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NHL News

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Greaves Gets Nod vs. Ducks Amidst Seven-Game Personal Losing Streak

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Jet Greaves will start in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets at home against the Ducks on Tuesday, marking his fifth consecutive appearance. Despite being mired in a personal seven-game losing streak (0-4-3), the 24-year-old backstop has maintained a solid 2.82 GAA and .904 save percentage during this winless run. His consistent performance suggests he will continue to feature ahead of Elvis Merzlikins, as his play is not considered the primary issue for the Blue Jackets' struggles.

Quinn Hughes Trade Aftermath Analyzed

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An analysis delves into the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, exploring the process, competing teams, and the resulting league-wide impact. The article details the behind-the-scenes negotiations and the ripple effects across the NHL following the transaction.

John Leonard Set for Red Wings Debut

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John Leonard has been called up by the Detroit Red Wings and is expected to make his debut against the New York Islanders. Leonard leads the AHL with 19 goals in 20 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He skated on the second line during practice and expressed excitement for the opportunity, aiming to bring his speed and 200-foot game to the NHL. This marks his first season with the Red Wings organization after signing a one-year contract.

Islanders Face Decision on Travis Mitchell

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Rookie defenseman Travis Mitchell's steady play has created a roster dilemma for the New York Islanders. With eight games played and two more until he loses his waiver exemption, the team must decide whether to risk waiving him to maintain defensive depth, especially with potential recalls like Isaiah George. Mitchell has provided stability on the third pairing alongside Scott Mayfield, recording a goal, blocks, and hits in limited ice time.

Monday, December 15, 2025

Filip Forsberg Nets 12th Career Hat Trick in Predators' 5-2 Rout

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Filip Forsberg recorded his 12th career hat trick, propelling the Nashville Predators to a dominant 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Monday. Forsberg ignited the scoring just 27 seconds into the game, finding the net off a feed from Ryan O'Reilly. He later added a power-play goal and sealed his hat trick with an empty-netter in the final four minutes, marking his first hat trick since April 12, 2024. This win represents the Predators' second rout of the Blues in less than a week, extending their strong performance.

Letang's Defensive Struggles Highlighted Amidst Penguins' Losing Streak

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang's defensive play has been described as a "nightmare all season long" and a "big problem" for the team, which is currently enduring a five-game losing streak. He was notably walked past by Beckett Sennecke, alongside Sidney Crosby, on Anaheim's tying goal at the end of regulation. As a veteran leader, Letang is among those identified as "worst offenders" in recent games, exhibiting disjointed play, disinterest in the defensive zone, and slowness on fundamental aspects. He is expected to be part of the solution to help the Penguins "right the ship."

Crosby's Defensive Play Under Scrutiny Amidst Penguins' Struggles

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby's defensive play is currently a "glaring problem" for the team, which is mired in a five-game losing streak. He was on the ice for five goals against in the Sharks game, including the overtime game-winner where he was walked around by John Klingberg. Crosby was also on the ice for Beckett Sennecke's tying goal for Anaheim and Utah's overtime goal. As a key veteran leader, Crosby is identified among those who have been "worst offenders" in recent games, showing disjointed play and disinterest in the defensive zone, needing to set an example to help the team recover.

Karlsson Addresses Penguins' Struggles, Cites Mindset as Key Issue

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, despite an outstanding season, has seen an increase in puck turnovers recently and is identified as part of the leadership group struggling during the team's five-game losing streak. He acknowledged the team's issues, stating after a recent game that their third-period collapses are "more a mindset right now" and "controllable," rather than a problem with systems or X’s and O’s. Karlsson emphasized the need to regain trust individually and as a team to overcome their current struggles.

Kings' Kuemper Exits Game with Upper-Body Injury After Head/Neck Collision

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Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper exited Monday's game against Dallas in the first period due to an upper-body injury following a collision near his head and neck area with Mikko Rantanen. Kuemper, who had stopped all five shots faced, did not return, with Anton Forsberg taking over. Despite replays showing him in the crease, no penalty was called on the play. This injury, coupled with a previous lower-body injury in October, raises significant health concerns for the Kings. He had a 3-2-3 record, 1.86 GAA, and .934 SV% in his last eight starts.

Tim Stutzle's 3 Assists, 9 Points in 4 Games Drive Senators OT Win

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Tim Stutzle delivered a standout performance, tallying three assists in the Ottawa Senators' 3-2 overtime victory over Winnipeg. Stutzle set up Brady Tkachuk for the game-winning goal on a 2-on-1 play and also contributed to the Senators' opening score by initiating a play with Kurtis MacDermid. This offensive outburst extends Stutzle's impressive streak to nine points in his last four games, leading the Senators to improve their record to 15-13-4, now four points out of a playoff spot.

