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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan scored the overtime winner against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, securing a 2-1 victory and the team's sixth win in eight games. This was his sixth goal and 13th point through 32 games, and his first career NHL game-winning goal. Praised by teammates and coach Craig Berube for his strong play, Cowan was playfully "summoned to dance" in the dressing room afterward, a team tradition.
The Ottawa Senators, desperate for goaltending help, signed 37-year-old veteran James Reimer to an AHL professional tryout (PTO). Reimer, who played 24 NHL games last season with Buffalo and Anaheim (10-10-2, 2.92 GAA, .896 SV%), recently represented Canada at the Spengler Cup. He has a career NHL record of 225-187-65 with a 2.89 GAA and .910 SV%. Reimer is expected to report to Ottawa soon with an NHL contract to provide backup.
Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene, who missed nearly two months and struggled upon his early December return, has found his stride in the New Year, recording four points and 10 shots over his last four games. He plays on the Stars' second power-play unit and primarily at even-strength alongside Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen. Coming off a 30-goal, 52-assist campaign, Duchene is regaining his offensive impact.
Stuart Skinner started in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, extending his winning streak to three games, allowing only one goal in each. This follows an initial three-game losing streak after joining Pittsburgh from Edmonton. Skinner holds a 13-11-4 record with a 2.83 GAA and .888 save percentage this season, split between both teams. He is currently alternating starts with Arturs Silovs, but his experience likely gives him the edge as the Penguins' No. 1 goaltender.
Mark Stone delivered a stellar performance in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Blue Jackets, scoring a power-play goal, adding two assists, and blocking three shots. His goal was the game-winner, and he was involved in all three second-period tallies for the Vegas Golden Knights. Stone has now scored in six consecutive games, tallying six goals and two assists during this productive stretch. He currently boasts 14 goals, 23 helpers, 16 power-play points, 64 shots, and a plus-7 rating across 26 appearances this season.
Reilly Smith delivered a strong performance, scoring two goals in Thursday's 5-3 win against the Blue Jackets. This outing extends his recent offensive production, giving him three goals over his last two games. The Golden Knights had shuffled their lines for the contest, placing Smith on the second line alongside Mitch Marner and Brandon Saad. With these contributions, Smith's season totals now stand at eight goals, 13 points, 43 shots on net, and a minus-9 rating through 38 appearances. His recent uptick in offense is crucial and should help solidify his position in the lineup.
Ross Colton recorded three assists, four shots on goal, two hits, and a plus-3 rating in the Colorado Avalanche's 8-2 victory over the Senators. This performance matched his helper total from his previous 17 games. The 29-year-old winger contributed to goals by Josh Manson, Brent Burns, and Brock Nelson. Colton has accumulated five goals, 14 assists, 94 shots, 93 hits, and a plus-12 rating in 43 games this season, filling a middle-six role.
Cale Makar scored a goal, which stood as the game-winner, and added two power-play assists in the Colorado Avalanche's dominant 8-2 win over the Senators. He provided secondary helpers on goals by Martin Necas and Brock Nelson. The 27-year-old defenseman has been on a hot streak, tallying three goals and eight assists over his last nine outings. For the 2025-26 season, Makar leads all blueliners with 51 points (13 goals, 38 assists) in 43 appearances, along with 119 shots, 74 blocked shots, and a plus-30 rating.
Brock Nelson scored twice and added an assist in the Colorado Avalanche's 8-2 victory over the Senators. His first goal, a power-play tally, secured his fifth-straight 20-goal season. The 34-year-old center is currently on a tear, accumulating seven goals and five assists over his last seven outings. This season, Nelson has recorded 21 goals, 37 points (10 on the power play), 93 shots on net, 34 blocked shots, and a plus-13 rating through 43 appearances.
Nathan MacKinnon scored a goal on five shots and dished out three assists in the Colorado Avalanche's dominant 8-2 win over the Senators. Two of his helpers came on the power play. This marks his third four-point effort in the last five games, despite being held off the scoresheet in his previous two matchups. The superstar center has been consistently productive this season, accumulating a stunning 36 goals, 42 assists, 197 shots on net, and a plus-48 rating through 43 appearances.
Josh Manson delivered an exceptional performance in the Colorado Avalanche's 8-2 win over the Senators, scoring twice on five shots and adding two assists. He also went plus-5, logged seven PIM, doled out three hits, and blocked four shots. This was arguably Manson's best game, coming close to a double Gordie Howe hat trick. The 34-year-old defenseman hadn't scored since November 26 but has been a steady source of helpers, hits, and PIM. Overall, he has four goals, 19 points, 62 shots, 58 PIM, 107 hits, and 60 blocked shots in 43 games.
Joel Eriksson Ek sustained an undisclosed injury when he got tangled up with another player near the bench during Thursday's game versus the Kraken, as reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic. The Minnesota Wild center left the game in the second period. Head coach John Hynes expressed mild concern, labeling Eriksson Ek as day-to-day. While his status for Saturday's game against the Islanders is uncertain, the injury does not appear to be a long-term concern, even if he misses a couple of contests.
Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry (upper-body injury) missed his first game of the season Thursday night against Carolina. He is considered day-to-day and is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Prior to the injury, Terry was on a three-game scoring streak (1 goal, 4 points). In 43 appearances this season, he shares the team lead with 42 points (13 goals).
Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart sustained an apparent lower-body injury to his left leg during Thursday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, exiting in the first period after falling awkwardly and unable to put weight on it. He appeared to twist his left leg/knee and needed assistance off the ice, visibly in pain. His availability for Saturday's game versus the Blues is uncertain. Hart holds a 5-3-3 record with a 3.23 GAA and .874 save percentage in 11 appearances since his Dec. 2 debut. Carl Lindbom may be called up if Adin Hill remains unavailable.
Filip Forsberg scored the decisive goal in a shootout on Thursday night, leading the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Forsberg executed a forehand-to-backhand move to beat Islanders goaltender David Rittich. This win marks Nashville's third shootout victory of the season, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record in tiebreakers.
Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane made NHL history on Thursday night, becoming the 50th player to reach 500 career goals in a 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Kane scored his 499th goal on the power play and sealed the milestone with an empty-netter late in the third period, prompting a team celebration and standing ovation. Of his 500 goals, 446 were with Chicago, 5 with the Rangers, and 49 with Detroit. The 37-year-old, who also boasts 869 assists and 1367 points, is a 3-time Stanley Cup champion and will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
Josh Doan scored a goal for the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, contributing to their 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers. This win marked the Sabres' 12th victory in their past 13 games, further solidifying their strong performance.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis returned to action on Thursday, starting against the New York Rangers after recovering from a concussion suffered on December 9th. He made 30 saves in the Sabres' 5-2 victory, stopping the final 12 shots after allowing an early third-period goal. Ellis now holds a 4-3-0 record with a 3.25 GAA and .895 save percentage this season.
Evgeni Malkin (upper body) was activated from injured reserve and returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup for Thursday's game against the New Jersey Devils, scoring a power-play goal in their 4-1 victory. This marked his return after a 15-game absence. Prior to his injury, Malkin had recorded five goals and four assists, including four power-play points. Upon his return, he shifted to the wing, allowing Ben Kindel to center the second line.
Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen (illness) is confirmed to return to action Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, according to Joe Pohoryles of Emerald City Spectrum. Tolvanen will rejoin the lineup after a one-game absence, stepping into a top-six role. He is also expected to take power-play time, filling in for the injured Jordan Eberle.
