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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Anthony Mantha provided a crucial assist to Avery Hayes, setting up Hayes' second goal in his NHL debut with a perfect between-the-legs backhand pass. Mantha later went to the penalty box for hooking with 1:29 remaining in the game.
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs started Thursday against Buffalo, making 26 saves in a 5-2 victory. Despite allowing an early goal, he bounced back with crucial stops, including a game-changing save on Tage Thompson in the third period. Silovs has posted a 2-2-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and a .921 save percentage over his last six starts, and a .910 save percentage since January 1. He will represent Team Latvia in the Olympics, where he has a history of success.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov scored an early goal 6:26 into the first period, giving his team a 1-0 lead on a wrist shot off an assist from Mark Jankowski. His goal proved to be the game-winner as the Hurricanes went on to shut out the New York Rangers 2-0.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal scored an empty-net goal with 54 seconds left, sealing a 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers. This win, which extended the Hurricanes' points streak to 10 games, was their final game before the Olympic break.
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi started against the Rangers on Thursday, extending his impressive win streak to seven games with a 16-save shutout in a 2-0 victory. This marks his second career shutout. Prior to the game, he held a 22-3-1 record with a 2.24 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Despite being his first NHL season, the 27-year-old is ineligible for the Calder Trophy. Bussi's performance was crucial in keeping the Rangers scoreless.
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson opened the scoring for his team in Thursday's 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Wilson, who is on Team Canada's roster, will now prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson (upper body) was activated off injured reserve and started Thursday against Nashville, making 27 saves in a 4-2 victory. This was his first game since Jan. 27. His strong performance, including a key save on a two-man breakaway, was crucial for the Capitals. Thompson's return clears him to join Team Canada at the Olympics in Milan, an opportunity he called a "dream come true," expressing readiness for any role.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kevin Hayes returned to the lineup for the first time since January 11th, playing on a fourth line alongside Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty. His return was prompted by Blake Lizotte's unavailability for Thursday's game.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari missed Thursday's game against Buffalo due to an illness that kept him off the ice for morning skate. His absence, alongside other injuries, contributed to rookie Avery Hayes making his NHL debut for the Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Blake Lizotte was unavailable for Thursday's game against Buffalo due to the impending birth of his first child. His absence created an opportunity for Kevin Hayes to play and for rookie Avery Hayes to make his NHL debut.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (lower body) was ruled out of Thursday's game against Buffalo after sustaining an injury during morning skate. The veteran has recorded 10 goals and 24 points in 35 games this season. His absence necessitated a lineup change, with Avery Hayes recalled. A significant concern is the severity of his injury and its potential impact on his participation in the upcoming Olympics for Team Sweden, which begins February 11.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point (lower body injury) has been officially ruled out of the upcoming Olympics for Team Canada. He has been on long-term injured reserve and has not played for the Lightning since January 12. Seth Jarvis will replace him on the Olympic roster. Point's return to the Lightning lineup is uncertain, with his next potential game on February 25. His absence has seen Brandon Hagel's shot volume increase significantly.
Aaron Ekblad has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning for an undisclosed reason, as reported by Jameson Olive. He is among several Florida Panthers players missing the final game before the Olympic break. Head coach Paul Maurice indicated he isn't concerned about Ekblad's status following the break. Since January 1, the 29-year-old has accumulated a goal, five assists, 24 hits, 24 blocked shots, and 17 PIM across 17 appearances, averaging 22:45 of ice time. Mikulas Hovorka will make his NHL debut in his place.
Brad Marchand (undisclosed) will not be in the lineup Thursday versus Tampa Bay, per Jameson Olive. He had just returned from an undisclosed injury for Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over Boston, where he logged only 10:55 of ice time. It remains unclear if this is a new issue or an extension of his previous injury. Marchand's next chance to play for the Florida Panthers is Feb. 26, but he is expected to play for Team Canada during the Olympics, with their first tournament game set for Feb. 12 against Czechia.
James Reimer will defend the road crease against Philadelphia on Thursday. He struggled in his previous start Tuesday against the Hurricanes, allowing four goals on 19 shots for a .789 save percentage in a 4-3 regulation loss. Reimer will draw a second consecutive start leading up to the Olympic break due to Linus Ullmark's (illness) unavailability. Hunter Shepard has been recalled from AHL Belleville to serve as the backup netminder. The Flyers are currently tied for 21st in the NHL, averaging 2.93 goals per game this season.
Linus Ullmark has been ruled out for Thursday's road game against Philadelphia due to flu-like symptoms. He had recently returned from a 14-game absence in late January, securing wins in both of his two starts since, posting an impressive 1.50 GAA and .930 save percentage during that time. Ullmark will be unavailable for the Ottawa Senators' final game before the Olympic break, with James Reimer drawing the start. Hunter Shepard was called up to provide additional depth. Ullmark is presumably expected to return when the Senators resume play Feb. 26 against Detroit.
Seth Jarvis has been named as the replacement for Brayden Point on Team Canada's Olympic roster. Point will not participate in the Milan Cortina Olympics due to a lower-body injury. This is a significant opportunity for the Carolina Hurricanes forward to represent his country on the international stage.
A report suggests St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk could be a strong trade target for the Detroit Red Wings to bolster their blueline. Faulk's defensive skills and offensive contributions (11 goals, 30 points in 57 games, 22:29 ATOI) align with the Red Wings' needs, potentially allowing Axel Sandin-Pellikka to play more sheltered minutes. The Red Wings possess the assets and cap space for his $6.5 million cap hit, though any trade is on hold until the NHL roster freeze ends Feb. 22.
Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar made his fifth consecutive start Thursday, stopping 25 of 27 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Senators. Despite his strong performance, which coach Rick Tocchet praised as "solid all year," Vladar conceded the game-winning goal 47 seconds into overtime. He will now join Team Czechia for the Olympics in Milan, where he may face competition for starts. This was the Flyers' final game before the Olympic break, marking their 12th loss in the last 15 games.
Valeri Nichushkin registered three assists, two shots on goal, three hits, and a plus-4 rating in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Sharks. He contributed to both of Artturi Lehkonen's goals and Josh Manson's game-winner, marking his first multi-point effort since Dec. 31. The Avalanche winger has accumulated a goal and six helpers in his last six games, bringing his season total to 34 points in 46 contests, alongside 107 shots, 41 hits, 18 PIM, and a plus-7 rating.
