NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2022

by | Dec 29, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2022

The Red Wings stage a big rally to defeat the Penguins, the Bruins continue their winning ways, the Leafs are fined for violating the CBA and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Detroit Red Wings overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on an overtime goal by Jake Walman. Magnus Hellberg stopped all 19 shots he faced after replacing Ville Husso in the Red Wings net while David Perron scored the tying goal as his club improved to 15-11-7 on the season. Jason Zucker tallied twice for Pittsburgh as they dropped to 19-10-6.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel and Kris Letang were all held scoreless in this contest as the Penguins were outshot 46-31.

Third-period goals by Patrice Bergeron and Pavel Zacha lifted the Boston Bruins to a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils (22-11-2). Linus Ullmark stopped 30 shots for the 28-4-3 Bruins as they extended their points streak to nine games and sit atop the overall standings with 59 points, seven ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes. The once red-hot Devils, meanwhile, have dropped eight of their last nine contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Devils placed defensemen John Marino (upper body) and Ryan Graves (lower body) on injured reserve. Both are considered week-to-week.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

Bruins fourth-line forward Tomas Nosek (undisclosed) was kept out of the lineup for this game. Head coach Jim Montgomery called it nothing serious, preferring Nosek not to play in back-to-back games during his recovery.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson made a season-high 49 shots backstopping his club to a 3-2 shootout upset of the Vegas Golden Knights. Adam Henrique scored twice in regulation while Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry tallied in the shootout for the 10-22-4 Ducks. Mark Stone and Ben Hutton replied for the Golden Knights (24-12-2), who hold a two-point lead over the Dallas Stars for first place in the Western Conference with 50 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was Gibson’s fifth game this month and his first since Dec. 13 as injuries and illness limited his playing time.

The Calgary Flames nipped the Seattle Kraken 3-2 as Jonathan Huberdeau snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period. Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist for the Flames (17-13-7) while Philipp Grubauer made 41 saves for the 18-11-4 Kraken.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point scored twice to drop the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Victor Hedman collected two assists as the Lightning improved to 21-11-1 while the Canadiens (15-17-3) dropped their third straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens also set a franchise record in this game by starting five rookies (Kaiden Guhle, Johnathan Kovacevic, Jordan Harris, Arber Xhekaj and Justin Barron) on their blueline.

HEADLINES

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs were fined $100,000 by the NHL for violating the collective bargaining agreement. They traveled to St. Louis on Dec. 26 for their game the following day against the Blues. That date was a mandated off-day for all team purposes, including travel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans criticized the league for this action. However, it was the NHL Players Association that mandated off days for players in the CBA. The league is merely enforcing the rules.

Meanwhile, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000 by the league for what it called “demeaning conduct directed at the officials” during the Leafs 5-4 overtime win against the Blues. Keefe was upset over what he considered two uncalled infractions by Blues players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The second infraction was Leafs forward Zach Aston-Reese getting cut by a high stick from Blues winger Brandon Saad. I don’t think Keefe was unjustified in his anger at the officials over that missed call.

Speaking of the Leafs, Morgan Rielly is set to return to the lineup in Thursday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. The 28-year-old defenseman has been sidelined since Nov. 21 by a knee injury. During his absence, the Leafs went 12-2-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s not to imply that the Leafs are a better team without Rielly but rather an indication of how well they adjusted during his absence. Having their best defenseman back in the lineup should only make them better.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed goaltender Carter Hart on injured reserve despite the fact he practiced with the club earlier this week. He is expected to play in the final two games of their upcoming road trip against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks provided he clears concussion protocol.

THE SCORE: Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin has reinjured his surgically repaired left ankle. There is no timetable for his return. Nichuskin underwent the procedure in early November and returned to the lineup on Dec. 9.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Radko Gudas is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Canadiens. He’s been sidelined since Dec. 3 by a concussion.

