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NHL News

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

Thursday, January 15

Merzlikins Gets Rare Start for Blue Jackets Against Canucks

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Elvis Merzlikins will defend the home cage for the Columbus Blue Jackets against Vancouver on Thursday. This marks a rare start for Merzlikins, as he has played only once since December 22nd, a span of 11 games, with Jet Greaves serving as the undisputed No. 1 goaltender. Merzlikins holds a 6-7-1 record this season with a 4.03 GAA and an .877 save percentage across 15 appearances. The Canucks are currently 27th in the NHL, generating 2.63 goals per game.

Capitals' Tom Wilson (Lower Body) Out Thursday, May Return Saturday

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Tom Wilson (lower body) has been ruled out of Thursday's game against San Jose, marking his sixth consecutive missed game. The Washington Capitals power forward has accumulated 22 goals, 20 assists, 110 hits, and 59 PIM across 41 appearances this season. There is a possibility that Wilson could return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup against Florida. Brett Leason is expected to remain in the lineup during Wilson's continued absence.

Chychrun Returns to Capitals Lineup After Illness

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Jakob Chychrun (illness) is available and expected to return to the Washington Capitals' lineup for Thursday's game against San Jose. Chychrun had missed the last two games due to his illness. In his eight appearances leading up to his absence, the defenseman recorded a goal, three assists, 13 blocked shots, four hits, and four penalty minutes, while averaging 23:18 of ice time per game.

Nedeljkovic Starts for Sharks, Seeks Third Straight Win

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Alex Nedeljkovic will patrol the visiting crease for the San Jose Sharks in Washington on Thursday. He will be attempting to secure his third consecutive victory, following recent wins against Dallas and Columbus. This season, Nedeljkovic holds a 7-8-2 record with a 3.12 GAA and an .890 save percentage across 20 appearances. He faces a challenging matchup, as the Capitals are tied for eighth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.26 goals per game.

Brett Kulak Emerges as Trade Candidate Amid Penguins' Retooling

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brett Kulak is generating trade buzz as the team undergoes a retooling phase. The veteran pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) could be moved, with potential fits including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Colorado Avalanche. The Maple Leafs could utilize his experience on their bottom pairing and penalty kill, while the Red Wings would benefit from his versatile defensive boost. The Avalanche, aiming for a deep playoff run, could add his playoff experience to their third pairing.

Logan Thompson Confirmed to Start Thursday vs. San Jose

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Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson is slated to start between the home pipes against San Jose on Thursday. Thompson has been sharp in his last two outings, allowing only three goals on 49 shots in victories over Chicago and Montreal. Overall, the netminder holds a 17-12-4 record with a 2.34 GAA and a .916 save percentage. The Sharks' offense is currently generating 3.13 goals per game, ranking 14th in the NHL.

Matthew Schaefer Prepares for Rematch Against McDavid & Draisaitl

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New York Islanders' No. 1 overall pick, rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, is set for a rematch against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Now established as the Islanders' top defenseman, averaging 23:56 minutes, Schaefer will face significantly more ice time against the Oilers' stars compared to his first encounter. He recently recorded his 13th goal and 30th point of the season, matching Bobby Orr's rookie defenseman goal record, and is looking to demonstrate his growth against elite competition. He powered through a jab to the ribs and a puck off the right knee in a recent game.

Wednesday, January 14

Jack Eichel Records Three Assists, Powers Golden Knights to OT Win

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Jack Eichel delivered a stellar performance in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win against the Kings, logging three assists, including one on the power play. He also registered four shots on goal, two blocked shots, and two PIM. Eichel has been exceptional in January, accumulating four goals and six assists over seven contests. The 29-year-old center now boasts 51 points (19 on the power play), 143 shots on net, 26 blocked shots, 23 hits, and a plus-8 rating through 38 appearances this season.

Gabe Perreault Ends Goal Drought with Two-Goal Performance in Rangers' Loss

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New York Rangers winger Gabe Perreault scored two goals in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Senators, ending a 10-game goal drought. The 20-year-old had been limited to three assists over that span and had gone five contests without any points. This season, Perreault has accumulated three goals, four assists, 14 shots on net, 12 hits, 11 blocked shots, and a plus-2 rating through 15 appearances.

Ridly Greig Records Three Assists, Fuels Senators' 8-4 Victory Over Rangers

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Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig notched three assists and a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's 8-4 win against the Rangers. He provided primary helpers on goals by Nick Jensen, Brady Tkachuk, and Dylan Cozens, contributing to his line's 10-point night. This marks Greig's first multi-point effort since November 9th. For the season, he now has six goals, 13 assists, 75 shots on net, 55 PIM, 51 hits, 27 blocked shots, and a plus-1 rating in 41 appearances.

