NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2024

by | Feb 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the Flames trade Chris Tanev to the Stars, the Canucks are reportedly making progress in contract talks with Elias Pettersson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers become the first team to reach 40 wins this season by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Artemi Panarin scored twice and collected an assist, Chris Kreider tallied his 30th goal of the season and Igor Shesterkin made 30 saves for the 40-17-3 Rangers as they took over first place in the overall standings with 83 points. Cole Sillinger replied for the 19-29-10 Blue Jackets.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Vancouver Canucks also have 83 points but the Rangers have two more wins plus a game in hand.

An overtime goal by Connor McDavid lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Zach Hyman scored twice (including his 40th of the season) as the Oilers overcame a 2-0 deficit. With a record of 35-20-2, the Oilers hold third place in the Pacific Division with 72 points. Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich scored for the 30-26-3 Blues (63 points) as they sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman has a six-game goal streak and is within range of the vaunted 50-goal plateau. McDavid has points in nine straight games but his goal was his first in 11 games. Nevertheless, he’s third in the scoring race with 94 points, four behind Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (98 points) and nine back of Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov (103).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames traded defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday evening in a three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils.

In return, the Flames received defense prospect Artem Grushnikov, the Stars’ 2024 second-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2026. If the Stars don’t advance to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Flames won’t receive that third-round pick. The Devils, meanwhile, receive Dallas’ fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

Tanev carries a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million. The Flames retained 50 percent ($2.25 million) while the Devils received 50 percent of what remained ($1.125 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pundits and bloggers believe the Stars are the big winners of this deal as they received the best defensive blueliner in the trade market. Adding Tanev shores up their depth on the right side of their blueline as they hope to stage a run for the Stanley Cup this season.

Reaction was mixed over what Calgary received in this deal. It was rumored Flames general manager Craig Conroy was pushing for a first-round pick. He said he was happy to get the 20-year-old Grushnikov, who plays a similar game as Tanev and could develop into a reliable top-four shutdown rearguard.

The acquisition of Tanev should help the Stars this season. Time will tell if it works out over the long term for the Flames.

DAILY FACEOFF: Sources told Frank Seravalli that the Vancouver Canucks have made “significant progress” in efforts to sign Elias Pettersson to a long-term contract extension. It’s believed to be an eight-year deal that could be finalized in the coming days. It’s expected to exceed an average annual value of $10 million.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports his sources have kept mum on this issue and no other media outlets are verifying that a deal is close for Pettersson. He also noted this runs counter to the 25-year-old center’s previous stance that he preferred to leave the negotiations until the end of the season, something he told Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre before Seravalli’s report.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about Pettersson’s contract situation in today’s Rumors update. Interestingly, this story breaks following recent media speculation suggesting the Canucks were receiving calls from other clubs inquiring about Pettersson’s status. Maybe the source is someone from the Pettersson camp, the Canucks’ front office, or one of the teams that called about Pettersson.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild won’t ask Marc-Andre Fleury to waive his no-movement clause before the March 8 trade deadline. Elliotte Friedman reports the Wild won’t be moving the 39-year-old goaltender and are happy to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury recently told reporters he didn’t want to be traded as he hoped to help the Wild reach the playoffs. This decision indicates the Wild are going for it. They’re six points out of a wild-card berth but have won seven of their last 10 games.

TSN: San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture dismissed recent rumors regarding his future with the club. Sidelined by a lower-body injury that has limited him to six games this season, Couture insisted he doesn’t want to play for another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million and a three-team trade list. Even if he were healthy and productive, moving that contract during the season would be challenging.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Speaking of the Sharks, they placed goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) on injured reserve.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed goaltender Cal Petersen on waives and recalled Felix Sandstrom. The move comes after Petersen gave up seven goals in a 7-6 loss on Sunday to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

THE GLOBE & MAIL: The five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team who have been charged with sexual assault will face trial by jury in a London, Ontario court. It will be several months before a trial date is set.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2023

by | Oct 4, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2023

An update on Jake Guentzel, the latest on the Oilers goaltending, Derek Stepan retires, recaps of Tuesday’s preseason action, waiver updates and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HEADLINES

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins winger Jake Guentzel is a step closer to returning to action as he joined his teammates in a full practice yesterday for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in August. He’s been skating since training camp and joined the Penguins’ main practices last week in a non-contact capacity.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel said it’s still too early to tell if he’ll be good to go for the Penguins’ season opener next week. Nevertheless, he appears to be on track to return to the lineup soon.