YARDBARKER: The Minnesota Wild placed winger Marcus Foligno (lower body) on injured reserve.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 22, 2022

by | Dec 22, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 22, 2022

Roman Josi becomes the Predators’ all-time leading scorer, Golden Knights captain Mark Stone makes franchise history, Oilers captain Connor McDavid extends his points streak, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi became his club’s all-time leading scorer in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Josi scored the game-winning goal and collected an assist to reach 567 career points, surpassing David Legwand’s 566 points. Juuse Saros made 37 saves for the win as the Predators improved to 14-13-4. Connor Murphy had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks (7-20-4), who remain last overall in the standings.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone made franchise history in his club’s 5-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. Stone became the first Golden Knights player to score a power-play goal and a shorthanded goal in the same game as he finished the night with three points. Vegas (23-11-1) sits in first place in the Western Conference and second in the overall standings with 47 points.

The New Jersey Devils snapped a five-game losing skid with three unanswered third-period goals to double up the Florida Panthers 4-2. Jesper Bratt scored twice and Mackenzie Blackwood made 34 saves in his first start since Nov. 3. The Devils (22-9-2) sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said winger Patric Hornqvist could remain sidelined long-term as he continues to recover from a concussion suffered on Dec. 3 against the Seattle Kraken.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Warren Foegele, Connor McDavid and Mattias Janmark lifted the Edmonton Oilers over the Dallas Stars 6-3. Janmark scored twice, McDavid extended his points streak to 14 games and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a three-point performance for the Oilers (18-14-2). Mason Marchment had two assists for the 19-9-6 Stars, who hold a one-point lead with points over the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars were without winger Denis Gurianov, who’s on an indefinite leave of absence for family reasons.

The Detroit Red Wings scored four goals in the third period in a 7-4 romp over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Michael Rasmussen scored twice and added two assists while Dylan Larkin tallied twice as the Red Wings (14-11-7) snapped a six-game winless skid. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (20-11-1) as they sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 41 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the NHL department of player safety fined Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev $5,000.00 for slashing Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting during Tuesday’s game between the two clubs.

An overtime goal by Mikko Rantanen lifted the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Artturi Lehkonen scored the tying goal for the Avs (18-11-2) as they hold the first wild-card berth in the Western Conference with 38 points. Jake Allen made 34 saves for the 15-15-3 Canadiens.

Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy had a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The Wild (19-11-2) sit in third place in the Central Division with 40 points, three behind the second-place Winnipeg Jets. Lukas Dostal stopped 38 shots for the 9-22-3 Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed Artum Zub to a four-year contract extension. The 27-year-old defenseman will earn an average annual value of $4.6 million starting in 2023-24.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zub is completing a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV. He’s become an invaluable part of the Senators’ defense corps. Injuries have limited him to 14 games so far this season but he netted 22 points in 81 games in 2021-22.

The Senators’ blueline is better with a healthy Zub in the lineup. One could quibble over the AAV on his new contract but it’s not extravagant and the term of the contract is reasonable.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov is sidelined by a high ankle sprain. The club announced he will miss approximately six weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov is the 11th Blue Jackets regular currently sidelined by injuries. Among the notables are Zach Werenski, Jakub Voracek, Boone Jenner and Elvis Merzlikins.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed forward Cal Clutterbuck on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 16.

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning-Buffalo Sabres game scheduled for Dec. 23 has been postponed due to inclement weather expected for Buffalo on that day. It has been rescheduled to March 4, 2023.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: The Flyers game with the Sabres scheduled for March 4 has been rescheduled to Jan. 9, 2023.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2022

by | Dec 21, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2022

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: some suggested trade destinations for Bo Horvat plus the latest on Tyler Myers and Nick Bonino.

PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR HORVAT

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon and Jason Bukala suggested the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins as four potential trade destinations for Bo Horvat.

They proposed the Canadiens send veteran defenseman David Savard, prospects Jayden Struble and Owen Beck, the 2023 first-rounder they received from the Florida Panthers and a 2024 third-rounder.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for Dixon’s and Bakula’s detailed explanations behind their proposals. Having done my own suggested destinations for Horvat earlier this season, I appreciate the efforts and rationale they put into theirs.

