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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Defenseman Rasmus Sandin ended a long goal drought, scoring his third goal of the season and his first since November 13 with 6:08 to play in the second period, contributing to the Washington Capitals' 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. The Capitals now have 42 goals from defensemen this season, the second most in the NHL.
Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk ended a long goal drought, scoring his second goal of the season with 5:52 to play to put Washington on top to stay in their 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. It was his first goal since October 25, a span of 38 games. The Capitals now have 42 goals from defensemen this season, the second most in the NHL.
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson started Wednesday's home game against the Flyers, making 23 saves in a 3-1 victory. Despite seeing playing time for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, he did not require additional rest time and started the Capitals' first game back. In his six starts leading up to the Olympic break, Thompson posted a 2-4-0 record with a 3.06 GAA and a .892 save percentage.
Noah Hanifin will not play in Wednesday's game against the Kings. The Golden Knights traveled without Hanifin, who was part of the champion United States Olympic team. He was already ruled out for the game. Eichel and Hanifin are expected to join the Golden Knights in Washington and play against the Capitals on Friday night. Hanifin leads Vegas defensemen in ice time and points.
Jack Eichel will not play in Wednesday's game against the Kings. The Golden Knights traveled without Eichel, who was part of the champion United States Olympic team. He was already ruled out for the game. Eichel and Hanifin are expected to join the Golden Knights in Washington and play against the Capitals on Friday night. Eichel is one of Vegas’ top three point producers.
Shea Theodore will not play in Wednesday's game against the Kings. The Golden Knights traveled without the defenseman as he is resting after the Olympics. He is among several Vegas players taking a break post-Olympic participation. Coach Bruce Cassidy expressed optimism Theodore will make the trip to the East Coast and be available Friday. Theodore leads Vegas defensemen in ice time and points.
Mitch Marner will not play in Wednesday's game in Los Angeles, taking a break after the Olympics. He may rejoin the Vegas Golden Knights in Washington before Friday's game. The Golden Knights traveled without Marner, a Canadian forward, for the Wednesday game against the Kings. He is among several players resting post-Olympics and is one of Vegas’ top three point producers.
Mark Stone will not play in Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, resting after his participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Head coach Bruce Cassidy hopes Stone will be ready for Friday's game against the Capitals. The Golden Knights traveled without Stone, a Canadian forward, for the Wednesday game. He is one of several players taking a break after the Olympic break and is one of Vegas’ top three point producers.
Nathan MacKinnon will not play Wednesday against the Mammoth, receiving extra rest following his participation in the Olympics where he helped Canada secure a silver medal. His status for Thursday's home game versus the Wild has not yet been announced. Earlier analysis also highlighted MacKinnon's and the Avalanche's historic chances for a sweep of awards and the Stanley Cup, with Colorado currently leading the league in goals per game.
U.S. Olympic hero Jack Hughes was honored by the New Jersey Devils before their game Wednesday night against the Sabres, marking his return to NHL play.
Joey Daccord is slated to protect the road goal for the Seattle Kraken against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, marking the first half of a back-to-back. Teammate Philipp Grubauer is expected to start the following night in St. Louis. Since January, Daccord has posted a 6-3-0 record over nine games, though his 2.90 GAA and .902 save percentage present a challenging matchup against the tough Dallas roster.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers will be held out of Wednesday's lineup against the Winnipeg Jets for "trade reasons." NHL Network's Kevin Weekes reported that the Canucks are fielding calls on Myers, suggesting he could be on the move shortly. The 36-year-old has one year left on his contract with a $3 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. In 57 games this season, Myers has eight points and is averaging 20:13 per game.
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been ruled out of Wednesday's game against the Flyers due to an illness. Initially a game-time decision, the team opted to err on the side of caution. Wilson's next opportunity to play is Friday against the Golden Knights, followed by a Saturday game in Montreal. He was previously monitored closely leading up to puck drop.
Connor Hellebuyck will not be in the lineup for the Winnipeg Jets against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. He was designated as a non-roster player to free up a roster spot, with Eric Comrie starting and Domenic DiVincentiis serving as backup. Hellebuyck is expected to resume his role as the primary goaltender for the Jets starting Friday against Anaheim, following his Olympic performance.
Samuel Ersson (lower body) is ready to return and will serve as the backup goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers' road game against Washington on Wednesday. He missed the team's final three games before the Olympic break due to the injury. Ersson's record stands at 8-10-5 with a 3.51 GAA and .856 save percentage in 24 outings this season.
Tristan Jarry will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers' road game against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Jarry struggled before the Olympic break, posting a 2-3-0 record with a 5.28 GAA and .831 save percentage in his last five starts. The Ducks are averaging 3.20 goals per game this season.
Logan Cooley (lower body) has been activated from injured reserve and will play Wednesday against Colorado. He will take on a second-line role and join the No. 2 power-play unit. Cooley had been sidelined since December 5th, missing 28 games. Before his injury, he was in a four-game pointless streak but still has a chance to reach 20 goals and 40 points.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained while playing with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He is expected to be out for at least four weeks, sidelined until late March. This is a significant blow to the team's offensive core. In Crosby's absence, the Penguins are reportedly planning to shift Rickard Rakell to center. Crosby, 38, does not regret playing in the Olympics, stating injuries are part of the game. Teammates Bryan Rust and Ben Kindel are ready to step up.
Adin Hill is slated to start Wednesday on the road against the Los Angeles Kings. This marks a rematch after Hill stopped 32 of 33 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Kings on Feb. 5. Hill holds a 4-3-3 record with a 3.28 GAA and .870 save percentage in 12 appearances this season. The Kings are tied for 29th in goals per game (2.54) and are welcoming Artemi Panarin while missing Kevin Fiala due to injury.
