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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli scored a goal with six minutes left in the third period, bringing his team within one goal in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. His shot from the high slot momentarily narrowed the deficit, but the Blue Jackets ultimately fell short in their first game back from the three-week Olympic break.
Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo made 36 saves in a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, despite briefly leaving the game in the second period after a collision with Miles Wood. Korpisalo, who started to give Jeremy Swayman rest after the Olympics, had a 4-0-2 record with a 2.20 GAA and .918 save percentage before the break.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho scored a power-play goal through traffic midway through the third period, securing a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. His shot, with captain Jordan Staal screening, slipped past Jonas Johansson at 7:17 of the third, deciding the back-and-forth matchup and extending Carolina's point streak to 11 games.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal positioned himself in front of the net, screening the goalie, as Sebastian Aho scored a power-play goal to secure a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Staal's presence was key to Aho's shot slipping past Jonas Johansson at 7:17 of the third period.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson made 28 saves in a 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, starting on the second half of a back-to-back. Johansson, who had played sparingly in January, allowed 10 goals on 70 shots in previous appearances and faced a tough matchup, especially given his lack of recent ice time since Jan. 24.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard made his team debut on Thursday, showcasing good skating and defensive positioning with a team-high three blocks in the 4-1 win over the Devils. Girard was recently acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade that also cleared significant cap space for his former team, leaving a fine first impression as a Penguin.
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, who scored the gold medal-winning goal for Team USA at the Olympics, received an extended ovation during a pregame ceremony in Pittsburgh on Thursday. The Penguins acknowledged the gold-medal winning U.S. teams, with chants of “Huuuughes” and “USA! USA!” echoing through the arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Connor Clifton scored a crucial goal 6:30 into the third period, blasting a shot past Jacob Markstrom to give his team a 2-1 lead in their 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. His goal was part of a third-period surge that secured the win for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Blake Lizotte scored an empty-net goal late in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. His goal helped secure the win for Pittsburgh, which has now won eight of its last 10 games and moved into second place in the crowded Metropolitan Division.
Tyler Toffoli (lower body) is expected to play Thursday for the San Jose Sharks. He sustained the injury during the Olympic break but did not miss any games. Toffoli has recorded 15 goals and 36 points in 55 games this season and is projected to skate on the third line with William Eklund and Michael Misa.
Connor Ingram is slated to start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers on the road against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. Ingram appeared in relief Wednesday, stopping three of four shots. He has a 6-5-1 record with a 2.70 GAA and .895 save percentage in 14 games this season. The Kings are on a four-game losing streak.
Dustin Wolf will start in net for the Calgary Flames on the road against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. This marks his first start after the Olympic break. Prior to the break, Wolf posted a 2-3-1 record with a 3.19 GAA and .904 save percentage over six games, including a 23-save win against the Sharks on Jan. 31.
New Los Angeles Kings forward Artemi Panarin gifted the team's mascot a Rolex watch to secure the No. 72 jersey, which the mascot had been wearing.
New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck received a warm welcome and was honored at Madison Square Garden for winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Winter Olympics. Trocheck was a key piece of the American penalty kill unit that went 18-for-18 throughout the tournament and finished with the third-highest faceoff percentage in the men's hockey tournament. The ceremony took place before the Rangers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers.
New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller received a warm welcome and was honored at Madison Square Garden for winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Winter Olympics. Miller was a key piece of the American penalty kill unit that went 18-for-18 throughout the tournament. The ceremony took place before the Rangers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Flyers, recognizing his instrumental contribution to the Olympic team's success.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, captain of Team USA's gold medal-winning Olympic squad, participated in a ceremonial face-off with Matthew Tkachuk before the Maple Leafs' game against the Panthers on Thursday. This event marked his return to NHL action following the Olympic break, where he was honored at center ice for his Olympic achievement.
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start in goal at home against the Wild on Thursday. This will be the second half of a back-to-back for the Avalanche, following Scott Wedgewood's 4-2 victory on Wednesday. Prior to the Olympic break, Blackwood posted a 3-3-0 record, allowing 13 goals on 150 shots across his last six appearances. He's been performing well this season but faces a challenging test against the Wild.
Jordan Binnington (not injury related) was placed on the non-roster list Thursday by the St. Louis Blues, per the NHL media site. He is getting Thursday's home game against Seattle off after serving for Team Canada during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Joel Hofer is expected to start, with Georgi Romanov called up from AHL Springfield as understudy. Binnington might rejoin the Blues for Saturday's home game versus the Devils.
Mika Zibanejad (illness) is slated to play against Philadelphia on Thursday, according to Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic. The New York Rangers center was questionable after missing Wednesday's practice due to the illness. Zibanejad has recorded 23 goals and 52 points in 56 outings with the Rangers in 2026-27. He is expected to play on the top line alongside J.T. Miller and Gabe Perreault for Thursday's game.
Justus Annunen will protect the home goal for the Nashville Predators versus the Blackhawks on Thursday. He will be backed up by Juuse Saros, who was a game-time decision after participating in Finland's bronze-medal run at the Olympics. Prior to the break, Annunen posted a 1-2-1 record over his last five outings, allowing 14 goals on 127 shots during that span.
