The Islanders beat the Devils in a dominant 9-0 victory, highlighted by Anthony Duclair’s explosive hat trick and a flawless night in goal from Ilya Sorokin. It was a statement win that showcased New York’s offensive depth, defensive discipline, and renewed confidence as the season heads towards playoffs.

The Colorado Avalanche have separated themselves from the rest of the NHL with relentless scoring, structured defense, and unmatched consistency. As the season rolls on, Colorado’s complete, all-around game has made them the team to beat.

A decade of producing at the highest level has led Brad Marchand to 1,000 career NHL points. The milestone is a reflection of sustained excellence and one of the most reliable offensive careers of his era.

Islanders forward Mathew Barzal was fined by the NHL after a slash incident reviewed by the Department of Player Safety. The decision underscores the league’s ongoing focus on player discipline.

After previous years finishing bronze, Team USA has transformed into a gold-medal powerhouse with depth, skill, and a proven development pipeline. As another World Juniors kicks off, the question isn’t whether they belong at the top, but whether they can make it three in a row.

Sidney Crosby delivered a moment nearly two decades in the making, passing Mario Lemieux to become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time points leader. On a night filled with emotion and history, the captain once again defined what it means to wear the jersey.

As the NHL hits the grind of mid-December, injuries are beginning to reshape the league, sidelining stars, testing depth, and forcing teams into tough lineup decisions. From uncertain Winter Classic returns to long-term losses that could alter playoff races, here’s a full breakdown of who’s out this week, who’s close, and how it could change the season’s trajectory.

Leon Draisaitl became the first German-born player to reach 1,000 NHL points, hitting the milestone quietly in the flow of a game on Tuesday. With years of elite scoring and consistent excellence, he has firmly established his own legacy alongside Connor McDavid as one of the league’s top offensive players.

Snowfall, legendary goals, historic stadiums, and record-breaking crowds. The NHL Winter Classic has produced moments that changed hockey, and three games in particular did more than entertain fans; they defined the Winter Classic as one of the sport’s most unforgettable traditions.

For the first time in 12 years, the world’s best hockey players will once again wear their country’s colors on Olympic ice. When the NHL returns to the Winter Olympics in 2026, it won’t just revive international rivalries, it will restore hockey’s greatest stage.

The Bruins are entering a crucial stretch of their December schedule without star players David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, who remains sidelined with no clear return date. As Boston battles through key divisional matchups, the pressure mounts on a young roster to keep the team afloat.

By locking in Ryan McDonagh for three more years, the Lightning sent a message louder than any trade that culture outweighs anything else. Tampa Bay is choosing trust over trends, and that commitment could be the edge that carries them deep into the postseason.

Several NHL coaches are already feeling intense pressure as early-season inconsistencies, defensive lapses, and stagnant offenses push their teams toward trouble. While veterans like Brunette, Ruff, and Roy face rising heat, newcomers such as Sullivan, Blashill, and Quenneville work to turn early signs of progress into lasting stability.

The Anaheim Ducks face a grueling four-game stretch in seven days, testing their resilience. With starter Lukas Dostal sidelined for 2–3 weeks, the team will lean on backup goaltenders, while their defense and young forwards must tighten up to limit high-danger chances.

Despite online speculation and a spike in trade chatter, Andrei Svechnikov quickly shut down any rumors about wanting out of Carolina. With the Hurricanes in the thick of another competitive season, his focus remains on producing, not relocating.

Stockholm delivered the perfect stage for the 2025 NHL Global Series, highlighted by hometown star Filip Forsberg electrifying Avicii Arena with a dramatic late equalizer in Game 1. From Forsberg’s dynamic moment to Pittsburgh’s dominant response two nights later, the weekend showcased elite talent, playoff intensity, and the unmistakable energy of NHL hockey on Swedish ice.

At 19, Macklin Celebrini scored an overtime hat trick to lead San Jose to victory, joining an elite list of teenage NHL legends. Alongside Connor Bedard’s same-night feat, he’s proof the league’s future is here.

Big names across the NHL are going down, and teams are feeling the impact fast. With stars like Matthews, Hughes, and key contributors from multiple clubs sidelined, lineups have shuffled this week.

Gabriel Landeskog’s long-awaited return finally exploded into a signature moment, as the Avalanche captain buried his first official goal back and sent Ball Arena into a roar. After months of setbacks, his breakthrough reminded fans and teammates why his presence is the heartbeat of Colorado’s lineup.

At 6-foot-9, Zdeno Chára didn’t just stand above his opponents but he stood above generations of the game itself. As he takes his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the NHL pauses to honor a man whose size, strength, and leadership forever reshaped the younger generations.