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Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Gabe Perreault's NHL Future Debated as Rangers Prospect Seeks Permanent Role

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New York Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault is currently in a 'yo-yo cup of coffee routine' with the Blueshirts, prompting speculation about when he will secure a permanent spot. An NHL amateur scout praises Perreault as potentially one of the smartest players scouted at the amateur level, believing his skill could enable him to drive a line despite being a winger. However, the scout suggests that further physical strength development through a full NCAA schedule at Boston College might have been more beneficial than turning pro early. While the Rangers' AHL staff is excellent for development, the organization's strategy for their top prospect for the remainder of the season remains a key focus.

Mikko Rantanen Receives Major Penalty for Boarding Romanov, Sparks Coach Roy's Outburst

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Dallas Stars right winger Mikko Rantanen received a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov during Tuesday night's game. Islanders coach Patrick Roy was visibly incensed by the hit, confronting Rantanen and the Stars bench, and calling the play "disrespectful," emphasizing that players must "lay off" when seeing numbers. While Roy acknowledged it's not Rantanen's typical style, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended Rantanen, suggesting Romanov's teammate Scott Mayfield caused Rantanen to be off-balance, leading to the collision. The incident sparked strong reactions from fans and coaches alike, highlighting the physicality and emotions of the game.

Sam Montembeault Set to Start Against Capitals Despite Recent Struggles

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Sam Montembeault is slated to start Thursday's home game against the Capitals on November 19, 2025. The 29-year-old Montreal Canadiens goaltender, who signed a three-year, $9.45 million contract extension in December 2023, has struggled in recent weeks. Over his last seven appearances, Montembeault has posted a 2-3-1 record with a 3.75 GAA and an .858 save percentage. Despite this, he faces a relatively favorable matchup against the Capitals, who rank ninth-worst in the league with an average of 2.79 goals per game this season. His current 2025 season stats show 4 wins, 5 losses, 0 shutouts, a 3.56 GAA, and an .858 save percentage.

Stuart Skinner Confirmed to Start Wednesday, Reflecting Recent Performance and Career Trajectory

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Stuart Skinner is slated to start Wednesday's road game against Washington, as confirmed by Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels. This upcoming start follows recent appearances, including turning aside 23 of 27 shots in a 5-1 loss to Buffalo on November 18th and making 33 saves in a 4-3 overtime win against the Hurricanes on November 16th. Earlier in the season, on October 21st, he was in the starter's crease, having posted a 1-2-1 record with 91 saves on 100 shots. Skinner, who signed a three-year, $7.8 million contract in December 2022, had a remarkable 2023-24 season, finishing tied for third in wins (36) with a 2.62 GAA and .905 SV%, and setting a franchise record with 12 consecutive wins. He is projected for a heavy workload in 2024-25, aiming for top-tier netminder status, building on his 2022-23 Calder Trophy finalist season where he posted a 29-14-5 record.

Jason Zucker Returns from Illness, Eyes Rebound Season with Buffalo Sabres

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Jason Zucker (illness) is set to return for Friday's game against Chicago, according to head coach Lindy Ruff. The 32-year-old winger, now with the Buffalo Sabres on a one-year, $5 million contract, is looking to rebound after a challenging 2023-24 campaign where he recorded 14 goals and 32 points in 69 games split between Arizona and Nashville. While he's a solid middle-six forward, his role with the Sabres could range from a third-line contributor (30-40 points) to potentially exceeding 20 goals and 40 points under ideal circumstances. Historically, Zucker has shown flashes of high production, including 27 goals and 48 points in his final season with Pittsburgh (2022-23), where he also registered a career-high 197 hits. Despite past injury struggles and varying offensive output, his career-low 7.8% shooting percentage in a previous season suggests potential for positive goal regression.

Charlie Lindgren Slated to Start Thursday, Navigating Capitals' Goalie Platoon

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Charlie Lindgren is expected to start Thursday's road game against Montreal for the Washington Capitals. The 30-year-old goaltender is coming off a remarkable 2023-24 season, posting a 26-16-7 record with a 2.67 GAA and .911 save percentage, even earning Vezina and Hart Trophy votes. This breakout performance was pivotal in the Capitals reaching the postseason. However, Washington has since brought in Logan Thompson, creating a potential platoon situation. Lindgren's best-case scenario involves starting 50 games, while a worst-case could see him and Thompson splitting starts based on performance. In his first year with the Capitals, he played a career-high 31 games (13-11-3, 3.05 GAA, .899 SV%) and previously served as Darcy Kuemper's backup, signing a three-year, $3.3 million deal with the team.

