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NHL News

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

Wednesday, February 25

Celebrini Returns to Sharks After Record Olympic Performance, Eyes Playoff Push

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Macklin Celebrini rejoined the San Jose Sharks for practice, fresh off a record-setting performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics where he tallied five goals and 10 points in six games, making him the highest-scoring teenager with NHL talent. Despite his individual success, the gold medal loss to the United States (2-1 in OT) remains a bitter memory. Celebrini, who has 81 points in 55 games this season, is now focused on helping the Sharks, who are five points out of a playoff spot with 27 games remaining, secure their first playoff berth since 2019. He noted that playing alongside stars like McDavid and MacKinnon showed him 'where the bar is at.'

Dorofeyev's Two Goals, Including Game-Winner, Lead Golden Knights' Rally

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Pavel Dorofeyev was instrumental in the Vegas Golden Knights' 6-4 victory over the Kings, scoring two goals on four shots, including the game-winner on the power play at 15:59 of the third period. His power-play goal with 4:01 left made it 5-3, capping a five-goal third-period rally. Dorofeyev now has 28 goals and 46 points through 58 appearances this season, with 10 goals and four assists in his last 14 games before the Olympic break. He has cleared 2.5 shots in 11 of his last 13 games without Jack Eichel.

Perfetti Scores Overtime Winner as Jets Edge Canucks 3-2

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Cole Perfetti scored the decisive goal at 1:37 of overtime, off a rebound, to secure a 3-2 victory for the Winnipeg Jets over the Vancouver Canucks. Kyle Connor, returning from the Olympics, and Gabriel Vilardi also contributed goals, while Mark Scheifele registered two assists. Eric Comrie made 21 saves for the Jets. The team is now set to face Anaheim on Friday night, with Olympic gold medalist goalie Connor Hellebucyk expected to rejoin the squad.

Brandon Saad Contributes Goal in Golden Knights' 6-4 Rally Win

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Brandon Saad scored a crucial goal as part of the Vegas Golden Knights' five-goal third-period surge, leading to a 6-4 comeback victory against the Los Angeles Kings. His tally was one of three goals scored in a rapid 4:14 stretch midway through the final frame, helping the short-handed Golden Knights overcome a deficit and spoil Artemi Panarin's debut with the Kings.

Colton Sissons Nets Goal in Golden Knights' Third Period Comeback

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Colton Sissons was part of the Vegas Golden Knights' explosive third-period offense, scoring one of three goals within a 4:14 span that propelled the team to a 6-4 rally victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The Golden Knights' five-goal third period spoiled Artemi Panarin's LA debut and secured a significant win despite playing without several key Olympians.

Reilly Smith Scores in Golden Knights' Five-Goal Third Period Rally

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Reilly Smith contributed to the Vegas Golden Knights' dramatic 6-4 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Kings. He scored one of three goals in a rapid 4:14 span midway through the third period, helping the Golden Knights overcome a deficit with a five-goal outburst in the final frame. The short-handed Golden Knights secured the win despite missing five top players who participated in the Olympic gold medal game.

Panarin Records Two Assists in Kings Debut Despite 6-4 Loss to Golden Knights

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Artemi Panarin made his highly anticipated debut for the LA Kings on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, recording two assists despite a 6-4 loss. Acquired from the New York Rangers on February 4th, Panarin set up the Kings' opening power-play goal and added a secondary assist on Adrian Kempe's goal in the second period. He reached the 40-assist mark for the 11th consecutive season. Panarin is projected to play on the second line alongside Alex Laferriere and Adrian Kempe, and his debut was a key factor for the Kings as they look to close in on a playoff spot.

Martin Necas Scores as Avalanche Defeat Utah 4-2

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Martin Necas scored a goal for the Colorado Avalanche in their 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night, as the team returned to action following the three-week Olympic break. Necas played on the top line alongside Brock Nelson and Gabriel Landeskog, contributing to Colorado's four-goal second period that secured the win for the NHL-leading Avalanche.

U.S. Olympian Brock Nelson Scores 30th Goal in Avalanche Win

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U.S. Olympian Brock Nelson scored his 30th goal of the season for the Colorado Avalanche in their 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth, marking the team's return from the Olympic break. Nelson, who moved up to center the top line with Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog due to Nathan MacKinnon's absence, scored on a slap shot to make it 3-1 with 7:40 left in the second period, contributing to Colorado's four-goal second period.

