National Hockey League

National Hockey League

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.

Once Mermis was down on the ice in discomfort, a scrum ensued at centre ice with both teams going at it, as well as a fight between Dakota Joshua and Maxwell Crozier. While the scrum was happening, McMann and Bjorkstrand were shoving each other pretty aggressively. Bjorkstrand landed the first blow with a cross-check that came dangerously close to McMann's neck, to which McMann retaliated with a high-stick that grazed the side of Bjorkstrand's head and shoulder.

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."

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.

Any clarity on Stolarz? Berube: "There's actually not right now. He's still not on the ice, so I'm not sure yet where he is at." On Woll: "He's progressing the right way. Like I said, it's probably going to be this week." Tanev has scheduled meeting with Dr. on Wednesday. #Leafs- Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) December 7, 2025

Being hurt is no fun. To get back out there and get two points for the team is fun. As a team, we talked about getting to the net, creating a little bit more. On all three of those goals [assisted by Matt Benning], we had guys in front of the goalie's eyes, and without that piece there, none of those are going in." - Matt Benning

Leonard departed the game late in the first period after Trouba ran him over behind Anaheim's net with a check determined to be legal by the on-ice officials. Trouba, who was initially sitting in the box for a major penalty before review, appeared to make heavy contact with Leonard's head and left the rookie winger bleeding profusely as he made his way back to the Capitals' locker room.