THE SCORE: Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft isn’t naming his starting goaltender yet for the club’s season opener on Oct. 11. He said that role remains an open competition between Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell.

“We’re realists and we understand that we need both goalies – it’s a two-goalie league now,” said Woodcroft. “We have 1A and 1B, and they’re going to sort out who’s who.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner wrested the starter’s job away from Campbell over the course of last season. However, it was Campbell who had to relieve Skinner when the latter struggled in several postseason contests. Having healthy competition between the two could improve the caliber of the Oilers’ goaltending, which has been questionable in the past.

TSN: Veteran forward Derek Stepan announced his retirement yesterday. In 890 games over 13 seasons with the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes, the 33-year-old Stepan scored 182 goals and 333 assists for 515 points. He also had 55 points in 120 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stepan’s best seasons were the seven he spent with the Rangers from 2010-11 to 2016-17. He exceeded 50 points five times and two seasons with over 40 points.

PRESEASON GAMES RECAP

NHL.COM: Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard scored his first NHL preseason goal and collected two assists in a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Corey Perry tallied two goals and Taylor Hall had three assists for the Blackhawks. Joe Veleno scored both Red Wings goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Blackhawks, forward Philipp Kurashev (wrist injury) is expected to be sidelined for another week.

The Tampa Bay Lightning blanked the Florida Panthers 2-0. Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson stopped 25 shots for his second shutout of the preseason. Tanner Jeannot and Nick Paul were the goal scorers. Sergei Bobrovsky made 20 saves for the Panthers.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson scored the tying goal and teammate Joe Pavelski netted the winner in a 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

The Washington Capitals downed the Boston Bruins 5-4 on an overtime goal by Matthew Phillips. John Carlsson had a goal and two assists for the Capitals while Boston winger Milan Lucic had a goal and an assist. Linus Ullmark stopped 36 shots for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Bruins sent forward Fabian Lysell to their AHL affiliate in Providence. The 20-year-old winger is considered among their top prospects but this is the third straight year that he’s failed to crack their roster in training camp.

San Jose Sharks goalie Kaapo Kahkonen turned in an 18-save performance to blank the Vegas Golden Knights 2-0. Thomas Bordeleau and Jacob MacDonald scored for the Sharks.

The Los Angeles Kings rolled to a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Adrian Kempe netted his fourth goal of the preseason for the Kings while teammate Carl Grundstrom had a goal and an assist.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Cal Petersen and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker were among the 13 players placed on waivers yesterday.

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens have loaned defenseman Logan Mailloux to their AHL affiliate in Laval.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: After recovering from his fourth knee surgery, Mason Shaw signed a one-year, one-way contract with the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate in Iowa. The 24-year-old forward played 59 games for the Wild last season before suffering a season-ending ACL tear on April 1.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman believes the Arizona Coyotes could be close to resolving their arena situation. Bettman said the club is in the process of exploring several parcels of land that can host an arena and entertainment retail district project. He anticipates they’ll finalize something “in the next few months.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unlike the Coyotes’ ill-fated attempt to build a new arena in Tempe, they won’t require a referendum from the local population for approval to contract their venue.










Flyers Trade Provorov in Three-Team Deal

by | Jun 6, 2023

Flyers Trade Provorov in Three-Team Deal

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Ivan Provorov to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Kings.

As per NHL.com:

“Philadelphia trades Ivan Provorov and Hayden Hodgson to Los Angeles in exchange for Cal Peterson, Sean Walker, Helge Grans and the Kings’ 2024 second-round pick. Columbus acquires Kevin Connauton from Philadelphia in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick (22nd overall) and conditional second-round pick in either the 2024 or 2025 NHL Draft. Columbus acquires Provorov from Los Angeles in exchange for Connauton.”

