National Hockey League

National Hockey League

Many around the league were prepared for Crosby trade talk to become its own cottage industry in 2025-26, as the Pittsburgh Penguins star center sought a return to the Stanley Cup playoffs on another team. Alas, the Penguins might end up being Crosby's playoff team, having amassed a .625 points percentage through 28 games and holding down a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. If they're playing meaningful games this season, Crosby isn't going anywhere -- if he ever was in the first place.

In this busy time of year one of my favourite traditions is to a few moments to discuss the Leafs defensive depth situation. It didn't seem likely that there would be any need to understand the depth beyond Dakota Mermis, but thanks to his injury on Monday night, here we are discussing who replaces Mermis on the Leafs roster.

The Belarusian centerman found paydirt 8:35 into the third period after a heads-up play by the team's equipment staff. Ivan Miroshnichenko broke his stick clean in half after a shot attempt, but quickly received a new twig at the bench. As the Russian forward arrived back in the zone, he won a puck battle at the point as the Bruins desperately tried to clear and found Protas wide open in the right circle.

Here are my takes on each team's number one stud so that you can keep your eye out for them during the action this season. While I encourage you to watch hockey for the sport, these guys certainly won't hurt! Do you have a favorite team? Have any of these gentlemen convinced you to become a fan? Let me know in the comments!

That's what good teams do. They don't complain. They just work.

Matias Maccelli has had a slow start so far in his first season in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform. With other NHL teams making players available for trades, could the Leafs put Maccelli's name out there? He was acquired by the Leafs in a trade with the Utah Mammoth, where Toronto sent a 2027 third-round pick in exchange for the now 25-year-old forward.

"I think there were some situations that could have been dealt with differently," Reaves told Bay Area News Group last week. "Put it that way."

We lose a guy for probably a month at least. There's nothing. And that hurt. I thought it was more of him getting bumped and his stick (came up). I know you gotta be in control of your stick, but I don't think it's worth a suspension.

Wilson, who one anonymous respondent listed as having the "most punchable face" in the league during the 2023-24 season, did not appear when players were asked the same question this year. When asked about where he ranked two seasons ago, Wilson responded by saying, "I'd probably punch that guy in the face, too," which could have been threatening enough to keep him off the most recent list.

Hershey wore throwback jerseys featuring the team's "Skating Bear" logo. The emblem, initially designed in the mid '60s, features an illustration of a hockey-playing bear in full gear, with the type HERSHEY in a bold brown rectangle overtop - the same design seen on Hershey's iconic chocolate bar wrappers. "I think they're pretty, pretty sweet," Andrew Cristall told RMNB of the jersey design before its debut. "I think it's gonna be pretty cool. They look unreal, so I'm pumped to wear them."

The first period saw Tampa Bay generally carry the play, as they were more organized and efficient in their breakouts/puck play, while the Leafs frequently flipped the puck away and struggled to get it back. More excellence from Dennis Hildeby - and a last-ditch goal-line save by Troy Stecher - kept the Lightning at bay despite a 25-13 Tampa advantage in shot attempts and a 7-3 Tampa advantage in high-danger chances.

After beginning his professional career with only 48 points through his first 124 AHL games. Many people were quick to write off Matthew Maggio in his value as a New York Islanders prospect. But this season Maggio has completely turned it around, and the stats are there to prove it. Maggio has turned heads with his play this season. Maggio has started the AHL season with 4 goals and 16 points in his first 21 games.

Midway through the third period of Columbus's 2-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, Gaunce was caught with a high stick from Caps forward Hendrix Lapierre in front of Washington's net. Lapierre, intending to lift Gaunce's stick, drilled the opposing centerman right in the mouth with the lower shaft of his twig. The rough blow bloodied Gaunce and knocked a tooth out, which he then found on the ice and carried back with him to the Blue Jackets bench.

Kings projected lineup Alex Laferriere - Anze Kopitar - Adrian Kempe Kevin Fiala - Quinton Byfield - Joel Armia Warren Foegele - Phillip Danault - Trevor Moore Andrei Kuzmenko - Alex Turcotte - Corey Perry Mikey Anderson - Drew Doughty Joel Edmundson - Brandt Clarke Brian Dumoulin - Cody Ceci Darcy Kuemper Anton Forsberg Jeff Malott, Samuel Helenius, Jacob Moverare Status report The Kings are expected to dress the same 18 skaters from their 6-0 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.