Horvat is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s on pace for a career-high of 50 goals this season, meaning he’ll cost well over $8 million per season to re-sign on a long-term deal. The Canadiens, Hurricanes, Red Wings and Bruins will need assurances that Horvat will sign with them before pulling the trigger on this deal. Otherwise, they risk giving away prime assets on a player who could bolt on July 1.

Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont does a good job explaining why the Canadiens won’t get into the bidding for Horvat. It’s not the right time for the rebuilding Habs to pursue a player like Horvat. Management won’t be interested in mortgaging the future for an aging asset on an expiring contract.

Subtracting Savard’s $3.5 million from the Canadiens’ cap payroll, they’d have over $65 million invested in 15 roster players for 2023-24. They’ll likely get $10.5 million in cap relief if necessary if Carey Price is unable to continue his playing career but they won’t know that until the offseason. Meanwhile, winger Cole Caufield is coming off his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant pay raise on his next contract.

Given those factors plus the likelihood of a flattened salary cap for 2023-24, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the Canadiens to acquire and sign Horvat.

Their Hurricanes deal would see Horvat and prospect Aiden McDonough heading to Carolina for forwards Seth Jarvis and Stefan Noesen, prospect defenseman Scott Morrow and a 2023 third-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are chugging along right now but they continue to have a big hole at the second-line center position. They’d have the cap space to comfortably re-sign Horvat next summer.

Acquiring Horvat now would give the Hurricanes his exclusive negotiating rights until July 1. However, they could consider a more affordable second-line center rental option for the playoffs like Montreal’s Sean Monahan and pursue Horvat in the free-agent market without giving up a promising asset like Jarvis.

Dixon and Bukala also suggest the Horvat-McDonough package for the Red Wings in exchange for prospect goaltender Sebastian Cossa, prospect defenseman Shai Buium, plus a 2023 first-rounder and the second-rounder they got from the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Hurricanes, the Red Wings can easily afford an expensive new contract for Horvat. They could certainly be interested if unable to re-sign captain Dylan Larkin. If he stays, Horvat would provide them with a solid one-two punch at center.

This pitch depends on whether Wings GM Steve Yzerman will part with a projected future starting goalie like Cossa, especially given Alex Nedeljkovic’s struggles over the past two years in the Wings’ crease. He could be reluctant to do that.

Horvat and McDonough are also part of their Bruins’ pitch with prospect forwards Fabian Lysell and John Beecher along with their 2023 first-rounder and sixth-rounder going to Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horvat could be a great fit with the Bruins, especially if this season proves to be the last for Patrice Bergeron and/or David Krejci. Acquiring him now provides them with additional depth at center for the remainder of 2022-23 as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins have been very much in “win-now” mode for several years. They’ll have a projected $56.9 million invested in 12 players for next season with winger David Pastrnak due for a big raise. It could cost a combined $20 million to do it, leaving next to nothing for the rest of the roster under a flattened cap for next season.

All in all, the Hurricanes and Red Wings seem the more likely destinations given the depth in promising assets that both clubs possess as well as plentiful cap space to afford his new contract. Whether those teams get into the bidding remains to be seen.

UPDATES ON MYERS AND BONINO

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Tyler Myers is maybe being overlooked as a secondary trade chip for the Vancouver Canucks. He’s got a year remaining on his contract with a $6 million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause.

Myers wants to stay in Vancouver. However, Dreger said there’s a belief there could be interest in the big veteran defenseman, suggesting he improve playing on a more structured team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Myers will be owed $6 million in actual salary next season. However, $5 million of that is a signing bonus on July 1.

I think interested clubs will either want the Canucks to retain up to half of his cap hit now or else they’ll just wait until after his signing bonus is paid in July and then attempt to acquire him.

