Joined by Skates at the Stakes’ AJ DeVito, we remember defenseman Robin Salo, who never seemed to get a real chance with the Islanders and then disappeared without a trace.

Many sports fans have their favorite “pet prospects” that they root for to make it in the pros. Not only does AJ count Robin Salo as his favorite draft pick, he was the reason AJ became an Islanders fan in the first place. Highly touted by respected prospect watchers, Salo seemed to have all the tools to become an NHL regular. When he finally got to Long Island, all of that promise went unfilled as he got little playing time over the course of a few years. He would have flashes of talent then disappear for months due to healthy scratches and demotions to lovely Bridgeport. Once Salo finally left the Islanders to sign overseas, it felt like we barely knew him.

AJ tells us about his connection to and affinity for Salo, and we break down the mysteries surrounding him and how it all got so strange. Of course, we also examine the pairing of Robin Salo and Sebastian Aho, two guys who played the same position the same way on the same team and often felt like the same person. Along the way, AJ makes a bold prediction about Salo’s future that we’ll be interested to see come true.

Thanks again to AJ for coming on, and be sure to listen to he, Ryan and Jake at Skates at the Stakes.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL

• Of all the Islanders prospects to get spotlighted by Scott Wheeler in his series on “The Gifted,” I don’t think anyone would have guessed Robin Salo would be one. And yet…
• Maybe ol’ Scott was on to something. Salo made a big leap with Orebro of Liiga in Finland and got his ELC with the Islanders locked down. He would end up being one of the Infamous Innominate Islanders to play in the first ever game at UBS Arena.
• Salo’s first NHL goal came in a game against the Flyers on ESPN (Warning: contains slight amounts of John Buccigross).

• In 2022, Salo had a quality preseason and looked to be a good fit for the big club. He even scored two goals in an early season blowout over Anaheim.

• And then…it got weird. He was healthy scratched a bunch, was installed as a starter with Adam Pelech hurt, then was sent to the AHL for the rest of the season. It wasn’t great for his development or his feelings about living in Bridgeport, where he spent all of the 23-24 season.
• In June of 2024, Salo signed with Malmo of the SHL in Sweden. His fall in the Islanders’ eyes was quick and seemed to be a disappointment for everyone.Coaches wanted to see more and weren’t getting it, and Salo was passed by other depth D-men like Weird Islanders Parker Wotherspoon and Sam Bolduc, and his Swedish counterpart Sebastain Aho.
• It sounds like he’d welcome a return to the NHL in the right situation.

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What makes a “Weird Islander?”

We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

• Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
• Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.

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The Calgary Flames will look to snap a two-game losing skid with the reeling Washington Capitals visiting the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday, January 23.

With Washington needing to tighten up defensively, and Calgary a stringy first-period team on home ice, my top NHL picks and Capitals vs. Flames predictions are calling for a low-scoring first 20 minutes tonight. 

Capitals vs Flames prediction

Capitals vs Flames best bet: First period Under 1.5 (+105)

The Calgary Flames have allowed the second-fewest goals per home game (2.42) while sporting the seventh-highest team save percentage at five-on-five.

Calgary has also been particularly strong defensively in the first period with just 12 goals allowed across 24 home games.

It’s been a huge reason the first-period Under has cashed in 16 of the last 25 games at the Saddledome dating back to last season.

I’m also expecting to see the Washington Capitals attempt to batten down the hatches tonight.

The Caps have allowed 17 goals during their four-game losing streak, so with the Flames scoring the eighth-fewest first period goals (0.76 per game), look for the first 20 minutes to fly by with limited high-danger scoring chances for either tonight.

Capitals vs Flames same-game parlay

The Caps have allowed the third-most shots per game while ranking 28th in Corsi for percentage at 5-on-5 out of the holiday break, and wingers Yegor Sharangovich and Connor Zary have both been consistent shooters of late.

Sharangovich has two or more shots in each of his past four games for 11 total on 22 attempts, and Zary has at least a pair of shots in six of his past eight with a team-high 22 shots on 31 attempts.

