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.

On November 5, 2025 Alex Ovechkin made hockey history, becoming the first player in NHL history to score 900 regular-season goals in the Capitals’ 6–1 win over the St. Louis Blues. The 40-year-old captain’s milestone backhander ignited a roaring Capital One Arena as teammates and fans celebrated nearly two decades of brilliance.

Celebrini races down the ice, fast and fearless, every stride pushing forward with urgency. Smith glides beside him, calm and measured, seeing plays before they happen. One brings chaos, the other control, and together, they are shaping the Sharks’ new identity and finding a rhythm all their own.

The NHL EDGE system tracks speed, shot power, and puck possession to give fans a closer look at player performance. This season, stars like Connor McDavid, Brandon Montour, and Adam Fox are already standing out with record-setting stats.

Carter Hart is back in the NHL, signing with the Vegas Golden Knights after a leave of absence and acquittal in a 2018 legal case, focusing on a fresh start while raising questions about accountability and the league’s culture.

Sixteen years after his debut with the Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand returned to TD Garden for the first time as a member of the Florida Panthers. The Bruins honored their former captain with a heartfelt tribute, sparking an emotional response from Marchand and the crowd. Despite the Panthers’ overtime victory, the night belonged to the bond between Marchand and the city that shaped his career.