THE ATHLETIC: Corey Masisak suggests San Jose Sharks forward Nick Bonino could draw interest from playoff contenders seeking an experienced versatile two-way forward. He’s an unrestricted free agent carrying an affordable $2.050 million cap hit this season and a five-team no-trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 15, 2022

by | Dec 15, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 15, 2022

Check out the latest speculation on Canucks captain Bo Horvat, Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi, Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON BO HORVAT

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman believes it’s unlikely Bo Horvat will still be with the Vancouver Canucks past the March 3 trade deadline. The Canucks have definitely put the 27-year-old center on the trade market and are seeking a premium return for their captain.

Friedman claims there was never a time when a contract extension was close for the pending unrestricted free agent. He said it sounds like Horvat was offered seven and eight-year deals but a wide chasm remains that could be difficult to bridge. The Canucks aren’t keen to sign him for more than J.T. Miller’s $56 million but Horvat’s current play puts him over that amount.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes creativity is needed by the Canucks to re-sign Horvat. A leap from the center’s current $5.5 million average annual value to a market value of $8 million can be achieved if they can clear the necessary cap space.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

By Kuzma’s estimate, the Canucks would need to find $3.74 million in cap space to retain Horvat and address other roster priorities like re-signing Andrei Kuzmenko next summer. An NHL insider suggested Conor Garland or Ilya Mikheyev can be easily moved. They could also attempt to move Brock Boeser, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Myers for draft picks. However, the insider isn’t sure if the Canucks want to retain Horvat.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Stefen Rosner cites a source claiming the New York Islanders have checked in with the Canucks about Horvat. With over $10.8 million in projected trade deadline cap space, the Isles can afford his cap hit.

Rosner speculates the Canucks could seek top Isles prospect Aatu Raty as part of the return. Defense prospects such as Samuel Bolduc or Calle Odelius could also be enticing to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I mentioned before, the Canucks could resume contract discussions with Horvat leading up to the trade deadline if they don’t get suitable offers from other clubs. However, they don’t have the luxury of time as they did with J.T. Miller last summer. Horvat could be a goner for the right price, which will be high given he’s on pace for a career-high 59 goals this season.

UPDATE ON JESSE PULJUJARVI

SPORTSNET: Friedman believes this season will be Jesse Puljujarvi’s last with the Edmonton Oilers as everyone agrees it’s time for a fresh start. He’s heard the Anaheim Ducks. Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings have at least looked at it but doesn’t think they’ve come anywhere close to what the Oilers would consider fair.

The Oilers won’t move Puljujarvi now as they don’t want to be shorthanded while currently riddled with injuries and battling for a playoff spot. However, that could change once they get healthier. If this carries over into the summer, the Oilers could decline to re-sign Puljujarvi, allowing him to test the free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the Anaheim Ducks appear to be taking a hard look at Puljujarvi. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek was in Nashville on Tuesday watching the Predators and Oilers.

Matheson speculates the Ducks could be thinking of a “test drive” with Puljujarvi for the remainder of the season. If they like what they see, they could re-sign the winger for less than his current cap hit of $3 million.

The Oilers want to clear some cap space to pursue a defensive blueliner before the trade deadline. The Ducks have five picks in the first two rounds of the 2023 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers aren’t dealing from a position of strength. Puljujarvi’s stock has tumbled since the offseason because of his low production and public self-doubt over his abilities as an NHL scorer. If they need to clear cap space before the trade deadline they’ll probably have little choice but to accept whatever they can get for him, even if it’s below what they would consider fair.

IN OTHER RUMORS…

MLIVE.COM: In a recent mailbag segment, Ansar Khan was asked how Tyler Bertuzzi’s latest injury will affect his contract talks with the Detroit Red Wings. He doesn’t think it will but suggests the bigger question is whether the two sides can reach an agreement on a new contract before the trade deadline.

If they can’t, Khan believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will trade Bertuzzi rather than risk losing him for nothing to next summer’s UFA market. He suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs were long rumored to be interested in Bertuzzi and remain the logical destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries to Leafs defensemen Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin have observers (including me) believing they could prefer shoring up their blueline before the trade deadline. However, with youngsters Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins holding the fort, perhaps they might shift their focus to adding another forward.

