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NHL News

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Sidney Crosby Climbs NHL All-Time Assists List, Passes Adam Oates

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby achieved another milestone on Tuesday, registering his 1,080th career assist during a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This assist allowed him to surpass Adam Oates for sole possession of eighth place on the NHL's all-time assists leaderboard. Crosby, 38, previously became the Penguins' all-time points leader on Sunday. He currently has 20 goals and 38 points in 36 games this season and is 30 assists shy of Joe Thornton for seventh all-time.

Lafreniere Nets 100th Career Goal in Rangers' 7-3 Rout of Capitals

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Alexis Lafreniere achieved a significant milestone, scoring his 100th career goal during the New York Rangers' dominant 7-3 victory over the Washington Capitals. His goal, which came 66 seconds after Taylor Raddysh's tally by deflecting an Artemi Panarin shot, was part of an explosive five-goal third period that rallied the Rangers to the win. This performance contributed to the Rangers improving their road record to 14-6-1 this season.

Byram's Overtime Winner Secures Sabres' Seventh Straight Victory

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Bowen Byram was the hero for the Buffalo Sabres, scoring his second goal of the game just 31 seconds into overtime to clinch a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The game-winning goal, assisted by Ryan McLeod, knuckled past Ullmark, extending Buffalo's impressive win streak to seven games. The Sabres continue to show strong form, especially against the Senators.

Pesce Scores Lone Goal in Devils' 2-1 Loss to Islanders

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Brett Pesce scored the opening goal for the New Jersey Devils in their 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders. Pesce's wrist shot beat Islanders goaltender David Rittich at the 15:35 mark of the first period. The goal came after a strong forecheck by Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, and Nico Hischier, with Hischier earning his 270th career assist on the play. Despite Pesce's effort, the Devils ultimately fell to the Islanders.

Markstrom Makes 23 Saves in Devils' 2-1 Loss, Continues Challenging December

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Jacob Markstrom started for the New Jersey Devils against the Islanders, making 23 saves on 25 shots in a 2-1 loss. An unfortunate play by the goaltender led to an Islanders goal that tied the game. This outing follows a challenging December for Markstrom, who has posted a 2-3-0 record with a 2.96 GAA across six starts. The Devils appear to be splitting the workload with Jake Allen, potentially impacting Markstrom's fantasy value.

Dylan Larkin's 20th Goal Secures OT Win for Red Wings vs. Stars

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Dylan Larkin led the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-3 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars, scoring twice, including the game-tying goal at 15:57 in the third period and the overtime winner. His overtime goal, assisted by James van Riemsdyk, marked his 20th goal of the campaign and his 11th career overtime game-winner. The Red Wings twice came back from one-goal deficits in the third period to secure the win before the Christmas break.

Taylor Raddysh Scores Twice, Leads Rangers' 5-Goal Third Period Rout

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Taylor Raddysh scored two goals for the New York Rangers in their 7-3 victory over his former team, the Washington Capitals. Raddysh tied the game with a backhand effort at 11:50 in the third period, part of a five-goal outburst for the Rangers in the final frame. He also opened the scoring in the first period. Raddysh, who had seven goals for the Capitals last season, contributed significantly to the Rangers' road win.

David Rittich Stops 28 Shots, Backstops Islanders to 2-1 Win

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David Rittich played a heroic role for the New York Islanders, stopping 28 shots to backstop them to a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Rittich made a crucial save on a Jack Hughes breakaway in the second period, preventing the Devils from extending their lead. His strong performance helped the Islanders snap a three-game skid before the NHL's holiday break, complementing Adam Pelech's late tiebreaking goal.

Adam Pelech's Late Goal Secures Islanders' 2-1 Victory Over Devils

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Adam Pelech scored the tiebreaking goal with just 1:15 remaining in the third period, leading the New York Islanders to a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Pelech capitalized on a rebound after an initial shot from Simon Holmstrom, snapping the Islanders' three-game skid before the holiday break. David Rittich also played a key role with 28 saves in the win.

