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NHL News

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

Thursday, February 19

Crosby's Olympic Semifinal Status Day-to-Day Amid Injury Concerns

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Sidney Crosby's status for the Olympic semifinal against Finland remains day-to-day after he limped off the ice, though he's not ruled out. Team Canada coach Jon Cooper is managing his injury cautiously. This incident has reignited debate over NHL Olympic participation, especially given Crosby's potential impact on the Penguins' upcoming 12-game stretch in 21 days. Other players like Fiala and Morrissey also sustained injuries, raising questions about the cost versus benefit of NHL players competing on the world stage.

Wednesday, February 18

Lehkonen's OT Winner Sends Finland to Olympic Semifinals, Continues Clutch Legacy

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Artturi Lehkonen delivered another signature moment, scoring 3:32 into overtime to lift Finland to a stunning 3–2 comeback victory over Switzerland in the Olympic quarterfinals. Finland trailed 2-0 with just over six minutes left in regulation before rallying. Lehkonen's breakaway winner propelled Finland into the semifinals against Canada. This adds to his growing legacy of clutch goals, including four game-winners during the Colorado Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup run and an overtime winner for the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Finland seeks to defend its 2022 gold medal.

Petr Mrazek Undergoes Season-Ending Hip Surgery

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Anaheim Ducks goalie Petr Mrazek underwent season-ending hip surgery on Tuesday. His 2025-26 campaign concludes with a 3-5-0 record, a 4.07 GAA, and an .858 save percentage across 10 appearances. Given his extensive injury history and the severity of the procedure, the 34-year-old netminder's availability for the start of the 2026-27 season is uncertain. He is also expected to face reduced demand in free agency due to the injury and recent performance decline.

Quinn Hughes Lifts U.S. Men to Olympic Semifinals in OT Thriller

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Quinn Hughes was instrumental in leading the U.S. men's team to the semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The team advanced after a thrilling overtime victory against Sweden in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Hughes's performance was key in securing their progression, allowing the U.S. to move forward in the tournament after a challenging matchup that required extra hockey to determine a winner.

Hedman Sustains Lower-Body Injury, Sits Out Olympic Quarterfinal

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Victor Hedman sustained a lower-body injury during pregame warmups and is not getting ice time for Sweden against Team USA in Wednesday's Olympic quarterfinals game. Despite dressing as the seventh defenseman, he is not expected to play any shifts. The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman had recorded a goal and an assist in four appearances with Sweden in the 2026 Olympics. He also has 13 assists across 21 outings with Tampa Bay in the 2025-26 season.

Noah Laba Aims for Long-Term Role with Rangers Amidst Team Retool

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Noah Laba has emerged as a key player for the New York Rangers, surprisingly securing an opening-night NHL roster spot and a permanent role as the third-line center. In 54 games this season, the 22-year-old forward has recorded six goals, 10 assists, and 16 points, averaging 13:18 minutes, contributing speed, physicality, and reliability. Despite the Rangers sitting in last place and undergoing a 'retool,' Laba expressed his strong desire to remain with the team for a long time and establish himself as a cornerstone piece for the franchise's future.

Simon Edvinsson Underwent Surgery, Set to Return for Red Wings on Feb. 26

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who has been sidelined since January 21, is expected to return to action on February 26 against the Ottawa Senators. Edvinsson revealed he underwent surgery for a lingering injury that he aggravated during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing through it on adrenaline before realizing the severity the next day. He expressed frustration over his absence, stating 'It sucked.' In his second NHL season, Edvinsson has tallied six goals and 11 assists while averaging 22:34 of ice time.

Toffoli Suffers Lower-Body Injury, Listed as Day-to-Day

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Tyler Toffoli sustained a lower-body injury and is currently listed as day-to-day. The San Jose Sharks forward has recorded 15 goals and 36 points in 55 outings during the 2025-26 season. If Toffoli is unable to play when the Sharks' schedule resumes against Calgary on February 26, there is a possibility that Collin Graf could be shifted into the top six forward lines to fill his spot.

Crosby Suffers Right Leg Injury in Olympic Quarterfinal, Status Uncertain

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Sidney Crosby exited Canada's Olympic quarterfinal game against Czechia on Wednesday after sustaining a right leg injury from a collision early in the second period. He logged only 5:55 of ice time and did not return, limping off the ice. The severity of the Pittsburgh Penguins star's injury is currently unknown, making his availability for Friday's semifinal matchup uncertain if Canada advances. Before the injury, Crosby had tallied two goals and six points across three appearances in the 2026 Olympics.

Fiala's Season Ends with Lower Leg Fracture; Kings Face Playoff Setback

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Kevin Fiala (lower leg fracture) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after sustaining the injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics while playing for Switzerland, reportedly from a hit by Tom Wilson. The injury officially ends his regular season, though he might be an option for the playoffs. Fiala recorded 18 goals and 40 points in 56 games for the Kings in 2025-26. His placement on IR frees up a roster spot, but the injury is a significant setback for Los Angeles, especially following the Artemi Panarin trade.

