It took 65 minutes and an eight-round shootout to finally get a goal, but at 10 PM Mountain Standard Time, the game between the Utah Mammoth and the St. Louis Blues finally ended. Unfortunately for the home team, their losing streak extends to four games with a 1-0 shootout loss on Thursday.

It wasn’t for lack of trying. You definitely can’t blame the Mammoth’s efforts. There was so much going against them. The team just came back from Las Vegas the night before, after an intense game against the Vegas Golden Knights. A couple of minutes out from this one, it was announced that the Mammoth would be rolling without three of their top five forwards.

After Nick Schmaltz was injured off a hit in the game against the Golden Knights, it was speculated that he likely wouldn’t play on Thursday. That speculation ended up being correct, as he joined Dylan Guenther, John Marino, Nate Schmidt, and Logan Cooley on the injury row. Head coach André Tourigny confirmed that a majority of those players are still a long way away from returning.

One man's loss is another man's gain. Coming into the lineup to replace Schmaltz was Ben McCartney, who hadn’t played an NHL game in 1,832 games, despite multiple NHL call-ups over the past couple of years and some really strong American Hockey League campaigns with the Tucson Roadrunners. Tourigny and the coaching staff had spoken highly about McCartney on Wednesday before the game against the Golden Knights, saying his time was coming. Thursday, his time finally did come.

"There are a lot of emotions,” McCartney said. “It was a grind to get back here, but I'm just so happy to be here. I just want to try to help the team win in any way possible."

Rockin' the remix 🥶 pic.twitter.com/DbZCVOkkho

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) November 13, 2026

It was his first game since Nov. 6, 2021, with the Arizona Coyotes. Zac Jones also made his Mammoth debut against the Blues, appearing in his first game since April 17, 2025, with the New York Rangers. Another player who has had a very good season so far with the Roadrunners.

“It took a lot of hard work, a lot of belief in myself,” Jones said. “Being a guy who was the seventh defenseman in New York for my entire career, it was tough to make a name for myself. It was nothing against them; they were great there; it was just time to move on. I think last year in Rochester, getting to play all the time rebuilt my confidence again and proved to myself that I can be a pro hockey player.”

Mammoth fans were on edge early on. Mikhail Sergachev went down early on, limping off the ice and into the locker room. Jones got extra shifts, but the Russian defenseman eventually returned and played more than 28 minutes.

This was a defensive-minded game from the very beginning. Two teams desperate for points, trying to figure each other out. A lot of credit has to be given to the blueline. They weren’t that great against the Golden Knights, but they really did well against the Blues.

Outside of Artem Duda and Jones, the top four defensemen each played upwards of 20 minutes. Especially when you consider the five times the Mammoth found themselves shorthanded, the blueline was the strongest part of the Mammoth’s game against the Blues.

“The way we defend, 5-on-5 (or) PK, all the time, a lot of pride, a lot of aggression,” Tourigny said. “I’ve talked a lot about that in the past, about how great we are when we have that aggression defensively. Tonight, we were rock solid defensively.  I need to talk about Sergachev. He was really, really good. Best player on the ice, in my opinion, for both teams. He’s a big factor in why we got the point. He was at 28 minutes, and yesterday he had a lot of minutes as well. Kudos to him.”

The penalty kill ended up killing all five penalties, as mentioned. Lawson Crouse was another big factor in that. He played a very reliable two-way game and was out for a lot of the biggest shorthanded moments.

Karel Vejmelka also has to be credited with a huge part of why the Mammoth ended up getting a point. The goaltending has been highly criticized all season long. Vejmelka in particular has received a lot of flak for his play. Yet, he walks away from this one with a shutout. 22 saves in the game isn’t too shabby.

Denied by Vejmelka! pic.twitter.com/NrdcDZDLGT

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) November 13, 2026

Again, it’s about finding consistency. This cannot be a one-and-done for Vejmelka. Both he and Sebastian Cossa need to find a way to perform well and win games repeatedly. Thursday’s game is a good start for the goaltender.

As mentioned, the Mammoth took this game all the way to the shootout. It is the first time in franchise history that the team went into a shootout tied at 0-0. Yet, they had some good opportunities to score throughout the match. They managed to outshoot the Blues 29-22. Not bad considering the Mammoth were missing three of their top five forwards.

“I think any team, throughout the course of a season, you're going to have injuries, and it's very important for the depth to step up and fill the role of whatever they're asked to do, and I thought everybody did that tonight,” Vincent Trocheck said.

In the shootout, the Mammoth were once again competitive. Both Trocheck and Barrett Hayton managed to force the competition all the way into the eighth round, where Connor McMichael eventually ended it. It's a sour way to end such a hard-fought battle, but at the very least, the Mammoth do get a point out of this one.

CONNOR MCMICHAEL WINS IT IN ROUND 8 OF THE SHOOTOUT FOR THE BLUES 🔥

Not a bad time for his FIRST NHL shootout tally 🤯 pic.twitter.com/aLjKisBC5H

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 13, 2026

Losing isn’t acceptable. Especially with losses in each of their four most recent games, points need to start flowing the Mammoth’s way, or they’re going to slip further and further out of the top three in the Central Division. Excuses shouldn’t be a go-to either, generally speaking.

However, you can’t fault the Mammoth for this one. They played and worked hard, which was impressive considering the number of injuries they have and the fact that they just got back from a road trip less than 24 hours ago. They also get a point, the first one they’ve picked up since their overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

“Losing the top guys that we have out, you can't really replace those guys,” Jones said. “But the guys that played, I thought, did a great job of just sticking to our roles, and honestly, we played a great game today. Credit to their goalie; he played well, and it's the way it goes sometimes.”

