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

Friday, December 5, 2025

Luukkonen Gets Start Friday vs. Jets Amid Reduced Role

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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will tend the net for the Buffalo Sabres on the road against Winnipeg on Friday, according to Mike Harrington. Despite his role being reduced this season, seeing action in only eight of the Sabres' last 19 games, the Finnish netminder has maintained solid numbers, recording a 4-3-1 record with a 2.51 GAA in those appearances. With the Sabres still carrying three goalies, Luukkonen's continued strong play may necessitate an increase in his starts.

Bowen Byram's Future with Sabres Uncertain Amidst Trade Speculation

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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, 24, whose two-year, $12.5 million contract extension makes him a potential UFA in 2027, is again a subject of trade rumors amidst the Sabres' struggles. Despite staying put in the off-season, his long-term future is uncertain. Teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues are identified as potential fits if the Sabres decide to shop the left-shot defenseman closer to the trade deadline.

Dobes Gets Saturday Start vs. Maple Leafs Despite Recent 4.05 GAA

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Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, 24, will start Saturday's road game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This marks the first game of a back-to-back, with Sam Montembeault expected to play Sunday. Dobes has faced recent struggles, posting a 4.05 GAA and a 3-3-2 record over his last eight outings. Despite this, his recent performance includes a 24-save victory over the Leafs on November 22nd, suggesting potential for a strong showing.

Markstrom Gets Friday Start for Devils vs. Golden Knights

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Jacob Markstrom will get the starting nod for the New Jersey Devils at home against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. Despite a 4-3-1 record, he has posted a 3.22 GAA and .876 save percentage in his last eight outings. Markstrom has been splitting the net with Jake Allen, logging 10 appearances in the Devils' last 18 contests. He will play Friday, with Allen expected to start Saturday's road game versus Boston.

Oilers' Interest in Penguins Goaltender Tristan Jarry Questioned

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Speculation linking Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers has surfaced, but NHL.com's Dan Rosen suggests a move is unlikely. Citing Jarry's inconsistency and injury history, Rosen believes the Oilers would only pursue him if they were convinced he could lead them to a Stanley Cup. Given Jarry's career and playoff record, he's not expected to replace current Oilers starter Stuart Skinner.

Eric Comrie Confirmed to Start Friday, Aims to End Slump

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Eric Comrie is expected to start in goal for the Winnipeg Jets on Friday against Buffalo, as reported by Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press. Comrie will defend the home goal, going through his usual morning skate routine. He has struggled since Connor Hellebuyck's Nov. 21 knee surgery, posting a 1-4-1 record with a 3.36 GAA and an .888 save percentage. Comrie will aim to turn his slump around against the Sabres, who average 3.00 goals per game.

Hildeby to Start Saturday vs. Canadiens Amidst Goalie Injuries

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Dennis Hildeby is expected to start Saturday's home game against the Canadiens, per Jonas Siegel of The Athletic. This comes after he relieved the injured Joseph Woll (lower body) on Thursday, stopping all nine shots faced. With Anthony Stolarz (upper body) also sidelined, the Toronto Maple Leafs may rely heavily on the 24-year-old Hildeby for starts leading into the Christmas break.

Panarin Reaches 900 Career Points, Extends Multi-Point Streak

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Artemi Panarin achieved his 900th career point (311 goals, 589 assists) in 781 NHL games by scoring an empty-net goal and adding an assist in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Senators. The New York Rangers winger, 34, has been on a hot streak, recording four multi-point performances in his last five games. For the 2025-26 season, Panarin has accumulated nine goals and 30 points in 29 contests.

J.T. Miller Records Three Assists, Shows Strong Return Post-Injury

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J.T. Miller notched three assists in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Senators, contributing to tallies by Mika Zibanejad, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Artemi Panarin. This marks the New York Rangers center's first multi-point performance in five games since returning from a brief upper-body injury. After a slow start to the season, the 32-year-old has significantly improved, tallying three goals and eight points in his last seven contests.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Jamie Benn Returns Strong After Collapsed Lung, Posts 8 Points in 9 Games

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Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn has made a strong return after missing seven weeks due to a collapsed lung suffered in preseason. In nine games since rejoining the lineup, Benn has accumulated three goals, five assists, 11 shots, and 19 hits, averaging 12:49 ice time. He's also contributing on the secondary power play and skating with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz at even strength. Benn is expected to progress further, though big offensive numbers are not anticipated.

