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NHL News

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Colten Ellis to Start for Sabres Wednesday, Pushing for Increased Playing Time

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Colten Ellis, the 25-year-old goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, is confirmed to start at home against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This will be his third consecutive start, following two wins where he allowed five goals on 61 shots. Ellis, who was claimed off waivers by the Sabres in October 2025 after signing a two-year, two-way extension with the Blues in March 2025, has a 2025 season record of 3 wins, 1 loss, 0 shutouts, a 2.76 GAA, and a .914 SV%. He appears to be making a strong push for more playing time within the Sabres' goaltending trio, which also includes Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon.

Eetu Luostarinen Sidelined Week-to-Week After Barbecuing Mishap, Adds to Panthers' Injury Woes

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Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen is expected to miss time, labeled "week-to-week" by coach Paul Maurice, after suffering burns in a "barbecuing mishap." While not serious enough for an overnight hospital stay, the injury's return timeline depends on his comfort wearing pads. Luostarinen's absence further compounds the Panthers' extensive injury list, which includes key players like Aleksander Barkov (knee), Matthew Tkachuk (abductor), and Dmitry Kulikov (labrum), alongside Jonah Gadjovich (upper-body) and Cole Schwindt (arm). Luostarinen was a pivotal player in the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, contributing significantly with 19 goals and 47 assists last postseason alongside Barkov and Tkachuk. The team is now forced to adapt its style to "survive" this period, though Tkachuk is expected to start skating soon.

Leo Carlsson Leads Ducks' Resurgence with Well-Rounded Play and Pacific Division Lead

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Leo Carlsson, the 2023 NHL Draft's second overall pick, is emerging as a well-rounded superstar, currently 20 years old. He ranks eighth in the league with 26 points and boasts a staggering 4.21 points per 60 minutes, seventh in the NHL. Carlsson is notably driving play better than his peers, with the Ducks controlling 56.1% of expected goals at five-on-five when he's on the ice. His 6-foot-3, 208-pound frame is increasingly utilized, demonstrated by a physical, goal-scoring play against the Golden Knights. As the biggest piece of the Ducks' long-term rebuild, Carlsson has instilled hope, leading Anaheim to the Pacific Division lead with 25 points. The Ducks are a more complete team with a strong mix of veterans and young talent. While Bedard and Celebrini currently have him beat in raw five-on-five production, he is expected to close that gap. MoneyPuck gives the Ducks an 80.8% chance of making the playoffs.

Macklin Celebrini Shines in Sophomore Season, Carrying Sharks' Wild Card Hopes

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Macklin Celebrini, 19, the No. 1 overall pick, is proving his superstar potential. After finishing second in Calder Trophy voting last season as an 18-year-old, carrying the Sharks with 63 points in 70 games, he shows no sophomore slump. This season, Celebrini has already notched his second hat trick, tying McDavid for second in the league with 30 points. He's producing at 4.39 points per 60 minutes and has equaled Bedard with 16 five-on-five points. Celebrini's high hockey IQ, skill, and exceptional compete level are evident, as seen in a game-winning play against the Rangers. As the crown jewel of the Sharks' rebuild, he's driving their wild card race with 21 points. Despite the team's significant defensive struggles, Celebrini is doing most of the heavy lifting up front. MoneyPuck projects the Sharks' playoff chances at 13.5%.

Connor Bedard Takes Clear Leap in Third Season, Driving Blackhawks' Playoff Push

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Connor Bedard, 20, is establishing himself as a generational talent, billed as the best prospect since McDavid. After winning the Calder Trophy in 2023-24 (61 points in 68 games), he posted 67 points in 82 games last season. Now in his third season, Bedard has taken a clear leap, appearing more confident. He's already recorded his second hat trick, ranking fourth in the league with 30 points. His 4.33 points per 60 minutes are seventh in the NHL, and he's tied for fifth with 16 five-on-five points. Bedard's intelligence, vision, and elite shot, reminiscent of Patrick Kane's playmaking, make him a constant threat. As the crown jewel of the Blackhawks' rebuild, he's instilled hope, with Chicago holding a wild card spot at 24 points. Despite an unsustainable start (1.050 PDO) and team defensive/forward depth issues, Bedard's impact is undeniable. MoneyPuck gives the Blackhawks a 49.9% playoff chance.