It is honestly the way it goes sometimes. Luckily, they do get some easier games coming up. The San Jose Sharks are a struggling team, while the Vancouver Canucks are in the middle of an all-out rebuild. They will also play the next four games at home, meaning the fatigue from traveling so much won’t be an excuse. Maybe just don't wear the Hometown Remix jerseys in those games. They are now 0-0-2 while wearing them.

Would a win be better than a shootout loss? Everyone will tell you yes. However, considering the circumstances, this is an outcome you can’t complain too much about.

“On the back-to-back, obviously we wanted the two points,” Tourigny said. “There are no moral victories in the NHL. But we lost in a shootout. We didn’t lose in a 3-on-3; we lost in a skills competition. We wanted the two points, I won’t lie, but I cannot be more proud of our guys.”

It’s a good way to look at it. The Mammoth lost in a skills competition, one they hadn't faced since April 2025. One that can be quite a gamble sometimes. There’s a lot to take and build on from this one, though. The only thing the Mammoth really can do is take those moral victories, move on, and win some of their upcoming games—something they desperately need to do.

The Mammoth will play the Sharks on Saturday. The Sharks are 8-11-2 this season and are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The New York Islanders (8-6-4) got Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock back in the lineup and returned to winning ways with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings (5-10-2) on Thursday night.

Brayden Schenn had a three-point night (one goal, two assists), while Victor Eklund scored for a fourth straight game to tie all Eastern Conference rookies with seven.

Matthew Schaefer recorded his sixth goal of the season in his 100th career game, with points in all 18 games this season (six goals, 12 assists). Bo Horvat joined him with his 18th point late in the game (eight goals, 10 assists). 

Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves to snap his four-game slide, while Pulock recorded two assists in his return, and Maccelli earned an assist. 

The Kings went 10-0-1 in their last 11 games against the Islanders, and the Islanders haven't had a regulation win in their last 12 meetings. It's their first win in that building in about eight years. 

The Islanders were held to just 21 shots but were productive enough. 

Here's how the game unfolded:

The Islanders took a 1-0 lead at 5:50 of the first period after Brayden Schenn buried a rebound to Darcy Kuemper's right, which was created after Mitchell Chaffee and Ryan Pulock's point shot:

4 game point streak for Schenn! pic.twitter.com/wtpgKzYBep

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 13, 2026

The Kings answered at 8:55 of the second period courtesy of a Trevor Moore slot tip on a Brandt Clarke point shot. 

But at 12:56 of the first period, Matthew Schaefer scored on the power play to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead. Maccelli fed him at the point, and there was a ton of traffic in front as the shot went off the glove-side post:

That's a 4 game point streak for Schaef! pic.twitter.com/uxsMk8Zm9b

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 13, 2026

The Islanders and Kings traded goals in the second. 

Eklund extended the Islanders' lead to 3-1 at 5:35 of the second after he buried a Schenn rebound at the top of the crease, high blocker side:

WHAT A PLAY. pic.twitter.com/bN183l4Ncr

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 13, 2026

Quinton Byfield buried an Artemi Panarin rebound at 7:52 of the third period to cut the Kings' deficit to 3-2.

But, the Islanders got insurance early in the third when Simon Holmstrom turned around with a snipe from the slot at the 39-second mark of the period to extend the Islanders' lead to 3-0:

HOMER MAKES IT 4-2. pic.twitter.com/XSCHNLraEb

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 13, 2026

Horvat added an empty-net goal at 17:!4 of the third period for the 5-2 final. 

HELSINKI (AP) — Sebastian Aho scored twice in front of the home crowd and the Carolina Hurricanes opened the NHL’s Global Series in the Finnish capital with a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.

Left winger Taylor Hall celebrated his 1,000th NHL game in the reigning Stanley Cup champions’ victorious return to Helsinki’s Veikkaus Arena after 16 years.

Carolina’s Brandon Bussi stopped 12 shots.

Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and an assist, and Aho’s fellow Finn, defenseman Juuso Välimäki, also scored for the Hurricanes (15-3-2) who have won seven of their last eight games.

Logan Stankoven had two assists to extend his point streak to six and Jackson Blake got one to improve his career-high point streak to 10.

The dominant Hurricanes jumped to a 2-0 with the goals coming just 1:06 apart in the opening period.

Ehlers put them 1-0 up with 8:16 remaining with a wrist shot from the blue line. Home crowd hero Aho doubled the advantage on a power play moments later after he was fed at the side of the net by Blake. He made it 4-0 on a one-timer from the slot in the final period.

The Finnish scoring leader for the Hurricanes has three goals and seven points in the last three games. With his 321st career goal, Aho tied Olli Jokinen for the fourth place among Finnish players in NHL history.

Frederick Gaudreau scored the lone goal for Seattle (9-7-1) and Philipp Grubauer finished with 26 saves.

LIGHTNING 3, BLUE JACKETS 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Brandon Hagel had two goals and an assist and Tampa Bay beat Columbus for its second victory in two nights and fifth in their last six games.

Jake Guentzel scored in his 700th NHL game and added an assist, and Nikita Kucherov had two assists a night after having a natural hat trick in an 8-3 victory in Buffalo.

Dennis Hildeby stopped 28 shots for Tampa Bay, and joined Sean Burke as the only goalies in Lightning history with at least one standings point in each of their first five starts with the team.

The Blue Jackets have lost three straight. Matthew Knies scored his first goal since opening night, ending a 15-game drought. Jet Greaves stopped 25 shots for Columbus.

Hagel gave Tampa Bay the lead at 2:57 of the first period. Kucherov’s assist was his 16th against Columbus since Feb. 10, 2024, and extended his points streak against the Blue Jackets to eight games.

DEVILS 5, CAPITALS 2

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Vladislav Kolyachonok scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves as New Jersey beat Washington in the first of a two-game set.