Philadelphia Flyers trade defenseman Ivan Provorov in three-team deal (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first major trade of the 2023 NHL off-season is also the first trade by Daniel Briere since taking over as Flyers general manager in March. He’s wasting no time putting his stamp on his club with a healthy return for Provorov.

A skilled puck-moving defenseman, Provorov had difficulty playing up to expectations for the Flyers since 2019-20. With 13 goals and 36 points in 69 games, he was on pace for a career-best performance before that regular season was prematurely ended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Landing a first-round pick in this year’s draft plus two second-rounders in 2024 as part of the return for Provorov will be useful investments in the Flyers’ rebuilding process. They could also be used as trade capital to add more immediate roster help.

Grans, 21, is a promising defense prospect with two AHL seasons under his belt. Walker has a season remaining on his contract and will bring some additional experience to the Flyers blueline.

As per Cap Friendly, the Kings retained 30 percent ($2.025 million) of Provorov’s $6.75 million average annual value through 2024-25. That’s more affordable than carrying Petersen’s $5 million AAV over the same period.

Petersen had a 10-team no-trade clause. He either waived it to go to Philadelphia or the Flyers weren’t on that list. He’s the most intriguing piece of this deal for the Flyers, prompting speculation that Briere could attempt to trade starter Carter Hart. Petersen’s earning more than Hart ($3.979 million) but his struggles last season saw him banished by the Kings to the minors.

The Blue Jackets are hoping that a change of scenery could help Provorov regain his once-promising form. A left-side rearguard, he’ll fill the void on their blueline from the departure of Vladislav Gavrikov, who was shipped to the Kings at the trade deadline. Considering what they’ve given up to get him, this could be an expensive gamble for the Jackets.

Speaking of the Kings, they now have $13.2 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 16 active roster players under contract. This move cleared sufficient cap space to re-sign Gavrikov, who was a solid fit with the club over the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 30, 2023

by | Apr 30, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 30, 2023

A look ahead at the offseason for the Lightning and Kings plus more speculation about what the summer might hold for the Jets and Islanders in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE LIGHTNING AND KINGS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what could be a difficult offseason for the Tampa Bay Lightning following their first-round elimination by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Figuring out how to free up more salary-cap space should be a priority. Veterans like Alex Killorn, Corey Perry and Ian Cole are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status this summer. They also have limited trade capital with just three picks in this year’s draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Alex Killorn (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois did a fine job managing his limited cap space to maintain a contender for the past three years. However, he now faces a different challenge in figuring out how to restore the depth around his core talent before their best seasons are behind them.

BriseBois could find it easier should the salary cap increase this summer by more than the projected $1 million. Otherwise, he could face another offseason shedding more roster depth and trying to find suitable replacements at cheaper prices.

Ryan S. Clark examined what could be in store this summer for the Los Angeles Kings following their second straight first-round elimination by the Edmonton Oilers.

The Kings will have to ensure they’ve got sufficient cap space to re-sign restricted free-agent forward Gabriel Vilardi. They’ll also have to decide what to do with pending unrestricted free agents Joona Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov.

They’ll also have to decide what to do with goaltender Cal Petersen, who’s completing the first season of a three-year contract worth $5 million annually. The struggles of Petersen and now-former Kings goalie Jonathan Quick led the Kings to turn to Pheonix Copley for large stretches of the season before acquiring Korpisalo at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how general manager Rob Blake addresses this situation. Vilardi’s performance this season has him in line for a significant raise while Korpisalo and Gavrikov were solid additions who are worth retaining if there’s sufficient cap room to do so.

Trading Petersen could free up valuable cap space to re-sign Vilardi and retain Korpisalo and/or Gavrikov. Given his struggles over the past two seasons, however, it’s unlikely they’ll find any takers unless they retain a portion of his salary or take back a bad contract in return.

LATEST ON THE JETS

WINNIPEG SUN: Ted Wyman reports Jets winger Kyle Connor isn’t interested in being part of a roster rebuild at this stage in his career. “I don’t think anybody in that locker room wants to be part of a rebuild,” he said. Connor is among the few Jets stars with more than one year remaining on his contract.

Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Connor Hellebuyck and restricted free agent Pierre-Luc Dubois are all a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. If any or all of them are moved this summer, Wyman believes that will at least constitute a retooling, if not a rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much of the focus on a possible Jets rebuild is based on shipping out Scheifele, Wheeler, Hellebuyck and Dubois and using the returns to build around players like Connor, Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers who still have term on the contracts beyond next season. It hasn’t taken into account that those players might not want to be part of that process

Connor pointed out he has no say in what management does. Nevertheless, his comments could have some impact on their offseason decisions. Instead of trading those players for draft picks and prospects, perhaps they seek returns that provide a quicker turnaround in the Jets’ fortunes.

Speaking of Dubois, Wyman reported he was dismissive of the rumors about his future. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old center made no secret that he’d like to choose where he plays once he becomes a UFA.

“The right to choose is something that personally, it gives you power,” said Dubois. “You can make your decision and not just go where you’re told. So for me, that’s something that’s pretty important.”

Speculation has linked Dubois to the Montreal Canadiens since his agent last summer hinted that he might like to play for them one day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubois playing coy over whether he’s interested in a long-term deal with the Jets. His comments will only stoke speculation that he could be traded to the Canadiens this summer.

Hellebuyck has no idea if he’ll be part of the Jets future beyond this season. “I don’t know what their plans are, and I don’t know if I’m in it, to be honest,” he said. “If they decide to move me, that’s their call. If they decide to try to talk, I haven’t really thought about that yet.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck also isn’t interested in a rebuild. “My main goal is to win a Stanley Cup and I’m running out of time,” said the 30-year-old goaltender.

Scott Billeck reported Scheifele was non-committal about his future. He learned his lesson from last year when season-ending remarks about doing what’s best for him and his career sparked weeks of trade speculation.

“I think it’s too early to talk about,” said Scheifele. He plans to take time in the coming days and weeks to think about it and figure things out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be very surprised if the Jets return next season with their current core intact. They’ve been in decline over the past five seasons. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has been patient to a fault but it’s apparent that this group isn’t getting any better. Changes are necessary and could be coming as early as June in the lead-up to the 2023 Draft in Nashville.

NHL WATCHER: cited Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek on the “32 Thoughts” podcast wondering if Blake Wheeler might be a fit with the Philadelphia Flyers or Boston Bruins given the questions about the futures of Flyers center Sean Couturier and Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron. Marek believes Wheeler fits the mold of those teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Chuck Fletcher were still the Flyers GM, then yes, Wheeler would fit their mold. Not anymore. The Flyers are rebuilding and Wheeler (who turns 37 in August) is too old to be a suitable part of that process. As for the Bruins, I think they’d be more interested in someone who’s younger as a possible replacement for Bergeron.

BIG DECISIONS FACING THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the New York Islanders face many organizational questions heading into this offseason.

The first is whether general manager Lou Lamoriello will be back. It’s unknown if the 80-year-old has signed a contract extension to stay on as president and general manager of the Islanders for next season. His current deal is believed to expire at the end of this season.

Lamoriello or his replacement will have to decide if they’ll tinker with the current roster or make significant changes. Semyon Varlamov, Pierre Engvall, Scott Mayfield and Zach Parise are their notable UFAs. Veterans still under contract like Josh Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin could be trade or contract buyout candidates.

With centers Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal under long-term contracts, Sears wondered if Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Brock Nelson might be traded for resources that could be deployed elsewhere in the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sears doesn’t expect the Islanders to engage in a roster teardown and neither do I. However, they must bolster their offense if they hope to be more than a marginal playoff contender in the Metropolitan Division. That could involve one or two cost-cutting moves to free up sufficient cap space to address that issue this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2023

by | Mar 16, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2023

Does Trevor Zegras have a long-term future with the Ducks? Which Flames could become offseason trade chips? What could the Kings do with Cal Petersen? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOES ZEGRAS HAVE A FUTURE IN ANAHEIM?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos questions whether Trevor Zegras has a long-term future with the Anaheim Ducks after listening to Hall-of-Famer Adam Oates, the 21-year-old center’s skills coach. “There’s a difference between Instagram skill and regular skill and I’m trying to get the Instagram out of there,” said Oates.

Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oates was interviewed by Kypreos and Justin Bourne on their podcast on Tuesday. He acknowledged that Zegras has highlight-reel skills but he felt there’s a time and place for Zegras to try them. Oates added that the young center has responded positively about the issue during their discussions and acknowledged he still has much to learn.

I doubt that this will have an effect on Zegras’ future with the Ducks. He’s their leading scorer this season with 57 points in 68 games on a club that’s rebuilding with young talent that includes Mason McTavish and Jamie Drysdale. They also have promising prospects such as Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, Nathan Gaucher and Tristan Luneau in their pipeline.

Negotiations between Ducks management and Zegras over his next contract could be cause for concern. He’s completing his entry-level contract and his camp will undoubtedly push for a significant raise on his next deal. The outcome of those discussions could become a determining factor in his long-term future with the club.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he and the Ducks agree to a lucrative eight-year contract. At the very least I anticipate he’ll be playing for them for at least the next four seasons.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Julian McKenzie was asked if the Flames would or should attempt to move the contracts of Jonathan Huberdeau and/or Nazem Kadri this summer.

McKenzie doesn’t expect either player to be shopped, pointing out they were brought in last summer with the idea that the Flames wanted to be competitive for the next little while. He also doesn’t expect two forwards who will be over 30 next season carrying expensive long-term contracts would fetch much of a return even if with some salary retained in the deal.

More realistic trade chips will be players on expiring contracts next season such as Mikael Backlund, Noah Hanifin, or Chris Tanev. If Brad Treliving remains as general manager, however, McKenzie wouldn’t be surprised if he hangs onto his core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could face another interesting offseason. Big changes could be coming if Treliving is let go as general manager. Then again, perhaps Treliving shakes things up a bit if he stays. They’ll definitely be worth keeping an eye on this summer.

WHAT WILL THE KINGS DO WITH PETERSEN?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently wondered what the Los Angeles Kings will do with Cal Petersen. General manager Rob Blake bet big on Petersen taking over from Jonathan Quick as the Kings’ starting goaltender, signing him in 2021 to a three-year, $15 million contract that began this season.

Petersen, however, struggled this season, so much so that Blake sent him to the minors. He brought in Pheonix Copley and traded Quick to the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of the deal for Joonas Korpisalo and defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.

Unless there’s a desire by the Kings to trade the 28-year-old Petersen, Stephens believes helping him get back on track is their priority. They re-signed Copley for next season but Korpisalo is slated to become a UFA this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Kings re-sign Korpisalo they’ll be trying to move Petersen this summer though they might end up having to retain some salary to do so. His 10-team no-trade clause could also complicate things.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 2, 2022

by | Dec 2, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 2, 2022

The Lightning’s Steve Stamkos reaches a scoring milestone, the Stars’ Jason Robertson extends his points streak, the three stars and the rookie of the month for November are revealed, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos became the first player in franchise history to reach the 1,000-point plateau in a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Stamkos assisted on the second of Nick Paul’s two goals to reach the milestone while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 21 saves as the Lightning improved their record to 14-8-1. Travis Konecny replied for the Flyers as they fall to 8-11-5.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ teammates poured off the bench to congratulate their captain on his achievement. The 32-year-old forward shows no signs of slowing down, leading his club with 13 goals and sitting second in points with 28.

Konecny and Tony DeAngelo returned to the Flyers’ lineup after being briefly sidelined by injuries. Earlier in the day, general manager Chuck Fletcher said Ryan Ellis will not play this season. He’s been sidelined since last November by what could be a career-threatening back injury.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson extended his points streak to 17 games by tallying a hat trick as his club blanked the Anaheim Ducks 5-0. Jake Oettinger made 31 saves for the shutout while Miro Heiskanen collected three assists. The Stars (14-6-4) have 32 points and hold a three-point lead over the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division. The Ducks (6-16-2) sit dead last in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is the first player to score 20 goals this season.

