NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2026

by | Feb 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2026

**UPDATE**

The United States defeated Canada 2-1 on an overtime goal by Jack Hughes to win gold in Olympic Men’s hockey. 

Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period for the United States. Canada tied the game in the second on a goal by Cale Makar. In the overtime frame, Zach Werenski stripped Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon of the puck and passed it to Hughes, who fired a wrister past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington.  USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 shots for the win. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Team USA on a hard-fought victory to claim Olympic gold for the first time since 1980. Canada had plenty of chances to win, but Hellebuyck stood tall between the pipes, including a couple of game-saving stops on Connor McDavid and Devon Toews. 

Canada and the United States face off for gold in Olympic Men’s hockey, Finland defeats Slovakia to take the bronze, and the latest NHL news in the Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: It’s the matchup that was inevitable as Canada and the United States will face off in the gold medal game in Olympic Men’s hockey. The puck drops at 8 am ET today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I will update this post with the final score and a game recap later today.

SPORTSNET: Canadian captain Sidney Crosby skated with his teammates in practice on Saturday, but he remains a game-time decision whether he’ll play in this contest. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal game against Czechia and missed Friday’s semifinal win over Finland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Crosby can’t play, Nick Suzuki will replace him at center while Connor McDavid takes over as team captain, as he did in the semifinal against Finland.

ESPN: USA winger Brady Tkachuk stirred the pot a bit on Saturday regarding the rivalry between the two hockey nations.

“There’s hatred there,” Tkachuk said. “I mean, they’ve been the top dog. They’ve been the best for the last bunch of years, and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best. So it’s going to be a game where I think a lot of guys could say, this is the biggest game that they’ve ever played in.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk’s comments reflect his teammates’ determination to win their country’s first Olympic gold in Men’s Hockey since 1980. However, his remarks also show the respect they have for their opponent.

Finland defeated Slovakia 6-1 in the bronze medal game on Saturday. Erik Haula scored two goals, and Joel Armia had a goal and two assists as the Finns pulled away from the Slovaks with four unanswered third-period goals, with the final two being empty-netters. Tomas Tatar replied for Slovakia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A solid bounce-back performance by Finland after blowing a two-goal lead to Canada in the semifinal on Friday. The Finns had to do it without scoring winger Mikko Rantanen, who missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Speaking of the Finns, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice dismissed a rumor that several of their players wanted him to coach their team in this tournament. “I got a bunch of texts. Silliness,” Maurice said, suggesting tongue-in-cheek that the source of the rumor got him mixed up with Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu.

Maurice reminded everyone that he was born in Canada and is a U.S. citizen. “I think I’ll just stay in Fort Lauderdale for these tournaments. It’s worked out just fine.”

As for the Slovaks, this wasn’t the result they were hoping for. However, for a team with only seven NHL players on their roster, it still exceeded expectations and silenced its critics. Young stars such as Juraj Slavkovsky of the Montreal Canadiens, Dalibor Dvorsky of the St. Louis Blues, and Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils played well against the world’s best, which should make them better NHL players. They’re also an inspiration for young Slovak hockey players.

FLAMES NATION: The Calgary Flames activated forwards Blake Coleman and John Beecher off injured reserve on Friday.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks prospect forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki requires season-ending shoulder surgery. He’s split this season between the Canucks and their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche will have a new ECHL affiliate. They will join forces with the New Mexico Goatheads in 2026-27.

NHL.COM: Former NHL forward and long-time minor-league star Guyle Fielder passed away on Saturday at the age of 95.

Fielder played only nine regular-season games and six playoff games in the NHL between 1950-51 and 1957-58 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings. However, he had a long and successful career at the minor-pro level, holding the record for most points (1,929) and games (1,487) in 22 minor-pro seasons from 1951-52 to 1972-73

In the old Western Hockey League, Fielder was a nine-time scoring champion and six-time league MVP. He also spent 15 seasons in Seattle with the Bombers, Americans, and Totems, leading them to three WHL championships.

The Seattle Kraken have an annual Guyle Fielder Award, honoring the Kraken player who best exhibits the qualities of perseverance, hustle, and dedication to hockey. Yanni Gourde was the first recipient, with Jaden Schwartz winning it in the last three seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Fielder’s family, friends, and the Kraken organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2025

by | Dec 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 6, 2025

Stars winger Mikko Rantanen reaches a scoring milestone, Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke takes over the lead in the rookie scoring race, the Kings aren’t considering a coach change, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists as the Dallas Stars defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1, extending their points streak to nine games. Wyatt Johnston collected two assists as the Stars have won six of their last seven games, improving to 19-5-5. Collin Graf replied for the 13-13-3 Sharks.

