Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

by | Jan 12, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

Check out the latest on Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Dylan Cozens, Ryan O’Reilly, Josh Norris and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND J.T. MILLER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks aren’t shutting off Western Conference teams interested in centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Western clubs that have reached out haven’t been told that the Canucks aren’t interested in dealing with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for the Canucks to consider all options when listening to offers for Pettersson and Miller. This could also mean the offers they’re not getting suitable offers from Eastern Conference clubs. It’ll likely take a substantial offer to tempt the Canucks into moving one of those players.

UPDATE ON DYLAN COZENS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings were scouting each other heavily before the holidays. It got out that the Red Wings were looking at Dylan Cozens.

Friedman indicated he didn’t know where things stand or where it will go. However, he said a couple of sources told him they thought a deal had been close.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski cited Friedman reporting the Red Wings interest in Cozens. However, he cites a source close to the Sabres saying they’re not shopping the 23-year-old center but his name is circulating because they’re getting so many calls about him from rival clubs.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Cozens’ struggles this season prompted Lysowski to suggest it wouldn’t be wise for the Sabres to sell low, pointing out their depth at center suffered a hit when they traded Casey Mittlestadt to Colorado last season. He doubts the Sabres would get equal value for Cozens right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been said for months that the Sabres want to add to their roster instead of subtracting. They’re also under no pressure to move Cozens because he’s under contract for five more years whereas Mittlestadt was a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights last year.

Cozens could be moved if the Sabres get a good young NHL player in return who can provide immediate help to their roster. Otherwise, he’s probably not going anywhere this season.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP RYAN O’REILLY?

Friedman pointed out Ryan O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection in his contract with the Nashville Predators. Teams are calling the Predators about the availability of the 33-year-old two-way center.

According to Friedman, the Predators are treating O’Reilly as if he has a no-movement clause. They want to keep the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, seeing him as a leader on and off the ice.

However, the Predators would consider moving O’Reilly under two conditions: the trade offer has to be something that excites them, and it has to be something O’Reilly would accept. The veteran center has not indicated he wants to move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of O’Reilly getting traded by the March 7 deadline or during the offseason. However, the conditions mentioned by Friedman suggest it’s a remote possibility.

SENATORS SHOPPING NORRIS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league executives say the Senators want to get center Josh Norris and his $7.95 million cap hit through 2029-30 off their books. However, not many teams can afford his contract without giving something back to the Senators in return.

Garrioch also indicated general manager Steve Staios has been working the phones trying to find help for his struggling club, especially on defense. He hasn’t been able to find a suitable deal thus far.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap for next season is expected to rise by at least $4.5 million to $92.5 million, though some have estimated it could reach $95 million. That would make it easier for interested clubs to take on Norris’ contract but it would likely be an offseason trade instead of a trade-deadline deal.

SOMETHING BREWING WITH THE KRAKEN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke traveled to Buffalo to watch his team defeat the Sabres 6-2 yesterday. It was an unusual move by Leiweke and came after his club lost nine of its last 11 games. His presence at that game raises questions over the reason for his attendance.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2025

by | Jan 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 12, 2025

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck reach new milestones. Get the details plus recaps from a busy Saturday in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored an empty-netter for his 873rd NHL regular-season goal in a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. Ovechkin added an assist to finish with two points while Logan Thompson got the win with a 32-save performance as the Capitals regained first place in the overall standings with 61 points. Filip Forsberg scored for the Predators, who’ve dropped five of their last seven games.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin needs 22 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. He also joined Gordie Howe and Ron Francis as the only players in NHL history to record 20 20-goal seasons. Howe is the all-time leader with 22 seasons. Before this game, the Capitals placed goalie Charlie Lindgren (upper body) on injured reserve and recalled netminder Hunter Shepard.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for his league-leading sixth shutout of the season to blank the Colorado Avalanche 3-0. Nikolaj Ehlers scored two goals and Mark Scheifele collected his team-leading 25th goal. Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves for the Avalanche as they dropped into the first wild-card berth in the Western Conference with 53 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck tied his franchise record for most shutouts in a season and tied Craig Anderson for the third-most shutouts by an American goaltender (43) in NHL history. He trailed Jonathan Quick (62) and Ryan Miller (44). The Jets lead the Western Conference with 61 points but sit second in the overall standings as the Capitals have a game in hand.

