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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Michael Bunting recorded a goal and three assists, adding two PIM and a plus-3 rating, in Saturday's 4-3 victory against the Flames. This performance brings his season totals to 11 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances, putting him on track to surpass 40 points for the fourth time in five years. He has been particularly effective against the Flames this season, accumulating three goals and six assists in three games.
Erik Haula celebrated his 800th career game by scoring two goals, just 1:33 apart in the first period, during Saturday's 4-3 win over the Flames. This marked his first multi-point effort since November 29, following a December where he had only six points in 14 outings. For the season, Haula has accumulated seven goals and 23 points in 41 appearances, already surpassing his 21 points from the entire 2024-25 season.
Auston Matthews scored two goals in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders, reaching career goals No. 420 and 421 to become the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Mats Sundin in significantly fewer games. These goals also marked his 20th of the season, extending his streak to 10 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals, a feat achieved by only five American and five active NHL players.
Nathan MacKinnon delivered his second consecutive four-point performance on Saturday, tallying an empty-net goal and three assists in the Avalanche's 5-3 win over the Hurricanes. He now has five goals and eight assists over his last four games. Through 40 appearances, the superstar center boasts 35 goals and 74 points, including 18 on the power play, maintaining a remarkable pace that could see him reach 150 points this season.
Brock Nelson scored two power-play goals on seven shots, including the game-winner, in Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Hurricanes. The 34-year-old center initiated the Avalanche's comeback early in the third period. He now boasts multiple points in three consecutive games and has accumulated five goals and five assists over his last six outings. For the season, Nelson has tallied 18 goals and 32 points across 40 appearances, along with 83 shots, 32 blocked shots, 21 hits, and a plus-13 rating.
Macklin Celebrini recorded an assist in Saturday's 7-3 loss to Tampa Bay, extending his impressive point streak to 10 games (7 goals, 13 assists). The 19-year-old phenom was recently named to Team Canada for the upcoming Olympics, making him the first teenager to represent Canada in men's hockey in an NHL-featured Olympics. Celebrini ranks third in NHL scoring with 63 points (22 goals, 41 assists) in 41 games and was named the NHL's third star for December. His 62 points in 40 games is the third-best ever among NHL teenagers.
Nikita Kucherov exploded for a goal and four assists in the Lightning's 7-3 win over the Sharks, including three power-play points. This marked his franchise-record eighth career five-point game, tying Evgeni Malkin. Kucherov extended his point streak to seven games (17 points: 7 goals, 10 assists) and his goal streak to five games (7 goals). He now boasts 59 points (20 goals) in 37 games, ranking fourth overall in the NHL and third in points-per-game (1.59).
Jesper Wallstedt is slated to start in goal for the Minnesota Wild on Saturday against the Kings. He holds an 11-2-3 record with a 2.21 GAA and .928 save percentage across 16 outings in the 2025-26 season. Wallstedt has recently struggled, allowing at least three goals in each of his last three appearances. He will face a Kings team that ranks 31st in the league for goals per game, averaging 2.59.
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Blackhawks due to a lower-body injury. The injury occurred after an awkward fall following a hit from Chicago's Connor Murphy. While not officially ruled out, it's uncommon for players with an in-game questionable designation to return. If Wilson doesn't re-enter Saturday's contest, his next opportunity to play would be Monday versus the Ducks.
Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula has been suspended by the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for failing to report after his December 31 trade. The 25-year-old, who recently switched agents, has yet to play for his new club and is believed to be refusing to report. He has one year left on his $1.7 million contract and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Zach Werenski (lower body) was activated from injured reserve and made an immediate impact in his return for the Columbus Blue Jackets, notching two assists in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Sabres. After a four-game absence, he rejoined the top defensive pairing and first power-play unit, contributing to Denton Mateychuk's opening goal and Cole Sillinger's empty-netter. This performance extended his point streak to six games, during which he has accumulated five goals and 12 points. On the season, Werenski now has 14 goals and 42 points in 36 contests, making him one of the most productive NHL blueliners, trailing only Cale Makar.
Juuse Saros is confirmed to start in goal for the Predators on the road against the Flames Saturday. He has shown improved consistency recently, posting a 5-3-0 record over his last eight games and not allowing more than three goals in any of those outings. He faces a challenging Flames team that has scored 21 goals in their last six games, going 5-1-0 in that span.
Joseph Woll started Saturday's game against the Islanders, making 21 saves in the 4-3 overtime loss, with Matthew Schaefer scoring the game-winner past him. He was pulled from Thursday's win after allowing four goals on 17 shots. Woll now holds an 8-4-1 record with a .916 save percentage through 15 appearances this season, having been slated to start the game as part of the team's plan despite his previous outing.
Dustin Wolf will guard the home net for the Flames against the Predators on Saturday. He enters the game on a three-game winning streak, having allowed only four goals on 83 shots during that impressive span. The Predators, who have won four of their last six games and scored 16 goals in that period, are expected to provide a close battle against the Flames.
Aliaksei Protas (undisclosed) has been announced as a late scratch for Saturday's game against Chicago. Protas has recorded 16 goals and 31 points in 41 appearances during the 2025-26 season. His unexpected absence from the lineup is expected to open up a spot for Sonny Milano, who is likely to play Saturday for the first time since December 23.
Spencer Knight is confirmed to guard the road goal for the Blackhawks against the Capitals on Saturday, marking his fourth consecutive start. Over his last three games, Knight has allowed nine goals on 55 shots, but he is coming off a 4-3 victory over the Stars on Thursday. He will face a Capitals team that has scored 21 goals in their last six games.
Scott Wedgewood is projected to start on the road against Carolina on Saturday. He boasts an impressive 17-1-2 record with a 2.13 GAA and .919 save percentage across 24 appearances in the 2025-26 season. Notably, Wedgewood has not suffered a regulation loss in his past 15 outings, holding a 12-0-2 record during that span. Carolina currently ranks eighth in goals per game with 3.28.
Frederik Andersen is confirmed to start in goal for the Carolina Hurricanes against Colorado on Saturday. He enters the game with an 0-6-2 record over his last eight outings, having allowed 30 goals on 179 shots. This season, Andersen holds a 5-9-2 record with a 3.38 GAA and an .865 save percentage through 16 appearances. He previously made 44 saves in a 5-4 shootout win against the Avalanche on Oct. 23. Colorado leads the league with 4.05 goals per game.
Shayne Gostisbehere (groin) is anticipated to return to the lineup for the Carolina Hurricanes' game against Colorado on Saturday. He missed the previous three games due to the injury. This season, Gostisbehere has recorded four goals and 29 points in 28 appearances for Carolina. His return means Mike Reilly is projected to be a healthy scratch for Saturday's contest.
Defenseman Zeev Buium has recorded three points in his first nine games with the Vancouver Canucks since being acquired in the Quinn Hughes trade, averaging over 20 minutes per night. The 20-year-old is focused on continuous improvement, putting in extra work on and off the ice. His skating and puck-handling abilities have been evident, with him averaging over 2.5 shot attempts per game, as he aims to become the best player he can be for the young Canucks squad.