SPORTSNET: Friedman wondered if the Arizona Coyotes might be willing to entertain offers for Karel Vejmelka. The 26-year-old goaltender is playing well and carries an affordable $2.75 million cap hit through 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vejmelka’s goals-against average is 3.07 but his .913 save percentage is impressive considering the team he plays for. He could draw plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking an upgrade between the pipes.

The Coyotes are rebuilding under GM Bill Armstrong but I don’t think it’s his intent to perpetually trade away veterans for draft picks. Good starting goalies are difficult to find and Vejmelka is still young enough to be an important piece of their future.

The Canucks aren’t interested in moving first-rounders and would like to replace the second-round pick they shipped to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2022

by | Dec 12, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2022

Examining potential trade destinations for Brock Boeser, Jakob Chychrun and Timo Meier in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SCORE: John Matisz recently looked at some possible trade destinations for Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun and San Jose Sharks winger Timo Meier.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Matisz suggested the Minnesota Wild for Boeser, with the Wild flipping Matt Dumba or a draft pick for the Minnesota native. Dumba’s on an expiring contract with a $6 million cap hit that is comparable to Boeser’s $6.65 million. He believes the Canucks would choose the draft pick over Dumba because they need the cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How about the draft pick and Dumba? The Canucks are said to be willing to take on a player with a contract that expires at the end of this season. They need the cap space beyond this season.

Reports out of Minnesota suggest the Wild could move Dumba before the March 3 trade deadline. However, that comes with the risk of lacking a suitable replacement for him on their blueline down the stretch.

The New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings are two other clubs that have the cap space and assets plus a need for a shoot-first winger. If they’re okay with Boeser’s cap hit, Matisz speculated they could get him for a second or third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders could be the more interested of the two. General manager Lou Lamoriello attempted to acquire Boeser’s teammate J.T. Miller during the opening round of this year’s draft. He’s also believed to have made failed bids to sign Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri in the free-agent market.

Turning to Chychrun, Matisz cites reports listing the Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers as potential suitors for the Coyotes defenseman.

Matisz considers the Sabres and Kings as two clubs with depth in promising assets to outbid the others. He also noted Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t afraid to chase the big fish and his club needs blueline depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Matisz’s take on the front-runners for Chychrun. I’d also include the Senators as they’ve spoken with the Coyotes but reports out of Ottawa claim they couldn’t reach an agreement on a deal. Maybe that changes if the Senators become more desperate as the season rolls along.

GOPHNX.com’s Craig Morgan recently reported GM Bill Armstong isn’t budging off his high asking price. Morgan believes it could include two first-round draft picks and either a second-rounder or a top prospect. Given Chychrun’s strong start since returning from offseason wrist surgery, somebody is likely to pay what Armstrong wants.

Matisz noted that Meier’s agent Claude Lemieux claims his client is willing to re-sign with the Sharks. However, it’ll cost the Sharks $10 million just to qualify his rights plus he has arbitration right next summer.

Meier could be the Sharks’ best trade chip at the deadline. They desperately need to restock their prospect cupboard and add some early-round draft picks. Matisz suggested the Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken and the Blue Jackets as clubs that could meet those needs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sure how keen Sharks GM Mike Grier would be to trade Meier to another California-based club. The Kraken are building rapidly and having someone like Meier alongside young centers like Matty Beniers or Shane Wright could give them a significant offensive boost.