Kolyachonok’s shot trickled past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson at 6:27. It was the first game in a Devils uniform for the 25-year-old defenseman, who signed in July as a free agent. He was in the lineup in place of the injured Johnathan Kovacevic.

Evan Rodrigues, Lenni Hameenaho, Stefan Noesen and Jack Hughes also scored for the Devils, who have won seven straight home games. Hellebuyck returned to the ice after the Devils held him out of Tuesday’s loss at Winnipeg, the team that traded him to New Jersey last month.

Hellebuyck was booed by Jets fans and said incidents involving his family had prompted his demand to be traded. He has won his first six starts with New Jersey.

The Devils are 12-3-0 in their last 15 games and 9-2-0 overall at Prudential Center.

WILD 5, MAPLE LEAFS 2

TORONTO (AP) — Matt Boldy completed his second hat trick of the season and the sixth of his career early in the third period and Minnesota sent Toronto to a fifth straight regulation home loss.

Boldy’s third goal of the night came after Maple Leafs winger William Nylander and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson got their wires crossed off the rush to open a clear lane for the Wild winger.

Michael McCarron and Danila Yurov, into an empty net, also scored for Minnesota (14-3-4), which got 26 saves from Jesper Wallstedt. Kirill Kaprizov had three assists, and Yurov added an assist for a two-point night.

The Maple Leafs (8-11-2) have lost the first of five contests of what has turned into a disastrous six-game homestand to move to 1-7-0 over their last eight.

The Wild improved to 8-0-2 over their last 10 since last losing in regulation to the Calgary Flames on Oct. 22.

CANADIENS 5, BRUINS 2

BOSTON (AP) — Josh Anderson and Jake Evans each had a goal and an assist as Montreal leapfrogged Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings with a win.

Now 9-0-3 in its past 12 games, Montreal came in trailing Boston by one point for the top spot in the division. Kirby Dach, Cole Caufield and Phillip Danault also scored for the Canadiens, who improved to 10–0–2 when leading after two periods. Jacob Fowler had 30 saves.

Boston’s seven-game winning streak on home ice was snapped. Jeremy Swayman was pulled after allowing four goals on 17 shots and was replaced by Michael DiPietro, who made 13 saves.

Casey Mittelstadt scored both of Boston’s goals and the Bruins outshot Montreal, 32-30.

PANTHERS 5, RED WINGS 4

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Anton Lundell scored his second goal of the night with 2:40 left to cap a rally from three goals down, and Florida pulled off its biggest comeback of the season to beat Detroit.

Detroit led 4-1 with less than 30 seconds left in the second period, but from there, it was all Florida. Lars Eller, Gustav Forsling and Sam Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, and Carter Verhaeghe had three assists.

Andreas Englund got his first goal in more than two years, Marco Kasper also had his first of the season, and Lucas Raymond and J.T. Compher also scored for Detroit. Moritz Seider had two assists, but the Red Wings lost their fifth straight.

Reinhart’s goal was 3:52 into the game — his 200th with the Panthers — and gave Florida a 1-0 lead, but Detroit scored the next four.

It was only the third instance of a 4-0 run in a game by Detroit this season, and it still wasn’t enough.

SENATORS 4, AVALANCHE 3, OT

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Shane Pinto celebrated his 26th birthday by scoring his second goal of the game 2:08 into overtime and Ottawa beat Colorado after the Avalanche lost superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to injuries.

MacKinnon and Makar left in the second period because of lower-body injuries. MacKinnon left with just over eight minutes remaining after a check from Artem Zub in the hip area and was seen grabbing his right side. Makar was injured moments earlier.

Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson also scored for the Senators (12-6-2). Linus Ullmark returned to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 21 and made 26 saves.

Arturi Lehkonen, Parker Kelly and Gabriel Landeskog scored for the Avalanche (11-6-3). Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots.

The Senators tied it with 3:56 remaining in regulation when Batherson snagged a loose puck in the crease and buried his 10th of the season.

In OT, Pinto intercepted a pass in Colorado’s zone and fired in a wrist shot.

BLACKHAWKS 3, SABRES 2, OT

CHICAGO (AP) — Ryan Donato scored on a wrist shot from between the circles at 3:12 of overtime and Chicago beat Buffalo to end a six-game losing streak.

Donato scored after the Blackhawks failed to capitalize on a late power play that extended into overtime after Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin was sent off for hooking with 1:38 left.

Frank Nazar scored twice in regulation for struggling Chicago, connecting on a first-period power play and tying it on a tip at 8:22 of the third.

Spencer Knight stopped 21 shots to help Chicago rebound from a 9-2 loss at Carolina on Saturday night in its previous game.

Owen Power and Tage Thompson had first-period goals for Buffalo in the opener of a six-game trip. Alex Lyon stopped 22 shots in his first game of the season after injuring his left shoulder in the preseason.

The Sabres have lost three straight. On Wednesday night at home, they fell 8-3 to Tampa Bay.

JETS 8, STARS 3

DALLAS (AP) — Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist, and Dawson Mercer had his second consecutive two-goal game as Winnipeg rode a five-goal second period and scored the final six goals to rally past Dallas.

Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and two assists each, Dylan Samberg had a goal and an assist and Cole Koepke also scored as the Jets won their fifth consecutive game. Stuart Skinner made 30 saves.

Arttu Hyry, Roope Hintz and David Perron scored for the Stars. Jake Oettinger, who went in with the NHL’s fourth-best goals-against average at 1.99, allowed a season-high six goals on 27 shots and was pulled a minute into the third period. Casey DeSmith gave up two goals, within 15 seconds, on two shots.

The Stars allowed eight goals for the first time in a decade. The last time was an 8-2 loss at Winnipeg on Nov. 8, 2016.