An overtime goal by David Pastrnak lifted the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. Pastrnak finished with 2 goals and an assist while Jeremy Swayman kicked out 40 shots for the Bruins as they snapped a six-game winless skid (0-5-1) and cling to the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 47 points. Sam Reinhart tallied twice for the Panthers, who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 53 points.

The Seattle Kraken scored six unanswered goals to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2. Kaapo Kakko led the way with two goals while Joey Daccord turned aside 33 shots as the Kraken ended a four-game winless streak (0-3-1). Sam Lafferty and Jack Quinn scored for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kakko had 10 points in 30 games before the New York Rangers traded him last month to Seattle. He has seven points in 10 games with the Kraken.

Ottawa Senators rookie goaltender Leevi Merilainen made 29 saves for his first NHL shutout in a 5-0 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Claude Giroux collected three assists for the Senators as they ended a four-game winless stretch (0-3-1). Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic gave up five goals on 17 shots and was replaced by Tristan Jarry in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 43 points, the Senators are three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, sitting one point back of the Penguins.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0. Kevin Lankinen stopped 20 shots for the shutout while Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood tallied for the Canucks (48 points) as they maintained their grip on the final Western wild-card berth and ended a four-game winless skid (0-2-2). It’s the Leafs second straight defeat following a five-game win streak but they remain first in the Atlantic Division with 56 points.

A shootout goal by Jason Robertson gave the Dallas Stars a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Jamie Benn scored in regulation and Jake Oettinger stopped 30 shots to extend their win streak to seven games. Canadiens winger Patrik Laine scored his ninth power-play goal of the season as he returned to action after missing four games with flu-like symptoms while Samuel Montembault kicked out 34 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Penguins each have 44 points, leaving both clubs two points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Montreal’s win streak ended at three games but they have points in their last four contests.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves made 31 saves as his club extended their win streak to a season-high four games with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger scored for the Blue Jackets. Colton Parayko replied for the Blues, who’ve dropped three of their last four contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets hold the final Eastern wild-card spot with 46 points.

The New Jersey Devils got an overtime goal by Stefan Noesen to nip the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Ondrej Palat and Jack Hughes scored in regulation for the Devils while Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov replied for the Lightning.

Philadelphia Flyers netminder Samuel Ersson made 22 saves to shut out the Anaheim Ducks 6-0. Travis Konecny had four assists while Jamie Drysdale had a goal and an assist against his former club. Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier was heavily booed and jeered by Flyers fans in his first game in Philadelphia. His refusal to play for the Flyers led to his trade to the Ducks for Drysdale last January.

A third-period goal by Zach Hyman capped a three-goal rally by the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin each collected two points as the Oilers sit second in the Pacific Division with 55 points. Nick Foligno and Teuvo Teravainen each had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers winger Jeff Skinner was a healthy scratch for the second time in seven games. The 32-year-old has seven goals and 15 points in 40 games, putting him on pace for one of his lowest-scoring seasons.

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal scored with 1:25 remaining in the third period to lift his team over the Utah Hockey Club by a score of 2-1. Brock Nelson scored the tying goal earlier in the third period after Nick Schmaltz opened the scoring for Utah in the second period. The Islanders have won three straight while Utah is 1-2-1 in their last four.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders starter Ilya Sorokin missed this game due to illness. Jakub Skarek was called up as an emergency backup for Marcus Hogberg.

