NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2025

by | Feb 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2025

Check out the game recaps from a busy Tuesday night in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame 3-0 and 4-3 deficits for a 5-4 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. Mitch Marner scored twice, including the game-winner, and Morgan Rielly had a goal and three assists to surpass the 500-point plateau (502). Bruins winger David Pastrnak had two goals and an assist, extending his points streak to 15 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have won three straight and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. However, they lost forward William Nylander and defenseman Chris Tanev to injuries. The Bruins (62 points) are 0-2-2 in their last four games and sit two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Florida Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov had two points each to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-1. Bennett had a goal and an assist and Barkov two assists as the Panthers remain one point behind the Leafs in the Atlantic Division. Michael McCarron replied for the Predators, who lost team captain Roman Josi to an upper-body injury following a heavy hit from Bennett in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he’s talked to his players about his plans for the team over the next several years. If anyone isn’t interested in buying in, he said he’d try to move them. It’s something to keep an eye on as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

The Tampa Bay Lightning pushed their win streak to six games with a 4-1 win over the slumping Edmonton Oilers. Brandon Hagel netted the game-winning goal, Nikita Kucherov picked up two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 23 shots as the Lightning sit three points back of the Panthers in third place in the Atlantic Division. Leon Draisaitl scored his league-leading 43rd goal for the Oilers, who hold second place in the Pacific Division but have lost four straight games.

Calgary Flames forwards Martin Pospisil, Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau scored to beat the Washington Capitals 3-1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 883rd regular-season goal for the Capitals (84 points), who remain one point behind the first-overall Winnipeg Jets. The Flames (64 points) vaulted over the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin needs 12 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. He joins Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk and Teemu Selanne as the only NHL players to score 30 goals in a season at age 39 or older. Ovechkin is the only player with nineteen 30-goal seasons. Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl returned to action after missing nine games due to illness and an upper-body injury.

The Detroit Red Wings got two goals from defenseman Simon Edvinsson to tame the Minnesota Wild 3-2. Marco Rossi and Jakub Lauko opened the scoring for the Wild before Vladimir Tarasenko scored, setting the stage for Edvinsson’s two goals. The Wings hold the first Eastern wild card with 66 points, while the Wild are third in the Central Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings announced before this game that forward Andrew Copp is out for the season following surgery on his left pectoral tendon. His recovery period is four to six months. Meanwhile, Minnesota center Joel Eriksson Ek is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Wild also placed defenseman Travis Dermott on waivers.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko scored two goals and set up another in a 6-4 victory over the Dallas Stars. Adam Fantilli, Ivan Provorov and Dmitri Voronkov each collected two points as the Blues Jackets hold the final Eastern wild card with 64 points. Jason Robertson and Mikael Granlund each had two points for the Stars, who sit second in the Central with 76 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel missed this game as he remains in concussion protocol after being hit in the head by New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas on Sunday. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least a week.

The Montreal Canadiens got a 20-save shutout from Sam Montembeault in a 4-0 upset of the Carolina Hurricanes. Nick Suzuki and Patrik Laine each had a goal and two assists as the Canadiens (59 points) remain five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. The Hurricanes are in second place in the Metropolitan Division (70 points) but have lost five of their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Josh Anderson left the game with an upper-body injury after slamming into the boards in the third period. There was no post-game update on his status.

New York Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski scored two goals and collected an assist in a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen had a goal and two assists, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin kicked out 36 shots as the Rangers (62 points) are two points behind the Blue Jackets. Alexander Romanov replied for the slumping Islanders as they dropped their fourth straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sitting seven points behind the Blue Jackets, the Islanders’ playoff hopes are fading and could push GM Lou Lamoriello into sell mode. Isles forward Matt Martin (lower body) missed the game as he was placed on injured reserve.

Meanwhile, Rangers winger Chris Kreider missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. Defensemen Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller left the game with injuries late in the third period. Both were being evaluated following the game.