Vladimir Tarasenko Ruled Out with Lower-Body Injury Amidst Career Retrospective

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Vladimir Tarasenko has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Carolina due to a lower-body injury. His career has featured significant moves, including a deadline-day trade to the Panthers where he contributed 14 regular-season points and 9 postseason points en route to a Stanley Cup. He later signed a two-year, $9.5 million deal with the Red Wings and a one-year deal with Ottawa, slated for top-six roles. Tarasenko's production dipped to 18 goals and 50 points in 69 games with the Blues and Rangers after a career-high 82 points in 2021-22. A history of multiple shoulder surgeries and a trade request from the Blues have marked his journey, yet a healthy Tarasenko remains a high-potential 70-point winger capable of 30-plus goals.

Conor Garland Cleared to Play Thursday, Canucks Forward Aims for Consistent Production

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Conor Garland (undisclosed) is set to play against the Stars on Thursday, according to David Quadrelli of Canucks Army. Garland is known for his consistency, having recorded 17-20 goals and 46-52 points in each of the past three seasons. In 2023-24, he finished with 20 goals, 27 assists, 35 PIM, 200 shots, and 53 hits, primarily serving in a third-line capacity, a role he is expected to maintain. His goal-scoring normalized in 2022-23, but with fewer shots, he posted 17 goals and 46 points. The 28-year-old winger has often been in a middle-six role with second-unit power-play time. In 2021-22, he achieved a career-high 52 points in 77 games with 19 goals, though his ice time and power-play usage (1:36 per game, 3 PP points) were mediocre. Traded to the Canucks from the Coyotes in July, he was projected for a top-six role and potential 60-plus points with a significant top power-play unit role. In 2019-20, he had 22 goals and 39 points in 68 games, with 10 power-play points, and was expected to crack 40 points in 2020-21. The 5-foot-10 right wing is a volume shooter, contributing 13 goals and 5 assists in 47 NHL games in 2018-19.

Joonas Korpisalo to Start Against Anaheim; Bruins Backup Looks to Rebound from Difficult Season

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Joonas Korpisalo will start in goal against Anaheim on Wednesday, as reported by Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune. Korpisalo had a challenging 2023-24 season, considered by some as the NHL's worst starting goalie, with a 21-26-4 record, an .890 save percentage, and a -13.6 GSAx. He was traded to Boston in the offseason and will serve as Jeremy Swayman's backup, with hopes that Bruins goalie coach Bob Essensa can help resurrect his game, potentially making him a decent spot starter behind a stronger team. His 2022-23 campaign highlighted the impact of team defense, as he posted an 11-11-3 record, 3.17 GAA, and .911 SV% in 28 games with Columbus (31st in xGA), then improved to 7-3-1, 2.13 GAA, and .921 SV% in 11 games after being acquired by the Kings (3rd in xGA). After signing a five-year, $20 million contract with Ottawa last summer, the 29-year-old was projected for 20-25 wins, a 2.60-2.90 GAA, and a .910-.915 SV% in a career-high 45-50 starts. His 2021-22 season was marred by injury and ineffectiveness, with a 7-11-0 record, 4.15 GAA, and .877 SV% in 22 appearances, ending with hip surgery in March. He previously sparkled in the 2020 playoffs with a .941 save percentage and an 85-save performance.

Darcy Kuemper Set to Start for Kings, Aims to Revitalize Career After Capitals Stint

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Darcy Kuemper is slated to start in goal for the Los Angeles Kings at home against Boston on Friday, marking a significant opportunity following his offseason trade from the Capitals. With Washington, Kuemper posted a 35-40-10 record, 3.03 GAA, and .902 save percentage over 90 games across two seasons, a decline from his 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning season with the Avalanche (37-12-4, 2.54 GAA, .921 SV%). The Kings' strong defensive structure is expected to help Kuemper regain his form and potentially secure another NHL contract. He previously signed a five-year, $26.25 million deal with Washington after leaving Colorado. Kuemper has a history of being an injury risk, including a lower-body injury that cost him over a month. His career has seen varied performance, from strong numbers with Arizona (16-11-2, 2.22 GAA, .928 SV%) to backing up in Minnesota.