The Calgary Flames held off the Los Angeles Kings 2-1, snapping the latter’s five-game win streak. Calgary goalie Dustin Wolf turned aside 31 shots while Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau were the goal scorers as the Flames (47 points) remain one point behind the Canucks for the final Western wild-card berth. Jacob Moverare scored for the Kings, who remain in third place in the Pacific Division with 53 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames unveiled their Quarter Century Team before this game.

The First Team comprises forwards Jarome Iginla, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, defensemen Mark Giordano and Robyn Regehr, and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.

Forwards Sean Monahan, Craig Conroy and Mikael Backlund, blueliners Rasmus Andersson and Dion Phaneuf, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom made up the Second Team.

New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin stopped 29 shots while Vincent Trocheck and Adam Edstrom scored in a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Mark Stone opened the scoring for Vegas, who’ve lost two straight but remain in first place in the Pacific Division with 59 points. The Rangers are 4-1-1 in their last six contests.

The Minnesota Wild got a 36-save performance by Marc-Andre Fleury to beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1. Mats Zuccarello had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who’ve won five of their last six games. William Eklund replied for the Sharks, who’ve dropped three straight.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

Could the Senators shop for a goaltender or claim Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers? Should the Leafs trade prospect Easton Cowan? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators should be scouring the trade market for a goaltender with starter Linus Ullmark sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

Ullmark departed during the Senators’ 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. There is no timetable for his return. The Senators are currently using backup Anton Forsberg and call-up Leevi Merilainen.

Garrioch cited sources claiming the market for goaltenders isn’t great. Those who could be available include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Cayden Primeau of the Montreal Canadiens, and James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. If the Ducks were willing to retain part of his salary he might not accept a trade to Ottawa. It’s rumored the seven Canadian teams are on his no-trade list.

Primeau passed unclaimed through waivers last week. The Sabres claimed Reimer off waivers from the Ducks in November and will likely hang onto him for insurance.

A source told Garrioch the Detroit Red Wings would be willing to move Ville Husso. However, he carries a $4.75 million cap hit and the Wings aren’t willing to retain salary.

Garrioch also wondered if the Senators might claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He pointed out that general manager Steve Staios has a long history with the 23-year-old winger as they won the 2018 OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out after the noon ET deadline on Monday. Kaliyev had a promising rookie season with the Kings in 2021-22 but struggled afterward to maintain a regular roster spot. He fractured his clavicle on Oct. 6 and only recently came off injured reserve.

SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE EASTON COWAN?

YARDBARKER: Nick Matthews of Maple Leafs Daily cited former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro suggesting the Leafs should trade top prospect Easton Cowan following his disappointing performance for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors.

“Contrary to what a lot of folks are saying, (Cowan) still has a lot of value. But Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs should give up on Cowan because of a couple of bad weeks at the WJC.

“I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. “Number two, I think it’s bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Friedman. The Leafs are already near the bottom third with their prospect pipeline. Cowan is among the few prospects they have with the skills to become an NHL player. They’re in win-now mode but must maintain an eye on the future.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

by | Dec 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 30, 2024

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby breaks a franchise record, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reaches a career milestone, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moves closer to Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected his 1,034th regular-season assist, passing Mario Lemieux for the most in franchise history in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. Michael Bunting and Philip Tomasino each had two points for the Penguins as they’re 4-2-0 in their last six games. Anders Lee and Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who’ve dropped four of their last six contests.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What a difference a month has made for the Penguins. They were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings just after American Thanksgiving and seemed to be fading fast. Today, they’re one point out of the final wild-card berth. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was a late scratch from this game with a lower-body injury.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist to reach his 1,300th career regular-season point as his club doubled up the Washington Capitals 4-2. Lucas Raymond also had a goal and an assist while Alex DeBrincat tallied twice as the Wings got their first win under new head coach Todd McLellan. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored to reach his 870th regular-season goal, putting him 25 away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in league history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals center Lars Eller returned to action after an illness sidelined him for four games.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov made 31 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames. Brett Howden, Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson scored for Vegas, who’ve won six straight and sit atop the overall standings with 53 points. Dan Vladar stopped 34 shots for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ points streak ended at five games (3-0-2).