Utah Hockey Club forward Lawson Crouse scored the game-winner to nip the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Seth Jones opened the scoring in the first period for Chicago but Clayton Keller tied it for Utah in the second period. The win moves Utah (61 points) within three points of the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones vented his frustration after the game over the Blackhawks’ performance, saying they haven’t improved since the start of the season. The 30-year-old defenseman went public last week about his desire to play for a contender, but his hefty contract and full no-movement clause remain significant obstacles in the path to a trade.

The St. Louis Blues crushed the Seattle Kraken 7-2. Robert Thomas extended his points streak to seven games with a goal and an assist, Zack Bolduc tallied twice, and Cam Fowler and Oskar Sundqvist each had a goal and two assists for the Blues, who moved within four points of the Western wild-card spot with 60 points. Vince Dunn and Jaden Schwartz replied for the Kraken.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Brink had a goal and three assists in a 6-1 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster each collected three points as the Flyers (59 points) got their third straight win to move within five points of the Blue Jackets. Philip Tomasino had the Penguins’ only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forward Bryan Rust was activated off injured reserve before this game.

Three unanswered third-period goals by JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch and Henri Jokiharju lifted the Buffalo Sabres over the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Sabres center Dylan Cozens collected three assists. Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson tallied for the Ducks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2025

by | Feb 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2025

Recaps of Monday’s games, uncertainty over future 4 Nations tournaments, updates on Matthew Tkachuk, Trevor Zegras suspended, the Ducks and Red Wings make a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

JETS DOWN THE SHARKS, KINGS RALLY OVER THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Mark Scheifele lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Josh Morrissey tied the game for the Jets in the third period after Sharks forward William Eklund opened the scoring in the first period. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 17 shots for the Jets, while Vitek Vanecek kicked out 33 for the Sharks.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheifele scored his franchise-record 329th regular-season goal, surpassing Ilya Kovalchuk. The Jets picked up their 10th straight win to regain first place in the overall standings with 85 points.

Meanwhile, San Jose is 0-4-1 in their last six games, with only one victory in 13 contests. Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren missed this game with an upper-body injury.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield collected a career-high four assists as his club defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Trevor Moore tallied twice as the Kings scored four third-period goals. Brayden McNabb and Mark Stone replied for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights remain atop the Pacific Division with 74 points, while the Kings are third with 69 points.

HEADLINES

YAHOO! SPORTS: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told Rich Eisen that the league must consider where any future 4 Nations Face-Off tournament would fit into a busy schedule of international tournaments.

The league is riding high following the success of the 4 Nations tournament, which garnered millions of viewers. Bettman admitted the event’s success was “so quick and overwhelming”, saying they have a lot to consider and sort out, including what the All-Star Game will look like going forward.

Bettman said the 4 Nations was meant as a “quick appetizer” for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, followed by the return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2028 and every four years thereafter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be difficult for the NHL to return to its previous All-Star Game format. Fans want to see more meaningful best-on-best international play rather than a gloried no-contact game where the players are just going through the motions.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers head coach Paul Maurice insisted that sidelined winger Matthew Tkachuk will play again this season, though he admitted he didn’t have a timeline for his return. Tkachuk suffered a lower-body injury playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off. TVA Sports Renaud Lavoie claimed the Panthers were concerned that Tkachuk’s season could be over as they awaited his medical results.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk appeared on The Tonight Show on Monday to discuss how much it meant to represent his country alongside his brother Brady.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Panthers, forward Eetu Luostarinen will miss Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators as he and his wife are expecting a child.

NHL.COM: The department of player safety handed down a three-game suspension to Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras for interference on Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen on Sunday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras leveled Rasmussen with a blindside hit to the head. The latter left the game and is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings made a trade on Monday, shipping goaltender Ville Husso to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. The 30-year-old Husso is in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report suggested that the future considerations could be the Red Wings eating part of Husso’s cap hit, but PuckPedia shows no indication of salary retention on their part. This trade frees up cap room for the Wings to add a player or two by the March 7 trade deadline.

Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports this move doesn’t mean the Ducks are planning to trade goalie John Gibson. He says it provides experienced depth to their AHL affiliate in San Diego as that club pushes for a playoff spot.

NHL.COM: League commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the suspension levied on Minnesota Wild center Ryan Hartman for roughing Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle on Feb. 1. However, he reduced the suspension from 10 games to eight, making Hartman eligible to return to action on March 4.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos is mired in the worst slump of his NHL career. He’s gone nine consecutive games without a point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ production this season is well below his usual standards. He has 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points in 56 games, well below last season’s 40-goal, 81-point performance.

SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach will miss Tuesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Legendary New York Rangers broadcaster Al Trautwig has died at the age of 68. He’d reportedly undergone recent treatments for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Trautwig hosted USA Network’s NHL coverage in the 1980s and on Versus Network for several seasons. He covered the Rangers on MSG Network from 1989 to 2021. He also covered MLB’s New York Yankees and the NBA’s New York Knicks. Trautwig won numerous broadcasting awards, including national Emmys and a New York Sportscaster of the Year Award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Trautwig’s family, friends, broadcast partners and the Rangers organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 24, 2025

A hat trick moves Alex Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, brothers Jason and Nicholas Robertson achieve a rare milestone, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continued pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record with a hat trick in a 7-3 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers. Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists and Aliaksei Protas collected three assists as the Capitals moved ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the overall standings with 84 points. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist for the Oilers (72 points), who sit second in the Pacific Division but have lost three straight games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 882 goals, Ovechkin is 13 away from breaking Gretzky’s record.

The Dallas Stars got a hat trick from Jason Robertson to nip the New York Islanders 4-3. Jake Oettinger made 34 saves while Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene each had two assists as the Stars sit second in the Central Division with 76 points. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri and Anthony Duclair replied for the Islanders (57 points), who’ve lost four of their last five games and remain five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders activated defenseman Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock off injured reserve for this game. Teammate Max Tsyplakov said he’s had no contract talks yet with Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello. His agent told a Russian news agency that the two sides are already in extension talks but Tsyplakov believes there’s plenty of time for that following the season. He’s eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Max Domi, Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe each had two points as the Leafs vaulted over the Florida Panthers into first place in the Atlantic Division with 72 points. Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Robertsons became the first pair of brothers to score multiple goals on the same night since Pavel and Valeri Bure did it on March 1, 2000.

Three unanswered second-period goals by Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko and Dylan Holloway lifted the St. Louis Blues over the Colorado Avalanche 3-1. Jordan Binnington turned aside 28 shots for the Blues, who sit five points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western wild-card spot with 58 points. Devon Toews scored for the Avalanche, who remain in the first Western wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cale Makar assisted on Toews’ goal, becoming the third-fastest defenseman to reach the 400-point plateau (374 games played) behind Hall-of-Famers Bobby Orr (333 games played) and Paul Coffey (359 games played).

New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws kicked out 29 shots for his first NHL shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Nashville Predators. Nico Hischier collected three assists while Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes each had two points as the Devils sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bratt reached the 50-assist plateau for the second straight season while Hamilton and Ondrej Palat reached the 500-point milestone.

The New York Rangers got two goals from J.T. Miller to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3. Adam Fox scored the winning goal and Igor Shesterkin made 36 saves as the Rangers (60 points) moved within two points of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Ryan Shea scored two goals for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers winger Chris Kreider was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury after being hit from behind by Rangers forward Matt Rempe.

An overtime goal by Patrick Kane lifted the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Kane finished with two goals and an assist while Lucas Raymond and Marco Kasper for the Red Wings, who hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 64 points. Cutter Gauthier tallied twice for the Ducks as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen left this game in the second period following a blindside hit to the head from Ducks winger Trevor Zegras. There was no call on the play and it remains to be seen if Zegras will receive supplemental discipline from the league. Meanwhile, the Ducks recalled goalie Oscar Dansk as John Gibson was ruled out for this game with an upper-body injury

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 36 shots as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Brandon Hagel had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (68 points), who’ve won five straight and sit third in the Atlantic Division. Shane Wright replied for the Kraken.

