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NHL News

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

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Fowler Blanks Penguins with 30 Saves for First Career NHL Shutout

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Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler delivered a stellar performance, recording his first career NHL shutout with 30 saves against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fowler frustrated Sidney Crosby and made several highlight-reel saves, including a crucial poke check on Crosby and a side-to-side stop on Connor Dewar. Coach Martin St-Louis praised Fowler's mature play and confidence, noting he 'did a heck of a job.' In his fourth NHL game, Fowler sent a clear message to management that he's not ready to be sent down to Laval.

Sharks Rookie Igor Chernyshov Shows Promise in Early NHL Games

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San Jose Sharks rookie Igor Chernyshov, recently called up from the Barracuda, impressed in the team's loss to the Seattle Kraken. Just three games into his NHL career, Chernyshov created multiple scoring chances, including those set up by teammate Collin Graf. His early performances suggest potential as a developing asset for the Sharks.

Sharks Rookie Collin Graf Impresses with Goal and Strong Play

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San Jose Sharks 23-year-old winger Collin Graf, recently called up from the Barracuda, impressed in the team's loss to the Seattle Kraken. Graf scored a goal off a turnover he forced, set up teammate Igor Chernyshov for multiple chances, and demonstrated strong play by out-battling opponents across all three zones. His performance signals a promising addition to the Sharks' lineup.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Continues AHL Hot Streak, Nearing NHL Call-Up

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes is on a significant run with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 23-year-old winger has recorded six goals and 11 points in his last 11 AHL games, accumulating 38 shots on goal. Overall this season, he boasts nine goals and 17 points in 23 games, including three game-winning goals. Hayes, who signed a two-year entry-level contract, showed well in NHL training camp. With the NHL roster freeze until Dec. 28, an emergency recall is possible, and an NHL debut is anticipated sooner rather than later given the big club's struggles.

Weegar Hits 200-Assist Milestone with Three Helpers in Flames' Win

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MacKenzie Weegar delivered a standout performance for the Calgary Flames, recording three assists, three hits, three blocked shots, two shots on net, and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Golden Knights. His effort included his 200th career assist, earned on Mikael Backlund's game-winning goal. Weegar has been offensively lively lately, with a goal and five helpers in his last six games, bringing his season total to 11 points, 85 shots, 92 hits, 77 blocks, 35 PIM, and a minus-19 rating through 36 appearances.

Zary Explodes for Three Assists, Best Career Game in Flames' Victory

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Connor Zary had one of the best games of his career for the Calgary Flames, logging three assists and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 6-3 win against the Golden Knights. Zary contributed to both of Mikael Backlund's goals and a Ryan Lomberg tally. With two goals and four helpers over his last eight outings, the 24-year-old forward appears to be getting his offense on track, now totaling four goals, six assists, 46 shots on net, 23 hits, and a minus-3 rating across 34 contests this season.

Backlund Explodes for Three Points, Game-Winner in Flames' Victory

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Mikael Backlund led the Flames' offense with two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Golden Knights. The 36-year-old recorded five shots and a plus-2 rating, extending his streak to two consecutive two-goal games, totaling five points in that span. He now has nine goals, 21 points, 80 shots on net, and a plus-14 rating through 36 appearances this season.

Werenski Suffers Lower-Body Injury After Blocking Shot vs. Ducks

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Zach Werenski sustained an apparent lower-body injury after blocking a shot in Saturday's game against the Ducks, with no immediate update on his status. He had to crawl off the ice and needed assistance to the locker room, indicating moderate concern. Prior to the injury, Werenski recorded a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to five games (5 goals, 5 assists). His availability for Monday's game versus the Kings is uncertain, pending further evaluation, and any absence would significantly impact the Blue Jackets' defense.

Blackhawks' Frank Nazar Out Four Weeks with Facial Injury

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Frank Nazar (Chicago Blackhawks) is expected to miss approximately four weeks after suffering an upper body/facial injury. He was hit in the face by a puck from Senators defenseman Jordan Spence during Saturday's 6-4 loss at Ottawa, leaving the game in the first period. Coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the timeline. Nazar has recorded six goals and 15 assists in 33 games this season. Dominic Toninato, Nick Lardis, and Ryan Donato are candidates for increased ice time in his absence.

Filip Gustavsson Concedes Goal to Mangiapane

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Filip Gustavsson (Minnesota Wild) conceded a goal to Andrew Mangiapane of the Edmonton Oilers on December 21. Mangiapane tipped an Evan Bouchard shot past Gustavsson, which was Mangiapane's fifth goal of the season and ended his 21-game scoring drought. The goal cut Minnesota's lead to 2-1 in a game the Wild ultimately won 5-2.