Colorado Avalanche center scored two goals and set up three others in a 6-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. J.T. Compher scored twice and collected two assists as the Avalanche improved to 13-7-1. Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens each had a goal and two assists for the 10-13-1 Sabres.

The Nashville Predators blew a 2-0 lead but rallied to down the league-leading New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime. Ryan Johansen tallied twice, including the game-winner as the Predators improved to 11-9-2. Jack Hughes and Erik Haula each collected two assists for the Devils (19-4-1) as their 39 points put them one up on the Boston Bruins in the overall standings.

Third-period goals by Jake Guentzel and Kasperi Kapanen lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 4-3. Guentzel, Kapanen and Brock McGinn each had a goal and an assist for the Penguins (12-8-4). Logan Thompson made 43 saves and Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist for the 17-7-1 Golden Knights as they sit atop the Western Conference with 35 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby credited sidelined teammate Kris Letang as inspiration for his club’s win. Letang is sidelined indefinitely after suffering a minor stroke on Monday. Letang went for a brief skate on his own yesterday morning but it was more for his mental health than anything else. His condition is not considered career-threatening but there’s no timetable for his return.

The Seattle Kraken improved to 15-5-3 and moved to within two points of the Golden Knights with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals. Matty Beniers scored the winner as the Kraken overcame a 2-0 deficit while Andre Burakovsky and Vince Dunn each picked up two assists. Alex Ovechkin collected two assists as the Capitals fell to 10-11-4.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook tallied a hat trick in a 6-4 win over the St. Louis Blues. Brent Burns picked up two assists for the 13-6-5 Hurricanes while Vladimir Tarasenko and Pavel Buchnevich each had two points for the Blues, who drop to 11-12-0.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and two assists to lead his club over the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. Kaprizov set a franchise record for consecutive games with assists (nine) while extending his points streak to 10 games while the Wild improve to 11-9-2. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist for the 13-11-0 Oilers. McDavid leads all NHL scorers with 43 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Wild recalled defenseman Andrej Sustr to replace Jonas Brodin, who’s out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan collected two assists while Jake Allen kicked out 45 shots in a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames. Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield scored for the Canadiens (12-10-1) while Elias Lindholm replied for the 10-10-3 Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was Monahan’s first game in Calgary against the Flames since he was traded to the Canadiens in the offseason. He received a video tribute from his former club and a standing ovation from Flames fans. Earlier in the day, the Canadiens announced that winger Brendan Gallagher would miss the game with a lower-body injury while winger Mike Hoffman (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.

The Florida Panthers got two goals from Sam Bennett and three points from Matthew Tkachuk to beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 and improve their record to 11-9-4. Dakota Joshua replied for the Canucks (9-12-3), who also lost goaltender Thatcher Demko in the first period with an apparent injury to his right leg. No word as to the severity of Demko’s injury.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar scored twice, including the winning goal in the third period, to lead his club over the Arizona Coyotes 5-3. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings (13-9-4). Rookies Dylan Guenther and Matias Macelli each collected two assists for the Coyotes, who fell to 7-11-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings goaltender Cal Petersen cleared waivers yesterday and was sent to the Kings’ AHL affiliate.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Stars winger Jason Robertson, Devils goalie Vitek Vanecek and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner are the NHL’s three stars for November 2022. Golden Knights goalie Logan Thompson is the rookie of the month for November.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings placed forward Tyler Bertuzzi on injured reserve with a hand injury.

OTTAWA SUN: The deadline for the Senators to reach an agreement on a new contract with restricted free-agent winger Alex Formenton passed yesterday without a deal. Formenton, 23, is now ineligible to play in the NHL for the remainder of this season but his rights are still held by the Senators.

TSN: Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok is expected to miss some time after leaving Wednesday’s game against the San Jose Sharks with a groin injury.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks placed defenseman Jarred Tinordi (hip) on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 27 and recalled blueliner Ian Mitchell from their AHL affiliate in Rockford.

Former Buffalo Sabres center Riley Sheahan has signed with EHC Biel in Switzerland. Sheahan and the Sabres mutually agreed to terminate his contract earlier this week after he decline demotion to their AHL affiliate.