Joey Daccord Confirmed Starter in Goal vs. Kings Tuesday

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Joey Daccord is set to start in goal for the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday against the Kings, as reported by Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. This will be the second half of a back-to-back for the Kraken, following Philipp Grubauer's 3-1 win. Daccord has a 2-2-0 record over his last four games, allowing nine goals on 129 shots. The Kings are also playing their second game in as many days, potentially leading to a sloppy contest despite strong defensive structures.

Copley to Make Season Debut, Start Tuesday vs. Kraken

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Pheonix Copley is slated to protect the home goal for the Los Angeles Kings against the Kraken on Tuesday, marking his first NHL appearance of the 2025-26 season. The 33-year-old netminder faces a Kraken team that has scored 14 goals over their last six contests and played Monday, potentially offering a favorable matchup for his debut.

Vanecek Gets Surprise Start vs. Avalanche Amidst Vejmelka Injury

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Vitek Vanecek will make a surprise road start for the Utah Mammoth against the Avalanche on Tuesday, stepping in after Karel Vejmelka (upper body) was ruled out. Vanecek has struggled recently, holding an 0-6-1 record with a 3.43 GAA and an .855 save percentage over his last seven contests, with his last win dating back to October 26. He faces a challenging assignment against the NHL's top team.

Vejmelka Out with Upper-Body Injury, Misses Start vs. Avalanche

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Karel Vejmelka (upper body) will not start Tuesday's game against the Avalanche, despite initially being slated to guard the cage. Vitek Vanecek will get the nod in goal instead. Vejmelka, who holds an 8-6-0 record with a 2.56 GAA and one shutout in his last 15 outings, will have nearly a week to recover before the Utah Mammoth's next game on Monday against the Predators.

Marchessault Out Again Tuesday with Lower Body Injury, Misses Third Straight Game

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Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) will not play Tuesday against the Wild, marking his third consecutive missed game due to the injury. The 34-year-old forward for the Nashville Predators is expected to use the upcoming holiday break to recover. He aims to be ready when the Predators resume their road trip Saturday in St. Louis.

Saros Starting vs. Wild After 19-Save Win, Holds 13-11-3 Record

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Juuse Saros will start in goal for the Nashville Predators on the road against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. He enters the game following a 19-save performance in Saturday's 5-3 victory over Toronto. This season, Saros holds a 13-11-3 record with a 2.95 GAA and an .897 save percentage across 27 appearances.

Ingram to Start vs. Flames, Eyes More Starts After PAP Return & Strong Debut

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Connor Ingram is confirmed to start for the Edmonton Oilers against Calgary on Tuesday. This follows a strong 26-save performance in Sunday's 4-3 win over Vegas, his first NHL start in 10 months after returning from the Player Assistance Program (PAP) due to his mother's passing. He previously won the Masterton Trophy in 2023-24. With Tristan Jarry (lower body) on IR, Ingram is poised for more starts. Acquired by Oilers in October, he posted 4-5-2 (4.04 GAA, .856 SV%) in 11 AHL games.

Josh Norris Returns to Ottawa for First Game Since March Trade to Buffalo

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Josh Norris will make his first return to Ottawa on Tuesday since being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in March. The forward is expected to play against his former team as the Sabres visit the Senators.

Ullmark Starts vs. Buffalo, Named NHL Second Star After Four-Game Win Streak

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Linus Ullmark is confirmed to start in goal for the Ottawa Senators at home against Buffalo on Tuesday, marking his second straight game against a former team. He was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week on Monday, riding a four-game winning streak. During this impressive run, he has posted a 1.74 GAA, one shutout, and a .928 save percentage. Ullmark is expected to continue receiving the majority of starts over Leevi Merilainen.

Ersson Starts vs. Blackhawks, Seeks to End Four-Game Skid

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson is slated to start on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Ersson will be looking to break a four-game skid, having posted an 0-2-2 record with 14 goals allowed on 103 shots during that span. Despite Chicago's offense being significantly weakened by the absence of Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar (both upper body), Ersson's recent performance has been a concern for fantasy purposes.

Capitals' Tom Wilson Sidelined by Illness for Rangers Game

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Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson will not play Tuesday against the Rangers due to an illness. Wilson was initially listed as a game-time decision but has been officially ruled out. His absence means Sonny Milano is expected to remain in the lineup. Additionally, the Capitals will see Ryan Leonard return from injured reserve, providing a boost to the team's roster.