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen recorded his 200th career regular-season multipoint game. He’s the fourth Finnish player in NHL history to do so, joining Jari Kurri (385), Teemu Selanne (382), and Aleksander Barkov (209).

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Washington Capitals 4-3 on a shootout goal by Mason McTavish, snapping the latter’s six-game winning streak. Beckett Sennecke and Ross Johnston each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks (17-10-1) remain perched atop the Pacific Division with 35 points. Logan Thompson made 35 saves for the Capitals (17-9-3), who remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with 37 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sennecke took over the lead in the NHL rookie scoring race with 22 points. His teammate, Mikael Granlund, returned to action following a 10-game absence with a lower-body injury.

Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard left this game in the first period following a high hit by Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, who was initially assessed a five-minute major penalty but that was overturned upon review.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid made 24 saves to shut out the New Jersey Devils 3-0. Shea Theodore, Tomas Hertl, and Ivan Barbashev were the goal scorers, while Jack Eichel picked up two assists for the 13-6-8 Golden Knights, who picked up their third straight victory. Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves for the Devils, who have lost four straight and dropped to 16-11-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. They also placed center William Karlsson (lower body) on long-term injury reserve.

The Winnipeg Jets got a goal and an assist from Kyle Connor in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Connor extended his goal streak to four games, Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Koepke also had a goal and an assist each, and Eric Comrie made 34 saves for the 14-12-1 Jets. Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres, who dropped to 11-13-4.

Utah Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka stopped 31 shots as his club beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1. Mikhail Sergachev and Kevin Stenlund each had a goal and an assist for the 14-12-3 Mammoth. Arshdeep Bains scored for the Canucks (10-15-3) as their losing skid extended for four games.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: Pierre LeBrun contacted Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland regarding rumors that head coach Jim Hiller might be replaced. Holland said there was “zero truth” to the speculation, which arose because the Kings are mired in an extended slump.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have won twice in their last eight games (2-3-3). They are 29th in scoring, averaging 2.56 goals per game.

THE ATHLETIC: Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy said he’s dropped almost 20 pounds since suffering a fractured jaw when he was struck in the face on Nov. 15 by a slapshot by Montreal Canadiens blueliner Noah Dobson.

McAvoy underwent surgery and is on a liquid diet during his recovery. It will take six weeks from the date of his surgery until his jaw is healed. He cannot eat solid food until then. Head coach Marco Sturm said they won’t rush McAvoy back into the lineup, preferring to wait until he’s fully recovered physically and mentally.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No date has been set yet for McAvoy’s return, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it is sometime in early January.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators center Shane Pinto (lower-body injury) will miss Saturday’s game with the St. Louis Blues. It remains unknown as to how much longer he’ll be out of the lineup.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators placed forward Ozzy Wiesblatt and defenseman Justin Barron on injured reserve with upper-body injuries.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2025

by | Nov 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2025

Recaps of Sunday’s action, the Sabres will terminate goalie Alexandar Georgiev’s contract, the Canadiens sign Alexandre Texier, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche picked up their ninth straight win by nipping the Chicago Blackhawks 1-0. Scott Wedgewood turned in a 22-save shutout, and Cale Makar tallied the only goal for the 16-1-5 Avalanche, who sit atop the overall standings with 37 points. Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots for the Blackhawks (10-8-4), who have lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup for the first time since suffering an injured shoulder on Oct. 30.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (NHL Images).

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt picked up his third shutout in his last four games by blanking the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-0. Danila Yurov, Brock Faber, and Kirill Kaprizov were the goal scorers as the Wild collected their fifth straight win and improved to 12-7-4. Jets goalie Eric Comrie turned aside 27 of 30 shots as the Jets fell to 12-9-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Neal Pionk left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

The New York Islanders got a 19-save shutout from David Rittich in a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Kyle Palmieri tallied the winning goal in the shootout for the 13-8-2 Islanders. Kraken goalie Joey Daccord kicked out 34 shots in regulation and overtime for the Kraken (11-5-6).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Islanders announced that defenseman Alexander Romanov suffered a shoulder injury after being boarded by Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen last week. He will undergo surgery and will be sidelined for five to six months.