The Anaheim Ducks scored four unanswered goals to upset the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. Cutter Gauthier, Robby Fabbri and Mason McTavish each had a goal and an assist as the Ducks collected their second win in their last five games. Leon Draisaitl scored twice and Connor McDavid had two assists for the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks forward Brock McGinn missed this contest with a lower-body injury. He’s been placed on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Josh Norris and Claude Giroux gave the Ottawa Senators a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Leevi Merilainen stopped 30 shots as the Senators snapped a two-game losing skid to hold onto the final Eastern wild-card berth with 40 points. Wild forward Frederick Gaudreau scored his club’s only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild got some good news as Joel Eriksson Ek returned to action after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury. However, superstar Kirill Kaprizov missed his second straight game with what’s been called a minor lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans scored to extend his goal streak to five games in a 5-2 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Joel Armia had a goal and an assist, Alexandre Carrier collected two helpers, and Brendan Gallagher netted his 10th of the season for the Canadiens. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel scored for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have won four of their last six (35 points), sitting five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Speaking of the Habs, goalie Cayden Primeau cleared waivers and was sent to their AHL affiliate in Laval. Meanwhile, Lightning winger Jake Guentzel missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Los Angeles Kings nipped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 on two third-period goals by captain Anze Kopitar. Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist and Kevin Fiala tallied his 14th of the season as the Kings picked up their seventh straight home victory. Flyers forwards Scott Laughton and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov was benched in the third period of his previous game but responded well with a better showing in this contest.

Five unanswered goals powered the Dallas Stars over the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene each had a goal and two assists as the Stars (43 points) hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth. Connor Bedard scored his 10th of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi received a game misconduct for elbowing Stars center Colin Blackwell. Reports indicate the league will fine the Stars for violating a CBA rule prohibiting on-ice activities and travel on specified dates during the Christmas holiday break. The team held an “optional practice” on Dec. 26.

The Buffalo Sabres collected their third straight win with a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kicked out 35 shots while Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist each. The Blues got goals from Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2024

by | Dec 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 29, 2024

Alex Ovechkin scores in his return from injury, a milestone game for Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Predators and Avalanche make a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continued to pursue Wayne Gretzky’s goal record by scoring an empty-netter for career goal 869 in a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ovechkin returned to action after missing 16 games with a fractured left fibula. Jakob Chychrun and Andrew Mangiapane each had a goal and an assist and Logan Thompson stopped 35 shots for the win. John Tavares and Bobby McMann replied for the Leafs.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin extended his league record for empty-net goals to 60, four more than Gretzky. The Washington captain needs 26 goals to break The Great One’s record. Meanwhile, the Capitals (50 points) sit one point behind the Eastern Conference-leading New Jersey Devils.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour became the fastest NHL coach to reach 300 regular-season wins as his club defeated the Devils 5-2. Brind’Amour achieved the feat in 488 games (300-143-45) thanks to Jack Roslovic scoring twice and setting up another while Seth Jarvis collected three assists. Paul Cotter and Ondrej Palat were the Devils’ scorers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils forward Timo Meier received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, who hobbled off the ice but would return to finish the game. Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere missed this game with an upper-body injury and was replaced by call-up Ty Smith.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes turned in a 34-save shutout in his first NHL game in a 4-0 upset of the Florida Panthers. Kirby Dach tallied twice, Jake Evans netted a shorthanded goal and Cole Caufield potted his 18th of the season for the Canadiens, who’ve gone 11-8-1 over their last 20 games. Spencer Knight stopped 21 shots for the Panthers as their four-game win streak ended.

