Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

Could the Devils shop for a short-term replacement for sidelined center Jack Hughes? What type of trade do the Maple Leafs want to make? What’s the Rangers’ biggest need? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE DEVILS MAKE A TRADE FOR A SHORT-TERM REPLACEMENT FOR JACK HUGHES?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the New Jersey Devils’ options as they face the next eight weeks without leading scorer Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center injured a finger in a freak accident during a recent team dinner, requiring surgery to repair the damage.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

One option could be making a trade as a stopgap. However, centers are scarce, and many teams are currently searching for them. Trade targets could include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

Baugh suggested acquiring a winger if finding a suitable center isn’t feasible. He suggested Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks as trade candidates.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils cannot let their strong start to this season go to waste in Hughes’ absence. He recommends going the trade route, suggesting O’Reilly, Kadri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders as possible options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him like he does. For now, there’s no indication that he wants out of Nashville or that management is shopping him. Kadri’s been the focus of media trade chatter for weeks, but Flames ownership isn’t keen on moving him.

As for Pageau, it’s unlikely the Islanders will move him this early in the season, especially when they’re currently in a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. If they stay in that position or higher in the standings as the season progresses, Pageau won’t be going anywhere.

MAPLE LEAFS SEEK “ROSTER FOR ROSTER” DEAL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t interested in trading futures or prospects (such as Easton Cowan) for immediate help.

Instead, they want to make a hockey trade, “roster for roster”, in which they’re exploring what’s on their roster that might have value in the trade market. Friedman stressed that the core players wouldn’t be part of that.

Friedman spoke about a recent rumor linking the Maple Leafs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He claimed they tried to do it last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s a match for Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs’ prospect pool isn’t that deep. Depleting it further will only hurt them in the long run. As for “roster for roster”, there isn’t much there that would bring in any upgrades. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, but it’s doubtful they’d fetch much of an upgrade.

RANGERS NEED A PUCK-MOVING DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the need for a puck-moving defenseman has become a priority for the New York Rangers. Adam Fox is off to a strong start this season, but there’s no one else on their blueline who ranks above average in the skills department.

Baugh wouldn’t quibble with anyone suggesting the Rangers also need a top-six winger. However, he’s withholding judgment until he sees what top prospect Gabe Perreault can do.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

Multi-point games by the Stars’ Jason Robertson and Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl highlight a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A natural hat trick by Jason Robertson powered the Dallas Stars to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Roope Hintz collected three assists as the Stars (12-4-3) won their fifth straight game. Christian Dvorak scored for the 9-6-3 Flyers.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Thomas Harley missed this game as he’s out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored twice and collected an assist, and Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists (including the winning goal in overtime) to nip the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Stuart Skinner made 33 saves as the Oilers improved to 9-7-4. Eric Robinson, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jordan Staal scored for the 12-5-1 Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis returned to action after being clipped in the eye by a stick in Friday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Teammate Jesperi Kotkaniemi remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in the same game. Oilers winger Zach Hyman collected an assist in his season debut after recovering from a dislocated wrist.

The Buffalo Sabres overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 5-4, snapping a five-game losing skid. Tage Thompson and Josh Doan had a goal and an assist for the 6-8-4 Sabres. Alex DeBrincat tallied twice and Lucas Raymond picked up three assists for the Red Wings (10-7-1), who’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had two assists as he rejoined his teammates after returning from a leave of absence to spend time with his fiancee, who is recovering from a heart transplant during the summer. Sabres blueliner Michael Kesselring left this game at the end of the second period with a lower-body injury.

Minnesota Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 28 shots for his second straight shutout in a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who improved to 8-7-4. Petr Mrazek made 28 saves for the Ducks (11-6-1), who’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko missed this game with a lower-body injury.

