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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Anze Kopitar, the Los Angeles Kings' long-standing number one centerman and leading goalscorer, has announced his retirement at the end of the current season. The 38-year-old's impending departure marks the end of a two-decade era for the Kings, raising significant questions about the team's future at the center position as they grapple with a 'center crisis' and the unraveling of their succession plan.
Jonathan Quick, a former cornerstone of the Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup-winning teams, is currently serving as a backup goaltender for the New York Rangers. His current role was mentioned in an article discussing the Kings' post-Kopitar center crisis, highlighting the departure of key players from their championship era and the challenges the franchise faces in its transition.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to guard the road goal against Ottawa on Saturday. He has lost his last seven outings, allowing 19 goals on 163 shots over that span. This season, Hellebuyck holds a 9-10-3 record with a 2.51 GAA and a .907 save percentage through 22 appearances. Ottawa ranks 10th in the league with 3.23 goals per game this campaign.
John Gibson will protect the home net against Pittsburgh on Saturday. He is coming off a 23-save performance in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Winnipeg. This season, Gibson has a 13-8-1 record with two shutouts, a 2.97 GAA, and an .893 save percentage through 23 appearances. Pittsburgh sits 11th in the league with 3.21 goals per game this campaign.
Dan Vladar will guard the visiting crease in Edmonton on Saturday. He has won three of his last four starts and has not allowed more than three goals in his last seven games, posting a 4-1-2 mark with a 1.98 GAA and a .919 save percentage. Overall, Vladar is 14-6-3 with a 2.40 GAA and a .910 save percentage across 23 appearances this season. The Oilers are sixth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.34 goals per game.
Casey DeSmith was placed on non-roster injured reserve Saturday, with no reason given for his absence. He was off to his best NHL career start, posting a 9-2-4 record with a 2.44 GAA and a .912 save percentage over 15 games this season. In a corresponding move, the Stars recalled Remi Poirier from AHL Texas.
Leevi Merilainen was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, indicating he will patrol the home crease against Winnipeg on Saturday. He is coming off a 26-save performance in Thursday's 4-3 win over Washington. This campaign, Merilainen has posted a 5-7-0 record with a 3.46 GAA and an .872 save percentage across 12 appearances. The struggling Jets rank 22nd in the league with 2.87 goals per game this season.
Logan Thompson is confirmed to start in goal for the Washington Capitals against Chicago on Saturday. He aims to rebound after losing his last two outings, where he allowed eight goals on 60 shots. This season, Thompson holds a 15-11-3 record with two shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and a .913 save percentage through 29 appearances. Chicago ranks 24th in the league, averaging 2.78 goals per game, presenting an opportunity for Thompson to improve his recent form.
Stuart Skinner is slated to start in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. Since being acquired from Edmonton on December 12th as part of the Tristan Jarry trade, Skinner has posted a 1-3-0 record with a 3.36 GAA and an .869 save percentage. He has been rotating starts with Arturs Silovs, who has shown stronger performance. The Red Wings currently rank 19th in NHL scoring, averaging 3.05 goals per game.
Jake DeBrusk delivered a strong performance, scoring a power-play goal on five shots and adding two assists in Friday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Kraken. One helper was also on the power play. This effort followed a healthy scratch and a 16-game stretch with only one goal and six assists. DeBrusk now has 10 goals, 20 points (11 on PP), 109 shots, 35 hits, and a minus-10 rating through 39 appearances for the Vancouver Canucks, remaining on pace for 40 points.
Quinn Hughes showcased his playmaking prowess, logging four assists, two shots on goal, and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 5-2 win over the Ducks. He contributed to the Minnesota Wild's first four goals, bringing his total to one goal and 10 assists in 10 games with the Wild, including four power-play helpers. Overall this season, Hughes has accumulated 34 points (16 on PP), 93 shots, 43 blocked shots, and a minus-3 rating across 36 outings between the Wild and Canucks.
Minnesota Wild forward Danila Yurov netted two goals in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Ducks, snapping a six-game stretch where he had recorded only one assist. The 22-year-old scored with a deflection in the second period and added another goal in the third, extending the Wild's lead to 4-1. Yurov's season totals now stand at six goals and 15 points, along with 40 shots, 26 blocked shots, 23 hits, and a minus-1 rating through 35 appearances. He continues to vie for top-six minutes at even strength.
Mika Zibanejad delivered an outstanding performance for the New York Rangers, achieving a remarkable hat trick in their commanding 5-1 win against the Florida Panthers. This memorable game was the Winter Classic, held on Friday night, and was historic as it represented the first-ever outdoor NHL game played in Florida. Zibanejad's three goals were a pivotal factor in the Rangers' decisive victory, highlighting his offensive prowess in a high-stakes environment.
Artemi Panarin was a key offensive force for the New York Rangers, scoring two crucial goals in their dominant 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. This significant win took place on Friday night during the highly anticipated Winter Classic, which notably marked the very first outdoor NHL game ever played in Florida. Panarin's performance was instrumental in securing the Rangers' decisive triumph in this historic event.
Isaac Howard has been recalled to the Edmonton Oilers after a productive six-week stint with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL. The 21-year-old, acquired from Tampa Bay, posted an impressive 10 goals and 13 assists (23 points) in 16 AHL games, including 6 points in his last 4. Howard, who previously had 2 goals and 1 assist in 17 NHL games this season, utilized his time in Bakersfield to gain consistent ice time and develop his professional game, focusing on puck possession and confidence. He feels more experienced and calmer for his second NHL opportunity, aiming to contribute as a bottom-six forward.
Joey Daccord is confirmed to start in goal for the Seattle Kraken against the Canucks on Friday, marking the second half of a back-to-back. He's been alternating starts with Philipp Grubauer. Despite a challenging December (3-4-1 record, 2.96 GAA, .904 SV% in eight games), Daccord has secured wins in two of his last three outings. This start continues the Kraken's pattern of alternating goalies during a demanding schedule.
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones, 31, sustained an upper-body injury early in the first period of Friday's Winter Classic against the Rangers and was subsequently ruled out of the game during the middle frame. He is currently considered day-to-day as more information becomes available. Should Jones miss additional time, Donovan Sebrango is a likely candidate to re-enter the lineup, and Jeff Petry could see an increase in power-play opportunities.
Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm was not named to Team Sweden's initial 2026 Men's Olympic roster. The selection process saw St. Louis Blues blueliner Philip Broberg, who was considered a longshot, secure a spot over established veterans like Lindholm and Mattias Ekholm. Although the roster could still see changes due to injuries, Lindholm's omission from the preliminary squad indicates a shift in the national team's defensive selections.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm was not included on Team Sweden's initial 2026 Men's Olympic roster. The announcement saw St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg, a player considered a longshot, earn a spot over veterans like Ekholm and Hampus Lindholm. While the roster is subject to change due to potential injuries, Ekholm's absence from the preliminary list is a notable development, highlighting the competitive landscape for Swedish blueliners.
St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg, 24, has been named to Team Sweden's 2026 Men's Olympic roster, marking his first senior-level international competition. Considered a longshot, Broberg expressed being "extremely honored" by the "dream-come-true" selection. He's recorded two goals and 13 points (11 assists) in 42 games this season, averaging 23:15 of ice time. Coach Jim Montgomery lauded his significant progress, physical tools, and improved mindset, noting his defensive growth and offensive contributions. Broberg was chosen over veterans like Mattias Ekholm and Hampus Lindholm.
