NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2026

by | Aug 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 5, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond, Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Travis Jost believes the conditions are right for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews to get back on track in the scoring race.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Matthews tallied 368 goals during his first eight NHL seasons, including a career-high 69 goals in 2023-24. That prompted some observers to suggest that he could one day challenge Alex Ovechkin’s goal-scoring record. However, injuries over the last two seasons and the departure of play-making winger Mitch Marner have hindered his production.

Jost believes Matthews could regain his high-scoring form if he’s returned to full health this season. He’ll also have credible options on his wing such as Matthew Knies, William Nylander, or promising rookie Gavin McKenna.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews’ performance this season will play the most crucial role in the Maple Leafs’ bounce-back plans. Assuming he’s healthy, he will also be motivated to silence his critics this season by leading the Leafs back to playoff contention.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Max Smith noted that Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond’s development as a scoring winger has garnered attention around the league. The 24-year-old Raymond was among the youngest players on NHL Network’s recent ranking of the top-20 wingers in the league.

Raymond’s steady improvement has Smith believing the winger has the opportunity to rise further up that ranking this season. He’s tallied 25-plus goals in each of the last three seasons, with two of those seasons having a rookie as a linemate on the opposite wing. Patrick Kane’s departure could see Alex DeBrincat moved up to the top line alongside Raymond.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Red Wings’ current upheavals, it’ll be interesting to see how Raymond adjusts to potential roster changes. His production could be affected by the potential departure of Dylan Larkin if the Red Wings honor the latter’s trade request.

NHL.COM/CALGARY SUN: Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf faces a critical season. After a promising rookie performance in 2024-25, he struggled during his sophomore campaign.

Derek Van Diest wondered if Wolf can have a strong 2026-27 season, noting he’s entering the first season of a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.5 million. Meanwhile, Kent Wilson mused about whether Wolf, who recently turned 25, might be too far ahead of his younger teammates on the rebuilding Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given his long-term contract, the Flames are fully invested in Wolf as their starter. He’s become a critical piece of their rebuilding program.

The emergence of Devin Cooley last season as Wolf’s backup should lighten the latter’s workload, taking some pressure off his shoulders. Nevertheless, they’ll need Wolf to be at his best if they’re to make significant strides this season.

AWFUL ANNOUNCING: The Columbus Blue Jackets’ elimination of their radio broadcast and the departure of Jackets Insider Jeff Svoboda has raised concerns among some fans about the club’s future.

The recent changes came on the heels of a season of turmoil, including a mid-season coaching change and missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year. That was followed by trade rumors involving Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski and scoring winger Kirill Marchenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets’ woes also had some observers wondering if relocation might be in the offing, with some comparing the club’s current plight to that of the woeful Arizona Coyotes, who were sold and relocated to Utah two years ago. However, there is no indication that ownership is looking to sell or move the franchise.

Nevertheless, the Blue Jackets are plagued by some troubling issues. They’ve only reached the playoffs six times in their 25-season history, advancing to the second round of the postseason only once. They’ve had difficulty retaining their best players, and while their attendance has remained steady since 2016-17 (averaging 16, 589), they’ve remained below Nationwide Arena’s capacity of 18,500.

If these issues persist, the prospect of relocation could become a legitimate concern.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Former San Jose Sharks superstar Joe Thornton will be inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Thornton spent 14 of his 24-season NHL career with the Sharks, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2005-06.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2025

by | Nov 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 11, 2025

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

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

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

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

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

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

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

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

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

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

HEADLINES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers winger Zach Hyman, Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, Canadiens center Nick Suzuki, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Zach Hyman isn’t sure if he’ll be ready for the start of the Edmonton Oilers’ regular season on Oct. 8.

The 33-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger suffered a dislocated wrist in Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference Final. He underwent surgery in May, spending the past three months recovering.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

“Will I be ready for the start of the season? I don’t know. But I’m on the right track, which is good,” Hyman said. He indicated he’ll have one more meeting soon with his surgeon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman is among the Oilers’ scoring leaders. Having him healthy and productive will be key to their Stanley Cup hopes this season.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports the New Jersey Devils and Luke Hughes remain apart on a new contract. The 21-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival team.

The Devils seek an eight-year contract or a two-year bridge deal. Hughes’ representatives want a five-year contract, ending the same time as Jack Hughes, his brother and teammate, ensuring both would be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status at the end of the 2029-30 season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also seek an average annual value of over $8 million on his new contract. The Devils currently have just over $6 million in cap space, which would require a cost-cutting trade before the start of the regular season. That would explain why veteran Dougie Hamilton surfaced in the rumor mill this summer.