The Los Angeles Kings blanked the Ottawa Senators 1-0, picking up their fourth straight victory. Anton Forsberg made 17 saves for the shutout, and Alex Laferriere tallied the only goal as the 10-5-4 Kings picked up their fourth straight win and vaulted over the Ducks into first place in the Pacific Division with 24 points. Linus Ullmark turned aside 17 shots for the 9-6-4 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had two assists, and goalie Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves to hold off the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Viktor Arvidsson scored what proved to be the game-winning goal as the Bruins (12-8-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points. Cole Caufield netted his 13th goal of the season as the 10-6-2 Canadiens dropped their third straight game, slipping into second place behind the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston went seven-for-seven on the penalty kill, including two 5-on-3 situations. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy left the game in the second period after being struck in the jaw by a shot from Montreal defenseman Noah Dobson.

Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Jack Finlay’s first NHL goal was the game-winner in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the Lightning (9-6-2), who’ve won eight of their last 10 games. Brad Marchand scored to extend his points streak to 10 games for the 9-8-1 Panthers.

A shootout goal by Simon Nemec lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Washington Capitals 3-2. Luke Hughes had a goal and an assist for the 13-4-1 Devils, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 27 points. Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael each had a goal and an assist as the Capitals (8-8-2) overcame a 2-0 deficit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Devils announced that center Jack Hughes will miss the next eight weeks following successful finger surgery. Hughes slipped and fell and cut himself on some glass during a recent team dinner. The Devils also announced that forward Cody Glass is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 24 shots, and J.T. Miller scored in a shootout to squeak past the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. Mika Zibanejad scored in regulation for the Rangers, who have won four of their last five and improved to 10-7-2. Jet Greaves made 31 saves and Kirill Marchenko collected an assist to extend his points streak to 11 games for the Blue Jackets (9-7-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Will Borgen missed this game with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Blue Jackets placed sidelined captain Boone Jenner (upper body) on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Teuvo Teravainen and Colton Dach lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Spencer Knight kicked out 31 shots for the Blackhawks (9-5-4), who’ve won four of their last five contests. Joseph Woll made 29 saves in his season debut with the Maple Leafs, who slipped to 8-9-2 and are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left this game in the second period after injuring his hand blocking a shot. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks. Earlier in the day, the Maple Leafs claimed defenseman Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers and placed goaltender Anthony Stolarz (upper body) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, center David Kampf signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, one day after his contract with the Maple Leafs was terminated.

The Vegas Golden Knights downed the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Rookie Braeden Bowman’s first NHL goal was the game-winner while Pavel Dorofeyev and Reilly Smith each collected two assists for the 8-4-5 Golden Knights, snapping a four-game winless skid. Philip Broberg replied for the Blues, who’ve dropped three of their last four games and slipped to 6-9-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have assigned goaltender Carter Hart to their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, for a conditioning stint.

A shootout goal by Gabriel Vilardi gave the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 31 shots while Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey each collected two assists for the 11-7-0 Jets. Matt Coronato had a goal and an assist for the 5-12-3 Flames.

Seattle Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer stopped 19 shots in relief of an injured Matt Murray to beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1. Jaden Schwartz tallied two goals and Chandler Stephenson had three assists for the 9-4-5 Kraken. Alexander Wennberg replied for the 8-8-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murray left the game toward the end of the first period with a lower-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Kraken placed winger Kaapo Kakko (lower body) on injured reserve and activated forward Frederick Gaudreau.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2025

by | Nov 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2025

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec sets a league record, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin has a four-point performance, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec became the youngest blueliner in league history to tally a hat trick and an overtime goal in the same game in a 4-3 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Nemec netted the winning goal on a heads-up play by goaltender Jacob Markstrom, as he caught Chicago on a line change with a long pass to his 21-year-old teammate. Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scored to extend his points streak to nine games.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the win, the Devils (12-4-1) widened their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings with 25 points, three more than the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blackhawks (8-5-4) picked up a point and hold the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 20 points.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin collected four assists as his club defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-3. Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle each tallied twice, and Igor Shesterkin made 33 saves for the Rangers as they improved to 9-7-2. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got the hook after giving up five goals on 13 shots as his club dropped to 8-6-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After netting seven points in his first 14 games of the season, Panarin has nine points in his last four contests. Meanwhile, the Rangers signed goaltender Spencer Martin to a two-year contract. He must pass through waivers before joining the team.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jack Roslovic scored in overtime for the second straight game in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Evan Bouchard also scored, and Stuart Skinner turned aside 20 shots for the Oilers, who improved their record to 8-6-4. Matvei Michkov scored, and teammate Dan Vladar stopped 30 shots for the Flyers (8-5-3) as they extended their points streak to four games (2-0-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers winger Tyson Foerster returned to action after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury.