Calgary Flames defenseman Joel Hanley snapped a 2-2 tie to lift his club to a 3-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist and rookie goalie Dustin Wolf made 27 saves for his 20th win of the season as the Flames (62 points) moved within one point of the Canucks for the final Western wild card. Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks, who’ve dropped 11 of their last 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames forward Connor Zary was held scoreless as he returned to action after being sidelined since Jan. 7 with a knee injury.

Speaking of the Canucks, they fell 2-1 to the Utah Hockey Club. Dylan Guenther snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period as Utah (59 points) moved within four points of the Canucks. Jake DeBrusk scored for Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah placed defenseman Juuso Valimaki on waivers Sunday. The Canucks placed goaltender Thatcher Demko on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 8 and recalled defenseman Victor Mancini.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: NHL alumni, celebrities and first responders participated in the Skate For LA Strong charity game at Crypto.com Arena to support relief efforts for the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

Hockey Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Rob Blake, Jeremy Roenick and Cammi Granato, singer Justin Bieber and actor Steve Carrell were among the notables suiting up for this game. Celebrity coaches included Snoop Dogg and Will Ferrell.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Matthew Tkachuk isn’t expected to travel with the Panthers for Tuesday’s game against the Predators in Nashville. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reported there is concern that Tkachuk could miss the remainder of the season due to a suspected groin injury, claiming the club is awaiting medical results.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He missed the Panthers’ 2-1 loss to the Kraken on Saturday.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said there is no timeline for sidelined defenseman Hampus Lindholm to return to the lineup. He’s been out since mid-November following surgery to repair a broken kneecap. It seems unlikely he’ll be back before the end of the regular season.

Sweeney also said there is no timeline for blueliner Charlie McAvoy’s return after he suffered a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The absence of their top defensemen puts the Bruins at a disadvantage as they jockey for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. They’re currently one point behind the Senators for that final spot.

TSN: The NHL confirmed it will stage its first decentralized draft at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles from June 27 to 28.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2025

by | Feb 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2025

Check out the latest on Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko and Flyers forward Scott Laughton plus updates on the Penguins and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON TARASENKO AND LAUGHTON

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Detroit Red Wings are unlikely to be sellers at the March 7 trade deadline. However, if they get an opportunity to make a “hockey trade”, acquiring a player who can help them now in exchange for a roster player, it’s worth exploring.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently said he’d heard Vladimir Tarasenko had come up in the rumor mill. The 33-year-old winger signed a two-year deal last summer with the Red Wings worth an average annual value of $4.5 million. He’s been the club’s biggest disappointment this season with seven goals and 15 assists in 53 games.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Friedman said he’d heard the Florida Panthers as a possible destination as Tarasenko won the Stanley Cup with them last season. The Panthers would have to trim some salary to reacquire him. Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause but could waive it to return to Florida.

Khan believes the Wings must retain half of Tarasenko’s salary to move him. He also doesn’t see them packaging him with a first-round pick or a prospect to get it done. If the Wings can’t find any takers by the trade deadline, Tarasenko could become a buyout candidate in June. It would cost the Wings $1.583 million per season against their cap for the next two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ priority should be shoring up their defense corps. It wouldn’t be shocking if Tarasenko finishes the season in Detroit and is bought out in the offseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying the Washington Capitals are in the market for a third-line center. He suggested Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers could be a good fit.

Laughton, 30, is a versatile two-way forward signed through next season with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers management is reluctant to part with Laughton and reportedly set a first-round pick as an asking price. Nevertheless, he’s believed to be drawing interest from playoff contenders seeking depth at center, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning.

UPDATES ON THE PENGUINS AND CANADIENS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Venzel recently looked at every player on the Penguins to determine their availability by the March 7 trade deadline.

Pending unrestricted free agents like Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier could draw some interest. However, the Penguins could retain Grzecyk after trading away left-shot blueliner Marcus Pettersson.