Capitals vs Flames SGP

• First period Under 1.5
• Yegor Sharangovich Over 1.5 shots on goal
• Connor Zary Over 1.5 shots on goal

Capitals vs Flames odds

• Moneyline: Washington -135 | Calgary +110
• Puck Line: Washington -1.5 (+180) | Calgary +1.5 (-220)
• Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)

Capitals vs Flames trend

The first-period total has gone Under the number in 16 of the past 25 games at the Scotiabank Saddledome (+6.50 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Flames.

How to watch Capitals vs Flames

Capitals vs Flames latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Evgeni Malkin has been crystal clear in his comments to the media about two two subjects this season that he’s openly talked about, at times unprompted.

1. He doesn’t want this 2025-26 season to be his last in the NHL
2. He doesn’t want to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins for a different team

There’s been nothing in the way of smokescreens or subtext with the messaging. What you see is what you get. Malkin has mostly gotten his way professionally in the last 20 years but the team hasn’t been as quick to get on that page.

Kyle Dubas and company have slow-played the situation. Dealing with a 20-year franchise legend can be a delicate process, as seen in Malkin’s last contract negotiation in 2022 where it took until the 11th hour to get an agreement for a four-year contract that the team almost reluctantly handed to him.

Pittsburgh’s stance this time around was understandable. Malkin will turn 40 this year, he was coming off his worst full season in 2024-25, producing only 50 points in 68 games. He’s had a couple of knee surgeries. That’s not a case where a team is going to rush into a signing, especially one like the Pens who have a stated goal to get younger. There wasn’t any movement on the contract this summer. Dubas addressed the matter at the start of training camp:

“He’s in a great mood every day,” Dubas said. “No change on [the contract] front. I spoke with him and [agent J.P. Barry] in the summer when stuff started percolating there. At the time in every one of their careers, I’ll sit when time permits….The [Olympic] break provides a key opportunity for that…I expect him to have a great season.”

With that stance, it shouldn’t be overlooked that Dubas essentially added to the list of his recent accomplishments in a subtle way by stoking the competitive fires in Malkin. That shows a crafty impact as a manager to go beyond a major trade or free agent move to enhance performance. Sometimes pulling a lever like “go have a great season and we’ll touch base with your agent at the Olympics after we see how things are looking” can help a team as much as anything. Dubas didn’t rush to re-sign Malkin, yet he also didn’t close the door completely either. He just made Malkin do the work to walk through it.

It was a challenge Malkin took to heart, accepted and has made his mission to complete. Despite missing time with a shoulder injury, he has been sensational this season when he’s been in the lineup to the tune of 39 points in 35 games, often performing as one of the best players on the ice on any given night.

Those performances included last night’s 6-2 win over Edmonton where Malkin produced a goal and an assist. He playfully shrugged off retirement notions again:

“I never say I want to retire. It’s all you. I feel great, and I like how we play. It’s always fun to win.”

It’s not difficult to see the goal constantly in mind to not have this year be his final one has inspired Malkin. He’s played his normal center position, then willingly shifted to the wing while jokingly volunteering to line up at defense or even goalie if that was what it took for the team to be successful.

Turns out his forward position has more than sufficed. Any doubts on whether or not he’s still got it were emphatically wiped away last night in the sequence where Malkin poked the puck away from no less than Connor McDavid, took off down the ice (despite being at the end of a shift lasting 1:20) and scoring on the breakaway.

Watch out… GENO'S LOOSE 💪 pic.twitter.com/oX6X2OTjOH

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 23, 2026

Malkin would continue in the post-game:

“But I hope you see…it’s not easy. I try to do my best because I knew I wanted to play one more year. I want to show I’m still a good player. I want everybody to see that I can play next year. It’s my goal right now.”

At this point it ought to be an open and shut case. Pittsburgh is going into the offseason with over $50 million in salary cap space. It doesn’t truly matter to anything beyond the bottom line whether they pay him $5, 10 or $15 million next season, they can easily fit him at any price (though here’s betting an extension will be closer to the lower-end of that spectrum).

