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NHL News

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

Monday, March 2

Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews' Goal Drought Reaches Eight Games

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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews failed to convert his shootout attempt in a 3-2 loss to the Flyers, extending the team's losing streak to four games. Matthews has now gone eight games without a goal, his longest drought of the season, spanning four games before the Olympic break and four since his return. Head coach Craig Berube adjusted lines, notably pairing Matthews with William Nylander.

Maple Leafs' Max Domi Fails to Convert in Shootout Loss to Flyers

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi failed to convert his attempt in the shootout as the team lost 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers, extending their losing streak to four games. The Maple Leafs outshot the Flyers 31-25 in the contest.

Anton Forsberg To Start Monday Against Avalanche

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Anton Forsberg is set to start in goal for the Los Angeles Kings on Monday against the Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg is coming off a 29-save shutout performance in his last outing. However, he had previously allowed at least four goals in three consecutive games. The 33-year-old goaltender faces a tough challenge against the Avalanche, who lead the NHL in goals per game and shots per game.

Oilers Acquire Connor Murphy from Blackhawks

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The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2028 second-round pick, retaining half of his salary. This move aims to fortify the Oilers' defense. Murphy, 33, is a reliable defender averaging 16.5 minutes of ice time and leads Chicago with 87 blocked shots. He was acquired by Chicago in 2017 and signed a four-year contract expiring June 30. The Blackhawks officially made their first notable move of trade deadline week with this deal, and other trade candidates like Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, Nick Foligno, and Matt Grzelcyk may also be on the move.

Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Named NHL First Star, Breaks Rookie Scoring Record

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New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named the NHL's First Star of the Week (March 2). The rookie recorded four goals and one assist for five points in three games, leading the Islanders to a 3-0-0 week. Schaefer is the first rookie this season to reach 20 goals, with 44 points in 61 games, and recently broke Phil Housley's rookie scoring record for a defenseman. His presence has also significantly boosted the team's marketing and social media engagement, leading the league in content and engagement.

Flyers' Konecny Out vs. Toronto with Upper-Body Injury; Day-to-Day

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Travis Konecny (upper body) is unavailable for Monday's game against Toronto, marking his second missed game of the season. Earlier, he was a game-time decision after skating on the first line but skipping power-play work. The Flyers announced Konecny is considered day-to-day. Owen Tippett will move to the top line in his absence. The nature of the injury was initially undisclosed but later confirmed as upper-body.

John Gibson Injured, Unlikely to Return vs. Predators

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Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson sustained an upper-body injury, described as a stinger to the shoulder, during Monday's game against Nashville and is unlikely to return. Backup Cam Talbot replaced him, making 18 saves. Gibson had stopped 10 of 11 shots before exiting. His status for upcoming games is uncertain, and the team will evaluate him further. This injury adds to the Red Wings' concerns as they push for the playoffs.

Golden Knights' Marner Questionable for Tuesday Due to Illness

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Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Monday that Mitch Marner is dealing with an illness, making him questionable for Tuesday's road game against the Sabres. The illness is reportedly circulating within the team, also affecting Shea Theodore and another unnamed player, following Sunday's 5-0 loss in Pittsburgh. If the 28-year-old Marner is unable to play, Alexander Holtz is a likely candidate to enter the lineup.

Golden Knights' Theodore Battling Illness, Status for Tuesday Unclear

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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore is contending with an illness, as reported by head coach Bruce Cassidy on Monday. The team is experiencing an illness outbreak, which also includes Mitch Marner. It remains unclear if Theodore's condition will affect his availability for Tuesday's game in Buffalo. Should the blueliner be sidelined, Ben Hutton is expected to draw into the lineup.

Zach Werenski Sidelined Monday Against Rangers Due to Illness

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Zach Werenski, initially a game-time decision, has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Rangers due to an illness. This marks his fifth missed game of the season. The Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner, who was on a nine-game point streak, will be replaced by Egor Zamula. Werenski is expected to target Tuesday's home game against Nashville for his return, as the illness is not considered a long-term concern.

Albert Johansson Scores Short-Handed Winner for Red Wings

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Albert Johansson scored the go-ahead goal, a short-handed tally, in the second period to give the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish against the Nashville Predators. He also added an assist. Johansson's goal came on a two-on-one rush with Marco Kasper.

DeBrincat Scores, Assists in Red Wings' Win Over Predators

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Alex DeBrincat recorded a goal and an assist in the Detroit Red Wings' 4-2 victory against the Nashville Predators. He scored an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the win and added an assist on Lucas Raymond's tying goal. DeBrincat now has 31 goals on the season. The Red Wings secured two crucial points in the standings with the win.

Cam Talbot Shines in Relief as Red Wings Top Predators

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Cam Talbot made 18 saves in relief of an injured John Gibson, helping the Detroit Red Wings secure a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Talbot earned his first win since December 28th. He entered the game with about nine or ten minutes left in the first intermission after Gibson sustained an upper-body injury. Talbot played frequently recently due to Gibson's prior struggles, holding a 3-3-1 record with a 2.10 GAA in his last seven starts.

Raymond Continues Hot Streak, Assists Red Wings to Victory

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Lucas Raymond contributed a goal and an assist as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2. He is on pace for a career-best points-per-game season, with many assists. Raymond leads the Red Wings in full-strength and power-play points and has recorded assists in 19 of his last 30 games against weaker defenses. He also has assists in four of his last six games against Nashville.

Kenny Connors Set for NHL Debut with LA Kings

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Forward Kenny Connors is set to make his NHL debut for the Los Angeles Kings in their game against the Colorado Avalanche. Connors was called up due to injuries to Trevor Moore and Darcy Kuemper. He will be part of the Kings' projected lineup, centering the fourth line.

Vincent Trocheck Places West Coast Teams On No-Trade List

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Vincent Trocheck has placed Western Conference clubs on his 12-team no-trade list and would prefer a destination close to the East Coast if he is dealt by the Rangers. He is also listed as one of eight key players who could be on the move at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

Jordan Kyrou Could Be Traded; Islanders Interested

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St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou is reportedly drawing interest from the New York Islanders, who have inquired about him and Robert Thomas. The Blues, currently last in the NHL, are considered sellers at the trade deadline. Kyrou, in the third year of an eight-year contract, could be moved if the right package, potentially including defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson or center Danny Nelson and draft picks, is offered. Other teams like Seattle and Montreal have also shown interest.

Casey DeSmith Set For Tuesday Start vs. Flames

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Casey DeSmith will start in goal for the Dallas Stars on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. DeSmith will take the second game of the Stars' back-to-back. He has allowed two or fewer goals in all but one of his last seven outings, but holds a 3-2-1 record.

Jake Oettinger Starting Monday in Vancouver

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Jake Oettinger will start in goal for the Dallas Stars against the Canucks on Monday. Despite allowing 20 goals on 159 shots, Oettinger is riding a seven-game winning streak. He has a 24-10-4 record this campaign with two shutouts, a 2.71 GAA and an .898 save percentage through 38 appearances.

Roope Hintz To Miss Another Game Monday Due To Illness

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Roope Hintz is slated to miss Monday's game against the Canucks due to illness. He has resumed skating but will miss a third consecutive matchup. It is unclear if he will be available for Tuesday's game against the Flames.