Three unanswered third-period goals set the stage for Vince Dunn’s overtime winner as the Seattle Kraken overcame a 4-1 deficit to upset the Vancouver Canucks 5-4. Dunn finished the game with two goals and an assist and teammate Jaden Schwartz also tallied twice for the Kraken as they ended a five-game losing skid. Brock Boeser scored twice while fellow Canucks forwards Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk also found the back of the net.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson missed this game due to injuries but they’re not expected to be out of action for long. Vancouver starter Thatcher Demko looked rusty as he continues to work his way back into game form after missing most of the season recovering from a knee injury.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to lead his team over the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Former Oiler Warren Foegele tallied his 10th of the season as he and Byfield each finished with three points to give the Kings their first win in three games. Kasperi Kapanen, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and former King Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Oilers as their three-game win streak was snapped.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings placed forward Trevor Moore on injured reserve. They recalled forward Arthur Kaliyev from his AHL conditioning stint but he didn’t play in this game.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman turned aside 18 shots to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. Morgan Geekie had a goal and an assist and David Pastrnak netted his 13th of the season as the Bruins improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven. Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves in his first game since Dec. 5 as his Blue Jackets saw their two-game win streak end.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the loss the Blue Jackets (36 points) are just two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. The Bruins called up forward Fabian Lysell, who was held scoreless in his NHL debut.

The Winnipeg Jets overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele each scored their 22nd goal of the season, Nikolaj Ehlers collected three points and Connor Hellebuyck kicked out 33 shots as the Jets sit first overall with 53 points. Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig scored for the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators had to rely on the goalie tandem of Mads Sogaard and Leevi Marilainen with their regular netminders Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg sidelined by injuries. Soggard was the starter in this game with Marilainen expected to start on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild.

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point each had a goal and two assists in a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 42 shots as the Lightning have won eight of their last 10 games. Vincent Trocheck had a goal and an assist for the struggling Rangers as they pulled goalie Igor Shesterkin after he gave up five goals on 13 shots. The Blueshirts have just two wins in their last 10 contests.

The New York Islanders defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3. Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee each scored two goals for the Islanders while Rickard Rakell had a goal and an assist for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders head coach Patrick Roy demoted rookie forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the fourth line during this game, citing two penalties and several turnovers committed by the winger.

Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau tallied twice and Nazem Kadri collected two assists to defeat the San Jose Sharks 3-1. Mikael Backlund also scored for the Flames while Dustin Wolf got the win with a 21-save effort. Sharks netminder Yaroslav Askarov stopped 30 shots while fellow rookie Macklin Celebrini scored his 12th of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win moves the Flames into a tie with the Dallas Stars but the latter holds the final Western Conference wild-card spot with a game in hand and 20 wins to the Flames 17. Sharks forward Carl Grundstrom left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, it was revealed that Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek suffered a fractured cheekbone earlier this month and is week to week.

Philadelphia Flyers forward winger Noah Cates scored to extend his goal streak to five games in a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee also scored for the Flyers as Samuel Ersson made 32 saves for the win. Troy Terry replied for the Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Nashville Predators traded forward Juuso Parsinen and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for minor-league forward Ondrej Pavel and a 2026 third-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second trade between these two clubs. They recently swapped goaltenders with the Predators shipping Scott Wedgewood to the Avalanche for Justus Annunen.

Parsinen, 23, had a promising start to his NHL career in 2022-23 with 25 points in 45 games but struggled to earn a regular roster spot with the Predators. The Avalanche hope the 6’3”, 212-pounder can provide depth to their center position.

ROTOWIRE: Speaking of the Avalanche, defenseman Oliver Kylington is listed as month-to-month with an upper-body injury.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS/THE ATHLETIC: It’s been a difficult month for the Dallas Stars.