Malkin’s season has been an inspired effort to prove himself all over again, to meet a challenge and earn a spot with the Pens in 2026-27. He’s passed those tests with flying colors. The NHL’s Olympic break starts in two weeks, it’s almost time for Dubas and the Pens to hold up their end of the bargain and reward the icon with a well-earned ticket to play in Pittsburgh next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning on ESPN to open tonight’s NHL slate.

Tampa Bay enters as the hottest team in hockey, and my Lightning vs. Blackhawks predictions call for that momentum to roll on.

Read on for my NHL picks for Friday, January 23.

Lightning vs Blackhawks prediction

Lightning vs Blackhawks best bet: Lightning -1.5 (-105)

The Tampa Bay Lightning have won 13 of their past 14 games, with 10 of those victories coming by at least two goals. Not only do the Bolts enter this matchup in stronger form, but they are also more rested, having not played since Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks enter this contest on the second half of a back-to-back that included travel from North Carolina to Illinois. With Spencer Knight having started the previous night, Chicago is expected to turn to backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom.

Soderblom has struggled mightily this season, posting a 5-8-1 record with an .868 save percentage and a 3.97 goals-against average.

Across the ice, Andrei Vasilevskiy is slated to start for Tampa Bay. Entering this matchup in dominant form, Vasilevskiy is 9-0-1 over his past 10 starts with a .926 save percentage and a 1.66 goals-against average.

The Lightning are also the superior team across the board, outranking Chicago in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), and expected goal share.

Lightning vs Blackhawks same-game parlay

Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel looks to keep his hot hand going against his former team. Hagel has scored seven goals over his past eight games.

Meanwhile, linemate Nikita Kucherov also enters this contest in strong form, having scored five goals over the same stretch.

Lightning vs Blackhawks SGP

• Lightning -1.5
• Brandon Hagel anytime goalscorer
• Nikita Kucherov anytime goalscorer

Lightning vs Blackhawks odds

• Moneyline: Lightning -250 | Blackhawks +205
• Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 (+105) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-125)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)

Lightning vs Blackhawks trend

Tampa Bay has won 13 of its past 14 games, with 10 of those wins coming by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Blackhawks.

How to watch Lightning vs Blackhawks

Lightning vs Blackhawks latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Buffalo Sabres will undoubtedly be a team to keep an eye on leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. With the Sabres being one of several teams in the Eastern Conference playoff race and having a real chance of snapping their 14-year playoff drought, there is certainly a chance that they will look to add to their roster ahead of the deadline. 

When looking at the Sabres' current group, one trade need they could look to address is the right side of their defense. Bringing in a steady right-shot defenseman who can move up and down the lineup would be beneficial for the Sabres, and they have an interesting target to consider in Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud. 

Whitecloud was recently acquired by the Flames as part of the deal that sent star defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. While Whitecloud's time in Calgary is just getting started, he is already being discussed as one of their trade candidates. 

If the Sabres brought in Whitecloud, he would give the right side of their blueline a nice boost. He could slot nicely on their bottom pairing and would also give them another possible option for their penalty kill to consider.

Whitecloud would also be more than a rental for the Sabres if acquired, as he has an affordable $2.75 million cap hit until the completion of the 2027-28 season. With this, he would have the potential to help the Sabres for more than just this season, which adds to his appeal. 

In 49 games this season split between the Golden Knights and Flames, Whitecloud has posted two goals, eight points, 66 blocks, and 70 hits.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking to exact revenge on Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, Toronto got no favors from their incoming opponents, who fell to the Boston Bruins 4-3 on Thursday.

The Bruins picked up two points in the standings to increase their lead on the Leafs for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference by three. It should be noted that the Leafs (57 points in 50 games) have a game in hand on the Bruins (60 points in 51 games).

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres, who hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, picked up a 4-2 win on the road against the Montreal Canadiens. The Sabres have 61 points in 50 games. The only thing that could have been worse for Toronto is if the game had gone to overtime and the Canadiens squeaked out a point. However, that was not the case here.

