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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, March 11

Sidney Crosby Nears Return After Morning Skate Participation

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Sidney Crosby is nearing a return to the lineup after participating in the Pittsburgh Penguins' morning skate. The captain is entering his fourth week of recovery from an injury. In his absence, the Penguins have maintained a 3-2-3 record, relying on team resiliency and strong performances from players like Bryan Rust and Stuart Skinner to stay afloat in the standings. The team continues to monitor his status as they prepare for upcoming games.

Mika Zibanejad Records Two Assists in Win Over Calgary

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Mika Zibanejad tallied two assists and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 4-0 victory against Calgary. His performance included a power-play helper on the first of Alexis Lafreniere's three goals. Zibanejad now has 61 points (34 assists) through 63 games this season. Over his last six appearances, the 32-year-old center has recorded five helpers and nine points, continuing to lead the Rangers' offense following the departure of Artemi Panarin.

Alexis Lafreniere Nets Hat Trick in 4-0 Win Over Calgary

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Lafreniere dominated Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Calgary, recording a hat trick and three shots on net. The 24-year-old winger has been surging since the Olympic break, tallying six goals and 10 points over his last seven games. His season totals now sit at 18 goals and 42 points through 64 games. With 125 shots, 79 hits, and 39 blocked shots, Lafreniere is nearing his career-high of 57 points and remains a high-value fantasy asset due to his consistent offensive production.

Nylander Scores in Maple Leafs' Eighth Consecutive Loss

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William Nylander provided the lone goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 3-1 defeat against the Montreal Canadiens, marking the team's eighth straight loss. Nylander connected on a give-and-go with rookie Easton Cowan, but the club continues to struggle with offensive finish, averaging only 1.875 goals during their current 0-6-2 skid. Nylander noted that the team is failing to play a full 60 minutes of consistent hockey, a trend that has left the Leafs 13 points out of a playoff spot.

Tuesday, March 10

Matthew Schaefer Evaluated as Elite Franchise Cornerstone

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Matthew Schaefer was compared to Macklin Celebrini in a poll of over two dozen NHL coaches, scouts, and executives regarding who they would select to build a franchise around. While Celebrini won the poll 21-5, Schaefer received significant praise for his offensive creativity, defensive responsibility, and competitive nature. Islanders coach Patrick Roy highlighted Schaefer's impressive work ethic, while some scouts noted that elite defensemen are harder to find than centers.

Macklin Celebrini Hits 90-Point Milestone and Wins Franchise Face Poll

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Macklin Celebrini reached 90 points in 62 games after scoring his 33rd goal in a 6-3 loss to Buffalo, becoming the third-fastest teenager to hit the mark. He is currently on a six-game point streak with five goals and four assists. Additionally, a survey of over two dozen NHL coaches, scouts, and executives saw Celebrini defeat Matthew Schaefer 21-5 in a poll to determine who they would choose to start an NHL franchise, with voters citing his elite two-way center play and leadership.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Nets Two Goals in Oilers' 4-3 Victory

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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins powered the Oilers to a 4-3 win over Colorado with two goals, including one on the power play. The 32-year-old now has 17 goals and 50 points through 56 games this season, already surpassing his 49-point output from last year. With three goals in his last four games, Nugent-Hopkins is trending toward the 20-goal and 60-point marks as Edmonton continues its recent surge, having won four of its last six contests.

Brayden Schenn Receives Emotional Tribute in Return to St. Louis

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In his return to St. Louis following his trade to the Islanders, Brayden Schenn was honored with a tribute video and a standing ovation from 18,096 fans. The 34-year-old veteran, who played 650 games for the Blues, logged 17:26 of ice time and recorded a primary assist on the overtime winner in a 4-3 victory. Schenn has begun mentoring rookie Calum Ritchie and is now adjusting to his new role with the Islanders as he transitions from his nine-year tenure in St. Louis.

Nathan MacKinnon Ejected for Goalie Interference in Loss

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Nathan MacKinnon was assessed a game misconduct for goalie interference during Colorado's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. The Avalanche organization expressed strong disagreement with the officials' decision to eject the star center from the contest.

Theo Lindstein Records Assist in Successful NHL Debut

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2023 first-round pick Theo Lindstein impressed in his NHL debut for the Blues, recording an assist and finishing plus-1 in 13:39 of ice time during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders. Playing alongside Colton Parayko, the 21-year-old defenseman displayed strong skating and poise, drawing praise from coach Jim Montgomery. Lindstein was one of three 2023 first-round picks in the lineup, but the only one to register a point in his first game.