They could also move players with a year left on their contracts. Noel Acciari, Blake Lizotte, Kevin Hayes and the recently acquired Danton Heinen and Vincent Desharnais would fall into that category.

Vensel believes it will take significant offers to pry away Rickard Rakell or Michael Bunting.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes the Canadiens 1-7-1 slump in their last nine games puts them into “hard sell” position for the trade deadline.

Cowan expects UFA-eligible players like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard and Christian Dvorak will be traded by March 7. There might be some interest in winger Josh Anderson but they won’t give him away. The 30-year-old Anderson has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.5 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

Why has Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson changed agents? Could the Red Wings be interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOBSON CHANGES AGENTS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported Noah Dobson changed agents from Andrew Maloney to Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. Moldaver represents some of the NHL’s top players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias looks at two reasons why Dobson made this move. He’s either unhappy with the Islanders and wants a trade (which Macias considers unlikely) or it’s a business decision to garner better terms on his next contract.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias that the second reason is the most likely. Dobson, 25, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Macias pointed out that Fortier was the agent who got Alexis Lafreniere his new seven-year contract (with an average annual value of $7.45 million) with the New York Rangers.

COULD THE RED WINGS BE INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan speculated the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s rumored the Sabres could move the 23-year-old Cozens by the trade deadline.

Khan suggested Cozens could fill the second-line center role on the Wings, a position that’s been difficult to fill. They also have the cap space to accommodate the remaining three years on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.1 million.

The Sabres would want a good young player but Khan doesn’t believe the Wings would part with Marco Kasper or Simon Edvinsson. The Wings could see Kasper as eventually filling the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains patient with his young players. If he’s unwilling to part with Kasper or Edvinsson, the notion of a Cozens trade falls flat. The Sabres won’t be interested in draft picks and prospects, they want a player in return who can help their roster now.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: If New York Rangers GM Chris Drury becomes a seller by the March 7 trade deadline, Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh believe there will a be market for defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Lindgren would draw the best return. Despite a down season, he remains an attractive player for contenders seeking a physical shutdown defenseman. Vesey and Smith could fetch mid-range draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple and Bough point out Drury’s been a buyer and a seller this season. He could follow the same path at the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson recently speculated the Flames could use the 4 Nations Face-Off break to consider ways to address a couple of roster issues before the trade deadline.

They could seek a permanent defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar, suggesting Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option. Gilbertson also wondered if they’ll stick with backup Dan Vladar or seek a more experienced second-stringer to support and mentor rookie starter Dustin Wolf.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2025

by | Feb 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 5, 2025

Alex Ovechkin moves closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, the Jets remain in sole possession of first overall, William Nylander’s hat trick lifts the Leafs to victory, and more from a busy Tuesday evening in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moved closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record with an empty-net goal in the final second of the third period in a 6-3 win over the Florida Panthers. Logan Thompson made 30 saves and Nick Dowd had a goal and two assists for the Capitals, who lead the Eastern Conference with 77 points. Sam Bennett had a goal and an assist for the Panthers, who sit atop the Atlantic Division with 67 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has 878 regular-season goals, moving within 17 of breaking Gretzky’s record of 894. The Capitals extended their home points streak to 14 games. Meanwhile, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk looks forward to a potential playoff matchup against the Ottawa Senators and his younger brother Brady.

The Winnipeg Jets picked up their seventh straight win by blanking the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Eric Comrie turned in a 29-save shutout while Nino Niederreiter had a goal and an assist for the Jets, who lead the overall standings with 79 points. The Hurricanes have dropped their second straight game and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 68 points.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander’s hat trick carried his club to a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. Leafs captain Auston Matthews collected three assists as the Leafs moved within one point of the Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar each collected two assists for the Flames, who lost four of their last six contests and cling to the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 59 points.

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

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists in a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Leon Draisaitl scored his league-leading 37th goal and Connor Brown tallied the winner in overtime for the Oilers, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 70 points. Jordan Kyrou and Colton Parayko replied for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl has 79 points, one back of league leader Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Blues defenseman Nick Leddy returned to action after missing 49 games with a lower-body injury.