Pheonix Copley Summoned from AHL Ontario, Expected to Challenge for Kings' Starts

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Pheonix Copley was recalled from AHL Ontario on Wednesday, per John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. Last season, Copley played 37 games for LA, posting a 24-6-3 record with a 2.64 GAA and a .903 save percentage, stabilizing the team's goaltending. With veteran Cam Talbot coming off a difficult campaign, Copley might secure around half of the Kings' starts, potentially leading to 20-25 wins despite a potentially mediocre save percentage. His career includes 68 NHL games, and he previously served as Braden Holtby's understudy in Washington, recording a 16-7-4 record, 2.90 GAA, and .905 SV% in 27 starts during his first full season. He was acquired by the Kings from the Lightning for future considerations on October 15, 2025, and had been placed on waivers by the Kings on October 1, 2025, and again on October 22, 2025, after being snagged off waivers on October 2, 2025.

Anton Forsberg Poised for San Jose Start Amidst Ottawa Goaltending Shake-Up

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Anton Forsberg is slated to start in goal on the road against San Jose on Thursday, John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio reports. Coming off a 2023-24 season where he went 15-12-0 with a 3.21 GAA and two shutouts in 30 contests, Forsberg's role has shifted following the acquisition of Linus Ullmark, making it unlikely he'll reach 30 games this year. He previously had a strong 2021-22 campaign with a 22-17-4 record, 2.82 GAA, and .917 save percentage in 46 games, but struggled last season (11-11-2, 3.26 GAA, .902 SV% in 28 games) and tore his MCL in both knees, though he's expected to be ready for training camp. Despite a five-year commitment to Joonas Korpisalo and the addition of Cam Talbot, Forsberg is projected for 10-15 wins with a GAA around 3.00 and a .905 save percentage. He has a history of being traded (to Blackhawks in Panarin deal) and competing for backup roles.

Jake Allen Slated to Start Thursday for Devils, Reflecting Career of Stability and Backup Roles

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Jake Allen is expected to start on the road against Florida on Thursday, November 19, 2025, for the New Jersey Devils. At 34, he aims to return to the postseason, having previously won a Cup with St. Louis. After arriving in Jersey in 2023-24, he provided stability despite not excelling, and this season he will back up Jacob Markstrom, potentially improving his ratios. His career has seen him as a presumptive No. 1 with the Canadiens in 2022-23 before injuries and poor play (15-24-3, 3.55 GAA, .891 SV% in 42 games) led to Sam Montembeault displacing him. He also faced a heavy workload in 2021-22 (9-20-4, 3.30 GAA, .905 SV% in 35 games) due to Carey Price's injury. With St. Louis, Allen performed well as Jordan Binnington's backup in 2019-20 (12-6-3, 2.15 GAA, .927 SV%) and was once the team's primary starter, leading them to the conference final in 2016.

Lukas Dostal to Start Against Bruins, Coming Off Recent Win and Contract Extension

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Lukas Dostal will be the starting goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks in Wednesday's home game against the Boston Bruins on November 19, 2025. The 25-year-old goalie recently returned to the win column on Monday against Utah, stopping 16 of 18 shots in a 3-2 victory that ended his two-game losing streak. For the 2025 season, Dostal holds a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, 0 shutouts, a 2.80 GAA, and a .903 save percentage. He signed a significant five-year, $32.5 million contract extension with the Ducks in July of 2025, solidifying his future with the team. He will aim to remain effective against the Bruins, who are currently ranked 10th in the league, scoring 3.24 goals per game.

Frederik Andersen Expected to Start Wednesday for Hurricanes Amidst Injury Concerns

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Frederik Andersen is set to start on the road against Minnesota on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, for the Carolina Hurricanes. The 34-year-old is an above-average goalie consistently plagued by injuries, having played a full season only once in his last four campaigns and appearing in just 50 of 162 possible games over the last two years. In 2023-24, he posted a 13-2-0 record with a 1.82 GAA and .932 save percentage in 16 starts. Despite strong numbers when healthy (35-14-3, 2.17 GAA, .922 SV% in 52 games in 2021-22; 21-11-1, 2.48 GAA, .903 SV% in 34 games in 2022-23), his injury history, including a torn MCL that sidelined him for the 2022-23 playoffs, makes him a high-risk option. Carolina's crowded crease with Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov could limit his starts to under 40. Andersen signed a two-year, $9 million contract with Carolina in July after his tenure with the Maple Leafs.

