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NHL News

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

Friday, February 27

Carlson (Lower Body) Out for Back-to-Back Games; IR Stint Possible

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Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Knights and Saturday's matchup versus the Canadiens. Prior to his injury, Carlson was offensively productive, tallying 17 points in his last 17 games, including three power-play assists. With Carlson sidelined, Jakob Chychrun will take over on the top power-play unit, while Rasmus Sandin moves to the second unit. An injured reserve stint is a possibility.

Lindgren Tabbed as Capitals' Starter for Saturday's Game in Montreal

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Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren will make his first start since January 29th, patrolling the visiting crease in Montreal on Saturday. His last outing saw him stop 18 shots in a 4-3 win against Detroit. This season, Lindgren holds an 8-6-3 record with a 3.37 GAA and an .884 save percentage across 18 appearances. He faces a Canadiens team that ranks fourth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.45 goals per game.

Capitals' Thompson Starts Friday vs. Vegas, Coming Off 23-Save Win

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Logan Thompson is confirmed to start in goal for the Washington Capitals at home against Vegas on Friday, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News. This follows his return from the Olympic Games, where he made 23 saves in a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday. Thompson's season record stands at 20-16-4 with a 2.41 GAA and a .913 save percentage through 40 starts. The upcoming opponent, the Golden Knights, are noted for their strong offense, averaging 3.38 goals per game in 2025-26.

Rookie Ben Kindel Excelling for Penguins

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Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Ben Kindel is establishing himself as a significant player, especially with captain Sidney Crosby sidelined. Kindel has shown impressive playmaking and puck possession, driving a 13-2 goal advantage and strong possession metrics over his last 10 games. His development is a key reason for the Penguins' sustained play and bright long-term outlook.

Ivan Demidov Leads Rookies in Points Despite Matthew Schaefer's Calder Surge

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Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, 20, continues to lead all rookies with an impressive 47 points (12 goals, 35 assists) in 58 games. Despite his brilliant season, he is facing stiff competition for the Calder Trophy from Matthew Schaefer, who had a historic two-goal night against Demidov's Canadiens. While Demidov's performance would typically secure the award, Schaefer's exceptional play has made him the front-runner in what is shaping up to be a memorable rookie race.

Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Benched for Six Games, Development Concerns Emerge

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Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan has been a healthy scratch for six consecutive games, not playing since January 29th. Head coach Craig Berube noted Cowan "hit a bit of a wall" but insists his development isn't being harmed, despite acknowledging the need for him to play. Cowan, who has 7 goals and 17 points in 43 NHL games, was previously ineligible for an AHL assignment. The team faces a dilemma: play him in the NHL or send him to the Marlies for crucial game action, as his current benching raises questions about his progress.

Thursday, February 26

Kucherov Extends Point Streak to 12 Games, Hits 700 Career Assists

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Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov extended his point streak to 12 games, scoring a goal on two shots in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Hurricanes. This followed a three-point performance (goal, 2 assists) in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Toronto, where he also achieved his 700th career assist. Over his 12-game streak, he has accumulated 8 goals and 20 helpers. Kucherov has been held off the scoresheet just once in his last 23 games. He now boasts 31 goals, 95 points, 160 shots on net, 38 PIM, and a plus-33 rating through 53 appearances, remaining a top contender for the Art Ross Trophy.

Dubois Returns, Key Waiver Wire Pick

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Pierre-Luc Dubois is noted as a significant fantasy hockey waiver wire addition as he works back to full speed after a three-month absence. He is considered one of the top options heading into the weekend.

Toews, Dubois Notable Waiver Wire Adds

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Devon Toews is highlighted as a key pickup on the fantasy hockey waiver wire heading into the weekend. Pierre-Luc Dubois is also mentioned as a potential addition as he returns from a three-month absence.

McDavid Hits 100 Points, Leads Oilers to Dominant 8-1 Victory

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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid reached the 100-point mark for the ninth time in his career, doing so in just 60 games. He contributed his 35th goal and a power-play assist in Thursday's dominant 8-1 rout of the Kings, which snapped the Oilers' four-game skid. McDavid now has 35 goals and 65 helpers, with 40 points on the man advantage. He also boasts 225 shots on net and a plus-13 rating, remaining on pace for a 130-point campaign.