Perron gave Dallas a 3-2 lead midway through the second period with his first goal since the 38-year-old was signed as a free agent on Oct. 15. A three-goal Jets surge closed the period, beginning with a goal at 13:55 by Mercer, acquired on Oct. 25 from New Jersey in the Connor Hellebuyck trade, and capped by Mercer’s score with 7.3 seconds left.

Scheifele has four goals and four assists in the last four games.

CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks were back at the United Center for Thursday night hockey against the Buffalo Sabres. After a lousy road trip made for a noisy week around the organization, they finally hit the ice for a game. 

Buffalo was coming into this in a back-to-back situation, as they were beaten soundly (8-3) by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Of course, they had the attitude of a team that wanted to make it right, but there is also a disadvantage to playing the night prior with travel. 

This was the first time that the Blackhawks played since the prior Saturday. After being blown out 9-2 by the Carolina Hurricanes, it became an eventful week for Chicago. In addition to lots of practice, there was a backup goalie change, a vote of confidence for the head coach, and the GM spoke at a press conference. 

After all of that, there was pressure on the Blackhawks to play better. You can't always expect a win, but you can expect a good effort and not to be blown out. 

The first period was not great for Chicago. For the entire first half of the period, they were hemmed in to their own zone, which has become a tradition for them when they are playing playoff-caliber teams. 

It finally resulted in a goal for Buffalo at 9:00 in the opening frame. Owen Power gave his team a 1-0 lead with his 3rd of the season. 

Shockingly (based on their play), this 1-0 lead didn't last long for the Sabres. At 12:22 of the first, Frank Nazar tied it when Connor Bedard made a great centering pass for him to score on the power play. 

At 15:46, however, Tage Thompson gave the Sabres the lead back. Jack Quinn made a great play along the wall to find Thompson, who zipped one home. 

That 2-1 score would not only hold through the first intermission, but the second as well. The Sabres completely dominated play for most of the middle frame, but they were unable to beat Spencer Knight. 

In the third period, the Blackhawks looked like the team that was well rested, while the Sabres looked like the team that played in a difficult game the night prior. At 8:22 of the final frame, Sam Rinzel threw one on net, and Frank Nazar deflected it home to tie the game at 2. 

Towards the end of the regulation, the Sabres did find a little bit of energy and started to control play more.  That momentum was killed by a penalty drawn by Andrew Mangiapane with 1:38 remaining in regulation. The Blackhawks did not win it there, but some of that power play bled into overtime. 

Although the Blackhawks were unable to win on the power play in overtime, they did once it returned to 3-on-3. Ryan Donato scored with a snipe, and his team skated off with a much-needed victory. 

This was an important goal for Ryan Donato. He has scored a lot of great goals for the Blackhawks, but he's been a bit snakebitten recently. Now, he can build on the feeling of scoring this one. The same can be said for Frank Nazar. He hasn't been as lackluster as Donato, but he got the job done with two greasy goals, which is what it takes to win in the NHL. 

Spencer Knight deserves credit for this win as well. He made 21 saves on 23 Sabres shots in the win. That isn't the most volume he's ever faced, but there was a lot of Sabres zone time and great-danger chances that he bailed his team out of. Without him, they wouldn't have stayed in the hockey game before Nazar tied it up. 

The Blackhawks needed to have a good showing in this game. It wasn't perfect, or even close to perfect, but there were moments to build on, and they got the two points. 

Watch Every Chicago Goal

CONNOR TO FRANK?!? ON CONDUCTOR GUY THURSDAY?!?! pic.twitter.com/M4AjEuSIc6

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026

run it back 91 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/vVIVTtzpPk

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026

DONATO OVERTIME WINNER!!! pic.twitter.com/ax98UEnYmy

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026

What’s Next For The Blackhawks?

The Chicago Blackhawks will be back at the United Center for their next game on Saturday. They will face the Winnipeg Jets at home for the second time this season. This will be a day game, as the Blackhawks will play the Jets at 2:30 PM CT. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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If Tuesday put the New Jersey Devils general manager’s decision-making in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, or raised questions, the Thursday moves were his redemption and a reminder of his eye for talent. He called up three players from the Utica Comets: Stefan Noesen, Lenni Hämeenaho, and Vladislav Kolyachonok. All three skaters scored in the 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals. 

“It’s a Utica hat trick,” head coach Sheldon Keefe stated after the win. All three skaters were playing in the American Hockey League earlier in the week. While Noesen is a veteran, Hämeenaho is a prospect, and Kolyachonok is a “tweener,” they all made an impact and proved that the Devils have depth throughout the organization. 

Hämeenaho is the call-up who has the most upside. He’s a prospect who is still developing, and he’s hoping that after a goal and a great game on Thursday, he can prove he belongs with the Devils. 

What He Brings To The Lineup

Hämeenaho is a skilled forward, and it’s noticeable when he takes the ice. That burst of speed and puck-handling allow him to set up scoring chances. Plus, Hämeenaho has a scoring touch that translates to the NHL level. 

It also helps that Hämeenaho has the build of an NHLer. At 195 pounds, he doesn’t get pushed around, and defensemen don’t remove him from the puck. It allows him to move into a fourth-line role, which the Devils asked him to do for the Thursday night game. 

The Pressure Shifts To Hellebuyck For The Devils' Upcoming Capitals MatchupsConnor Hellebuyck didn’t play in Tuesday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, and the pressure is on the star goaltenders to win the upcoming games and prove the team made the right call.

Those are the skills that make him a standout prospect, but what most fans don’t notice is his hockey sense. “I think his smartness is a little underrated,” Noesen stated after the latest game. “He does a lot of good things, all the little things right.”

Hämeenaho will be in the right position and allow the game to come to him instead of chasing the game. It’s how he scored his goal in the win over the Capitals, as he deflected a Brenden Dillon shot from the point into the back of the net by playing the shooting lane. 