The Utah Mammoth overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, and JJ Peterka each had a goal and an assist as the Mammoth (10-7-0) ended a three-game losing skid. Isak Rosen tallied both goals for the 5-7-4 Sabres, who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1).

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will be out two to three weeks with a lower-body injury. It is unrelated to his previous injury that sidelined him for three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Demko’s injury history, signing goalie Kevin Lankinen to a five-year contract extension in February remains a shrewd move by Canucks management.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Canucks also activated rookie forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki (undisclosed) off injured reserve, and have assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is expected to miss some games after suffering a lower-body injury against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin missed 21 games last season with a lower-body injury.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot is being evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s game with the Dallas Stars. He won’t be suiting up for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are hoping Chabot won’t be sidelined for long. They’re already missing winger and team captain Brady Tkachuk, who is sidelined due to surgery last month on his right thumb.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights placed center William Karlsson (lower body) on injured reserve.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars forward Adam Erne will be sidelined for multiple weeks with a lower-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals promoted Patrick Wellar to assistant coach on a full-time basis. He replaced Mitch Love, who was relieved of his duties following a league investigation into past allegations regarding his conduct and behavior.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2025

by | Nov 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2025

The latest speculation on the Blues, Oilers, Rangers, and Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford confirmed a recent report by NHL insider Frank Seravalli claiming that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has told his peers that he’s “open for business.” However, Rutherford points out that Armstrong has done that in previous seasons and made no significant subtractions from his roster.

A league source told Rutherford that one NHL club contacted the Blues about Jordan Kyrou after the winger was a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Sabres last week. It’s not known if the Blues are shopping the 28-year-old Kyrou, who was the subject of trade speculation last summer before his no-trade clause kicked in on July 1.

St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn (NHL Images)

Rutherford suggested Brayden Schenn as another trade possibility. He drew plenty of interest leading up to last season’s trade deadline, but told the Blues he wanted to stay. However, he might reconsider given the way this season is going.

Finding a suitable trade partner will be difficult at this stage of the season because most clubs are still settling into the season and aren’t sure what type of deals they want to make.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli doesn’t expect Kyrou will be the first player out the door if the Blues become sellers. He believes it’ll be Schenn, based on the limited number of available centers in the trade market and the interest in the 34-year-old Blues captain at last season’s trade deadline.

Seravalli believes the Blues should bolster their defense corps if they make a foray into the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong is willing to listen to offers, but it’s still too early to consider him a seller. He’s seen this club dig itself out of deep holes in the standings before with many of the current players, and he’ll likely allow them to do so again. They’re only four points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference.

However, if the Blues continue to struggle and fall further out of contention, Armstrong could become more motivated to shake things up. Schenn could be easier to move than Kyrou, given the latter has full no-trade protection while the former has a 15-team no-trade list.

LATEST ON THE OILERS, RANGERS, AND MAPLE LEAFS

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli wondered how the Edmonton Oilers would improve their goaltending given their limited salary-cap space and trade capital. He noted that some observers have suggested that they attempt to acquire Juuse Saros from the Nashville Predators.

However, Seravalli doesn’t consider Saros the answer for the Oilers. He pointed out that the 30-year-old Predators goalie carries an eight-year contract to age 38, his stats haven’t been good, and his size and ability to win in the playoffs remain a big question.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Saros suggestion is coming from some desperate Oilers followers. Some of them are the same group that thought Connor Ingram was the answer to their goaltending woes.

Seravalli made good points about why Saros is unattainable for the Oilers and why he’s not much of an improvement over their current starter Stuart Skinner. What’s overlooked is the fact that Saros has a full no-movement clause, which he probably doesn’t want to waive because he wants to stay in Nashville. He wouldn’t have signed that eight-year deal if he didn’t.

