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NHL News

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

Monday, December 29, 2025

Johansson Explodes for Four Points, Ties Career High in Wild Win

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Marcus Johansson erupted for a goal and three assists, going plus-4 in Monday's 5-2 victory over the Golden Knights. He opened scoring 26 seconds into the game and matched his career high for points in a single contest. Johansson has been hot, tallying four goals and eight assists over his last nine outings. The Minnesota Wild forward now boasts 12 goals, 20 helpers, 58 shots, and a plus-21 rating through 38 appearances this season, continuing a remarkable age-35 campaign.

Pickard's Stellar 41-Save Hometown Win Complicates Oilers Goalie Picture

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Calvin Pickard delivered a stellar performance, stopping 41 of 42 shots to secure a 4-1 victory for the Edmonton Oilers against the Winnipeg Jets in his hometown. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised Pickard as their best player, noting the team's improved defense in front of him. This season-high save count significantly complicates the Oilers' goaltending situation, with Pickard, Tristan Jarry, and Tristan Ingram all performing well. Pickard, who feels confident and understands his backup role, made crucial saves, including 15 in the third period. The Oilers now face a decision on his next start, given Jarry's injury and Ingram's recall status.

Stamkos Delivers Two Goals, Game-Winner in Predators' 4-3 Victory

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Steven Stamkos delivered a clutch performance for the Nashville Predators, scoring two goals and adding an assist in Monday's 4-3 win over the Mammoth. His first goal tied the game on the power play in the third period, followed by the go-ahead, eventual game-winner just 1:38 later. Stamkos has been on a tear with nine goals and five helpers in his last nine games. He now has 17 goals, 25 points (6 PP), 91 shots, 32 hits, and a minus-9 rating through 38 appearances this season.

Schmid to Start Wednesday After Hart's Struggles; Stopped 15 Shots in Relief

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Akira Schmid is scheduled to start Wednesday's home game against the Predators, per Danny Webster. This decision comes after teammate Carter Hart was pulled from Monday's loss to the Wild, allowing five goals on 12 shots. Schmid replaced Hart in that game, stopping all 15 shots he faced. After losing playing time recently, Schmid gets another opportunity as the Vegas Golden Knights look to rebound against a formidable Predators opponent who have won four of their last five games.

Nelson's Goal & Assist Propel Avalanche to 8th Consecutive Win

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Brock Nelson contributed a goal and an assist in the Colorado Avalanche's 5-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings. Nelson's wrist shot over Forsberg's glove made it 3-1, helping the Avalanche extend their winning streak to eight games. The team also secured its 14th consecutive victory on home ice, demonstrating strong offensive play and disciplined performance. Nelson's two points were crucial in the Avalanche's continued success, as they improved to 10-0-1 over their last 11 contests.

MacKinnon's Goal & Assist Fuel Avalanche's 8th Straight Win

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Nathan MacKinnon recorded a goal and an assist, contributing to the Colorado Avalanche's dominant 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. MacKinnon's empty-net goal sealed the win, extending the Avalanche's home winning streak to 14 games and their overall streak to eight. He played a key role in the team's offensive onslaught, helping Colorado maintain its strong performance this season. The Avalanche are now 10-0-1 in their last 11 contests, showcasing their championship-round grit.

Sabres Goalie Colten Ellis Recovers From Concussion, Reflects on NHL Journey

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Buffalo Sabres goalie Colten Ellis is recovering from a concussion sustained on Dec 9 against the Oilers. Claimed off waivers from the Blues on Oct 5, Ellis expressed gratitude for his development in St. Louis. He made his NHL debut on Oct 22, stopping 29 shots in a 4-2 win, and won three of his first four starts. This season, Ellis holds a 4-3-0 record with a 3.25 GAA and .985 SV%. The Sabres have opted to keep three goalies rostered, highlighting their confidence in Ellis despite his recent injury setback.

Penguins Land Sniper Yegor Chinakhov, Waive Graves Amid Rebuild Shift

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The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Yegor Chinakhov (24) from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round, and a 2027 third-round pick. Defenseman Ryan Graves (30) was designated non-roster for waivers to create space. Chinakhov, a 2020 first-round pick (21st overall), recorded 3 goals and 6 points in 29 games this season. He previously had 16 goals/29 points in 53 games (2023-24) and 7 goals/15 points in 30 games (2024-25) before a back injury and a rift with his coach led to a trade request. GM Kyle Dubas views the sniper as a high-potential young player, signaling the Penguins' rebuild is entering its 'execution phase,' leveraging draft capital and projected $54.2M cap space.

Joey Daccord Starts Monday vs. Canucks After Back-to-Back Wins

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Joey Daccord is confirmed to start in goal for the Seattle Kraken on Monday against the Canucks, as reported by Joe Pohoryles. This follows Philipp Grubauer's start on Sunday. Daccord enters the game having won his last two outings, posting an impressive .945 save percentage in victories over the Sharks and Kings. However, the 29-year-old netminder has historically struggled against Vancouver, holding a career record of 2-2-1 with a 3.12 GAA and .886 save percentage across six appearances.

