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NHL News

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

Monday, February 23

Luukkonen (Lower Body) Available for Sabres Wednesday

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Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) is an option for Wednesday's road game against the Devils. While head coach Lindy Ruff didn't confirm him as the starter, Luukkonen will be available, potentially as a backup to Alex Lyon. The Finnish netminder has posted a 6-2-1 record, 2.73 GAA, and .912 save percentage in his last 10 appearances. With the Sabres facing a three-game road trip including a back-to-back, Luukkonen is expected to feature in net soon.

Ullmark Healthy for Senators After Illness, Set for Post-Break Play

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Linus Ullmark (illness) is expected to be healthy and ready to play for the Ottawa Senators following the Olympic break. The goaltender had previously missed time in January due to personal reasons and was sidelined for the team's final game before the break with flu-like symptoms. Having recovered from his illness, Ullmark is anticipated to receive significant playing time for Ottawa through the remainder of the season. In 30 appearances this year, he has posted a 16-8-5 record with a 2.86 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage.

Charlie Lindgren Activated from IR, Set to Return for Capitals

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Charlie Lindgren (lower body) has been activated from injured reserve as of Monday, according to the NHL media site. This move clears him to return to action for the Washington Capitals. Lindgren is expected to be available for Wednesday's home game against Philadelphia, marking his return after a four-game absence. This season, the goaltender has recorded an 8-6-3 record with one shutout, a 3.37 goals-against average, and an .884 save percentage across 18 appearances.

Danault Thriving Since Canadiens Trade

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Phillip Danault has found success since being traded back to the Montreal Canadiens in December. In 21 games with Montreal, he has recorded 3 goals, 6 assists, and 9 points. He struggled with the Los Angeles Kings, posting zero goals and five assists in 30 games prior to the trade.

Hellebuyck Key to USA's Olympic Gold

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Connor Hellebuyck was instrumental in the USA's Olympic gold medal victory, playing the role of goaltender spoiler. The win was decided in 3-on-3 overtime. Bo Horvat played a supportive role for Canada, winning faceoffs and drawing a penalty.

Sunday, February 22

Mikko Rantanen Sustains Lower-Body Injury at Olympics, Expected to Miss Time

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Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is expected to miss time after sustaining a lower-body injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The injury occurred late in Finland's semifinal loss to Canada on Friday, rendering him unavailable for Saturday's bronze medal game. While not believed to be season-ending, the issue will sideline him once the NHL season resumes. Rantanen has recorded 20 goals, 49 assists, 87 PIM, 38 hits, and 27 blocked shots over 54 appearances this year, averaging 20:12 of ice time.

Sidney Crosby Out of Olympic Gold Game with Injury; Penguins Return Uncertain

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Sidney Crosby, 38, was officially ruled out of Sunday's Olympic gold medal game against the United States due to a lower body injury sustained in Wednesday's quarterfinal vs. Czechia. Despite skating Saturday, he missed the semifinal and final, marking a "gutting" and likely final Olympic appearance. His availability for the Pittsburgh Penguins' upcoming Thursday game against New Jersey remains uncertain, posing a troubling sign for the team. Crosby expressed Canada "deserved better" after their loss. Speculation suggests a potential IR stint, possibly leading to Avery Hayes' recall, while Kris Letang is expected to return Thursday.

Team USA Honors Late Johnny Gaudreau with Jersey Tribute After Gold Win

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After winning the gold medal in men's hockey, Team USA paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau. The team skated with his No. 13 jersey on the ice before bringing his children out to share in the golden moment. Gaudreau, a former NHL star, was remembered by the victorious U.S. squad in a poignant gesture following their Olympic triumph.

Matthew Tkachuk Leads Team USA to Historic Olympic Gold; Panthers Return Thursday

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Matthew Tkachuk led Team USA to a thrilling Olympic gold medal victory over Canada in overtime, marking the nation's first gold in 46 years. This adds to Tkachuk's impressive resume, which includes two Stanley Cup rings and an NHL All-Star Game MVP award. Three other Panthers (Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett) earned silver with Canada, while seven Panthers total medaled. Tkachuk and other Olympians are expected to be healthy for the Panthers' season resumption Thursday against Toronto. Tomas Nosek, Dmitry Kulikov, and Jonah Gadjovich are out, Seth Jones may join practice next week, and Sasha Barkov remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Hughes Scores Olympic Golden Goal for USA, Plays Through Injury

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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes delivered a clutch performance, scoring the decisive golden goal 101 seconds into 3-on-3 overtime to lead Team USA to a 2-1 victory over Canada, securing the Olympic gold medal. Despite losing some teeth earlier in the game from an inadvertent high stick by Sam Bennett, Hughes didn't miss a shift. He scored the game-winner on a feed from Zach Werenski. Hughes will resume NHL play having scored four goals and seven points in six games during his first Olympics.