Evan Bouchard Assists Mangiapane's Drought-Ending Goal

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Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers) recorded an assist on Andrew Mangiapane's drought-ending goal against the Minnesota Wild on December 21. Mangiapane tipped Bouchard's shot past Filip Gustavsson, marking his fifth goal of the season and ending a 21-game scoreless streak. The goal briefly cut Minnesota's lead to 2-1 in a game the Oilers eventually lost 5-2.

Andrew Mangiapane Ends 21-Game Goal Drought for Oilers

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Andrew Mangiapane (Edmonton Oilers) ended a significant 21-game, 47-day goal drought on December 21, scoring his fifth goal of the season against Minnesota. He tipped an Evan Bouchard shot past Filip Gustavsson to cut the Wild's lead to 2-1, though the Oilers ultimately lost 5-2. Mangiapane, signed as a free agent, is valued by Edmonton for his relentless forechecking and tenacious play rather than high scoring. He has been averaging 11:37 of ice time and is finding his role as a hard-working depth winger.

Linus Karlsson Explodes for Three Points, Including Power Play Goal

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Linus Karlsson delivered a standout performance in Saturday's 5-4 shootout win over the Bruins, recording two goals, including a power-play marker, and an assist. The Vancouver Canucks forward also logged three hits and took three shots. Karlsson, who continues to feature on the second power-play unit while playing on the fourth line at even strength, now has three goals and three helpers in nine December outings. This season, he boasts seven goals, seven assists, 48 shots, 42 hits, 22 PIM, and a minus-1 rating across 32 appearances.

Flyers' Denver Barkey Impresses with Two Assists in NHL Debut

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Denver Barkey, a 20-year-old 2023 third-rounder, made an impressive NHL debut for the Philadelphia Flyers, recording two assists in a 23-second span against the Rangers. Playing on a line with Owen Tippett and Sean Couturier, the 5'9" forward contributed a primary helper on Travis Sanheim's power play goal and another on Tippett's go-ahead goal, also drawing a penalty. Called up from AHL Lehigh Valley due to Christian Dvorak's injury and his consistent play, Barkey, formerly OHL London Knights captain, made a strong case to stay despite the Flyers' 5-4 shootout loss.

Brandon Montour to Miss Second Straight Game for Kraken

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Brandon Montour (Seattle Kraken) will miss Saturday's game against the Sharks due to an undisclosed injury, marking his second consecutive absence. His ongoing absence has kept Josh Mahura in the lineup. There has been no update on his status since he was injured against the Avalanche on Tuesday. Montour's next opportunity to play is Monday versus the Ducks, which is the first half of a back-to-back.

Luke Evangelista's Highlight-Reel Goal Lifts Predators Past Maple Leafs

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Luke Evangelista's highlight-reel backhand goal in the third period propelled the Nashville Predators to a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The dazzling shot, made while falling, beat Joseph Woll bardown, glove side, shattering a tie and sparking a crucial comeback. This win marks the Predators' first against the Maple Leafs since March 22, and they've now won eight of their last 12 games, avoiding back-to-back losses since November 24. Juuse Saros earned his 13th win of the season.

Elvis Merzlikins Returns to Net for Blue Jackets Against Ducks

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Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets) will protect the road goal against the Ducks on Saturday, marking his first start since being pulled from a Dec. 11 game versus the Senators. This matchup presents a challenge, as the Ducks have scored 13 goals over their last five games and maintain a top-tier offense. Merzlikins will look to bounce back in his return to the crease.

Lukas Dostal Starts for Ducks vs. Columbus After Rough Outing

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Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks) is expected to start at home against Columbus on Saturday. He will aim to rebound after being pulled from Friday's 8-3 loss to Dallas, where he stopped just three of seven shots. This season, Dostal holds a 12-7-1 record with a 2.91 GAA and an .899 save percentage across 20 appearances. The Blue Jackets are tied for 21st in goals per game with 2.88.

Joey Daccord Gets Consecutive Starts for Kraken vs. Sharks

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Joey Daccord (Seattle Kraken) will protect the road goal against the Sharks on Saturday. He is being rewarded with consecutive starts for the first time since early December, following a 42-save effort in a loss to the Flames on Thursday. Daccord has secured only one win in his last eight outings, making him a risky fantasy option. The Sharks have scored 23 goals over their last six games, going 4-2-0 in that span.

Norris Secures Sabres' Fifth Straight Win with Shootout Decider

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Josh Norris delivered the decisive goal in the shootout, propelling the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday. This win marked the Sabres' fifth consecutive triumph. Norris's crucial score came in the fifth round of the shootout, following which Sabres' goalie Alex Lyon preserved the win by turning aside an Islanders' attempt. The Sabres' extended their longest win streak of the season, with Norris's clutch performance being a key factor in the tightly contested game.