It was reported yesterday that sidelined center Tyler Seguin’s home was broken into earlier this season. They also learned yesterday that forward Mason Marchment is week-to-week after suffering a “gruesome” facial injury during their 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

The NHL is also investigating the Stars for a potential CBA violation for staging an “optional skate” on Dec. 26 during the league’s holiday break.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 22, 2024

by | Dec 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 22, 2024

Check out the recaps of Saturday’s action and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 19 saves for his league-leading fourth shutout of the season to blank the Minnesota Wild 5-0. Cole Perfetti had a goal and two assists as the Jets sat atop the overall standings with 49 points. It’s the fourth straight loss for the Wild.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck tied Jonathan Quick and Tim Thomas for the most shutouts in one calendar year by an American NHL goaltender.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand scored to extend his points streak to nine games in a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Charlie Coyle and Morgan Geekie also scored for the Bruins, who hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 38 points. JJ Peterka replied for the Sabres, who are winless in 13 straight games (0-10-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for the Sabres’ hopes of reaching the playoffs. Stick a fork in ’em, they’re done. What a waste.

The New York Islanders upset the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3. Bo Horvat led the way with a goal and two assists and Anthony Duclair had an assist in his return to action after missing 28 games with a leg injury. William Nylander scored twice for the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs captain Auston Matthews missed this game as his status remains uncertain after re-aggravating the upper-body injury that sidelined him for nine games in November. Meanwhile, the Leafs sent goaltender Matt Murray back to their AHL affiliate and recalled Dennis Hildeby to back up Joseph Woll.

An overtime goal by Leon Draisaitl lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Connor McDavid collected two assists as the Oilers have won seven of their last eight games. Rookie goalie Yaroslav Askarov kicked out 38 shots for the Sharks as they’ve dropped seven of their last eight (1-6-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl moved into second place in the NHL scoring race with 51 points, four behind Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson scored 15 seconds into overtime to beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in an entertaining back-and-forth contest. Shane Pinto scored twice and collected an assist for the Senators as they picked up their sixth straight victory, winning eight of their last nine games. Quinn Hughes had a goal and two assists and Brock Boeser tallied two goals for the Canucks, who’ve dropped three straight (0-1-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators (38 points) hold a three-point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Canucks (39 points) hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Speaking of the Penguins, they were blanked 3-0 by the New Jersey Devils. Nico Hischier had a goal and two assists while Jacob Markstrom only had to make 12 saves for the shutout. Tristan Jarry stopped 25 shots for the Penguins. The Devils sit first in the Eastern Conference with 47 points, two back of the league-leading Jets.

The Vegas Golden Knights picked up their seventh win in their last eight games with a 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone had a goal and two assists as his club sits in first place in the Pacific Division with 47 points, two behind the league-leading Jets.

Nashville Predators defenseman Nick Blankenburg scored in overtime to nip the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Predators winger Filip Forsberg had two assists while captain Roman Josi collected an assist in his return to a lineup after missing four games with a lower-body injury. Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere scored as the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit to force OT.

Calgary Flames forwards Jonathan Huberdeau, Blake Coleman, Matt Coronato and Connor Zary each had a goal and an assist to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4. The win pushed the Flames (39 points) into the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Blackhawks forwards Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi finished the night with three points each.

The Montreal Canadiens picked up their third straight win by downing the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 to sweep their home-and-home series. Patrik Laine scored his eighth straight power-play goal while Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson each collected two assists. Joe Veleno tallied the Wings’ only goal as they dropped their third straight game.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Owen Tippett scored in overtime and collected three assists in regulation in a 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Travis Konecny had three assists and Morgan Frost tallied two goals for the Flyers to snap their three-game losing skid. Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov collected two assists.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe was offered an in-person hearing by the league’s department of player safety for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during Friday’s game between the two clubs.

The hearing will take place over Zoom on Sunday. Rempe could face a suspension of six games or more.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL players Sam Gagner, Josh Jooris and Matt Irwin will be part of Canada’s roster for the upcoming Spengler Cup tournament in Davos, Switzerland. Canada has won the tournament a record 16 times but hasn’t taken home the title since 2019.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Christmas holidays are the most wonderful time of the year for international tournaments with the Spengler Cup and the World Junior Championships.

MLIVE.COM: Long-time Detroit sports broadcaster John Keating announced his intention to retire at the end of the Red Wings season. He’s covered the Red Wings and MLB’s Detroit Tigers since 1997.