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NHL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

Sergei Murashov Pitches Shutout in Preseason Debut

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Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov pitched a shutout in his preseason debut against the Buffalo Sabres on September 21, 2026, stopping all 13 shots faced in 30 minutes of action at PPG Paints Arena. Murashov gave way to Joel Blomqvist in the second half of the game as the Penguins secured a 4-1 victory. His strong performance highlights the early preseason action for Pittsburgh as the team evaluates its roster options ahead of the upcoming NHL regular season.

Joel Blomqvist Relief Appearance in Penguins Preseason Opener

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Joel Blomqvist took over goaltending duties in relief during the Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-1 preseason victory over the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena on September 21, 2026. Following Sergei Murashov's shutout start where he stopped 13 shots in 30 minutes of action, Blomqvist stepped in to help close out the preseason-opening win. The victory sets the stage for a quick turnaround as the Penguins prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings in their second preseason contest.

Connor Dewar Scores in Penguins 4-1 Preseason Win

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Connor Dewar scored one of the goals as the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their preseason slate with a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Dewar contributed to the offensive output in the dominant preseason-opening performance, helping secure the win alongside fellow goal scorers Bryan Rust, Avery Hayes, and Elmer Soderblom as the Penguins kicked off their 2026-27 campaign under strong goaltending from Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist.

Boston Bruins Rely on Jeremy Swayman for Another Elite Goaltending Season

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The Boston Bruins will need another elite season from Jeremy Swayman to navigate the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division and return to the playoffs. Swayman earned Vezina Trophy consideration and made Team USA's Olympic roster after posting a 31-18-4 record, .908 save percentage, and 2.71 GAA while playing a career-high 55 games last year. With Joonas Korpisalo traded, Michael DiPietro is expected to step in as the backup to help manage Swayman's workload.

Monday, September 21

Victor Olofsson Returns To Vegas Golden Knights On One-Year Deal

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Victor Olofsson is back with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year contract after stops in Colorado and Calgary. During his whirlwind year, he welcomed his second child, notched 25 points in 60 games with the Avalanche, and played 18 games for the Flames. Eager to chase a Stanley Cup with a familiar contender, Olofsson expressed excitement about his return to the desert and celebrated by purchasing a brand-new Cadillac Escalade in Las Vegas.

Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumors Swirl Amidst Training Camp Uncertainty

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Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets' star goaltender, is at the center of significant trade speculation as training camp progresses. Reports indicate the Jets are open to offers, with several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, emerging as potential suitors. Hellebuyck has reportedly requested a trade and has not reported to training camp. Despite the uncertainty, his value remains high, with fantasy hockey analysts noting him as a player whose potential trade could impact other goalies like Stuart Skinner.

Stuart Skinner Shines With 31 Saves in Preseason Victory

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Stuart Skinner delivered a stellar performance on Monday, stopping 31 of 32 shots to secure a 3-1 preseason victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Skinner made crucial saves throughout the game, including thwarting dangerous power-play opportunities. This strong showing comes after signing a two-year, $7.5 million contract in July, following a 23-17-9 record last season. He is also considered an appealing late-round fantasy hockey target for the 2026-27 season, especially if Connor Hellebuyck is traded.

Roman Josi Praises GM Chris MacFarland's Bold Moves and Speed Vision

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Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi expressed strong support for new GM Chris MacFarland, highlighting his aggressive summer roster moves and commitment to building a faster, winning team. Josi acknowledged that MacFarland will have to make tough decisions, like trading Luke Evangelista, but believes the bold changes are necessary. As Josi and veteran leaders enter a crucial season, they recognize the urgency to start strong and avoid another slow start that could jeopardize the team.

Dylan Garand Stops 27 Shots in Backup Goalie Bid vs. Devils

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Dylan Garand stopped 27 shots over nearly 58 minutes in the New York Rangers' 3-2 preseason opening loss to the New Jersey Devils. Head coach Mike Sullivan gave the 24-year-old a full game to state his case in an uphill battle against Joonas Korpisalo for the backup goaltender role behind Igor Shesterkin. Garand, who posted a 2-0-1 record with a 1.62 GAA and .948 save percentage in three Rangers games during 2025-26, held strong until Jack Hughes scored the game-winner with 2:12 remaining.

Bowen Byram Nets Overtime Hat Trick in Spectacular Blackhawks Debut

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Bowen Byram made an unforgettable first impression in his Chicago Blackhawks debut, scoring a hat trick—including the overtime winner—in Monday's 4-3 exhibition victory against the Minnesota Wild. The 25-year-old blueliner, who signed a six-year, $75 million contract this offseason, scored in the second and third periods before slipping the puck five-hole in OT. Byram added five shots on net and two hits.