Rookie Ryan Ufko Scores First NHL Goal in Predators Win

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Rookie Ryan Ufko netted his first career NHL goal to break a 2-2 tie and propel the Nashville Predators to a 4-2 comeback victory over the Seattle Kraken. Ufko, who has two points in three games since joining the Predators, showcased his skill by deking a defender before scoring. The win provides a critical boost for Nashville's wild-card playoff aspirations. Ufko previously recorded 44 points in 50 games with Milwaukee in the AHL this season.

Joey Daccord Struggles in 4-2 Loss to Predators

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Joey Daccord finished with 23 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Daccord, who was set to start following a difficult outing against Ottawa where he allowed seven goals on 37 shots, faced a Nashville offense that erased a 2-0 Seattle lead. Prior to his recent struggles, Daccord had been in good form, allowing only six goals over three appearances. The Kraken have now lost five of their last seven games as they cling to a wild-card playoff spot.

Rasmus Dahlin Extends Point Streak in 40th Win

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Captain Rasmus Dahlin recorded three assists in Tuesday's 6-3 win over San Jose, marking his third consecutive game with a point. During this seven-point streak, he has added five penalty minutes and four shots. Dahlin now has 60 points in 61 games, putting him on pace to challenge his career-high of 73 points set in 2022-23. His leadership and playmaking were instrumental as the Sabres secured their 40th win of the season, maintaining their momentum in the playoff race.

Leon Draisaitl Records Two Assists in Oilers Victory

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Leon Draisaitl tallied his 59th and 60th assists of the season in the Edmonton Oilers' 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. His second assist of the night set up Connor McDavid for the game-winning power-play goal with 10:57 remaining in the third period. Draisaitl remains a central figure in the Oilers' offense, contributing significantly to a power play that capitalized twice against a top-tier Colorado penalty-killing unit.

Connor McDavid Nets Power-Play Winner Against Avalanche

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Connor McDavid scored his 36th goal of the season and added an assist to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. His game-winning goal came on a power-play snap shot with 10:57 remaining in the third period. McDavid, who leads the league with 43 power-play points, continues to be a dominant offensive force, having recorded multiple points in five of his last six games. The win marks Edmonton's fourth victory in their last six outings.

Jack Quinn Explodes for First NHL Hat Trick in 6-3 Win

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Jack Quinn powered the Sabres to a 6-3 victory over the Sharks with his first career NHL hat trick and a four-point performance. Ending a 12-game goal drought, Quinn's offensive outburst was central to Buffalo's eighth straight win. With 15 goals and 28 assists in 65 games, he is on pace for a career-best 55 points. Teammates praised his work ethic and unique shooting ability as the Sabres continue their strong push for a postseason spot, currently holding a 40-19-6 record.

Connor Ingram Sidelined with Upper-Body Injury After Collision

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Connor Ingram will not return to Tuesday's game against the Avalanche after suffering an upper-body injury during a collision in the crease. The incident resulted in a major penalty and game misconduct for Nathan MacKinnon. Prior to his exit, Ingram allowed two goals on 17 shots. With Ingram sidelined, the Oilers face a difficult stretch, as Tristan Jarry is expected to take over the starting goaltending duties for the remainder of the team's road trip.

McAvoy Scores OT Winner After Suffering Mouth Injury

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Charlie McAvoy scored 39 seconds into overtime to secure a 2-1 win over the Kings, extending Boston's home winning streak to 13 games. McAvoy briefly left the game in the second period after taking a puck to the mouth and being hit into the glass, requiring dental work. Despite the injury, he returned to net the backhand game-winner. A nine-year veteran and U.S. Olympian, McAvoy continues to play a critical role as an alternate captain for the Bruins.

Kiefer Sherwood Finds Net in Sharks' 6-3 Defeat

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Kiefer Sherwood scored for the San Jose Sharks in a 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. The Sharks, who opened a five-game road trip, are currently chasing a playoff spot in the Western Conference, sitting one point behind Seattle. Despite goals from Sherwood, Alexander Wennberg, and Macklin Celebrini, the team could not overcome the Sabres' eight-game winning streak.

Alexander Wennberg Scores in 6-3 Loss to Sabres

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Alexander Wennberg scored for the San Jose Sharks in their 6-3 road loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The defeat opened a five-game road trip for the Sharks, who currently sit one point behind eighth-place Seattle in the Western Conference standings. Despite the loss, the Sharks saw contributions from Wennberg, Macklin Celebrini, and Kiefer Sherwood, but were unable to overcome the Sabres' offensive momentum.