The Jackets, however, already have two star wingers in Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. If they were to pursue a forward, I think they’d be more interested in a center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2022

by | Dec 7, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 7, 2022

The Leafs’ Mitch Marner extends his points streak while the Stars’ Jason Robertson’s comes to an end, the Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon is sidelined for a lengthy period, an update on the Penguins’ Kris Letang, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner collected an assist to extend his points streak to 20 games in a 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars. Matt Murray turned in a 44-save shutout while Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist as the Leafs improved their record to 16-5-6. The Stars’ Jason Robertson had his points streak end at 18 games as his club’s record falls to 14-7-5.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs defenseman Victor Mete left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored twice and Tristan Jarry kicked out 38 shots to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Bryan Rust had a goal and an assist for the 14-8-4 Penguins. Johnny Gaudreau scored for the Blue Jackets, who fall to 8-14-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some good news for the Penguins as defenseman Kris Letang skated yesterday morning in full gear for the first time since suffering a minor stroke last week. There’s still no timetable for his return.

The New Jersey Devils picked up their 10th home win of the season by blanking the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0. Vitek Vanecek got the shutout by stopping 24 saves while Dougie Hamilton led the way with a goal and two assists as the Devils (21-4-1) vaulted into first place in the overall standings with 43 points. The Blackhawks (7-14-4) sink to second-last in the overall standings with 18 points.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso made 44 saves, including 28 in the third period, as his club doubled up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Andrew Copp and Filip Hronek each had two assists as the Wings improved to 13-7-5 while the Lightning (15-9-1) got goals from Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first game in Tampa Bay for former Lightning assistant coach Derek Lalonde, who was hired by the Wings as head coach during the offseason.

Winnipeg Jets forwards Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor each scored twice to down the Florida Panthers by a score of 5-2. Connor Hellebuyck picked up the win for the Jets (16-7-1) with a 39-save performance. The Panthers fell to 12-10-4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets spoiled the homecoming of Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, who was returning to Winnipeg for the first time since stepping down as the Jets bench boss a year ago.

The St. Louis Blues ended a four-game losing skid with a 7-4 win over the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss made 36 saves and Noel Acciari scored twice as the Blues improved to 12-14-0. Zach Parise and Noah Dobson each had a goal and an assist for the 16-11-0 Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues went into this game without Torey Krug and Pavel Buchnevich. Krug has an upper-body ailment while Buchnevich has a lower-body injury. No word yet as to how long they could be sidelined.

Two goals within seven seconds by Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson in the second period powered the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Jake Allen stopped 31 shots as the Canadiens improved to 13-11-2. Rookie Shane Wright tallied his first career NHL goal for the 15-7-3 Kraken.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar collected three assists and winger Viktor Arvidsson tallied twice to down the Ottawa Senators 5-2. Kings goalie Pheonix Copley stopped 31 shots for his first NHL win since 2019 as his club improved to 14-10-4. Tim Stutzle had two assists for the 10-14-1 Senators.

An overtime goal by Ryan Strome lifted the Anaheim Ducks over the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. John Gibson made 34 saves for the Ducks (7-17-3) while Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 26 shots for the 14-6-6- Hurricanes.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE DENVER POST: The injury-depleted Colorado Avalanche got more bad news yesterday as center Nathan MacKinnon will be sidelined for four weeks with an upper-body injury. The Avs are already missing Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, Evan Rodrigues, Artturi Lehkonen, Josh Manson, Bo Byram, Darren Helm, Kurtis MacDermid, Jean-Luc Foudy and Shane Bowers.

CBC NEWS: Carey Price issued a statement yesterday saying he was aware of the anniversary of the 1989 Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal after the Canadiens claimed he was unaware of it. Price and the Canadiens were responding on Monday to a social media post by the goaltender supporting a guns rights group that recently used “POLY” as a promotional discount code.

Price’s initial social media post was in support of the group’s opposition to an upcoming Canadian government bill that could put restrictions on hunting rifles. He said he was unaware of the group’s use of the offensive promo code and didn’t support it.

On Tuesday, Price apologized for the timing of his original post. He said that he would never cause any intentional pain to victims of gun violence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens really aren’t very good at handling controversial issues that arise involving one of their players. Rather than face the issue and address it honestly, they tried to give Price an out by denying his awareness of the Polytechnique Massacre and its upcoming anniversary. Not a good look for the storied franchise.