Marchessault Out for Fifth Straight Game with Lower-Body Injury

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Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) will remain sidelined for Monday's road game against the Mammoth, marking his fifth consecutive missed game. The Nashville Predators forward's return timeline is currently unclear, with his next potential opportunity to suit up being Wednesday in Vegas. The team has not provided further updates on the severity or expected duration of his lower-body injury, leaving his status day-to-day as he continues to recover.

Saros Tends Twine Monday in Utah, Boasts .912 Save Percentage in December

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Juuse Saros is slated to start in goal for the Nashville Predators Monday in Utah. The veteran netminder has been in strong form, not allowing more than three goals in his last seven outings, stopping 182 of 200 shots for a .910 save percentage. In December, Saros holds a 7-3-0 record with a 2.63 GAA and a .912 save percentage over 10 appearances. He faces a Mammoth team ranked 19th in the NHL for goals per game, having lost three of their last five matchups.

Hurricanes' Kochetkov Undergoes Season-Ending Lower-Body Surgery

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has undergone surgery for a lower-body injury and is confirmed out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, as stated by coach Rod Brind'Amour. Kochetkov had previously missed time with the same issue. He concludes his season with a 6-2-0 record, a 2.33 GAA, and a .899 save percentage in six appearances. Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen are now expected to compete for starts in his absence.

Jets' Morrissey (Undisclosed) Confirmed Playing vs. Oilers

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) is confirmed available and will play in Monday's home matchup against Edmonton. He was a game-time decision after sustaining an injury in Saturday's loss to Minnesota and missing Sunday's practice, though he participated in Monday's optional skate. Morrissey avoids missing his first game of the season, skating on the top pairing and quarterbacking the power play. He has recorded six goals, 30 points, 67 shots, and 68 blocked shots in 36 appearances this season.

Islanders' Barzal Fined $5K for Two-Handed Slash on Marchment

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New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal was fined $5,000 on Monday, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. The fine was issued for a two-handed slash on Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment, which occurred during Columbus' 4-2 victory at Nationwide Arena on Sunday.

Blue Jackets' Marchment Slashed by Barzal, Resulting in $5K Fine

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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment was the recipient of a two-handed slash from New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal during Sunday's 4-2 victory for Columbus. The incident led to Barzal being fined $5,000 on Monday, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement.

Hurricanes' Gostisbehere Out Monday Due to Groin Injury

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Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (groin) will be sidelined for Monday's home divisional matchup against the Rangers, confirming his status after being a game-time decision. He skipped Sunday's practice for maintenance due to a tweaked groin. This marks his first missed game since November 9th. The blueliner has been productive, tallying 3 goals and 22 points in his last 22 appearances. Carolina recalled Gavin Bayreuther from AHL Chicago for defensive insurance. Gostisbehere's next chance to play is Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

Oilers' Andrew Mangiapane Open to Waiving NMC Amid Trade Rumors

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Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane, 29, is reportedly open to waiving his no-movement clause to secure a more prominent role with another team. Mangiapane has struggled to find his fit in Edmonton, recording 5 goals, 6 assists, and a minus-16 rating in 39 games this season. Despite his current low offensive totals, his past success as a 35-goal scorer could attract interest. Potential trade destinations include the Boston Bruins, who are struggling and need a skilled winger, and the red-hot Buffalo Sabres, who could seek to bolster their top-nine forward group.

Greaves to Start Monday vs. Ottawa After Two Consecutive Wins

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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves is expected to start on the road against Ottawa on Monday. He enters the game having won his past two starts, stopping 47 of 50 shots for a .940 save percentage. This season, Greaves holds a 10-9-5 record with a 2.66 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 24 outings. Ottawa ranks eighth in goals per game with 3.27.

Bussi Starts Monday vs. Rangers, Could Seize Hurricanes' No. 1 Role

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi will patrol the home crease against the Rangers on Monday. He is coming off an 18-save effort in Saturday's 5-2 win over Detroit, holding a 12-1-1 record with one shutout, a 2.10 GAA, and a .912 save percentage through 14 appearances this season. With Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) expected to miss the remainder of the year and Frederik Andersen struggling, Bussi is positioned to potentially seize control of the team's No. 1 netminder role. The Rangers rank 31st in the league with 2.55 goals per game.

Forsberg Expected to Start Against High-Powered Avalanche

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Anton Forsberg is slated to start on the road against Colorado on Monday. He recently stopped 25 of 26 shots in a 6-1 win over Anaheim, bringing his season record to 6-5-3 with a 2.60 GAA and .905 save percentage in 14 outings. The Avalanche present a significant challenge, ranking first in goals per game (3.97) and boasting a 15-0-2 home record with an average of 4.41 goals per game.