It’s A Breakout Year In Utica That Can Turn Into A Breakthrough With The Devils

With the Comets, Hämeenaho was one of the best players on a talented team. The Comets are one of the best teams so far in the AHL, with a 10-2 record and a deep roster, especially in the forward unit, which mirrors the Devils' lineup. 

Yet, Hämeenaho stood out. He had nine points in 11 games and was a driver in the Comets’ offense. He’s a skilled player who can make a difference, and that’s why he stood out with the Comets. 

Now, he’s showing flashes with the Devils. It’s one game in 2026-27, yet he looks different compared to last season. “I love how he’s taken advantage of his time in Utica, but he’s played good hockey for us,” Keefe noted, about how it’s allowed him to take advantage of this call-up. 

With Anthony Mantha Out, The Devils Search For Depth From WithinThe Devils placed the veteran forward on the long-term injured list, forcing them to solve the depth forward issues from within, at least for now.

Hämeenaho is more confident in his role in the NHL and knows he can’t just skill his way into the lineup. He got the call because of injuries in the bottom six and must play that fourth-line role as a result. 

It’s similar to Amadeus Lombardi, who didn’t play in the recent game but has been a constant fourth-liner this season. Lombardi was a skilled player in the AHL and has become one of the checking forwards on the Devils. Hämeenaho must learn that game as well, and it looks like he has. 

What More Does He Need To Do?

“I need to bring my strengths every night and battle hard, keep developing my game, and just try to adjust to the role that I have,” Hämeenaho stated after the latest game. It’s that tough balance for an AHL player making the jump to the NHL: they want to lean into the strengths that got them this far and, at the same time, must pivot to a new role and adjust their game. 

For Hämeenaho, the answer is leaning into his strengths and becoming versatile at the same time. It’s also about adding that extra step to his game. There’s that missing skill that can take him to another level, and he’s still searching for it.

The Devils' Underlying Issues Are Fixable With A Proactive Sheldon KeefeThe Devils are off to a strong start, but a few issues have remained since the start of the season, and they could come back to haunt them if they aren’t addressed.

Even if he finds it, it’s not a given that he’ll stay with the Devils. With the roster changes and players returning from injuries, Hämeenaho might end up in the AHL, even if he does everything right. And that’s life sometimes, as frustrating as it is. 

There’s a good chance Hämeenaho is sent down to the AHL at some point, whether it’s because of a slump or a healthier lineup. However, the key for the young winger is to make sure that it doesn’t affect his play. It’s easy to love confidence after being sent down, but if it happens to Hämeenaho, he must play like a prospect on a mission, in case he isn’t doing so already with the Devils. 

Thursday night turned into a potentially disastrous evening for the Colorado Avalanche. In the span of just a few minutes, Colorado watched two of its biggest stars head to the locker room, with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar both sustaining lower-body injuries during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

For an Avalanche team built around the brilliance of those two players, the sight of both leaving the same game is understandably alarming. The final score in Ottawa almost feels like an afterthought. Colorado’s immediate concern is whether it will be without its two most important players for any length of time.

MacKinnon’s departure came first. The superstar center’s final shift ended with 8:15 remaining in the second period after he attempted a reverse hit on Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub and the received a cross check in the lower back area. MacKinnon appeared to grab his right side following the collision, spending a few minutes on the bench before eventually disappearing down the tunnel.

Makar’s situation was equally concerning, especially given the circumstances surrounding his recent practice absence.

The defenseman initially left the ice after taking a shift lasting just four seconds at the 10:44 mark of the second period. He briefly returned for another appearance, skating for 23 seconds before heading off again with 5:20 remaining. Makar had also left Colorado’s Sunday practice for precautionary reasons. It should be noted that both players had been skipping practices and morning skate, including today’s. It’s very possible these issues were preexisting entering the game.

Neither player returned for the third period, and the Avalanche confirmed that both had suffered lower-body injuries.

The Avs are without Nathan MacKinnon
and Cale Makar in the third.#NHLpic.twitter.com/8GWoSsiM1Q

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 13, 2026

There is no question how damaging an extended absence for either player could be. Having both sidelined would be an enormous challenge for a Colorado roster that relies heavily on their production and all-around impact.

MacKinnon entered Thursday’s matchup as the Avalanche’s leading scorer and fifth-highest point producer in the NHL. He has accumulated 30 points, including 10 goals and 20 assists, across 20 games. His combination of speed, physicality and offensive creativity makes him one of the most difficult players in hockey to replace.

Makar has been just as essential. The reigning superstar defenseman has recorded 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 19 games, ranking third on Colorado and third among NHL defensemen. His ability to dictate play from the blue line gives the Avalanche an offensive dimension few teams can match.

The potential loss of both would force Colorado to make significant adjustments on both ends of the ice.

Captain Gabriel Landeskog understands the importance of having MacKinnon and Makar available, but the Avalanche will have to find a way forward regardless of who is in the lineup.

“Obviously, they’re two of the best players in the world, so you like to have them, no doubt,” Landeskog said. “But I don’t think it’s any different, right? Like you just play with whoever you got, whoever’s ready to go, whoever’s healthy and up. They play. So, hope those guys will be just fine.”

Colorado certainly could have used its two stars during the closing stages against Ottawa.

The Game

The Avalanche found themselves trailing 2-0 after the opening period. Shane Pinto opened the scoring at 7:11, finishing a rush after blocking a Brent Burns shot in the defensive zone. Tim Stutzle doubled the advantage at 13:13 after Fabian Zetterlund capitalized on a Cale Makar turnover behind the Colorado net.

Artturi Lehkonen gave the Avalanche some life late in the second period, converting a setup from Nazem Kadri at 18:04 to make it 2-1. It was a power play goal which occurred after MacKinnon and Makar existed the game, which forced some new looks.