Markstrom to Start for Sweden in Olympic Quarterfinal vs. USA

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Jacob Markstrom will start in net for Sweden in Wednesday's 2026 Winter Olympics quarterfinal against the United States. This marks his third consecutive start after seeing increased work, following a 26-save performance in a win over Slovakia and 20 saves on 21 shots against Latvia. While the USA presents a tougher challenge, Markstrom is coming off promising outings. He will tend the twine for Sweden, as reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Mitch Marner Delivers Overtime Winner for Canada Against Czechia

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Mitch Marner was the hero for Canada, netting the game-winning goal in overtime against Czechia. His clutch performance secured a dramatic 4-3 victory for Canada, allowing them to avoid a stunning quarterfinal elimination at the Olympics. The win ensures Canada's advancement in the tournament after a hard-fought rally.

Nick Suzuki Scores Late Equalizer, Helps Canada Force Overtime

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Nick Suzuki played a pivotal role for Canada, scoring a crucial equalizer with 3:27 remaining in the game against Czechia. His late goal helped Canada rally from behind to secure a 4-3 overtime victory, preventing a stunning quarterfinal exit at the Olympics. The dramatic win ensures Canada's progression in the tournament.

Juuse Saros Starts Quarterfinal for Finland After Strong Outings

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Juuse Saros is set to start in goal for Finland during Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup against Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics. After a challenging initial outing where he allowed three goals on 24 shots in a loss to Slovakia, Saros has significantly improved his performance. Over his last two starts against Sweden and Italy, he has been stellar, stopping 49 of the 50 shots he faced. Saros aims to maintain this strong form in Wednesday's game to help propel Finland into the semifinals.

Hellebuyck to Start for Team USA in Olympic Quarterfinals vs. Sweden

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Connor Hellebuyck is confirmed to start in goal for Team USA against Sweden in Wednesday's 2026 Winter Olympics quarterfinals, as reported by Mollie Walker. Hellebuyck has been strong, stopping 40 of 42 shots in previous tournament games against Germany and Latvia. This matchup against a talent-loaded Swedish team, featuring players like Lucas Raymond (8 points in 4 games), Mika Zibanejad, and Erik Karlsson, is expected to be his toughest challenge yet. Team USA enters rested after a 3-0-0-0 round-robin record.

Morrissey Out for Canada's Olympic Quarterfinals Game vs. Czechia

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Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) will not play in Wednesday's Olympic quarterfinals game for Team Canada against Czechia. The defenseman has been sidelined since exiting Canada's 5-0 victory over Czechia in the round-robin opener last Thursday. The 30-year-old has recorded 10 goals and 42 points in 56 games with the Winnipeg Jets during the 2025-26 season. There's a possibility Morrissey could return for Friday's semifinals if Canada advances past Czechia.

Binnington Confirmed to Start for Canada in Olympic Quarterfinals

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Jordan Binnington is slated to start for Team Canada in Wednesday's Olympic quarterfinals against Czechia, according to Sportsnet. Despite an 8-17-6 record, 3.65 GAA, and .864 SV% in 32 games with the St. Louis Blues this season, Binnington has performed well in the tournament, stopping 38 of 40 shots in two appearances. He previously secured a 5-0 victory against Czechia in the round-robin. Czechia's offense, featuring Hertl, Necas, and Pastrnak, may be fatigued after a Tuesday qualification win.

Dostal to Start for Czechia Against Canada in Olympic Quarterfinals

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Lukas Dostal will be in net for Czechia in Wednesday's Olympic quarterfinal game against Canada, as reported by Elliotte Friedman. Dostal previously faced Canada in the tournament opener last Thursday, stopping 31 of 36 shots in a 5-0 loss. However, he recently made 22 saves on 24 shots in Czechia's 3-2 qualification round victory over Denmark on Tuesday, earning him another start just a day later.

Flyers Prospect Christian Kyrou Excelling, Forging NHL Path as RFA Decision Looms

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Philadelphia Flyers prospect Christian Kyrou, acquired from the Dallas Stars on Oct. 30, has exceeded expectations, becoming an AHL All-Star. In 37 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the 22-year-old defenseman has recorded seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points, surpassing his previous career high. Flyers GM Danny Briere praised Kyrou's performance, noting he took charge of the power play. As a pending restricted free agent, Kyrou's future with the Flyers will be decided after the March 6 trade deadline, as he continues to develop his defensive game.

Grubauer to Start for Germany in Olympic Quarter-Finals vs. Slovakia

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Seattle Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer will start for Germany against Slovakia in the 2026 Winter Olympics Quarter-Finals on Wednesday. Grubauer has been terrific at the Games, posting a 2-1 record with a .934 save percentage, allowing six goals on 91 shots. He made 30 saves in Tuesday's 5-1 win over France. Slovakia, having won Group B, presents a tough challenge, requiring Grubauer to be at his best.