Speaking of Rantanen, he received a one-game suspension for his second game misconduct in three games for boarding Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato.

Meanwhile, the Islanders announced Sunday that center Jean-Gabriel Pageau is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 29 saves to upset the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Tage Thompson scored to extend his goal streak to six games, and Ryan McLeod collected two assists for the Sabres, who improved to 9-9-4. Shayne Gostisbehere replied for the 14-6-2 Hurricanes, who remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with 30 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Sabres placed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract. He’s expected to sign with KHL team HC Spartak Moscow.

Georgiev, 29, was a promising netminder earlier in his career with the New York Rangers, but he had no chance of landing the starter’s job with Igor Shesterkin in the lineup. He got that opportunity with the Colorado Avalanche, winning 40 games in 2022-23. However, his performance quickly declined as he struggled with the pressure of the job. A trade to the San Jose Sharks last season did little to improve his performance. He signed a one-year, $825K contract with the Sabres but was relegated to their AHL affiliate in Rochester.

In 303 NHL games, Georgiev has a record of 151 wins, 108 losses, and 26 overtime losses, with a 2.99 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage, and 15 shutouts.

The San Jose Sharks surprised the Boston Bruins with a 3-1 victory. Yaroslav Askarov stopped 34 shots while Macklin Celebrini had a goal and an assist to extend his points streak to five games for the 11-9-3 Sharks. Morgan Geekie scored his fifth goal in his last three games for the Bruins (13-11-0), who’ve lost three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins activated center Elias Lindholm off injured reserve for this game, and placed defenseman Charlie McAvoy (facial injury) on IR.

The Calgary Flames overcame a 1-0 deficit to pick up a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Rasmus Andersson collected three assists, Blake Coleman had a goal and an assist, and Dustin Wolf stopped 28 shots for the 8-13-3 Flames, who have won three straight games. Filip Hronek and Quinn Hughes scored for the Canucks, who’ve lost three straight and dropped to 9-12-2.

IN OTHER NEWS..

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed former St. Louis Blues forward Alexandre Texier to a one-year contract with a prorated salary of $1 million. Texier, 26, agreed with the Blues to terminate his contract on Saturday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Texier is an affordable depth signing for the Canadiens, whose ranks have been depleted by injuries in recent weeks. He’s expected to see checking-line duty with the Habs.

RG.ORG: Brandt Clarke is eyeing a long-term contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings. The 22-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He will be eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Clarke sees himself being a King for the long term. He believes his improved play has boosted his value to the club’s defense corps.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2025

by | Nov 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2025

The Flyers set a franchise record against the Devils, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby reached a points milestone, Lightning winger Brandon Hagel had a four-point performance, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Philadelphia Flyers scored four first-period goals, including three in 26 seconds, in a 6-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Tyson Foerster tallied twice in 17 seconds, and Noah Cates had a goal and two assists for the 11-6-3 Flyers. Nico Hischier scored two goals and set up another as the Devils (13-7-1) dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers set a franchise record for the fastest three goals in one period.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist for his 500th career multipoint game in a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Brandon Montour scored in overtime, and Mason Marchment had a goal and an assist as the Kraken improved to 11-5-5. Evgeni Malkin scored for the Penguins (10-6-5), who have one win in their last six games (1-2-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is sixth on the all-time multipoint games list. Wayne Gretzky leads with 824 games, followed by Jaromir Jagr (540), Marcel Dionne and Mark Messier (513), and Gordie Howe (511).

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel scored two goals and collected two assists in a 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists as the Lightning (12-7-2) extended their winning streak to three games. Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist for the 11-9-2 Capitals as their three-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov and teammate Brayden Point left this game with undisclosed injuries. There was no postgame update regarding their statuses. Meanwhile, Capitals forward Nic Dowd missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood made 35 saves to shut out the Nashville Predators 3-0. Nathan MacKinnon scored to extend his points streak to 12 games as the league-leading Avalanche (15-1-5, 35 points) extended its win streak to eight games. Juuse Saros stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Predators (6-11-4) have lost seven of their last eight contests (1-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators captain Roman Josi returned to action after being sidelined since late October with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Avalanche announced that forward Gavin Brindley is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Detroit Red Wings got an overtime goal from Alex DeBrincat as they overcame a 3-1 deficit to nip the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Cam Talbot stopped 31 shots, and defensemen Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot each had a goal and an assist for the Detroit Red Wings, who improved to 13-8-1 and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 27 points. Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets (11-8-3).