Scott Wedgewood and the Colorado defense were put under further pressure when Ottawa received a power play to open the third period but Parker Kelly scored a short-handed goal at 3:54 of the third. Gabe Landeskog also converted on a Brock Nelson pass on the power play at 10:03 to put Colorado ahead 3-2.

Ottawa had the final response in regulation. Drake Batherson tied the contest at 15:39 after Jordan Spence collected a loose puck in front of Wedgewood and set up the forward for a wrist shot.

Overtime lasted just 2:08 before Pinto delivered the winner. He intercepted a pass from Kelly in the Colorado zone and beat Wedgewood with a wrist shot, completing his two-goal performance and handing Ottawa a 4-3 victory.

Pinto’s heroics gave the Senators their third win in four games. Linus Ullmark finished with 25 saves, while Wedgewood stopped 22 shots for Colorado.

Takeaways

The Avalanche fell to 11-6-3 and remain third in the Central Division. They had entered the contest riding a two-game winning streak, but the defeat itself is hardly the biggest story coming out of Ottawa.

Colorado now heads to Montreal for a Saturday matchup against the Canadiens before wrapping up its four-game road trip against the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Those games could look considerably different depending on the availability of MacKinnon and Makar. For Avalanche fans, the waiting game has begun, and there is little doubt that the next injury update from Colorado will carry far more weight than Thursday’s overtime result.

The Avalanche can survive a difficult night on the scoreboard. Finding a way to replace MacKinnon and Makar, should their injuries keep them out, would be a much bigger problem.

Upcoming

The trip continues east as the Avalanche are set to face the Montreal Canadiens at 5 p.m. MT on Saturday, November 14th.

CHICAGO (AP) — Ryan Donato scored on a wrist shot from between the circles at 3:12 of overtime and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Thursday night to end a six-game losing streak.

Donato scored after the Blackhawks failed to capitalize on a late power play that extended into overtime after Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin was sent off for hooking with 1:38 left.

Frank Nazar scored twice in regulation for struggling Chicago, connecting on a first-period power play and tying it on a tip at 8:22 of the third.

Spencer Knight stopped 21 shots to help Chicago rebound from a 9-2 loss at Carolina on Saturday night in its previous game.

Owen Power and Tage Thompson had first-period goals for Buffalo in the opener of a six-game trip. Alex Lyon stopped 22 shots in his first game of the season after injuring his left shoulder in the preseason.

The Sabres have lost three straight. On Wednesday night at home, they fell 8-3 to Tampa Bay.

Up next

Sabres: At Dallas on Saturday night.

Blackhawks: Hosts Winnipeg on Saturday.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

DALLAS (AP) — Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist, and Dawson Mercer had his second consecutive two-goal game as the Winnipeg Jets rode a five-goal second period and scored the final six goals to rally past the Dallas Stars 8-3 on Thursday night.

Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and two assists each, Dylan Samberg had a goal and an assist and Cole Koepke also scored as the Jets won their fifth consecutive game. Stuart Skinner made 30 saves.

Arttu Hyry, Roope Hintz and David Perron scored for the Stars. Jake Oettinger, who went in with the NHL’s fourth-best goals-against average at 1.99, allowed a season-high six goals on 27 shots and was pulled a minute into the third period. Casey DeSmith gave up two goals, within 15 seconds, on two shots.

The Stars allowed eight goals for the first time in a decade. The last time was an 8-2 loss at Winnipeg on Nov. 8, 2016.

Perron gave Dallas a 3-2 lead midway through the second period with his first goal since the 38-year-old was signed as a free agent on Oct. 15. A three-goal Jets surge closed the period, beginning with a goal at 13:55 by Mercer, acquired on Oct. 25 from New Jersey in the Connor Hellebuyck trade, and capped by Mercer’s score with 7.3 seconds left.

Scheifele has four goals and four assists in the last four games.

Each team had a goal disallowed — Winnipeg’s for offside and Dallas’ for a kicking motion. The ruling against the Stars negated an assist that would have been the 1,000th career point for captain Jamie Benn.

Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti and Dallas’ Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist had two assists each.

The Stars played for the first time since Saturday and began a run of three games in four days, all at home.

Up next

Jets: Visit Chicago on Saturday.

Stars: Host Buffalo on Saturday night.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

The Colorado Avalanche could be facing a significant setback after Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar both exited Thursday night's 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators with lower-body injuries, casting an unsettling shadow over the team's latest stop at Canadian Tire Centre.

Losing either player would be a considerable blow. Losing both in the same game is an entirely different concern for a Colorado team chasing a Central Division title.

MacKinnon was the first to leave, with his final shift coming at the 8:15 mark of the second period. The star center appeared to grab his right side after attempting a reverse hit on Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub. He remained on the bench briefly before making his way down the tunnel and did not return.

Makar's night was similarly cut short. The defenseman took a shift that lasted just four seconds at 10:44 of the second before heading to the locker room. He eventually returned for another brief appearance, skating for 23 seconds before leaving the ice again with 5:20 remaining in the period. Neither player returned for the third.

The concern surrounding Makar had already been building. He left Sunday's practice for precautionary reasons, making Thursday's early departure particularly troubling for the Avalanche. The team confirmed that both players sustained lower-body injuries, but further details about their conditions were not immediately available.

The timing could hardly be worse for Colorado. MacKinnon has been the engine of the Avalanche offense, leading the team and ranking fifth in the NHL with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) through 20 games. Makar has been just as influential from the blue line, sitting third on the team and third among NHL defensemen with 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 19 appearances.

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog acknowledged the magnitude of potentially losing two players of their caliber but insisted the group would have to adjust if necessary.

"Obviously, they're two of the best players in the world, so you like to have them, no doubt," Landeskog said. "But I don't think it's any different, right? Like you just play with whoever you got, whoever's ready to go, whoever's healthy and up. They play. So, hope those guys will be just fine."

