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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi scored a power-play goal in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. This marks his 26th goal of the season, as he continues to work towards reaching the 30-goal mark. The Blackhawks fell to the Predators despite goals from both Bertuzzi and Connor Bedard.
Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary broke a tie early in the third period of Thursday's game, beating San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov with a shot from the slot on the rush. His crucial goal helped propel the Flames to a 4-1 victory over the Sharks in their first game back from the Olympic break.
San Jose Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren committed a defensive-zone turnover that directly led to Nazem Kadri's second goal in the Calgary Flames' 4-1 victory over the Sharks on Thursday night. The Sharks lost the opener of a crucial six-game homestand.
San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov started in net against the Calgary Flames on Thursday, making 25 saves in a 4-1 loss where he gave up goals to Nazem Kadri and Connor Zary. Prior to the game, Askarov had lost six of his last seven starts, holding a 1-5-1 record and a 3.89 GAA in that span. Despite his recent struggles, the Sharks are expected to continue splitting starts with Alex Nedeljkovic, and Askarov will likely see significant ice time moving forward.
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson exited Thursday's game against the Avalanche late in the third period due to illness, despite stopping 44 of 45 shots in a winning effort. His impressive performance at less than 100 percent health contributed to the Wild's 5-2 victory and improved his record to 17-2-4 in his past 23 games. Gustavsson is expected to be on the bench Friday, with Jesper Wallstedt likely starting in net.
U.S. Olympian Quinn Hughes recorded his team-leading 53rd assist of the season in the Minnesota Wild's 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. This contribution came in Minnesota's first game after the Olympic break, as the Wild extended their winning streak to six games.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics. Despite his absence, the Penguins defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-1, with goals from Tommy Novak, Connor Clifton, and Egor Chinakhov. Crosby expressed confidence in his team's playoff chances. Goaltender Arturs Silovs made 23 saves.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart is tied for the team lead in goals with 27, after teammate Brad Marchand scored twice in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Reinhart remains a key offensive threat as the Panthers resume their playoff push.
Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues scored the first short-handed goal of his 604-game career and added an assist, contributing to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. His offensive contributions helped the Panthers resume their playoff push with a strong performance after the Olympic break.
Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe scored a goal as his team defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Thursday night. His contribution helped the Panthers secure a decisive victory in their first game back from the Olympic break, resuming their push for a playoff spot.
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand, an Olympic silver medalist, scored two goals, including an empty-netter, in a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. He now has 27 goals, tying Sam Reinhart for the team lead, as the Panthers resume their playoff push with a strong post-Olympic performance.
Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell, an Olympic bronze medalist, recorded two assists in his team's 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. His contributions helped the Panthers resume their playoff push with a strong performance in their first game back from the Olympic break.
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, a gold medalist, scored a goal as his team beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Thursday. He also participated in a ceremonial face-off with Auston Matthews before the game, marking his return to NHL action after the Olympic break and highlighting his role as a key player for the Panthers.
New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter scored his sixth goal of the season, tying the game in the second period against Pittsburgh. This marked his first point in 23 games, dating back to December 13, providing a brief spark for the reeling Devils in their 4-1 loss.
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom started Thursday's game against Pittsburgh, making several key saves despite his team's 4-1 loss. Markstrom, who had a strong showing for Sweden in the Winter Games (1.97 GAA, .936 SV%), now holds a 15-13-1 record with a 3.20 GAA and .882 save percentage this season. He was pulled late in the game as the Devils dropped their fifth straight.
Matvei Michkov scored two goals, including the overtime winner 2:10 into the extra period, to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers. His power-play goal in the second period sparked the Flyers' comeback from a 2-0 deficit. Michkov now has 15 goals on the season. Samuel Ersson made 23 saves in the Flyers' net. The Rangers, who honored Olympic players, lost their fifth straight game.
Samuel Ersson made 23 saves to backstop the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers. Ersson improved his record to 8-10-5 despite recent struggles. The Flyers rallied from a 2-0 deficit, with Matvei Michkov scoring the game-tying and overtime-winning goals. The Rangers' loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat.
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin returned from a lower-body injury, making 21 saves in Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers. Shesterkin missed the final month before the Olympic break but was cleared to start after being the first goalie off the ice during morning skate. He allowed Matvei Michkov's overtime winner in his return.
Nashville Predators forward Ryan O'Reilly scored his 21st goal of the season with 3:15 remaining in the third period, breaking a tie and propelling his team to a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. This late goal, off a feed from Roman Josi, secured a crucial win for the Predators in their first game back from the Olympic break.
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos scored his 29th goal of the season into an empty net in the final minute, sealing a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. His goal helped ice the game for the Predators in their first contest back from the Olympic break.