Hyman Explodes for Three Points in Oilers' Rout of Kings

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Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman delivered a strong performance in Thursday's 8-1 win over the Kings, scoring a power-play goal on three shots and adding two assists. All three points came within a 5:45 span during the second period. This outing brings Hyman's total to four points in two contests since the Olympic break. For the season, the 33-year-old has maintained a sizzling pace with 24 goals, 16 helpers, 125 shots on net, 38 hits, and a plus-12 rating through 41 appearances.

Draisaitl Explodes for Four Points in Oilers' 8-1 Rout of Kings

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Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl posted a four-point performance (a power-play goal and three assists) in Thursday's 8-1 victory over the Kings, marking his fourth such game this season. His goal was notably set up by Connor McDavid, who reached his 100-point milestone on the play. Draisaitl has been red-hot, accumulating five goals and 12 helpers over his last eight outings. Through 57 appearances, he now has 30 tallies, 84 points (36 on the power play), 165 shots, and a plus-12 rating, putting him on track for his fifth consecutive 100-point campaign.

Walman Nets Two Goals in Oilers' Blowout Victory

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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman scored two goals on four shots and finished plus-3 in Thursday's commanding 8-1 win over the Kings, contributing the Oilers' final two goals. This performance brings his season total to seven tallies, with four of those coming in his last nine outings. Through 31 contests, Walman has accumulated 17 points, 59 shots on net, 52 blocked shots, and a minus-6 rating, primarily playing in a second-pairing role for the team.

Kadri's Two Goals Fuel Flames Win, Intensify Trade Rumors

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Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri scored two goals on five shots in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the Sharks, extending his multi-point streak to three games (3 goals, 3 assists in February). Kadri tied the game and added an insurance goal. This strong performance comes as the 35-year-old is a potential trade target for the Colorado Avalanche, having expressed dissatisfaction with the Flames. He now has 12 goals and 41 points in 57 appearances this season, with trade rumors intensifying.

Martin Necas Scores Twice in Avalanche Loss

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Martin Necas scored two goals on seven shots and added three hits in the Colorado Avalanche's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. This performance extends his point streak to four points over two games since returning from the Olympics. The 27-year-old winger, playing on the top line, is on pace for a career-best season with 25 goals and 66 points through 54 games, potentially surpassing 30 goals and 80 points for the first time.

Joel Eriksson Ek Nets Two Power-Play Goals

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Joel Eriksson Ek scored a pair of power-play goals on five shots in the Minnesota Wild's 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. He contributed both of the Wild's tallies in the second period, extending his point streak to seven games with 10 points (six goals, four assists), five of which came on the power play. The Swedish center now has 17 goals and 42 points through 53 games, continuing his role as an effective all-around player for the Wild.

U.S. Olympian Boldy Explodes for Four Points in Wild's Sixth Straight Win

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U.S. Olympian Matt Boldy delivered a four-point performance with two empty-net goals (one shorthanded) on 10 shots and two power-play assists in the Minnesota Wild's 5-2 win over the Avalanche. This extended his points streak to seven games, contributing to the Wild's sixth straight victory. The 24-year-old winger is having a career-setting campaign with 34 goals and 66 points in 55 appearances, including 21 on the power play, despite a recent four-game absence due to a lower-body injury. He has totaled seven goals and nine assists over his last eight games.

Larkin's Two Goals, Including OT Winner, Propel Red Wings to Victory

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Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin scored both goals, including the overtime game-winner, to lift his team to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Larkin tied the game with a power-play goal in the second period and secured the win with a backhander on a breakaway at 1:50 of overtime, sliding it through Linus Ullmark's pads. This strong performance marked a good start for the Red Wings post-Olympics, improving their record to 3-0 against the Senators this season.

Doughty Exits Game with Lower-Body Injury, Will Not Return

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Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty exited Thursday's game against the Oilers and will not return due to a lower-body injury. His absence could open up a spot for Jacob Moverare in the lineup, as the Kings face potential time without their veteran blueliner.

Bedard Sets Career High with 24th Goal in Blackhawks' Loss

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Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard scored a goal in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, setting a new career high with his 24th goal of the season. Bedard was highlighted as the best-looking Blackhawk in the game, appearing motivated after being snubbed from the Olympic team. He looks healthy and ready to make a significant difference for the team, aiming to surpass 30 goals and set a career high in points despite missing time with a shoulder injury earlier in the season.