Matt Duchene Joins Stars on Road Trip Amidst Upper Body Recovery

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Matt Duchene (upper body) will join the Dallas Stars for their upcoming four-game road trip. The 33-year-old center signed another one-year, $3 million contract with the Stars after being bought out by the Predators, aiming to rebuild his value. Last season, he recorded 25 goals and 65 points in 80 regular-season games, though his production slowed to 20 points in 32 games post-All-Star break and 6 points in 19 playoff outings. Duchene is expected to play on the second line and contribute on the power play, with a projected 60-point floor. His career has seen significant fluctuations, including a career-best 43 goals and 86 points in 2021-22 with Nashville, followed by 56 points in 71 games in 2022-23. Expectations for his 2023-24 production are tempered given his role.

John Gibson Set to Start for Red Wings Against Islanders

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John Gibson is slated to serve as the starting goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings at home against the Islanders on Thursday. The 31-year-old netminder has reportedly sought a move from Anaheim for two years, despite being paid like a star with three years left on his $6.4 million AAV contract. His performance has been inconsistent, with a 13-27-2 record, a 3.54 GAA, and a .888 save percentage in 46 games last season. Since signing his eight-year deal, Gibson holds a 74-129-33 record. While the Ducks' defensive struggles contribute to his numbers, his 1.02 GSAx ranked 52nd overall. He is expected to remain with Anaheim due to difficulties finding a trade partner, potentially sharing time with Lukas Dostal and seeing around 40 starts. His fantasy value has declined amidst the Ducks' rebuild, despite a career-best .926 save percentage and 2.43 GAA in 2017-18.

Mark Scheifele Delivers Three Assists in Jets' Victory

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Mark Scheifele notched three assists and a plus-2 rating in the Winnipeg Jets' recent 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets. The 31-year-old forward has been a consistent performer, recording at least 60 points in each of his last nine campaigns. Last season, Scheifele supplied 25 goals and 72 points across 74 games, building on a 2022-23 season where he posted 42 goals and 26 assists in 81 games. With Pierre-Luc Dubois' departure, Scheifele is the unquestioned No. 1 center in Winnipeg, commanding significant ice time and power-play opportunities. He has exceeded 30 goals three times and topped 80 points twice in his career. The 2023-24 campaign is pivotal for Scheifele, who is in his contract year and looking to secure a significant deal in his early 30s.

Drew Doughty to Injured Reserve with Lower Body Injury; Career Performance and Outlook Reviewed

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Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (lower body) is slated for injured reserve Wednesday. This move follows a preseason ankle injury, potentially impacting his recent streak of 50-point seasons, including 15 goals and 50 points in 82 games during 2023-24. Doughty, a 33-year-old Norris Trophy winner and Kings backbone, has a history of injuries, including knee and wrist issues in 2021-22, but bounced back with 52 points, 104 blocked shots, and 115 hits in 81 games in 2022-23. Averaging over 26 minutes of ice time, he's a workhorse and power-play quarterback. When healthy, he's expected to reach 40-50 points, 100+ hits, and 90 blocked shots, making him a valuable fantasy asset. He remains a key leader for the Kings, locked in for five more years with a full no-trade clause.

Matthew Schaefer Emerges as Calder Favorite, Shattering Rookie Defenseman Records

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New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old phenom, is rapidly becoming a near-lock for the Calder Trophy. Through 20 games, he leads all rookies with 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points, surpassing Montreal's Ivan Demidov. Schaefer has already made history, becoming the youngest player to score an overtime goal at 18 years and 70 days, and the youngest defenseman to achieve a six-game point streak with 7 points in his first nine games. He leads Islanders defensemen with 307 shot attempts, plays significant minutes on both special teams, and logs the most ice time on the team, putting him on track for 20 goals and 60 points this season, with strong -238 odds for the Calder.

Cale Makar Dominates Norris Race, Leads Defensemen in Scoring and Plus/Minus

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Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar is already a near-lock for the James Norris Trophy, continuing his exceptional performance from the back end. Through 19 games this season, Makar leads all NHL defensemen with 6 goals, 19 assists, and 25 points, four points ahead of the next closest blueliner, and also boasts a league-leading +17 rating among defensemen. He has surpassed 90 points in each of the past two seasons and is currently on pace for an impressive 108 points this year. Makar consistently logs the most ice time for Colorado, totaling 485 minutes, and leads the team in blocked shots and takeaways, solidifying his strong -233 odds for the Norris.