS…

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon provided an update on Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights defenseman suffered an upper-body injury during Canada’s opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Theodore is listed as week-to-week. McCrimmon indicated the blueliner could meet with the team’s medical staff this weekend to determine how long he’ll be sidelined.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames placed little-used defenseman Tyson Barrie on waivers. He’s appeared in only 13 games this season.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed defenseman Dennis Cholowski on waivers to free up a roster spot for the returning Ryan Pulock.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2025

by | Feb 14, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 14, 2025

Team USA thumps Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, a potential replacement for sidelined Canadian defenseman Shea Theodore is revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: Brady and Matthew Tkachuk scored twice and Zach Werenski collected three assists to lead the United States to a 6-1 victory over Finland. Matthew also collected an assist to finish the night with three points.

Team USA forwards Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (NHL.com).

Finland opened the scoring with a first-period goal by Henri Jokiharju but Brady tied the game midway through the frame. Matt Boldy’s second-period goal proved to be the game-winner.

The Americans blew it open in the third period with Matthew Tkachuk scoring 15 seconds into the period and Jake Guentzel picking up his first of the tournament 11 seconds later. Guentzel and Boldy finished with a goal and an assist as the Americans outshot the Finns 32-21.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first time the Tkachuks played together in a meaningful game. They became the first brothers to score multiple goals in an NHL international tournament game.

The Tkachuk’s performance overshadowed Werenski’s, as he led the Americans in ice time (21:45). This game also marked Guentzel’s debut in international play.

Finland will face Sweden on Saturday at 1 PM ET while Team USA faces Canada at 8 PM ET. Both games will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Americans lead the tournament with three points based on their regulation win. Canada is second with two points following their overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday. Sweden has one point for their overtime loss.

RG.ORG: Brady Tkachuk is looking forward to Saturday’s game against Canada. “Well, I think it’s gonna be the biggest game I’ve ever played in my career,” he said. “So I’m really looking forward to that.

SPORTSNET: Large sections of the crowd at the Bell Centre booed the American national anthem ahead of Thursday’s game between the United States and Finland. “I didn’t like it, and that’s all I got,” said Matthew Tkachuk in his post-game press conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fans in several Canadian cities booed the American anthem in several recent NHL games since US President Donald Trump recently announced tariffs on Canadian goods while talking about annexing the country and turning it into the 51st American state.

Booing the American anthem understandably provides the opportunity for Canadian hockey fans to express their anger and frustration at Trump publicly. The American players aren’t to blame for their president’s actions but they’re bearing the brunt of the vitriol.

The booing made some American players uncomfortable but it hasn’t adversely affected their performance. Some may be using it as inspiration to elevate their play.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered Wednesday in Canada’s 4-3 overtime win over Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars defenseman Thomas Harley is reportedly heading to Boston to serve as a standby defenseman for Canada. He will not be allowed to participate in team meetings or formal skates unless another Canadian defenseman becomes sidelined before the tournament’s conclusion.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The tournament shifts to Boston after Saturday’s games in Montreal for its final two days next Monday (Feb. 17) and Thursday (Feb. 20).

RG.ORG: Team Canada forwards Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon expressed their views on the 3-on-3, 10-minute overtime format during their game against Sweden. NHL overtime periods are typically five minutes for regular-season games but the 4 Nations overtime format is seen as a test run by the league for tweaking its regular-season format.

McDavid was an enthusiastic supporter of the format. “I think it’s a great kind of trial run,” he said. “Something I think the players liked, the fans like it. It felt a little more like it was in our hands.”

MacKinnon said he’d prefer a seven-minute format, citing how exhausted he was in the OT against Sweden. “I can’t believe I look off Connor (McDavid) on that two-on-one, honestly, but I could barely see, I was so tired coming off that rush,” said MacKinnon. “I was happy when Marner scored, because I didn’t have much left to give. So five-to-seven would be good.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2025

by | Jan 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 21, 2025

Recapping Monday’s games, Oilers captain Connor McDavid suspended, the Avalanche reveal their Quarter-Century Team, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist to lead his club to a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, ending the latter’s nine-game home win streak and handing them their fourth loss in their last five games. Kevin Hayes and Anthony Beauvillier also had a goal and an assist each for the Penguins (48 points), who sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Adrian Kempe tallied his 23rd goal of the season for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 55 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings honored firefighters and first responders during a pregame ceremony in their first game in their downtown arena since wildfires devastated large parts of Los Angeles.

Crosby reached a notable milestone, reaching the 50-point plateau for the 18th time in his NHL career. The Penguins got the win without winger Rickard Rakell, who returned to Pittsburgh for family reasons.

The Utah Hockey Club upset the Winnipeg Jets 5-2. Barrett Hayton had a goal and two assists as his club picked and Logan Cooley scored to extend his goal streak to four games as Utah picked up their second straight win. Nino Niederreiter and Dylan DeMelo replied for the Jets (65 points), who’ve lost two straight and remain two points behind the league-leading Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets head coach Scott Arniel wasn’t happy with his club’s performance, calling the loss their most embarrassing game of the season. Utah forward Clayton Keller took a puck to the face during the second period but returned before the end of the frame after receiving several stitches. “That’s a hockey player, eh?,” said Utah coach Andre Tourigny.

An overtime goal by Sebastian Aho gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Frederik Andersen made 23 saves in his first game since Oct. 26 when he suffered a knee injury requiring surgery on Nov. 22. Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek kicked out 44 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was also Andersen’s 500th in the NHL. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal reached a significant milestone as this was his 1,300th NHL regular-season game. Staal scored to reach 700 regular-season points.