Seravalli believes the New York Rangers’ poor early-season home record is merely an aberration, pointing out that they have a strong road record. He indicated how much their defense has improved in front of goaltender Igor Shesterkin and believes they could become a Stanley Cup contender if they can boost their scoring and improve their depth among their bottom-six forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long season, and the Rangers are still adjusting to the system of new head coach Mike Sullivan. General manager Chris Drury has been tinkering with his roster since last December. He could become a buyer if the Rangers move up among the top-four clubs in the Eastern Conference when January rolls around.

Seravalli reports that David Kampf continues to evaluate his options. The Toronto Maple Leafs have given the 30-year-old center permission to seek a trade, terminate his contract to seek a deal with another NHL team, or terminate his deal and head to Europe.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2025

by | Nov 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2025

The Oilers stage a comeback win, the Rangers finally win at home, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Duncan Keith highlight the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductions, the 3 stars of the week are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid scored twice, Jake Walman netted the tying goal, and Jack Roslovic scored in overtime as the Edmonton Oilers overcame a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4. Walman finished with three points (including two goals) for the Oilers, who snapped a three-game winless skid (0-2-1) and improved to 7-6-4. Adam Fantilli and Boone Jenner each had a goal and an assist for the 7-7-1 Blue Jackets, who are winless in their last four (0-3-1).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Oilers placed center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed) on injured reserve, moved winger Kasperi Kapanen (undisclosed) on long-term injury reserve, and activated forward Mattias Janmark off injured reserve.

The New York Rangers picked up their first home win of the season by beating the Nashville Predators by a score of 6-3. Artemi Panarin tallied twice, and Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists for the Rangers (8-7-2). Rookie forward Matthew Wood scored all three goals for the Predators, who are winless in five games (0-3-2) and dropped to 5-9-4 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers center Vincent Trocheck collected two assists as he returned to action after missing 14 games with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Wood is among the few bright spots for the struggling Predators. The 20-year-old rookie winger sits third among their scorers and fifth among NHL freshmen with 10 points in 11 games.

An overtime goal by Mathew Barzal lifted the New York Islanders over the New Jersey Devils 3-2. Ilya Sorokin made 33 saves as the Islanders, who improved their record to 8-6-2. Timo Meier had a goal and an assist for the Devils (11-4-1), who collected a point and sit in first place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils forward Zack MacEwen returned to the lineup after missing 13 games with an upper-body injury.

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand extended his goal streak to five games in a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Jesper Boqvist and Sam Reinhart also scored, and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 30 shots for the 8-7-1 Panthers. Tomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev replied for the Golden Knights (7-4-4), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Former NHL stars Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith, and Alexander Mogilny were among those officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Monday.

Former women’s stars Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker were also inducted into the Players’ category. Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau were inducted into the Builders’ category.

Chara thanked fellow Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom for inspiring him as a player. He also thanked several of his Boston Bruins teammates, including Patrice Bergeron, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

Keith thanked his mother for taking him to practices when he was a child. He also thanked Trent Yawney, his first coach with the Blackhawks, his long-time defense partner Brent Seabrook, and his son, Colton Keith.

Thornton thanked several Hall of Famers for inspiring him as a child and during his NHL career, including Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Pat LaFontaine, Cam Neely, Eric Lindros, and Steve Yzerman. He got emotional as he thanked his wife and children.

Mogilny didn’t attend the ceremony, but sent a video message thanking the teams he played for and their fans. He also joked that he had a shot of Russian vodka to celebrate, as he was unable to return to sleep after getting the call from the Hall at three in the morning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the HhoF Class of 2025. You can watch the full induction speeches by following the link above.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, and Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson were the league’s three stars for the week ending Nov. 9.

TSN: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will miss a significant period of time this season due to a blood clot issue that is described as serious. Head coach Lindy Ruff expects Kulich to return later this season, depending on how things go over the next several weeks.