Hellebuyck's 41 Saves Lead Team USA to Olympic Gold Medal

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Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck delivered a stellar performance, making 41 saves in Team USA's 2-1 overtime victory over Canada to secure the Olympic gold medal. Despite being out-shot 42-28, Hellebuyck allowed only one goal to Cale Makar late in the second period. He was the primary netminder for Team USA, posting a 4-0-0 record with a 1.23 GAA and .947 save percentage in four tournament appearances. His 41 saves were a season-high. Hellebuyck returns to the Jets with renewed confidence after a rough start to 2025-26.

Carlson (Lower Body) Day-to-Day, Skates After Missing Practices

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Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He skated for approximately 20 minutes on Sunday, following two missed practices for maintenance. Carlson had previously left Washington's 4-2 victory over Nashville on February 5 early and is still working his way back from the injury. This season, Carlson has recorded 10 goals, 46 points, 115 shots on net, and 84 blocked shots across 55 appearances.

Canadiens' Kapanen Earns Olympic Bronze, Sees First-Line Action for Finland

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Montreal Canadiens rookie Oliver Kapanen secured an Olympic bronze medal with Finland, making his tournament debut in the bronze medal game. He was unexpectedly promoted to Finland's top line alongside Sebastian Aho and Artturi Lehkonen after Mikko Rantanen's injury. Kapanen played 16:23, recording one shot, hitting the post twice, and contributing to Finland's 6-1 victory over Slovakia. Teammate Juraj Slafkovsky (Slovakia) went home empty-handed despite a strong tournament, playing nearly 24 minutes and taking five shots, becoming Slovakia's second-highest Olympic goal scorer with 11 goals. Kapanen and Slafkovsky shared a post-game embrace.

Matt Boldy Scores Incredible Goal, Gives U.S. Early Lead vs. Canada

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Matt Boldy scored an incredible goal, giving the United States an early lead against Canada in Sunday's Olympic gold medal game. The Minnesota Wild forward's pivotal play contributed to the U.S. taking an advantage in the highly anticipated clash between the two international superpowers on the biggest stage.

Tage Thompson Cleared for Gold Medal Game vs. Canada

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Tage Thompson (undisclosed) is officially cleared to play in Sunday's gold medal game against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He exited Friday's semifinal win over Slovakia after blocking a shot but was expected to suit up. Thompson has been productive in the Olympics, recording three goals, an assist, and a plus-3 rating across five appearances. He'll be a key player for Team USA in the final.

Binnington to Start Gold Medal Game for Canada vs. USA

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Jordan Binnington will start Sunday's gold medal game for Canada against the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He has made four starts in the tournament, going 4-0-0 with a 1.74 GAA and .914 save percentage. Canada's knockout games were tight, with an overtime win against Czechia and a last-minute goal against Finland. Binnington previously faced the US in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, allowing two goals on 33 shots in a 3-2 overtime victory.

Saturday, February 21

Hellebuyck's Olympic Brilliance: 'All-Time High' Confidence Amidst NHL Playoff Past

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Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is showcasing 'all-time high' confidence and incredible form at the 2026 Winter Olympics, leading the tournament with a .947 SV% and 1.23 GAA after stopping 90 of 95 shots. This strong performance, including 22 saves against Slovakia, comes despite a history of NHL playoff struggles, where he holds a 1-9 record in his last 10 road playoff games since 2021 with an .872 postseason SV%. Teammates laud his calmness as Team USA prepares for a gold medal game against Canada.

Devils Recall Lenni Hameenaho; Keefe Praises Young Forward's NHL Adjustment

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Lenni Hameenaho has been recalled to the New Jersey Devils from the AHL Utica Comets on February 17. The 2023 second-round pick made his NHL debut on January 19, playing nine games this season where he recorded four points (two goals, two assists). Head coach Sheldon Keefe noted, 'It's been obvious that he belongs here,' but cautioned about the need for continued adaptation as the 'honeymoon phase wears off.' Hameenaho rejoins the Devils after a single game with the Comets, with the team hoping he can sustain his early success.

Armia Fuels Finland's Bronze Medal Win with Three-Point Outburst

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Joel Armia delivered a standout performance in Finland's 6-1 Olympic bronze medal victory over Slovakia, registering a goal, two assists, and four shots on net. The Los Angeles Kings forward's contributions included two primary assists and an empty-net goal. Armia concluded his Olympic campaign with an impressive eight points (three goals, five assists) and a plus-seven rating across six appearances, tying for fourth in tournament scoring. He returns to Los Angeles with Olympic hardware and a strong case for a top-six role, especially with Kevin Fiala sidelined by a leg injury.

Saros Leads Finland to Olympic Bronze with Stellar 30-Save Performance

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Juuse Saros backstopped Finland to an Olympic bronze medal, stopping 30 of 31 shots in their 6-1 victory over Slovakia. The Nashville Predators netminder allowed only one goal late in the second period, securing the win. Saros, who made his sixth consecutive start, concluded the tournament with an impressive 4-2-0 record, a .940 save percentage, and a 1.66 GAA across six starts. He will now look to carry this excellent form into NHL action with Nashville, aiming to build on his strong Olympic run.