Cole Caufield Scores Twice Including OT Winner in Canadiens Preseason Victory

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Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield delivered a clutch performance in Monday's 3-2 overtime preseason victory over the Ottawa Senators. Caufield tied the game midway through the third period before netting the game-winner in OT with a low wrist shot past Samuel Ersson. The 25-year-old coming off a career-high 51-goal season led a dominant Montreal attack that outshot Ottawa 36-20 in the Kraft Hockeyville matchup.

Hunter McDonald Absorbs Cross-Check in Preseason Clash

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Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald remained in Monday's preseason game against the Washington Capitals after delivering a hard, clean board hit on Ryan Leonard. The play provoked Capitals rookie Andrew Cristall to cross-check McDonald in the face and neck area, leading to Cristall's ejection via a game misconduct. McDonald was unharmed on the play and continued playing throughout the contest.

Andrew Cristall Ejected After Retaliatory Cross-Check

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Washington Capitals rookie forward Andrew Cristall was ejected from Monday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers after delivering a severe retaliatory cross-check to the face and neck of Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald. Cristall received a cross-checking major and a game misconduct for coming to the defense of teammate Ryan Leonard following a hit. Drafted in 2023, Cristall spent last season playing in Hershey.

Ryan Leonard Absorbs Heavy Hit in Preseason Action

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Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard remained in Monday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers after taking a hard, clean hit into the boards from Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald. The hit sparked a heated response from teammate Andrew Cristall, who was ejected. Entering his second full NHL season, the 21-year-old Leonard recently signed an eight-year contract extension carrying a $10.5 million average annual value.

Ben Kindel Suffers Leg Injury in Impressive Preseason Debut

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Ben Kindel exited Monday's preseason opener after blocking a shot in the leg/foot late in the first period. Before his departure, Kindel was arguably the best player on the ice, winning 6 of 7 faceoffs, taking a primary penalty-killing shift, and driving the net to create multiple scoring chances while lining up alongside Bryan Rust and Andrei Kuzmenko. The Penguins hope the departure was purely precautionary.

Joel Blomqvist Solid in Relief Appearance During Preseason Win

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Goaltender Joel Blomqvist took the ice for the second half of the Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-1 preseason opener victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Blomqvist allowed one goal on a power-play shot high to the blocker side, but otherwise turned in a steady performance in relief of starter Sergei Murashov. The appearance provided valuable game minutes as Pittsburgh evaluates its goaltending depth behind the main roster prior to the regular season opener.

Bryan Rust Dominates Preseason Opener with Three-Point Performance

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Bryan Rust shined in the Pittsburgh Penguins' preseason opener against the Buffalo Sabres, registering a goal, a primary assist, and an empty-net helper in a 4-1 victory. Skated alongside Andrei Kuzmenko and Ben Kindel while earning significant power-play time, Rust generated high-danger chances all night, including a power-play goal and hitting a crossbar. His strong showing reinforces his role as a premier offensive force heading into the regular season.

Kris Letang Logs Solid Preseason Debut Pair with Trevor van Riemsdyk

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Veteran defenseman Kris Letang suited up for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their 4-1 preseason opener against Buffalo, skating alongside blue-line partner Trevor van Riemsdyk. Letang quarterbacked the team's top power-play unit while turning in a quiet, effective defensive performance. Taking early exhibition action—a departure from past seasons—Letang helped anchor the veteran corps as Pittsburgh evaluates line chemistry and roster depth ahead of the regular season.

Adam Fantilli Seeking Massive Long-Term Contract Extension

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is reportedly seeking a significant long-term contract extension following back-to-back 50+ point seasons. The 21-year-old restricted free agent could be aiming for a deal in the neighborhood of $13.5 million annually, similar to Cutter Gauthier's recent contract. Columbus will need to manage its salary cap once Fantilli signs, potentially forcing roster adjustments or trade moves involving other key players.

Calvin Pickard Set to Guard Road Crease in Preseason Action Monday

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Calvin Pickard will guard the road crease in Monday's preseason matchup against the Blackhawks. The 34-year-old netminder returns to action following a 14-save performance in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory against Chicago. Pickard struggled last season, posting a 5-6-2 record, 3.68 GAA, and .871 save percentage over 16 regular-season games. With Filip Gustavsson sidelined by a hip injury to start the 2026-27 campaign, Pickard is positioned to serve as the team's interim No. 2 goaltender.