The St. Louis Blues blew 3-1 and 4-2 leads before defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 5-4 on a shootout goal by Brayden Schenn. Jordan Binnington stopped 28 shots and Jordan Kyrou collected two assists for the Blues (50 points), who moved within one point of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore collected four assists as his club dropped their fourth straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 62 points. Following this game, head coach Bruce Cassidy singled out goaltenders Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov. “We need better play out of the goaltending position right now,” said Cassidy.

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies each collected three points in a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored to extend his goal streak to four games as his club picked up their third straight win and sit in first place in the Atlantic Division with 62 points. Nick Paul tallied twice for the Lightning, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 53 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner surpassed Hall-of-Famer Borje Salming for the most multi-assist games in franchise history with 123. Leafs winger Max Pacioretty missed this contest with an upper-body injury

The New York Islanders got two goals from Bo Horvat to down the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1, snapping the latter’s seven-game points streak (6-0-1). Mathew Barzal had two assists for the Islanders. Kent Johnson replied for the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson left this game early in the third period with an injury to his right leg following a hit from Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger. There was no post-game update on his status.

Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle tallied twice in a 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Coyle finished with three points while David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins. Will Smith scored and collected an assist for the Sharks, who have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Bruins (52 points) one point ahead of the Blue Jackets into the final Eastern wild-card berth. The Ottawa Senators also have 52 points but hold the first wild-card spot with two games in hand over the Bruins.

Third-period goals by Yakov Trenin and Brock Faber lifted the Minnesota Wild over the Colorado Avalanche 3-1. Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 26 shots as the Wild snapped their three-game losing skid. Nathan MacKinnon replied for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild sit second in the Central Division with 60 points while the Avalanche hold the first Western wild-card spot with 57 points.

Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann had a goal and two assists in a 6-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Chandler Stephenson and Adam Larsson each had a goal and an assist as the Kraken picked up their fourth win in their last six games. Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who’ve dropped three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jiri Kulich returned to the Sabres lineup after missing the last two weeks with a lower-body injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid received a three-game suspension for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s cross-check resulted from Garland pinning him to the ice for over 10 seconds late in the third period with no call from the on-ice officials. I don’t believe this suspension is justified.

However, McDavid should’ve received a suspension for his sneaky elbow to the head of Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson on Jan. 15, which went unpunished by the officials and the league. Johansson remains on injured reserve.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers received a three-game suspension for cross-checking Oilers blueliner Evan Bouchard. The incident occurred in the scrum following McDavid’s cross-check on Garland.

The Colorado Avalanche unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Monday.

Goaltender Patrick Roy, defensemen Adam Foote and Cale Makar, and forwards Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Nathan MacKinnon comprised the First Team.

The Second Team featured forwards Mikko Rantanen, Gabriel Landeskog and Milan Hejduk, defensemen Rob Blake and Erik Johnson, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov.

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson, Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg, and Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak are the league’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 19, 2025.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former NHL winger Marcel Bonin recently passed away at age 93. Bonin played 454 goals with the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens from 1952-53 to 1961-62, tallying 97 goals and 175 assists for 272 points. He also had 25 points in 50 playoff games, winning a Stanley Cup with Detroit (1954-55) and three more with the Canadiens between 1957-58 and 1959-60.

NHL.COM: Former NHL coach Tom McVie passed away at the age of 89. McVie was a long-time minor-league player from 1956-57 to 1973-74. He coached the Washington Capitals from 1975-76 to 1978-79, the Winnipeg Jets from the 1979 WHA playoffs through 1980-81, and the New Jersey Devils from 1990-91 to 1991-92.

McVie was an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins from 1992-93 to 1994-95. He spent the past 30 years as a Bruins ambassador.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families and friends of Bonin and McVie.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2025

Recaps of Sunday’s games, the Canadiens unveil their Quarter-Century Team, Connor McDavid faces an in-person hearing for cross-checking Conor Garland, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Patrik Laine lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Canadiens rookie goalie Jakub Dobes stopped 23 shots for his fifth win in as many starts while Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak each had a goal and an assist. Rangers netminder Jonathan Quick made 33 saves while Adam Fox picked up two assists.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal (50 points) sits one point behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson tied Barry Beck for the second-longest assist streak for rookie defensemen (eight games). The Habs called up forward Owen Beck for this game.

This loss left the Rangers two points behind the Canadiens.

The Ottawa Senators got a 25-save performance (16 in the first period) from Anton Forsberg to nip the New Jersey Devils 2-1. Senators rookie Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal of the season and Artem Zub tallied the game-winner. Tomas Tatar replied for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Senators (51 points) over the Blue Jackets into the first Eastern wild-card spot, extending their points streak to six games (5-0-1). The Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division (58 points) but are winless in their last four contests (0-2-2).

First-period goals by Matej Blumel, Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque gave the Dallas Stars a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Robertson extended his goals streak to five games while Jake Oettinger kicked out 33 shots for the Stars. Marco Kasper scored for the Red Wings (46 points), who sit five points behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars (59 points) snapped a two-game losing skid and sit second in the Central Division. The Red Wings have dropped three of their last four contests.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Montreal Canadiens unveiled its Quarter-Century Team on Sunday.

The First Team consisted of goaltender Carey Price, defensemen Shea Weber and Andrei Markov, and forwards Saku Koivu, Tomas Plekanec and Alex Kovalev.

The Second Team featured goalie Jose Theodore, defensemen P.K. Subban and Sheldon Souray, and forwards Nick Suzuki, Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher.

THE SCORE: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers face in-person hearings for cross-checking incidents that earned them match penalties on Saturday. The hearings are scheduled for Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Oilers, they placed center Derek Ryan on waivers and loaned defenseman Josh Brown to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres called up goaltender Devon Levi to replace sidelined netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. They also placed forward Ryan McLeod on injured reserve.