TVA SPORTS: Team Canada assistant general manager Julien BriseBois explained why Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki wasn’t chosen for Canada’s roster in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

It was speculated that Suzuki was passed over because he didn’t play for Canada in the 2024 World Championship. BriseBois denied this, saying they knew he was a good player and had followed his performance closely last fall.

“We’re here to win, not to play politics,” BriseBois said. “We’re going to select the players who give us the best chance of winning the gold medal.”

Suzuki was among the 42 players invited to attend Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, held last week in Calgary. BriseBois stated that it was because he’s a player whose performance will be highly scrutinized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Their roster decisions panned out in the 4 Nations. Canada won that tournament with a thrilling overtime victory over the United States in the gold medal game.

RG.ORG: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell indicated earlier this week that he would be meeting soon with Adam Fantelli’s agent to discuss a contract extension. The 20-year-old center is slated to become a restricted free agent without arbitration rights next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantelli is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He had a promising sophomore campaign in 2024-25, scoring 31 goals and accumulating 54 points. Fantilli also filled in as the Jackets’ first-line center after a wrist injury sidelined Sean Monahan.

Speaking of Monahan, Waddell indicated that he and captain Boone Jenner had fully recovered from last season’s injuries and are ready to go this season.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW/NESN: Panthers CEO Matt Caldwell is leaving the team to become the new CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ chief revenue officer, Shawn Thornton, is departing to join the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks as senior vice president and chief partnership officer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, that’s the same Shawn Thornton who spent 14 seasons in the NHL (2002-03 to 2016-17) as a physical checking-line forward and enforcer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

by | Jul 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

The latest on Mika Zibanejad and Sidney Crosby, the Sharks hire Joe Thornton in a development role, and the latest contract signings in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Where Mika Zibanejad plays under new head coach Mike Sullivan could determine the outcome of the 2025-26 season for the Rangers.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Zibanejad struggled while playing at center for most of 2024-25. The 14-year NHL veteran’s performance improved when shifted to right wing alongside J.T. Miller late in the season. He was also employed as a right winger while playing for Sweden during the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant improvement by Zibanejad at center, it likely won’t take Sullivan long to determine which position the 32-year-old is best suited for in the coming season.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a hand in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ hiring of their new head equipment manager.

Paul DeFazio spent over 25 years in the Penguins’ organization. Crosby’s endorsement helped him land the job with Columbus. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas also backed DeFazio’s application.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly doesn’t hurt to have Crosby and Dubas as recommendations on your job application. Classy move by the Penguins captain to help out his former equipment manager.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of hirings, the San Jose Sharks have brought in former star Joe Thornton as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton played 15 of his 24-season NHL career with the Sharks. He’s their single-season leader with 92 assists and 114 points, and their all-time leader with 804 assists. Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Utah Mammoth have brought back forward Michael Carcone, signing him to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

Speaking of the Sharks, they signed defenseman Jack Thompson earlier this week to a one-year, two-way deal worth $800,000 at the NHL level.

The Carolina Hurricanes inked forward Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour, 25, is the son of Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour. He played two games with the Hurricanes last season, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate in Chicago.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Anton Frondell to a three-year entry-level contract. Chosen third overall in this year’s draft, the 18-year-old Frondell is expected to spend this season with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year entry-level deal. He was chosen ninth overall in this year’s draft.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, updates on Connor McDavid and Jonathan Marchessault, the Islanders won’t part with the 2025 first-overall draft pick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Hockey Hall of Fame will induct former NHL stars Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton in a ceremony in November.

Former Canadian women’s national team forward Jennifer Botterill and former United States women’s national team forward Brianna Decker will also be inducted into the players’ category.

Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith & Alexander Mogilny are part of the HHoF Class of 2025.(NHL.com)

Former Boston University coach Jack Parker and former Canadian women’s hockey coach, general manager and consultant Daniele Sauvageau will be inducted into the builders’ category.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the inductees for this well-deserved honor.

Regarding the NHLers, Chara was one of the dominant defensemen of his era. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and was a six-time finalist. Chara captained the Boston Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup. He is seventh all-time in games played (1,608) with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals.

Keith was one of the greatest players in Chicago Blackhawks history, helping them win three Stanley Cups between 2009-10 and 2014-15. He was a two-time Norris Trophy winner (2009-10, 2013-14), took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015, and won Olympic gold playing for Canada in 2010 and 2014.

Mogilny was finally inducted after 16 years of eligibility. Defecting from the Soviet Union in 1989 to play in the NHL, he had 1,032 points in 990 regular-season games (including a career-high 76 goals in 1992-93) with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 1999-2000 and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2002-03.

