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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Nathan MacKinnon has set a new franchise record for goals, scoring his 392nd career goal to surpass Joe Sakic. Coach Jared Bednar admitted he can't keep track of MacKinnon's frequent milestones. MacKinnon's 25 goals and 53 points currently lead the NHL, with 28 assists placing him tied for fifth. He is on pace to potentially lead the league in goals, assists, and points, a feat not achieved since Mario Lemieux in 1996.
Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak has dominated since returning from a five-game injury absence, tallying seven points in two games. On Thursday, he scored twice and added two assists against the Jets, reaching 404 career goals to pass Rick Middleton for fifth all-time in Bruins history. Pastrnak, who also recorded 63 assists in each of the last two seasons, now leads the team with 36 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 27 games, positioning himself as a potential Hart Trophy finalist.
Bobby McMann is set to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup after serving a one-game suspension for high-sticking Tampa Bay's Oliver Bjorkstrand. His return creates a roster puzzle for coach Craig Berube, who must decide if William Nylander, who excelled on the third line in McMann's absence, should remain there or move back up. This decision will be made before Saturday's game against the Edmonton Oilers.
William Nylander recorded two assists in the Maple Leafs' 3-2 OT loss to the Sharks, with coach Craig Berube calling it his "best game in a while." Playing on the third line, his unit had an 85% expected goals share. Nylander leads the Leafs with 34 points. With Bobby McMann returning, Toronto faces a decision on whether to keep Nylander on the third line or move him back up, a question to be resolved before Saturday's game against the Edmonton Oilers. Berube noted late-game blunders, including Nylander's inability to clear the puck.
Jacob Fowler made an impressive NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens against the Penguins, securing his first career win. The rookie goaltender stopped 33 of 35 shots for a .943 save percentage, including all seven shots from Sidney Crosby. Despite facing 16 shots in the second period and 15 in the third, Fowler remained calm and collected. His strong performance, following a call-up by GM Kent Hughes, positions him for a potential second start against the Rangers.
Sean Monahan has significantly improved his scoring for the Columbus Blue Jackets, tallying three goals and four assists (seven points total) over the last two weeks. Operating as the team's No. 1 center, he's averaged 19 minutes of ice time, adding 11 shots, eight blocks, and 68 faceoff wins. Monahan has also been a frequent participant on the lead man-advantage, contributing three power-play assists during this productive stretch.
Drew Doughty, 36, returned to the Los Angeles Kings lineup last Thursday. He immediately contributed, notching two assists on Saturday and regaining his role as the point man on L.A.'s top power play. Despite recent injury history, Doughty remains a key contributor and is under consideration for Canada's upcoming Olympic squad. His continued health and prime placement are crucial for his fantasy value.
Nathan MacKinnon scored his 392nd career goal and an assist in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Panthers, becoming the Colorado Avalanche's all-time leading goal scorer since the franchise relocated from Quebec, surpassing Joe Sakic. The 30-year-old superstar has been on a roll, with multiple points in seven of his last nine games (8 goals, 8 assists). He currently leads the league with 25 goals, 53 points, 147 shots on net, and a plus-37 rating through 31 appearances.
Jacob Fowler made an exceptional NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, stopping 36 shots in a 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh. The 21-year-old, a third-round pick (No. 69) in the 2023 NHL Draft, held the Penguins scoreless until the third period, with their second goal coming on a late power play. Fowler, who grew up a Pittsburgh fan, even made seven saves against Sidney Crosby, securing his first career win. He is considered the Habs' goalie of the future.
Connor McDavid delivered a stellar performance for the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, netting four assists, four shots on goal, and a plus-3 rating in a 4-1 win over the Red Wings. The 28-year-old superstar provided the primary helper on all four Oilers goals. This marks his fourth consecutive multi-point effort, during which he has accumulated five goals and seven assists. McDavid now has 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists), 19 power-play points, and 97 shots on net in 31 appearances this season.
Zach Hyman recorded a hat trick for the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, scoring three goals on seven shots and going plus-3 in a 4-1 win over the Red Wings. The 33-year-old winger scored once in each period, including a power-play goal and an empty-netter. Hyman has now tallied five goals and two assists in his last six games, providing steady offense in a top-line role. He has nine points, 30 shots, 26 hits, and a plus-1 rating across 12 appearances this season after recovering from wrist surgery.
Steven Stamkos delivered a standout performance on Thursday night, rediscovering his scoring touch with an impressive four-goal outing. This pivotal display directly contributed to a noticeable upward shift in the Nashville Predators' overall trajectory, signaling a strong resurgence for both the player and the team's prospects.
David Pastrnak exploded for two goals, including a power-play tally and an empty-netter, and added two assists for a four-point night with a plus-3 rating on seven shots in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Jets. The 29-year-old winger, who missed five games with an undisclosed injury, has now amassed seven points in two contests since his return. This season, Pastrnak boasts 13 goals and 23 helpers across 27 appearances for the Boston Bruins.
Roope Hintz sustained an apparent foot injury in the third period of Thursday's game against the Wild after taking friendly fire from a Miro Heiskanen shot. The Dallas Stars forward was unable to put pressure on his foot while exiting the ice, and there was no immediate update on his status post-game. The 29-year-old will undergo further evaluation on Friday, with his availability for Saturday's matchup versus the Panthers to be determined.
Nikita Kucherov recorded a massive four-point game Thursday, setting up four goals in an 8-4 win over New Jersey, including one power-play assist. This performance marked his 35th four-point NHL game and propelled him onto the NHL's top-five playmakers list. With 40 points, Kucherov now ranks in the top-10 overall. Notably, 25% (10 of 40) of his points this season have come on the power play, a decrease from 37-44% in prior seasons, attributed to the Tampa Bay Lightning's 22nd-ranked power play (17.9% success rate).
Oliver Ekman-Larsson sustained a lower-body injury during Thursday's game against the Sharks, requiring assistance off the ice. The 34-year-old defenseman will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity and his potential return timeline. This injury casts doubt on his availability for Saturday's game against the Oilers. His status will remain uncertain until a full assessment is completed, with Philippe Myers expected to step into the lineup should Ekman-Larsson miss time.
Anders Lee delivered a standout performance for the New York Islanders on Thursday night, recording two goals and two assists for a four-point game in their 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Both of Lee's goals came on the power play, including his eighth goal of the season late in the first period. With these two tallies, the Islanders captain now has 297 career goals, placing him fifth-most in franchise history, a significant milestone.
David Rittich delivered a sharp performance for the New York Islanders on Thursday night, making 31 saves in a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Despite allowing a goal to Leo Carlsson in the second period, Rittich's efforts were crucial in securing the win. With this outing, Rittich improved his season record to 7-3-1, contributing to the Islanders' strong play, which has seen them win five of their last six games.
Islanders' leading scorer Bo Horvat sustained a lower-body injury in the second period of Thursday's game against the Anaheim Ducks and did not return. His right skate got tangled with Drew Helleson at 13:08 of the second period. Horvat, 30, had two shots on 10:01 of ice time before exiting. He has 19 goals and 31 points in 32 appearances this season. Calum Ritchie may move to the top six if Horvat misses Saturday's game versus Tampa Bay.
Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch (undisclosed) will not play Thursday against the Canucks. His absence will allow Trevor Kuntar to make his NHL debut. The 29-year-old Tuch is currently considered day-to-day, and his availability for Sunday's game in Seattle remains uncertain.
