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NHL News

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

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Shesterkin's 26 Saves End Multi-Goal Streak in Rangers' OT Win

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Igor Shesterkin delivered a strong performance for the New York Rangers, making 26 saves and allowing only one goal in their 2-1 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. This outing ended a 12-game stretch where he had allowed multiple goals, marking his first single-goal game since November 15. Earlier, Shesterkin was confirmed as the starter, having played 10 of the Rangers' last 12 games, posting a 6-3-1 record with a 2.60 GAA and .906 save percentage, and tied for the league lead with 27 starts.

Adrian Kempe's Two-Goal Night Powers Kings Past Lightning 2-1

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Adrian Kempe's two second-period goals led the Los Angeles Kings to a gritty 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, snapping their four-game losing streak. After an early cross-checking penalty, Kempe redeemed himself by scoring on a rush to tie the game, then added the decisive goal on a breakaway past Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Kings' defense and strong goaltending from Anton Forsberg, who saved 31 shots, were also crucial in shutting down Tampa Bay's offense.

Anthony Cirelli Sustains Undisclosed Injury During Thursday's Game

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Anthony Cirelli sustained an undisclosed injury in the third period of Thursday's game versus the Kings after a hit by Kevin Fiala. Head coach Jon Cooper had no immediate update. Cirelli, who recorded an assist, now has 19 points in 30 appearances. With Nikita Kucherov also out due to illness, the Lightning may use emergency recalls. An update on Cirelli's status is expected prior to Saturday's game against the Hurricanes.

Tristan Jarry Exits Bruins Game with Apparent Lower-Body Injury

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Tristan Jarry, slated to start Thursday's game against Boston, sustained an apparent lower-body injury in the second period. Head coach Kris Knoblauch had no update post-game. Jarry had won his first two starts with his new team, posting a 3.50 GAA and .879 SV%. His status for upcoming games against Minnesota and Vegas is unclear; Calvin Pickard may start. He was aiming to maintain effectiveness against the Bruins, who rank seventh in the NHL with 3.26 goals per game.

Jakob Chychrun Scores Two Goals, Leads NHL Defensemen with 12

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Jakob Chychrun scored two goals in Thursday's 4-0 victory over Toronto, extending his recent surge to four goals in his last five games (16 shots). He now leads all NHL defensemen with 12 goals this season. Chychrun's goals came from a snap shot in the first period and a wrister in the third. He is also tied for seventh overall in scoring among defensemen with 26 points in 33 games, alongside Adam Fox and Jake Sanderson.

Frank Nazar Ends 21-Game Goal Drought in Blackhawks' Loss to Canadiens

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Frank Nazar scored Chicago's only goal in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, ending a significant 21-game goal drought that dated back to October 28th. Despite the team's fourth straight regulation loss and being outshot 35-15, Nazar's personal milestone is a positive. With Connor Bedard still out, coach Jeff Blashill expects Nazar to step up offensively, noting his skill. The Blackhawks next face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon.

Owen Tippett Emerges as Key Trade Target for Struggling Sabres

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Philadelphia Flyers forward Owen Tippett is being eyed by the struggling Buffalo Sabres as a potential long-term trade target. The 26-year-old, with a $6.2 million cap hit until 2031-32, is seen as a skilled forward who could bolster Buffalo's top nine and power play. This season, Tippett has recorded 9 goals, 11 assists, and 20 points in 32 games. He has also scored 20+ goals in each of his previous three seasons, including a career-high 28 in 2023-24.

Joey Daccord Confirmed as Kraken's Starter vs. Flames

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Joey Daccord will start in goal for the Seattle Kraken against the Flames on Thursday. He has been alternating starts with Philipp Grubauer and is currently in a rough patch, with only one win in his last seven outings amidst the Kraken's struggles. The Flames, despite their own struggles this year, have won four of their last six games, scoring 21 goals in that span, posing a challenge for Daccord.

Artemi Panarin Out for Thursday's Game Against Blues Due to Illness

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Artemi Panarin (illness) is slated to miss Thursday's game in St. Louis against the Blues, confirming earlier reports he was a game-time decision. His absence will significantly impact the Rangers' top line and No. 1 power-play unit. The winger has recorded 11 goals and 34 points in 35 appearances this season, including eight power-play points. Gabe Perreault is expected to draw into the lineup and might even have a role in the top six.

Nikita Kucherov Scratched from Thursday's Game Due to Illness

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Nikita Kucherov is a late scratch for Thursday's game against Los Angeles because of an illness. His absence brings the Tampa Bay Lightning down to 11 healthy forwards, meaning they will play one skater short. Kucherov has been productive this season, recording 13 goals and 42 points in 30 outings. Pontus Holmberg might step into a top-six capacity to help fill the void left by Kucherov's illness.