Logan Thompson to Start Against Edmonton, Showcasing Strong Season Stats

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Logan Thompson is expected to start at home against Edmonton on Wednesday for the Washington Capitals. The 28-year-old goaltender has posted impressive numbers in 2025, with a 1.85 GAA and a .925 save percentage, though the Capitals' offensive support has sometimes been inconsistent, leading to a 7-5-1 record. Thompson recently signed a significant six-year, $35.1 million contract with the Capitals in January 2025. In his last outing, he stopped 29 of 31 shots during a 3-2 shootout loss to New Jersey on Saturday. He will face an Edmonton team that holds a 9-8-4 record and is tied for 18th in goals per game with 3.00. Thompson is now part of a potential goaltending platoon with Charlie Lindgren in Washington.

Connor McDavid's First Career Hat Trick Recalled from 2016 Drought-Breaker

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On November 19, 2016, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid broke a 10-game goal drought by scoring his first career hat trick against the Dallas Stars. The then-sophomore, playing in his 19th game of the season, humbly described his three goals as "pretty lucky" but expressed significant happiness to finally get off his scoring slump. This memorable performance marked a pivotal moment in McDavid's early NHL career, showcasing his elite talent and reminding everyone of his superstar potential.

Jason Robertson Ignites Stars Offense with Two-Goal Performance, Extends Hot Streak

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Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson, 26, delivered a two-goal performance in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Islanders, scoring in both the second and third periods against David Rittich. This outing extends Robertson's impressive hot streak, as he has now found the back of the net in four consecutive games, tallying eight goals during that surge. On the season, Robertson has accumulated 11 goals and 25 points in 20 contests, showcasing a return to the elite form that saw him post a career-best 46 goals and 109 points in the 2022-23 season. He signed a four-year, $31 million contract with the Stars in October 2022.

Marshall Warren Poised for Islanders Call-Up Amidst Romanov Injury Concerns

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Marshall Warren is the likely call-up for the New York Islanders if defenseman Alexander Romanov misses time due to his recent upper-body injury. The Long Island native was considered Bridgeport's (AHL) top defenseman during his initial call-up, and this season he has accumulated nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 10 AHL games, including four assists in six games since returning from a previous NHL stint. Warren is positioned to bolster the Islanders' defense, especially with fellow prospect Isaiah George currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, making him the prime candidate to fill any defensive void.

Alexander Romanov Injured by Rantanen Boarding, Roy Incensed by 'Disrespectful' Hit

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New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov sustained an upper-body injury on Tuesday night after being pushed from behind into the endwall by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, who received a major penalty and game misconduct. Romanov appeared to be in tremendous pain and was helped off the ice. Islanders coach Patrick Roy was visibly incensed by the "disrespectful" hit, confronting Rantanen and the Stars bench, and emphasizing that players must "lay off" when seeing numbers, though he noted it's not Rantanen's usual style. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan suggested Romanov's teammate Scott Mayfield contributed to Rantanen being off-balance, leading to the collision. The Islanders hope Romanov's injury is not severe, with Marshall Warren or Adam Boqvist as potential call-ups if he misses time.

Zachary Bolduc Seizes Opportunity on Canadiens Top Line Amidst Injuries

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Montreal Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc, acquired from the St-Louis Blues, has a significant opportunity to prove his impact due to injuries to Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kirby Dach. The 22-year-old, who previously registered 36 points in 72 games last season with the Blues, has been promoted by coach Martin St-Louis to play alongside captain Nick Suzuki and sniper Cole Caufield. Despite a current pace of 6 points in 19 games, Bolduc has shown efficiency, contributing to 33.3% of even-strength goals and 60% of power-play goals while on ice. He also brings grit, leading Canadiens forwards with 7.9 hits per 60 minutes this season. Playing the final year of his entry-level contract and back on the first power-play unit, Bolduc is poised to demonstrate his untapped potential.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Yaroslav Askarov: Sharks Goalie Overcomes Rough Start, Poised for Superstardom

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San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, 23, is a recommended trade target after dramatically turning his season around. Following a difficult start where he went 1-4-1 with an .844 save percentage, allowing 28 goals on 180 shots, Askarov has since been outstanding. In his last six games, he boasts a 5-1-0 record, giving up only eight goals on 197 shots. He recently stopped 24 of 26 shots in a 3-2 overtime win against Utah. Overall, Askarov holds a 6-5-1 record with a 2.99 GAA and a .907 save percentage. He is considered the Sharks' top goalie and is expected to be a key factor in their playoff aspirations, potentially solidifying his No. 1 position by Christmas.