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 30 saves as his club held off the New York Islanders by a score of 2-1. Brayden Schenn and Pius Suter scored for the 7-9-6 Blues, who ended a four-game winless skid (0-1-3). Anders Lee replied for the Islanders (12-8-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues placed forward Alexandre Texier on unconditional waivers for contract termination. The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators are believed to be the front-runners, with the Canadiens considered the favorites to sign him. The 26-year-old winger is in his seventh NHL season. He’s a speedy two-way checking-line forward whose best season was a 30-point performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023-24.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they picked up their first win in two weeks with a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Noah Dobson and Josh Anderson each tallied twice for the Canadiens, who improved to 11-7-3 after dropping seven of their previous eight games (1-4-3). William Nylander had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs, who dropped to 9-10-3 and have lost seven of their last eight contests (1-5-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Edmonton Oilers got two goals from Jack Roslovic to defeat the Florida Panthers 6-3 in their first game since facing each other in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner kicked out 35 shots, and blueliners Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm each had three points for the 10-9-5 Oilers, ending their three-game losing skid. Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich each had a goal and an assist as the Panthers dropped to 11-9-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s expected to travel with the team on Sunday and play in Monday’s game against the Nashville Predators.

Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle snapped a 2-2 tie to give his club a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. He also collected an assist to finish the game with two points as the Senators (11-6-4) picked up their third win in four games. John Klingberg and Barclay Goodrow replied for the 10-9-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot returned to action after missing three games with an upper-body injury. However, he left this contest in the third period after reinjuring himself.

The Utah Mammoth nipped the New York Rangers 3-2 on a third-period goal by Nick DeSimone. JJ Peterka and Clayton Keller also scored for the 11-8-3 Mammoth, ending a four-game winless skid (0-1-3). Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who’ve lost four straight games and dropped to 10-11-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers captain J.T. Miller missed this game with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier scored in overtime in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Gauthier, Troy Terry, and Jackson LaCombe each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks improved to 14-7-1, sitting in first place in the Pacific Division with 29 points. Jack Eichel had two assists for the Golden Knights (10-4-7).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitch Marner was the goat of this game as his turnover in front of his own net led to Gauthier’s game-winner.

The Calgary Flames upset the Dallas Stars 3-2 on a shootout goal by Nazem Kadri. Matt Coronato scored to extend his goal streak to four games for the 7-13-3 Flames. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist for the 13-5-4 Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars winger Mikko Rantanen received his second game misconduct in three games for boarding Coronato.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

by | Nov 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s action, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck sidelined, Predators GM Barry Trotz stands by his coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres crushed the Chicago Blackhawks 9-3. Alex Tuch collected four assists, Josh Doan scored twice, and Jason Zucker had a goal and two assists for the Sabres, who’ve won three of their last four games and improved to 8-9-4. Tyler Bertuzzi tallied two goals for the 10-7-4 Blackhawks.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal tallied twice as his club extended its points streak to five games by downing the Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Nikolaj Ehlers collected an assist in his first game back in Winnipeg to face his former club. With the win, the 14-5-2 Hurricanes (30 points)opened a three-point lead over the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Eastern Conference. Gabriel Vilardi tallied twice for the 12-8-0 Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Jets announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will undergo knee surgery on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. His absence will be a significant test for the Jets. Hellebuyck was last season’s winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson turned in a 19-save shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Boldy scored two goals and picked up an assist for the Wild (11-7-4), who’ve won four straight and eight of their last 10 games. Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs gave up four goals on 10 shots and was replaced in the second period by Sergei Murashov, who stopped 10 of 11 shots for the 10-6-4 Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Vinnie Hinostroza left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period. He is flying back to Minnesota for a reevaluation. Meanwhile, the Wild activated Zach Bogosian and Nico Sturm off injured reserve, and placed winger Vladimir Tarasenko on IR.

An overtime goal by Morgan Geekie lifted the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Geekie netted both goals for the 13-10-0 Bruins, who regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 26 points. Joel Armia scored for the Kings (10-6-6), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz praised Head Coach Andrew Brunette and his staff despite the club’s 6-10-4 record.

“I believe our coaches have done a really good job,” Trotz said. “Our record may not show it, but they are coaching their butts off.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz also defended Brunette and his staff through last season’s disappointing performance. His recent comments might quell the speculation about Brunette’s future for now, but if the Predators’ struggles continue, the pressure will grow to shake things up behind the bench and on the ice.