Bouchard Delivers Three Assists, Plus-2 Rating in Oilers' 9-4 Win

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Evan Bouchard, 26, notched three assists, two blocked shots, and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 9-4 win over the Kraken. His helpers included an even-strength goal, a primary assist on Matt Savoie's shorthanded tally, and a primary assist on Connor McDavid's power-play strike. This shorthanded point was his first since 2022-23. Over his last five games, Bouchard has a goal and seven helpers with a plus-6 rating. Season totals: 25 points (4 G, 21 A), 72 shots, 36 blocked shots in 28 appearances.

Nugent-Hopkins Logs Three Assists, Two on Power Play in Oilers' Win

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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins logged three assists, including two on the power play, during Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Kraken. Since returning from an undisclosed injury, the top-six forward has quickly found his form, accumulating five points in three games, with four of those coming on the man advantage. Through 19 appearances in 2025-26, Nugent-Hopkins has recorded six goals, 15 helpers, 13 power-play points, 28 shots on net, and a minus-12 rating.

Savoie Scores Power-Play, Shorthanded Goals in Oilers' 9-4 Victory

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Matt Savoie scored two goals, one on the power play and one shorthanded, in Thursday's 9-4 win over the Kraken. His shorthanded goal in the second period gave the Oilers a 4-2 lead, followed by a power-play tally in the third. Savoie is currently seeing top-six minutes due to Jack Roslovic's undisclosed injury, which will keep Roslovic out for several weeks. Through 28 appearances this season, Savoie has recorded five goals, nine points (three on the power play), 39 shots on net, and a minus-4 rating.

Teravainen Expected Fine After Taking Slap Shot to Face vs. Kings

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Teuvo Teravainen (face) is expected to be fine after being bloodied by an Adrian Kempe slap shot in the third period of Thursday's game against the Kings, as reported by Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the winger was in significant pain but appears to have avoided a more serious injury. Fantasy managers are advised to verify his status before Saturday's rematch with the Kings.

Draisaitl Explodes for Four Points, Goal and Three Assists in 9-4 Win

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Leon Draisaitl, 30, scored a goal on three shots and added three assists in Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Kraken. His power-play goal gave the Oilers a 3-0 lead in the first period, and two of his three helpers also came with the man advantage. This performance marked his best game of the year, coming after an eight-game point streak was snapped Tuesday. Through 28 appearances, Draisaitl has 16 goals, 19 assists, 16 power-play points, 70 shots on net, 16 hits, and a plus-5 rating.

McDavid Explodes for Hat Trick, Assist in Oilers' Dominant 9-4 Victory

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Connor McDavid scored three goals on seven shots and added an assist in Thursday's 9-4 win over the Kraken. Two of his goals and his lone assist were recorded on the power play. This breakout performance, following only three prior three-point efforts this season, could provide the spark the Oilers' offense needs. Through 28 appearances, McDavid has accumulated 14 goals, 40 points (17 on the power play), 82 shots on net, and a minus-6 rating.

Matthews Nets Goal, Extends Dominant Four-Game, Five-Point Streak

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Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews netted a goal in Thursday's 5-1 victory over Carolina, pushing his impressive point streak to four games. Matthews, who now has five points (two goals, 16 shots) during this run, capitalized on a 2-on-1 play, finishing a pass from Max Domi. The scoring opportunity was created after Matthews Knies intercepted a pass in the Leafs' zone, springing his linemates. This consistent offensive output highlights Matthews' current dominant form.

Stamkos Seals Predators' 2-1 Comeback Win Over Panthers With OT Goal

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Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos scored the game-winning goal at 4:01 of overtime, completing a 2-1 comeback victory against the Florida Panthers. His 'golden goal' was allowed after review, despite the net coming off its moorings, with Ryan O'Reilly assisting. This win avenges an earlier 8-3 loss to the Panthers and marks the Predators' fourth win in their last five games, their best stretch of the season.

Ville Koivunen Scores First NHL Goal, Helps Penguins Beat Lightning 4-3

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen scored his first career NHL goal on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, ending a 23-game drought. The power-play goal, assisted by Kris Letang, opened the scoring and contributed to the Penguins' 4-3 victory. This win propelled Pittsburgh to third place in the Metropolitan Division, with Koivunen's milestone expected to boost his confidence after numerous previous chances.

Artemi Panarin Reaches 900 NHL Points in Rangers' 4-2 Road Win

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New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin achieved his 900th NHL point with a goal and an assist during a 4-2 road victory over the Ottawa Senators. Panarin now has 311 goals and 589 assists in 781 regular-season games. The Rangers' win marked their league-leading 12th road victory, improving their overall record to 15-12-2 and their road record to 12-4-1.