Rookie Braeden Bowman Nets Second Power-Play Goal in Fourth NHL Game for Golden Knights

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Rookie forward Braeden Bowman, 22, continued his impressive start with the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring his second career power-play goal in his fourth NHL game on Tuesday night against the New York Rangers. Bowman, an undrafted free agent who signed an entry-level contract in March 2025, opened the scoring by one-timing a rebound past Igor Shesterkin. This goal followed his first career power-play goal scored in his second game on Saturday in St. Louis. While one article stated his goal was a game-winner, other reports confirm Shea Theodore scored the actual game-winning goal in the 3-2 victory. Coach Bruce Cassidy praised Bowman's ability to maintain NHL pace and strength through his initial four appearances.

JJ Peterka Scores Twice in Overtime Loss to Sharks

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JJ Peterka scored both goals for his team in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Sharks on November 18, 2025, also accumulating two penalty minutes. The 23-year-old right wing has been productive recently, with four goals and an assist in his last four games, coinciding with a move to the third line. Across 20 appearances this season, Peterka has recorded eight goals, 15 points, 38 shots on net, eight penalty minutes, and a plus-3 rating. He is on pace to surpass the 60-point mark for the second consecutive year, though slightly behind his 68-point output from the previous season. Peterka signed a five-year, $38.5 million contract with the Mammoth in June 2025.

Macklin Celebrini's Hat Trick Lifts Sharks to Overtime Win Against Mammoth

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Macklin Celebrini recorded his third career hat trick, including the overtime winner, to lead the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Celebrini scored twice in the first six minutes and then sealed the win on the power play in overtime. He is the third teenager in NHL history to have a hat trick that included an overtime goal. Celebrini now has 30 points in 20 games, becoming the fourth teenager to reach that mark in 20 or fewer games. He is also one of six players in NHL history with three or more hat tricks as a teenager.

Mikko Rantanen Ejected for Boarding Alexander Romanov, Draws "Disrespectful" Label

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Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct with 27.3 seconds remaining in Tuesday night's 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Rantanen hit Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov from behind, sending him face-first into the boards and causing an injury that required medical attention. Islanders coach Patrick Roy, who drafted Rantanen in 2015, called the hit "disrespectful" despite believing it wasn't intentional. The incident, which occurred during a 6-on-5 play for the Stars, led to Rantanen's ejection and intense reactions from the Islanders' bench, overshadowing their victory.

Connor Bedard Records Second Hat Trick, Reaches 29 Points in 19 Games for Blackhawks

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Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard recorded his second hat trick of the season on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Bedard's first goal was a high-effort play, poking the puck through Dustin Wolf's wickets. He followed up with a snipe from a pass by Ryan Greene, and completed the hat trick by scoring into an empty net from his defensive zone. With this performance, the 19-game mark sees Bedard with 13 goals and 29 points, solidifying his case for a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster. The Blackhawks' win improved their record to 10-5-4, putting them close to a playoff position.

Bo Horvat Scores 13th Goal, Ejected in Islanders' Gritty Win Over Stars

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Bo Horvat netted his 13th goal of the season for the New York Islanders in their 3-2 victory against the Dallas Stars. The goal came in the second period, breaking a 1-1 tie with a favorable bounce off the end-wall. However, Horvat was later ejected in the third period after receiving a double-minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for high-sticking. Despite his absence for the final 13:12 of the game, the Islanders held on for the win, improving their road trip record to 5-1. Horvat is now tied for second in the NHL in goals.

Nick Cousins Fined $2,000 by NHL for Diving and Embellishment

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Ottawa Senators winger Nick Cousins has been fined $2,000 by the NHL for diving and embellishment. This is his second citation this season, triggering an automatic fine under Rule 64. The first warning came on Oct. 25 against Washington, and the second occurred on Nov. 9 against the Utah Mammoth, where Cousins fell to the ice with minimal contact after JJ Peterka was assessed a minor penalty for interference. The league aims to penalize players who repeatedly dive to draw penalties, with fines escalating for subsequent offenses. Cousins has made a career of being hard to play against, and this fine adds a stigma of being publicly labeled a diver.