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers picked up a 2-1 shootout victory over the Winnipeg Jets. They moved to just two points back of the Leafs in the Eastern Conference standings with 55 points in 49 games while also having a game in hand on Toronto. As far as tiebreakers go, if Florida gets level with Toronto, the Panthers have five more regulation wins in Toronto and that serves as the first tiebreaker.

The good news for Toronto is that the Ottawa Senators fell 5-3 to the Nashville Predators. Ottawa remains four points back of the Leafs.

As it turns out, scoring three goals in less than a minute is a winning strategy!

The Bruins scored three goals in a 52-second span of the first period, added another in the second, then held off a late Vegas charge to earn a 4-3 win at TD Garden.

The first two goals of the game, one by Charlie McAvoy and one by Elias Lindholm, came just 30 seconds apart during a costly double-minor to Vegas’s Tomas Hertl.

David Pastrnak led the way on offense for the B’s, recording a goal and two assists.

Joonas Korpisalo made 30 saves in the win. The Finnish netminder has won his last four starts and six of his last eight.

McAvoy got the scoring started just nine seconds into the aforementioned double minor, making it 1-0 Bruins.

Just 30 seconds later, Pastrnak found Lindholm with a great feed in the slot, making it 2-0 Bruins.

The Bruins grinders forced a turnover a few seconds after the ensuing puck drop, and Tanner Jeannot capitalized with great shot to beat Akira Schmid and make it 3-0 Bruins.

Pastrnak would get his goal midway through the second period off of a great pass from Nikita Zadorov, making it 4-0 Bruins.

Vegas got third period goals from Jack Eichel (0:31), Hertl (3:01), and Pavel Dorofeyev (17:25 with their net empty) to make it a game, but were unable to find a fourth.

Bruins win, 4-3!

Game notes

• After falling behind 6-0 in Dallas on Tuesday night, the Bruins decided to take the opposite approach on Thursday night and go ahead 4-0. It seems like that might be a better strategy. Thank you for reading my analysis.
• Per Judd Sirrott on the NESN broadcast, the Golden Knights came into last night’s game with one the best road penalty kills in the league, making B’s doubly successful power play even more impressive.
• While the recent (until Dallas) winning run was a team effort, Korpisalo has been quietly good for a while now. While he might like the Dorofeyev goal back, he made a few big saves early in the first period prior to the B’s goal-scoring outburst. While Korpisalo had his struggles earlier in the season, he has rounded into form of late.
• Lindholm and Morgan Geekie also had multi-point nights for the B’s, with Lindholm having a goal and an assist and Geekie having two assists.
• The B’s managed to hold Vegas to a 1-for-4 mark on their own power plays, an impressive feat against the league’s fourth-best power play.

The B’s will be back in action on Saturday night, hosting the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden.

Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes said it’s not up to him whether Quinn Hughes will play with Brock Faber at the Olympics.

But if Team USA coach Mike Sullivan needed any convincing, all he has to do is look at the stats since Hughes arrived in a blockbuster trade to Minnesota last month. What started out as a one-game trial has turned into a six-week tour de force, with Hughes and Faber combining for seven goals and 41 points in 20 games.

Chemistry this instant is not easy to find. Which is why you have to imagine that the dynamic defensive duo, who seem so similar but bring different elements that complement each other’s game, will be paired together in Milan next month.

“Both of them are obviously high-end players,” said Hynes, who is an assistant coach for Team USA. “I would say they’re a little bit different in the way that they play. But they’re both excellent skaters, I think they can break the puck out well, they can transition the puck well, and obviously you see their skating ability, whether it’s off the rush or in the offensive zone, they’re mobile and they make very good decisions with the puck.

“From a defensive standpoint, they’re both committed guys. They’re not just one-way players — they play a strong, two-way game.”

Chances are the Olympics were not on Bill Guerin’s mind when the Wild GM acquired Hughes in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks on Dec. 18. But considering that Guerin is also the GM of the U.S. Olympic team, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a defense pairing that looks like they’ve been playing together for years — not weeks.

After all, the Olympics are a short tournament with little lead-up time. The last NHL game is on Feb. 5. A week later, the U.S. starts the tournament against Latvia on Feb. 12.