Colorado had enough to push Thursday's contest beyond regulation, but not enough to leave Ottawa with the win.

Shane Pinto delivered the decisive blow at 2:08 of overtime, intercepting a pass from Parker Kelly in the Avalanche zone before beating Scott Wedgewood with a wrist shot. Pinto finished with two goals, while Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson also found the back of the net for Ottawa. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots.

The Senators struck first when Pinto opened the scoring at 7:11 of the opening period. After blocking a Brent Burns shot in his own zone, the center took off the other way and finished the rush with a wrist shot. Stutzle doubled Ottawa's advantage at 13:13, capitalizing on a turnover behind Colorado's net. Fabian Zetterlund recovered the loose puck and found Stutzle, who beat Wedgewood with a backhand.

Colorado began its comeback late in the second. Nazem Kadri threaded a pass through traffic to Artturi Lehkonen, who snapped home a close-range shot at 18:04 to cut the deficit to one.

The Avalanche found themselves in a deeper hole when Kelly scored short-handed at 3:54 of the third, tying the game at 2-2. Colorado responded on the power play, with Brock Nelson sending a cross-ice pass to Landeskog, who fired through traffic at 10:03 to give the visitors their first lead.

Ottawa refused to go away. Batherson restored parity at 15:39, collecting a setup from Jordan Spence after the defenseman gathered a loose puck in front of Wedgewood. The game eventually headed to overtime, where Pinto completed his two-goal performance and secured the Senators' 4-3 victory.

Ottawa has now won three of its last four games, while Colorado saw its two-game winning streak come to an end. The Avalanche dropped to 11-6-3, leaving them third in the Central Division.

The result, though, may prove secondary to what happened in the second period. Colorado's immediate concern is the health of its two most important offensive weapons, with a road matchup against the Montreal Canadiens waiting Saturday before the Avalanche close out their four-game trip against the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Until more is known about MacKinnon and Makar, the questions surrounding their availability will loom considerably larger than Thursday's overtime defeat.

The Buffalo Sabres would be wise to browse the trade market for forward help.

Bringing in another skilled winger would be good for the Sabres, as it is clear that they could use more scoring.

When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Sabres to target is Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk.

DeBrusk's name has been floating around the rumor mill for a long time now. With the Canucks rebuilding and having a brutal season, it would be understandable if they finally moved DeBrusk at some point this campaign. Due to this, Buffalo should consider kicking tires on him. 

If the Sabres acquired DeBrusk, he would offer them another proven winger for their top nine. The 2015 first-round pick has shown throughout his career that he can be an impactful scorer, so he could be a strong pickup for a Sabres team that needs a boost. 

In 18 games so far this season with the Canucks, DeBrusk has posted five goals and 10 points. This is after he had 23 goals and 42 points in 81 games for the Canucks in 2025-26. He also scored a career-high 28 goals in 2024-25, so he can put the puck in the net.

DeBrusk would be more than a rental for the Sabres if acquired, too, as he has a very reasonable $5.5 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season. 

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Shane Pinto celebrated his 26th birthday by scoring his second goal of the game 2:08 into overtime and the Ottawa Senators beat Colorado 4-3 on Thursday night after the Avalanche lost superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to injuries.

MacKinnon and Makar left in the second period because of lower-body injuries. MacKinnon left with just over eight minutes remaining after a check from Artem Zub in the hip area and was seen grabbing his right side. Makar was injured moments earlier.

Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson also scored for the Senators (12-6-2). Linus Ullmark returned to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 21 and made 26 saves.

Arturi Lehkonen, Parker Kelly and Gabriel Landeskog scored for the Avalanche (11-6-3). Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots.

The Senators tied it with 3:56 remaining in regulation when Batherson snagged a loose puck in the crease and buried his 10th of the season.

In OT, Pinto intercepted a pass in Colorado’s zone and fired in a wrist shot.

Up next

Avalanche: At Montreal on Saturday night.

Senators: At Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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The Detroit Red Wings entered Thursday's contest against the Florida Panthers having lost four straight games, but by the midway point of the second period, they appeared to have everything well in hand and were on their way to ending that streak.

What followed after they took a 4-1 lead was the stuff of nightmares, and one the Red Wings never woke up from.

The Panthers scored four unanswered goals, starting with a late second-period tally and capped by two goals within 51 seconds late in the third, ultimately hanging on for a stunning 5-4 regulation victory.

For the Red Wings, it was nothing short of a devastating gut-punch of a loss. 

Final pic.twitter.com/E2C9yby4g9

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 13, 2026

The Red Wings, who are now 7-10-3, have now lost five straight games, with Thursday's collapse marking the second time during that stretch they've failed to protect a multi-goal third-period lead. 

The loss will sting even more, knowing they came away with zero points in the standings despite having led at one point by a 4-1 score, which in years past would have been a virtually impenetrable lead for the club. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

It was the Panthers who struck first thanks to a backhand tally from Sam Reinhart, only to have J.T. Compher respond for the Red Wings soon afterward. 

Andreas Englund, whom the Red Wings picked up on waivers in late September, then scored his first goal since joining Detroit, giving them their first lead of the night. 

Lucas Raymond scored 17 seconds into the second period, as his shot deflected off defenseman Seth Jones. Marco Kasper then increased the lead to 4-1 by deflecting William Wallinder's shot past goaltender Akira Schmid. 

However, Florida began their comeback in the waning seconds of the period, as Gustav Forsling beat John Gibson through a screen, giving them life. 

Anton Lundell started to make Detroit sweat with a goal less than three minutes into the third period, eventually setting the stage for goals from Lars Eller and a second from Lundell 51 seconds later, giving the Panthers the lead. 