Dylan Cozens Explodes for Three Points in Senators' Dominant Win Over Rangers

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Ottawa Senators center Dylan Cozens scored a goal on four shots and added two assists, finishing with a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's 8-4 victory over the Rangers. All of his production came during the Senators' four-goal first period, including a power-play assist. This performance ended a 10-game stretch where the 24-year-old had only recorded one goal and three assists. Cozens now has 13 goals, 21 helpers, 108 shots, 126 hits, 36 PIM, and a minus-15 rating in 46 appearances this season.

Brady Tkachuk Reaches 200 Goals, Leads Senators with Four Points in Rout

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Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored his 200th career NHL goal and added three assists, finishing with four points, a plus-3 rating, and two hits in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Rangers. This marked his first multi-point performance since December 20th. Tkachuk has now accumulated seven points in eight January outings. For the season, he has nine goals, 16 helpers, 108 shots on net, 78 hits, 28 PIM, and a minus-4 rating through 26 appearances.

Sabres' Josh Norris Suffers Rib Injury vs. Flyers, Day-to-Day Status Pending

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Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris sustained an upper-body injury, specifically a rib issue from a cross-check, during Wednesday's game against the Flyers. He exited in the second period after recording an assist. The injury, which confirms he avoided a concussion and further shoulder damage, raises concern given his history of upper-body issues. Norris is likely day-to-day and will be evaluated Thursday prior to the Sabres' game against the Canadiens to determine his status.

Akira Schmid to Start for Golden Knights vs. Kings Amid Hill's Recovery

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid is set to start Wednesday's road game against the Kings. Schmid has been performing well, winning his last two outings and stopping 39 of 43 shots. The 25-year-old netminder is currently serving as the temporary No. 1 while teammate Adin Hill recovers from a lower-body injury. He faces a Kings team that has struggled recently, winning only one of their last four games and scoring just eight goals in that period.

Evgeni Malkin Ties Bryan Trottier for 38th on NHL's All-Time Goals List

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin scored his 524th career goal on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, tying Bryan Trottier for 38th on the NHL's all-time goals list. The goal, a perfect shot after hard work in the offensive zone, secured a point for the Penguins in their 2-1 shootout loss. Malkin, who has two goals and three points in his last four games, is now one goal away from tying Marian Hossa for 37th all-time.

Flyers Goalie Dan Vladar Exits Game with Undisclosed Injury, Awaiting Re-evaluation

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Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar exited Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Sabres in the first period due to an undisclosed injury, allowing two goals on five shots before Samuel Ersson took over. The 28-year-old netminder, considered crucial to the Flyers' playoff push, will be re-evaluated post-game. This season, Vladar holds a 16-7-4 record with a 2.42 GAA and .907 save percentage in 27 games. His departure contributed to the Flyers' season-worst fourth straight loss. Aleksei Kolosov is a potential call-up if Vladar faces an extended absence.

Luukkonen Confirmed Starter Wednesday vs. Flyers After Five Wins in Six

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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is confirmed to start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres at home against the Flyers on Wednesday, as reported by Heather Engel of NHL.com. The 26-year-old netminder has been in excellent form, winning five of his last six starts while allowing just 13 goals on 186 shots. This impressive run has solidified his position as the Sabres' top goalie. Facing a Flyers team that has lost its last three games and scored only four goals, Luukkonen is in a favorable matchup.

Grubauer to Start Consecutive Games, Riding Hot Streak

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Philipp Grubauer is slated to start Wednesday's road game against the Devils, marking his first consecutive starts since Dec. 18-20. The Seattle Kraken goalie has been in strong form, winning five of his last six outings and allowing just nine goals during that span. This decision appears to be a strategic move to capitalize on his recent 'hot hand' against a Devils team that has struggled offensively, scoring only 14 goals in their last six games (2-4-0).

Merilainen Gets Back-to-Back Start vs. Rangers After Canucks Win

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Leevi Merilainen is scheduled to start Wednesday's road game against the Rangers, marking his second consecutive start. James Reimer will serve as his backup, following Hunter Shepard's reassignment to AHL Belleville. Merilainen is coming off a strong performance, stopping 19 of 20 shots in Tuesday's win over the Canucks. However, he previously received an early hook when starting consecutive days against the Avalanche on Jan. 8, adding an element of caution to this back-to-back outing.

Sheldon Dries Reassigned to AHL Grand Rapids by Detroit Red Wings

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The Detroit Red Wings have assigned forward Sheldon Dries to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Dries had been called up to serve as the 13th forward but has yet to appear in an NHL game for the Red Wings this season. The 28-year-old, who signed a two-year, two-way contract in July 2024, has contributed significantly to the Griffins' success, tallying 11 goals and 14 assists in 26 AHL games this season.