Thornton was among the greatest playmakers in NHL history, sitting seventh overall with 1,109 assists and 14th with 1,539 points. He’s also sixth in games-played (1,714) with the Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Thornton won the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2005-06.

TSN: Former Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron and former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price are among those who could be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame next year. It will be Bergeron’s first year of eligibility and Price’s second.

It will also be the first year of eligibility for forwards Phil Kessel and Eric Staal. Patrick Marleau, Henrik Zetterberg and Ryan Getzlaf join Price among the recently eligible. Other potential candidates include Rod Brind’Amour, Sergei Gonchar, Jason Spezza, Curtis Joseph, Keith Tkachuk and Ryan Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans were surprised that Price wasn’t inducted into this year’s class. In my opinion, Chara, Keith, and Thornton were more deserving candidates, and Mogilny had been passed over for far too long.

Price stands a good chance of induction in 2026. Given the longstanding rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, it would be fitting if he and Bergeron joined the Hall in the same year.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman and CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson travelled to Ontario to meet with Connor McDavid’s agent, Jeff Moldaver, on Tuesday. The meeting was intended to discuss the broader directions of the organization rather than focusing on contract numbers.

McDavid has a year left on his contract with a salary-cap hit of $12.5 million and will become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have understandably made signing McDavid to an extension their top issue this summer. They’re also giving their captain some time to decide when he wants to start those discussions.

McDavid made it clear following the 2025 Stanley Cup Final that winning the Cup is his priority. He’ll want to know how the Oilers intend to remain a Cup contender before agreeing to an extension. The fact that management is already meeting with his agent is a positive step.

NASHVILLE POST: Predators GM Barry Trotz said there is no substance to recent rumors suggesting he’s trying to trade Jonathan Marchessault. He confirmed that all was good with the winger’s camp, saying the veteran winger will return with the Predators next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was one of three major free-agent signings by Trotz last summer. His production dropped with the struggling Predators this season, prompting speculation that he might welcome a trade.

THE TENNESSEAN: Speaking of the Predators, they hired former Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant coach. He replaces Todd Richards, who won’t be returning with the organization.

THE SCORE: New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said he has no intention of trading the first-overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft, but Darche declined to tip his hand on who he’ll select.

NEW YORK POST: Darche admitted that trading for a second first-rounder in this draft is a possibility. The dream scenario for Islanders fans is their club selects Schaefer and somehow acquires another high first-round pick to use toward drafting center (and Long Island native) James Hagens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be quite the coup if Darche can pull that off.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Islanders, long-time forward Matt Martin hung up his skates and moved into the front office as a special assistant to Darche. He played in 987 regular-season games over 15 seasons with the Islanders and the Maple Leafs, 13 of those with the Isles, finishing with 178 points.

NEW YORK POST: The New York Rangers will send their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall) to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They had included that pick (top-13 protected) as part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. The Canucks subsequenty flipped it to the Penguins as part of the return for defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

Mollie Walker reports that next year’s draft class is considered to have a much deeper pool of talent. It would also have more value in the 2026 trade deadline if the Rangers attempt to upgrade for next year’s playoffs.

THE PROVINCE: The Dallas Stars could be eyeing Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra to fill their vacant head-coaching position. Malhotra guided the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate to the 2025 Calder Cup.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Inspired by their previous Winter Classic jerseys, the Blues unveiled their new uniforms and primary logo.

THE ATHLETIC: Nationwide Arena owners are planning $400 million in upgrades to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 25-year-old home.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2024

by | Nov 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2024

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby nets his 600th career goal, Avalanche stars Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar each reach the 30-point mark, the Sharks retire Joe Thornton’s number, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**UPDATE**

The St. Louis Blues fired head coach Drew Bannister and replaced him with former Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, signing him to a five-year contract.

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored his 600th career goal during a 6-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Dylan Guenther scored twice and collected an assist while Clayton Keller had three assists for Utah, snapping their three-game losing streak. The Penguins have dropped eight of their last 10 contests (2-5-3).

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby became the 21st player in league history to reach the 600-goal plateau. That goal was the only highlight in an otherwise lopsided loss for the struggling Penguins as they hover near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and four assists in a 7-4 victory over the Florida Panthers. Cale Makar had two assists, Jonathan Drouin scored twice, and Valeri Nichushkin had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche, who’ve won seven of their last nine games. Florida forward Sam Reinhart scored his 16th goal of the season, tying the Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl for the league lead. The Panthers have lost five of their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen has 32 points and Makar 30, joining teammate Nathan MacKinnon (35 points) to make the Avalanche the first team with three players reaching 30 points at this stage of the season since the 2005-06 Ottawa Senators.