Parker Kelly Opens Scoring in Avalanche's 4-2 Win Against Utah

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Parker Kelly opened the scoring for the Colorado Avalanche at 3:26 of the second period in their 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Kelly split two defenders and snapped the puck past Karel Vejmelka, setting the tone for Colorado's four-goal second period in their first game back from the three-week Olympic break. The NHL-leading Avalanche secured the win on the road.

Victor Olofsson Scores in Avalanche's 4-2 Victory Over Utah

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Victor Olofsson contributed a goal for the Colorado Avalanche in their 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night, marking the team's return from the three-week Olympic break. Olofsson scored with a snap shot six minutes after Parker Kelly opened the scoring in the second period, helping the NHL-leading Avalanche secure the win.

Wedgewood Makes 28 Saves in Avalanche's 4-2 Victory Over Utah

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Scott Wedgewood started in goal for the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday against Utah, making 28 saves in a 4-2 victory. This marked his first start since the Olympic break and the first game back for both teams. Wedgewood, who had only one start before the break, will start the first half of a back-to-back set. In his last seven starts this year, he holds a 3-3-1 record with a 2.86 GAA and an .888 save percentage.

Goncalves Scores Goal, Adds Two Assists in Lightning Victory

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Gage Goncalves had a goal and two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. His goal at 7:58 of the second period gave the Lightning a 2-0 lead, with Nikita Kucherov recording his 700th career assist on the play. The Lightning are 20-1-1 in their past 22 games.

Kucherov Hits 30 Goals, Records 700th Assist in Lightning Win

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Nikita Kucherov scored his ninth 30-goal season and added two assists, reaching 701 career assists, as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 on Wednesday night. His 700th assist came on Gage Goncalves’ goal in the second period, making him the second-fastest player born outside of North America to reach the mark (855 games). Kucherov's 30th goal came in the third period, tying him with Steven Stamkos for the most 30-goal seasons in team history.

Point Scores Two Goals, Adds Assist in Lightning's 4-2 Victory

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Brayden Point scored two goals and added an assist as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. The Lightning are 20-1-1 in their past 22 games. Point's performance contributed to the team's strong return from the Olympic break.

Vasilevskiy Dominates with 32 Saves, Extends Unbeaten Streak to 17 Games

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Andrei Vasilevskiy was in net for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, making 32 saves in their 4-2 victory. He extended his impressive streak to 17 games without a regulation loss, boasting a 17-0-1 record since December 20, with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage during this span. Vasilevskiy had won eight consecutive starts before the Olympic break, showcasing his dominant form this season.

Olympian Tage Thompson Scores 31st Goal, Adds Assist in Sabres Win

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U.S. Olympian Tage Thompson contributed a goal and an assist, scoring his 31st goal of the season in the second period, to help the Buffalo Sabres secure a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night. This performance marks his return to NHL action after a successful Olympic run where he tallied three goals and an assist in six games for the champion United States team in Milan. Thompson's efforts are crucial as the Sabres continue their push for a playoff spot.

Krebs Scores Goal, Adds Assist in Sabres' 2-1 Win Over Devils

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Peyton Krebs had a goal and an assist to help the Buffalo Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Wednesday night. Krebs made it 2-0 midway through the third period. The Sabres have won seven of 10 to improve to 33-19-6 and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons, currently holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Luukkonen Activated from IR, Starts for Sabres Against Devils

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Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started on the road against the Devils on Wednesday, making 27 saves in a 2-1 win. Luukkonen was activated from injured reserve after a lower-body injury sidelined him and prevented him from participating in the Olympics. In January, the 26-year-old netminder posted a 4-2-1 record with a 3.21 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage over eight games.

Protas Scores Empty-Netter, Logs Assist in Capitals' 3-1 Win

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Aliaksei Protas scored an empty-netter for Washington with 26 seconds to play when the Flyers had a six-on-four, marking his 20th goal of the season. Protas also had an assist in the Capitals' 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. The Capitals are the only team in the NHL with four players with 20 or more goals this season, including Protas.