A shootout goal by Patrick Kane lifted the Detroit Red Wings over the Seattle Kraken 5-4 to extend their win streak to seven games. Lucas Raymond scored his 21st goal of the season as the Wings hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 61 points. Shane Wright tallied twice for the Kraken.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko stopped 25 shots to shut out the Colorado Avalanche 3-0. Jake DeBrusk, Brock Boeser and Drew O’Connor scored for the Canucks, who sit just behind the Flames for that final Western wild card with 59 points. Avalanche netminder Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside 28 shots as his club holds the first Western wild-card berth with 64 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks got the win without captain Quinn Hughes. He missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury suspected to be in his abdominal area.

The Tampa Bay Lightning held off the Ottawa Senators 4-3, snapping the latter’s five-game win streak. Third-period goals by Brandon Hagel and Ryan McDonagh secured the win for the Lightning as they’re clinging to the final Eastern wild card with 60 points. Linus Ullmark made 34 saves in his return to action as the Senators hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 62 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Ullmark’s first game since being sidelined by a back injury on Dec. 22. His teammate Shane Pinto left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury while Lightning forward Nick Paul departed in the same period with an undisclosed injury.

Boston Bruins goalies Jeremy Swayman kicked out 35 shots in a 3-0 shutout of the Minnesota Wild. Charlie McAvoy, Trent Frederic and Morgan Geekie tallied for the Bruins, who sit just behind the Lightning with 60 points. Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made 32 saves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild activated defenseman Jonas Brodin from long-term injury reserve and forward Marcus Johansson from injured reserve for this game.

The New Jersey Devils got two goals from Jack Hughes to nip the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a shootout. Timo Meier scored the game-winner and Jesper Bratt collected two assists as the Devils (66 points) sit two points behind the Hurricanes in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Rickard Rakell and Kevin Hayes scored for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler left this game with an injured right leg in the first period. Following the game, head coach Sheldon Keefe said Siegenthaler is expected to miss some time.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson broke a 1-1 tie in the third period as his club defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Bo Horvat also scored and Ilya Sorokin made 34 saves for the Islanders, who sit three points behind the Lightning with 57 points. Brandon Saad scored his first goal for the Golden Knights since joining them as a free agent last week. They sit second in the Pacific Division with 68 points.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson stopped 26 shots in a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Cutter Gauthier and Trevor Zegras scored for the Ducks, who’ve won five of their last six contests. Colin Blackwell replied for the Stars, who sit second in the Central Division with 69 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson became the first goaltender to play 500 regular-season games for the Ducks. Before this game, the Stars announced that defenseman Miro Heiskanen underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and is listed as month-to-month. They also played without forward Mavrik Bourque as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Buffalo Sabres picked up their fourth straight win by beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. Alex Tuch netted two goals and an assist and Jason Zucker had two assists for the Sabres. Kent Johnson and Ivan Provorov scored for the Blue Jackets as they slipped out of a wild-card spot in the East with 59 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injury-wracked Blue Jackets played without defenseman and scoring leader Zach Werenski, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Sabres were without center Tage Thompson, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson and goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

A shorthanded goal by Joel Armia with 4:04 remaining in the third period gave the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Sam Montembeault made 27 saves while Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook each had two points for the Canadiens (55 points) as they’re five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Sharks forwards Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov set the KHL single-season scoring record for an under-20 player with 43 points. Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov held the former record of 42 points.

The Utah Hockey Club defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2. Dylan Guenther scored with one second remaining in overtime to finish with two goals and an assist. Mikhail Sergachev had a goal and two assists for Utah to end their five-game losing skid. Samuel Ersson made 39 saves for the Flyers, who’ve lost four straight.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson is day-to-day with an injured finger.

The Nashville Predators placed forward Vinnie Hinostroza on waivers.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers forward Adam Edstrom will miss the next six to 10 weeks with a lower-body injury.