Speaking of the Oilers and Draisaitl, they thumped the New York Rangers 6-2. Draisaitl tallied his 16th of the season and collected an assist while Connor McDavid scored twice and added an assist. Rangers winger Artemi Panarin scored both of his club’s goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse scored a goal as he returned to action after missing three games following a violent hit to his head from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves.

The Buffalo Sabres doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2 as Alex Tuch broke a 2-2 tie with a shorthanded goal in the third period. Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram each collected two points as their club picked up their third straight victory. Fabian Zetterlund and Luke Kunin replied for the Sharks, who are winless in six of their last seven (1-3-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks retired future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thornton’s No. 19 in a pregame ceremony, joining Patrick Marleau as the only players to be so honored. He’s the franchise leader with 804 assists, second in points with 1,055, and third in games with 1,104.

The most touching moment of the ceremony was when former Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray told the story of how Thornton asked him one day to help him move a homeless mother and her two children into a local apartment, swearing Murray to secrecy. “That’s who the Thorntons are,” said Murray.

The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 and lost goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov early in overtime to an upper-body injury following a collision with teammate Sean Walker. Sean Monahan got the game-winner in the shootout after Kirill Marchenko tied the game 4-4 late in the third period, giving the Blue Jackets their third straight victory. Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas each had two points for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour addressed Kochetkov’s injury during his postgame interview, saying it didn’t look good but would learn more later about the goalie’s condition. The Hurricanes are already short a netminder with Frederik Andersen sidelined until January following knee surgery.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov’s overtime goal lifted his club to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sean Couturier and Noah Cates scored as the Flyers overcame a 2-0 deficit, snapping a two-game losing skid. Lukas Reichel and Pat Maroon were the goalscorers for the Blackhawks, who’ve dropped six of their last eight (2-5-1).

The Calgary Flames nipped the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on a shootout goal by Rasmus Andersson. Calgary had taken a 3-1 lead but the Wild rallied late in the third on goals by Brock Faber and Marco Rossi. The Flames have won four straight and five of their last six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Marat Khusnutdinov missed this game with lower-body injuries. Kaprizov will be reevaluated when the Wild return to Minnesota on Sunday.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar picked up two assists as his club held off the Seattle Kraken 2-1, handing the latter their fifth straight road loss. Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield scored for the Kings while Brandon Montour replied for the Kraken.

A five-goal second period carried the Vegas Golden Knights to a 6-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev each had a goal and two assists for the Golden Knights to hold first place in the Pacific Division with 28 points. Brendan Gallagher had two assists for the Canadiens, who pulled goalie Sam Montembeault after he gave up five goals on 25 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights activated defenseman Nicolas Hague off injured reserve for this game. He’d been sidelined for three weeks with an undisclosed injury.

Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk scored twice and added an assist as his club beat the Ottawa Senators 4-3, handing the latter their fifth straight loss (0-4-1). Kevin Lankinen turned aside 26 shots for the Canucks as they collected their third win in their last seven games. Claude Giroux and Drake Batherson each had two points for the struggling Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was ejected from the game in the first period after receiving a match penalty for cross-checking Senators forward Josh Norris face-first into the boards. Norris briefly left the game to receive treatment for a cut to his face. It was Hughes’ first career major penalty.

The Boston Bruins collected their second straight win under new head coach Joe Sacco with a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Brad Marchand snapped a 1-1 tie midway through the third period and Jeremy Swayman stopped 19 shots for the win. Lucas Raymond replied for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin picked up his 300th career assist on Raymond’s goal.

Third-period goals by Matt Duchene and Roope Hintz lifted the Dallas Stars over the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2, giving the Stars franchise its 2,000th win. Duchene finished with two points and Jake Oettinger made 27 saves as the Stars have won five of their last six games. Lightning center Anthony Cirelli scored both of his club’s goals.

The New Jersey Devils picked up their fourth win in their last five games by downing the Washington Capitals 3-2. Tomas Tatar had a goal and an assist and Jake Allen turned aside 24 shots for the Devils. Matt Roy and Connor McMichael replied for the Capitals, who dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those losses coincide with the absence of team captain Alex Ovechkin, who leads the club with 15 goals but is sidelined up to six weeks with a fractured left fibula.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Roman Josi lifted the Nashville Predators past the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. Josi scored twice and Marchessault collected two points as the Predators picked up their third win in their last 10 games (3-5-2). Adam Lowry scored for the Jets, who lost defenseman Dylan Samberg with a broken foot after blocking a Stamkos slapshot in the second period.

The New York Islanders snapped a three-game losing skid with a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Brock Nelson had a goal and two assists, Kyle Palmieri tallied twice and Ilya Sorokin made 24 saves for the win. Jake Neighbours replied for the Blues.