Alex Lyon Confirmed as Starting Goalie for Sabres vs. Flyers

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Alex Lyon will start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres' home game versus the Flyers on Thursday, as reported by Heather Engel of NHL.com. Lyon enters the contest on a strong run, having won his last three outings. During that span, he has allowed just six goals on 80 shots, showcasing solid form. The Flyers have scored 17 goals over their last six games, setting up what could be a close matchup.

Sidney Crosby Set to Lead Penguins Against Senators Thursday

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Sidney Crosby is expected to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins as they visit the Ottawa Senators for a Thursday night matchup. The Penguins' captain is listed in the projected lineup for the game. The article previews the rivalry between the two clubs and notes the Penguins are currently in a playoff position. No specific news regarding Crosby's individual performance or status is mentioned beyond his expected participation in the game.

Erik Karlsson Returns to Ottawa with 25 Points in 32 Games

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Erik Karlsson is set to return to Ottawa, the city where he began his NHL career, as the Pittsburgh Penguins face the Senators on Thursday. The veteran defenseman has been off to a flying start this season, recording 25 points in 32 games. This impressive offensive output places him 10th among NHL defensemen, just one point behind Ottawa's Jake Sanderson. Karlsson is listed in the Penguins' projected lineup for the game.

Anton Forsberg to Start Thursday vs. Lightning, Back-to-Back Nod

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Anton Forsberg will start Thursday's road game against the Lightning, marking his second consecutive start after allowing three goals on 28 shots versus the Panthers Wednesday. The 33-year-old netminder is getting the nod on back-to-back days, indicating the Kings' reluctance to play Pheonix Copley in this tough matchup. Following Thursday's game, the Kings have a break until Monday's home game against the Blue Jackets, which begins another back-to-back set.

Celebrini's Two Assists Elevate Sharks, Extends Point Streak

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Macklin Celebrini contributed two assists in the San Jose Sharks' 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, extending his point streak. The 19-year-old now leads the Sharks with 18 goals, 35 assists, and 53 points through 35 games, ranking second in the Western Conference for points. He set up both of Collin Graf's goals. Celebrini's competitive attitude and infectious presence are noted to be elevating the team's play, with only Connor McDavid having more assists this season.

Brennan Othmann Recalled by Rangers, Eyes Roster Spot

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Brennan Othmann has been recalled by the New York Rangers from the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) amid the team's scoring depth issues. After playing 22 NHL games in 2024-25 without a goal, Othmann faced trade rumors but has recently scored three goals in his last four AHL games, prompting the call-up. He is expected to play on a line with Matt Rempe and Sam Carrick, receiving an opportunity to prove his worth and is slated to play Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues.

Gabe Perreault Recalled by Rangers, Set for Top-Six Opportunity

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Gabe Perreault has been recalled by the New York Rangers from the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) due to the team's scoring struggles. The highly-touted 2023 first-round pick, ranked 28th on ESPN's prospect list, recorded 10 goals and 17 points in 20 AHL games this season. After a previous three-game NHL stint, the 20-year-old forward now has a 'golden opportunity' to secure a top-six role and a permanent spot. Perreault is expected to play Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues.

Petr Mrazek Activated Off IR, Expected to Back Up Dostal

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Petr Mrazek (lower body) has been activated off injured reserve Thursday by the Anaheim Ducks. After nearly two weeks on IR, he is cleared to return for the team's upcoming back-to-back set against Dallas on Friday and Columbus on Saturday. While Mrazek will presumably start one of those games, he is expected to serve as Lukas Dostal's backup now that both netminders are healthy.

Brandon Hagel Out Thursday, May Miss Rest of Pre-Holiday Games

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Brandon Hagel (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Kings. The 27-year-old winger sustained the injury during Monday's loss to the Panthers and, despite being day-to-day, head coach Jon Cooper suggested Hagel might not return until after the holiday break. Dominic James will replace him in the lineup Thursday. Hagel's remaining opportunities to play before the break are Saturday against the Hurricanes and Monday against the Blues.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Returns to Action, Starts Thursday vs. Kings

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Andrei Vasilevskiy will serve as the starting netminder for Thursday's home game against the Kings. The 31-year-old was activated off injured reserve Tuesday, with head coach Jon Cooper confirming his return after missing seven games due to an undisclosed injury. In 19 appearances this season, Vasilevskiy holds an 11-6-2 record with a 2.31 GAA and a .916 save percentage.