SPORTSNET: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen was fined $5,000.00 for embellishment by the NHL department of player safety. The incident occurred during a Nov. 11 game against the Ottawa Senators.

CALGARY SUN: Flames rookie forward Samuel Honzek underwent season-ending surgery for an upper-body injury. He’s expected to be sidelined for six months.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens recalled center Florian Xhekaj from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He’s the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The move comes after center Jake Evans was injured during Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 19, 2025

by | Nov 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 19, 2025

Hat trick performances by the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard, the Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, and the Lightning’s Jake Guentzel, a milestone game for the Jets’ Mark Scheifele, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard tallied his second career hat trick (and his second of the season) in a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Rookie forward Oliver Moore had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks (10-5-4) are 5-0-1 in their last six games. Rasmus Andersson had a goal and an assist for the 5-13-2 Flames, who’ve lost five of their last six.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard is on a roll, with 11 goals in as many games. His 13 goals tied him with six other players for second among NHL scorers, and is tied for second in points with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini.

Before this game, the Flames claimed center John Beecher off waivers from the Boston Bruins.

Speaking of Macklin Celebrini, his overtime goal completed a hat trick to nip the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Will Smith collected two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 24 saves as the Sharks improved to 9-8-3 on the season. JJ Peterka scored both goals for the Mammoth (10-7-3), leaving them with a record of 2-5-3 in their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was also Celebrini’s second hat trick of the season, making it the second time in NHL history that multiple hat tricks were scored by two players age 20 or younger. The last time was on Feb. 19, 1944, by Jack Hamilton and Bud Poile of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a hat trick from Jake Guentzel in a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Darren Raddysh had a goal and two assists while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 31 shots for the 10-7-2 Lightning. Nico Hischier replied for the Devils (13-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele collected three assists and became the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (898) in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Neal Pionk each had a goal and an assist as the Jets improved to 12-7-0. Zach Werenski scored to become the first defenseman in Blue Jackets history to reach 400 career points. His club’s record slipped to 10-8-2 as its five-game points streak (3-0-2) ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko’s points streak ended at 12 games.

Detroit Red Wings rookie Nate Danielson had a goal and an assist for his first two NHL points to double up the Seattle Kraken 4-2. Lucas Raymond also had a goal and an assist,and team captain Dylan Larkin scored for his 600th career NHL regular-season point as the Red Wings moved into first place in the Atlantic Division. Jordan Eberle and Ryker Evans tallied for the Kraken, who dropped to 9-5-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord returned to action after being sidelined by a lower-body injury since Nov. 5.

The New York Islanders got their fifth win in six games by holding off the Dallas Stars 3-2. Kyle Palmieri got the game-winning goal and picked up an assist for the 11-7-2 Islanders. Jason Robertson scored both goals for the Stars (12-5-3) as their five-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars winger Mikko Rantanen received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for hitting Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov from behind late in the third period. Romanov had to be helped off the ice, but did not require off-site treatment. Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom missed this game due to illness.

William Nylander’s overtime goal lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the St. Louis Blues 3-2, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Jake McCabe and Steven Lorentz also scored, and Joseph Woll made 28 saves for the 9-9-2 Maple Leafs. Nathan Walker and Dalibor Dvorsky replied for the Blues, who have dropped three straight and fallen to 6-9-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the New York Rangers 3-2, ending the latter’s six-game road win streak. Tomas Hertl collected two assists, and Shea Theodore tallied the winning goal as the Golden Knights improved to 9-4-6. Vincent Trocheck and Jonny Brodzinski replied for the 10-9-2 Rangers.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Penn State University forward Gavin McKenna has struggled thus far in his first season in the NCAA.

Ranked as the early top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 17-year-old left wing has four goals and 15 points in 14 games, but his performance hasn’t been as dominant as expected. He’s struggled at even strength and with the physical style of the NCAA game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna wanted to test himself against NCAA competition, and he’s finding that it’s more challenging than he expected. How he responds and adjusts over the rest of this season could determine whether he remains the top prospect in next year’s draft.

DAILY FACEOFF/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the club placed winger Philip Tomasino on waivers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring is expected to be sidelined for an extended period with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: The department of player safety fined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,000.00 for embellishment during a Nov. 9 game against the Utah Mammoth.