NESN: Boston Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

CBS SPORTS: San Jose Sharks defenseman Nick Leddy has been activated off injured reserve. He’s been sidelined since late October with an upper-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has been named GM of Canada’s 2025 Spengler Cup team. Bergevin is currently an advisor with the Los Angeles Kings.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2025

by | Nov 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2025

The Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard jockey for the scoring race lead, the rising Ducks extend their win streak to seven games, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and collected three assists to take over the lead in the NHL scoring race (29 points) in a 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Gavin Brindley scored in overtime and Artturi Lehkonen tallied twice in regulation as the Avalanche (10-1-5) holds first place in the overall standings with 25 points. Linus Karlsson scored his first of the season, and Kiefer Sherwood netted his 10th goal for the 8-8-1 Canucks.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scored and picked up two assists, and Arvid Soderblom kicked out a career-high 45 shots to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. The Blackhawks have won three straight games, improving to 8-5-3. Dylan Larkin replied for the Red Wings (9-7-0), as they’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard briefly led all NHL scorers with 25 points until MacKinnon had his five-point game.

The Anaheim Ducks extended their win streak to seven games with a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Leo Carlsson scored two power-play goals to extend his points streak to 10 games, and Beckett Sennecke also tallied twice for the 11-3-1 Ducks, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 23 points. Kyle Connor scored for the 9-6-0 Jets, who have dropped three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Something special could be brewing in Anaheim. After years of rebuilding, the Ducks’ mix of rising young stars such as Carlsson, Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish, along with veterans like Chris Kreider, Troy Terry, and Jacob Trouba, is turning this team into a potential powerhouse in the Western Conference.

The Ducks activated forward Ryan Strome off injured reserve and placed defenseman Radko Gudas on IR with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Jets forward Cole Perfetti made his season debut after suffering a sprained ankle during a preseason game against the Calgary Flames.

Three unanswered goals by the Carolina Hurricanes lifted them to a 5-4 comeback win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Logan Stankoven, Nikolaj Ehlers, and K’Andre Miller each had two points for the 11-4-0 Hurricanes, who have won four straight to take over first place in the Metropolitan Division with 22 points. William Nylander scored two goals and Dennis Hildeby made 42 saves for the 8-7-1 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube wasn’t pleased with his club blowing a 4-2 lead, blasting their poor defensive play. “It’s a mindset,” Berube said. “If you want to be a good defensive team, you gotta check, you gotta have good sticks, you gotta be hard, you gotta win battles, and you’ve gotta have good structure. We don’t have any of that right now.”

The Los Angeles Kings nipped the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Kevin Fiala scored the game-winning goal and collected an assist, while Corey Perry also had a goal and an assist for the 7-5-4 Kings. Penguins rookie Sergei Murashov made 24 saves in his NHL debut as his club slipped to 9-5-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins are cooling off from their hot start to the season. After going 6-2-0 in their first eight games, they’re 3-3-3 in their last nine, with one win in their last five contests. Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Perry is off to a hot start with the Kings, tallying seven goals and 11 points in 10 games after his return from offseason knee surgery.

A 36-save shutout performance by Jesper Wallstedt carried the Minnesota Wild over the Calgary Flames by a score of 2-0. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov scored, and Marcus Johansson collected an assist in his 1,000th regular-season NHL game as the Wild improved to 7-7-3. Devin Cooley turned aside 17 shots for the 4-11-2 Flames.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Merilainen made 29 saves as his club doubled up the Utah Mammoth 4-2. Jordan Spence and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist as the 8-5-3 Senators extended their points streak to five games (3-0-2). Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz replied for the slumping Mammoth (9-7-0), who have lost five of their last six contests.

The Dallas Stars beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Casey DeSmith made 20 saves while Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin scored for the 9-4-3 Stars. Jaden Schwartz scored for the 7-4-4 Kraken.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois is expected to miss three to four months after undergoing surgery to address issues with his abdominal and adductor muscles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That leaves a big gap at center for the Capitals during that period. They’ve been using Connor McMichael in Dubois’ spot on the second line. They could attempt to find a short-term replacement in the trade market, but the pickings are slim, and there are several other clubs also believed to be seeking a reliable second-line center.

THE ATHLETIC: The New York Rangers called up top prospect Gabe Perreault from their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Perreault, 20, is known for his offensive abilities and has 10 points with Hartford this season. This move is intended to spark the Rangers’ struggling offense.