The stunned Red Wings pulled Gibson for the extra attacker, but couldn't come up with the equalizer. 

Gibson finished with 24 saves on 29 shots, while Schmid turned aside 24 shots on the 28 he faced. 

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The Colorado Avalanche's biggest stars left the team's game against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, Nov. 12 and did not return.

Both suffered lower-body injuries in the second period, the Avalanche said.

MacKinnon was cross-checked by Senators defenseman Artem Zub. The forward went down and grabbed his side.

Makar limped off the ice during the second period. He had left practice early on Sunday and was playing in his second game since then.

Makar is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as top defenseman, and MacKinnon won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2023-24.

The two were dealing with injuries last season in the Western Conference finals, one of the reasons that the Avalanche were swept by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Avs are without Nathan MacKinnon
and Cale Makar in the third.#NHLpic.twitter.com/8GWoSsiM1Q

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 13, 2026

Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar injury updates

Both players left in the second period of Thursday's game with lower-body injuries and did not return.

Coach Jared Bednar had no update on the players, other than to say they would accompany the team to Montreal.

Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar stats

MacKinnon leads the Avalanche with 30 points in 20 games and Makar is third on the team with 23 points in 19 games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar leave Avalanche game with injuries

The Minnesota Wild just keep finding ways to win.

Behind Matt Boldy's sixth career hat trick, three assists from Kirill Kaprizov and another strong performance from Jesper Wallstedt, the Wild defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena.

The victory improved Minnesota's record to 14-3-4 through 21 games, giving the Wild 32 points and placing them second in the NHL standings. Minnesota is tied in points with the Carolina Hurricanes (15-3-2).

The Wild have now earned points in 10 consecutive games, going 8-0-2 during that stretch. They have also improved to 9-3-2 on the road this season.

But Thursday's victory was about more than just two points. Several Wild players continued to climb the franchise and NHL record books.

Boldy Continues Making Wild History

Boldy stole the spotlight Thursday with his second hat trick of the season and sixth of his NHL career.

The 25-year-old winger now ranks third in Wild franchise history in career hat tricks, trailing only Marian Gaborik (9) and Kaprizov (7).

According to NHL Stats, Boldy also became the fastest player in franchise history to record multiple hat tricks in a single season, accomplishing the feat in just 21 games.

BOLDY WITH THE HATTY 🎩👀

He has all 3 goals for the Wild who lead 3-2 😳 pic.twitter.com/o2iOjJAjgh

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 13, 2026

Gaborik previously held that distinction after recording his second hat trick of the 2002-03 season in his 22nd game.

Boldy also reached two additional franchise milestones Thursday.

His first goal of the night marked his 348th career point, moving him past Pierre-Marc Bouchard for ninth place on Minnesota's all-time scoring list.

Later, Boldy scored his 40th career power-play goal, passing Brian Rolston for seventh place in franchise history.

Minnesota now has three hat tricks this season, tied with Anaheim for the second-most in the NHL behind Florida's five.

Kaprizov Extends Point Streak to 10 Games

While Boldy provided the goals, Kaprizov continued his remarkable offensive production.

The Wild superstar recorded three assists Thursday, extending his point streak to 10 games.

Kaprizov has registered six goals and 12 assists for 18 points during that stretch.

It marks the second time in his NHL career that Kaprizov has recorded a point streak of at least 10 games. His previous career-best streak lasted 14 games during the 2022-23 season.

Matt Boldy’s eighth goal of the season breaks the ice for the Wild in Toronto 👊 pic.twitter.com/j1zD7EuFWV

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 13, 2026

Kaprizov became just the fifth player in Wild history to record multiple point streaks of at least 10 games, joining Mats Zuccarello (3), Mikael Granlund (2), Boldy (2) and Kevin Fiala (2).

Through 21 games this season, Kaprizov has recorded 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points.

He is averaging 1.67 points per game and continues to establish himself as one of the NHL's most productive offensive players.

Hughes Joins Elite NHL Company

Quinn Hughes also extended his point streak to 10 games Thursday, reaching another significant NHL milestone.

It marks the third time in Hughes' career that he has recorded a point streak of at least 10 games.

2ND OF THE GAME FOR MATT BOLDY and we're tied again in Toronto 🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/lL5MH481Sj

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 13, 2026

According to NHL Stats, Hughes became just the ninth defenseman in NHL history to accomplish that feat.

He joins an exclusive group featuring Paul Coffey (11), Bobby Orr (7), Ray Bourque (6), Denis Potvin (4), Brian Leetch (4), Larry Robinson (4), Al MacInnis (3) and Phil Housley (3).

Hughes previously recorded an 11-game point streak during the 2025-26 season and another double-digit streak in 2023-24.

His continued production has been a major factor in Minnesota's success this season, particularly during the team's current 10-game point streak.

Wallstedt Keeps Winning

While Minnesota's offensive stars continue to produce, Wallstedt has provided stability in goal.

The 23-year-old netminder improved to 13-2-3 following Thursday's victory.

Wallstedt has emerged as a significant contributor to Minnesota's impressive start, helping the Wild remain among the NHL's top teams despite injuries throughout the lineup.

His performance has been particularly important with Filip Gustavsson sidelined.

Wild Among NHL's Best

Through 21 games, Minnesota has established itself as one of the league's top teams.

The Wild have collected 32 of a possible 42 points, earning 76.2 percent of the available points.

Their current 10-game point streak has helped them climb to second in the NHL standings, tied with Carolina in total points.

Minnesota has also earned points in 18 of its first 21 games, losing just three contests in regulation.

The Wild will look to continue their impressive run Saturday when they visit the Boston Bruins.

With Boldy scoring, Kaprizov and Hughes extending their point streaks, and Wallstedt continuing to win, Minnesota has plenty of reasons to feel confident about its start to the season.

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