Forsling Suffers Undisclosed Injury in Panthers' Win Over Lightning

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Gustav Forsling suffered an undisclosed injury during the third period of Monday's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay. Head coach Paul Maurice had no immediate update on the blueliner's status postgame. The 29-year-old defenseman left the game after blocking a shot on a Lightning power play and is set to be evaluated when the Panthers return home. Florida will begin a three-game homestand against the Kings on Wednesday.

Hagel Exits Monday's Game with Undisclosed Injury After High Hit

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Brandon Hagel sustained an undisclosed injury in the final frame of Monday's 5-2 loss to the Panthers, with no immediate update on his status postgame. He departed the contest after taking a high forearm from Seth Jones. Prior to exiting, Hagel logged two shots, one hit, and a minus-1 rating in 13:32 of ice time. He should be considered day-to-day until more information is provided ahead of Thursday's home matchup against the Kings.

Gauthier Scores Two, Including Game-Winner, in Ducks' 4-1 Victory

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Cutter Gauthier was instrumental in the Anaheim Ducks' 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers, scoring the go-ahead goal six minutes into the third period. He later added his second goal of the night with an empty-netter. His initial goal, a power-play marker with one second remaining, was set up by a perfectly placed pass from rookie Beckett Sennecke.

Dostal Shines in Return, Leads Ducks to 4-1 Victory Over Rangers

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Lukas Dostal, recently back from a nine-game upper-body injury absence, started in goal for the Anaheim Ducks against the Rangers on Monday. After allowing three goals on 21 shots in a loss to the Devils Saturday, Dostal was brilliant, stopping 26 of 27 shots to secure a 4-1 win for the Ducks, ending their two-game losing streak. He made crucial saves, including a toe save on J.T. Miller and denying Vladislav Gavrikov. This marks his first win since November 22.

Reinhart's Two Special Teams Goals Propel Panthers Past Lightning

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Sam Reinhart scored two special teams goals, a shorthanded marker and a power-play goal, to lead the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. His first goal was his 16th of the season and his third shorthanded, tying Aleksander Barkov for the second-most shorthanded goals in franchise history with 13 as a Panther. He later added a power-play goal to extend Florida's lead to 4-0.

Senators Prospect Yakemchuk Injured in AHL Game; Development Halted

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Ottawa Senators top prospect Carter Yakemchuk, the 7th overall pick in the 2024 draft, sustained an injury during Sunday's AHL game against the Bridgeport Islanders after a shoulder-on-shoulder hit. The 20-year-old defenseman had to be helped off the ice and did not return, with the organization awaiting an update on the severity. Yakemchuk, who has 3 goals and 18 points in 27 AHL games this season, has been playing big minutes for Belleville but his NHL development is now on hold.

Stars' Rantanen Collides with Kuemper, Forcing Kings Goalie Out of Game

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Dallas Stars right winger Mikko Rantanen was involved in a collision with Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper late in the first period of Monday's game. Rantanen skated across the crease, making contact with Kuemper's head, which resulted in Kuemper exiting the game with an upper-body injury and not returning. A goal scored on the play was immediately waived off by the referee.

Senators' Chabot Nearing Return From Upper-Body Injury, Skating Well

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Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) is skating and nearing a return to the lineup, according to head coach Travis Green. Chabot has been sidelined since November 22 but is trending toward playing this week, with potential return dates against the Penguins on Thursday or the Blackhawks on Saturday. The left-shot blueliner is expected to slot back into a second-pairing role upon his return.

Red Wings' John Gibson Named NHL Star After Two Shutouts in Three Games

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Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson has been named one of the NHL's three stars of the week following an impressive stretch. Gibson posted two shutouts in his last three starts, including a 39-save performance against the Canucks on December 8th and a 26-save shutout versus the Blackhawks on December 13th, marking his 26th career shutout. He has also won five consecutive contests, with coach Todd McLellan praising his confidence and the team's positive response to his play.

Blues Prospect Dalibor Dvorsky Noted Among 2023 First-Rounders

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Dalibor Dvorsky, a 2023 first-round pick (No. 10 overall) by the St. Louis Blues, was mentioned in a recent report concerning the team's prospect pool. He is one of three first-round selections made by the Blues in 2023, alongside Otto Stenberg and Theo Lindstein. The article primarily focused on the recall of Otto Stenberg from the AHL, with Dvorsky's mention serving to contextualize the Blues' 2023 draft class rather than providing specific updates on his current status or play.