"Chemistry is obviously important,” Guerin told The Hockey News in October. “You’re wheels up and you’re wheels down and you practice and play.”

Not that Hughes needs much time to feel comfortable, anyway. From the moment he arrived in Minnesota, Hughes has fit in seamlessly with the Wild, helping the team to a 11-5-3 record. In 20 games, he has two goals and 24 points. Faber has also benefitted, scoring five goals and 17 points, while adding about a minute more per game in ice time.

“The way he moves — from the time he got here, I think everyone was like, 'Whoa,' " said Faber said of Hughes. “You don’t realize how good he is until you see it and you play with it. He’s only going to get better the more comfortable he gets. Obviously, he’s been playing so good for us. He’s been a huge part of why we’re winning games. Just such a great addition.”

The U.S., which also has two pairs of brothers — Quinn and Jack Hughes, and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk — is not the only country that will be bringing along the familiarity of linemates.

Canada’s top pairing will likely feature Colorado’s Cale Makar and Devon Toews, who have been playing together in Colorado for years. Finland will also send defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, as well as forwards Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz — all Stars players.

That is, if Sullivan decides to keep the experiment going and keep Hughes and Faber together.

"Look, obviously they feel comfortable with each other so we'll see where it goes," said Hynes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber hope to continue chemistry at Olympics

If last week's game in Las Vegas between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights taught us anything, it's that the rematch on Friday at Scotiabank Arena is sure to be an emotionally-charged game. 

Mitch Marner returns to Toronto and will play as a visitor for the first time since the sign-and-trade that saw the player leave for the desert.

And following Toronto's last game, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, spme of Marner's ex-teammates were asked about what they expect it will be like in the building when they play against the former Leaf of nine seasons.

He's been a special player for this team for a long time. He's been a big presence in the community as well, not just with hockey. So I would hope it's a warm welcome. I know he has nothing but good memories here, and I think the fans have experienced a lot of good memories with him as well. So he's a great guy. It's unfortunate he's not with our group anymore. But, yeah, I mean, I hope hockey is a place of respect, and I hope that the fans pay him respect. And I can't speak for everyone. and I don't know how everyone feels, but,  just with playing with him. I know he's been an unbelievable guy, and it's going to be emotional for him.

- Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll on MarnerThe Case For Raising Mitch Marner's No. 16 To The Maple Leafs' RaftersMitch Marner is probably going to receive a rather unwelcome reception when he makes his first return to Toronto after being traded to Vegas last summer. But like Vince Carter, Frank Mahovlich and other scapegoats, there might come a day when the Maple Leafs fans are back cheering his name.

It's going to be good. I think Mitch did a lot for this city while he was here. He was a really good player for this team for a while. I was fortunate to play with him for only a short period of time, but he did a lot of good things, and, yeah, I'm sure it's going to be........... loud *smirk*.

- Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton on Marner's return.‘I Thought It Was Sneaky’: Mitch Marner Leaned In As Maple Leafs Looked Tense Against Former TeammateFrom playful pregame pranks to a decisive two-assist performance, Mitch Marner leaned into the hype to help the Golden Knights secure a win in his first game against his former hometown team.

I'm sure he's going to be emotional for him. He's been here a long time. He's been a big part of this organization. This is going to be good for him.

- Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit on Marner's return<br>

Brandon Carlo reflected on his own experience when he visited the Boston Bruins for the first time earlier this season as a visitor

Mitch Marner Doesn't Need To Be The Same Superstar He Was With Maple LeafsMitch Marner's role with the Vegas Golden Knights is much different from the role he had with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His win over his former team on Thursday – and the boos from Leafs fans – showed exactly that.

A lot of emotions, but if there's anything I can say, it's a beautiful thing in all regards. Obviously, he was here for a long time, but I hope he just comes in and takes advantage of the opportunity to appreciate just all the memories that he's built over his years here, and there's definitely going to be an extra spring in his step for sure. But overall, I think we want to just continue to play our game, focus on ourselves, but that will be an emotional one for him for sure.

- Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo on Marner's return.

With the standings being as tight as they are right now, each game is of pivotal importance, but especially those intra-divisional matchups like the Montreal Canadiens’ Thursday night match-up with the Buffalo Sabres. After being beaten by those same Sabres 5-3 a week ago, Martin St-Louis’ men had an opportunity to get a do-over against Lindy Ruff’s formation.

Even though it was Jakub Dobes who backstopped the Canadiens to their first win against the Minnesota Wild since 2019 on Tuesday night, the coach had elected to give the net to Samuel Montembeault for Thursday’s game. It was understandable since Dobes had given three goals on just 19 shots on Tuesday night. Still, Montembeault hadn’t looked great either in his only game since Jacob Fowler was sent back down to the Laval Rocket, surrendering five goals on 34 shots to the Ottawa Senators.

Canadiens First-Rounder Nominated For Hobey Baker Award
Former Canadiens Star Is Big Hutson Advocate
Canadiens’ Defence Corps Having Big Impact

Confidence Is Key

They say fake it ‘till you make it because if you believe in yourself, others will. As regretful as it is to write, the Canadiens do not seem to be confident when Montembeault is in the net. Once again, on Thursday night, the first shot he faced went in. Granted, it was on a two-on-one, but still, to win, you need a goaltender who will make the tough saves, the ones that make you think that your last line of defence can do the job. On that play, all three of the Canadiens’ forwards went deep in the Sabres’ zone, Lane Hutson applied pressure in their territory as well, and Jayden Struble didn’t play well on the odd-man rush, but if the goalie pulls off a spectacular save, we have a different game.

Then, the Sabres’ second goal was a shorthanded marker. Noah Dobson was outworked and overtaken on the wing, but Montembeault was passive and deep in his own net. Yes, Dobson should have been more of a nuisance for Beck Malenstyn, but nothing prevented Montembeault from making a poke check.

Buffalo took a 3-0 lead early in the second frame when Zach Benson hit both posts before scoring on his third shot. Of course, the defence shouldn’t let a team take three shots in close succession, but if Montembeault stops the first shot from hitting the post and makes the save, he doesn’t end up looking like a weathercock in his net, and the next two shots don’t happen right under Hutson and Struble’s noses.

Three goals on just nine shots, those are not numbers that inspire confidence. That being said, at least in the third period, Montembeault made a big save on Alex Tuch on a breakaway, which allowed the Canadiens to stay in the game and prevented the Sabres from getting a second shorthanded goal in the same game.

Making Adjustments

After the Habs fell behind 3-0, they woke up. On an offensive zone faceoff, Kirby Dach dished out a great hit along the boards, which allowed Mike Matheson to get the puck back. He then left it for Suzuki, who fed Cole Caufield in the high slot. The sniper one-timed it in, bringing the Canadiens back within two.

Less than 10 minutes later, St-Louis elected to send Zach Bolduc out on an offensive faceoff with Suzuki and Caufield. While the Habs lost the draw, it was Bolduc who then intercepted a pass and got himself alone in front of the goalie, who couldn’t freeze the puck on his shot, allowing Suzuki to take the rebound and score to make it 3-2 Buffalo. The coach’s decision to send the Trois-Rivieres native out for the draw was an inspired one. After the game, he explained that he felt Bolduc had played well and wanted to manage Dach's minutes since he had just returned from injury. 

🗣️ NIIIIICHOLAAAA(S)#GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/F3l5ORyR2m

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 23, 2026

On the other bench, though, it took about two seconds for Ruff, who had just seen his team give up two goals in less than 10 minutes after forging itself a three-goal lead, call for a timeout and give his men a stern talking to. Buffalo only allowed two more shots in the rest of the period, and it stopped the Canadiens from building up their momentum right away. That’s one way to prevent a hemorrhage and an example the Habs’ coach could follow. Oftentimes, he seems reluctant to use his timeout.

A Recurring Issue

If the Canadiens have got the message about shooting more, they finished the game with 34 shots on goal, but they still struggle to play a full 60 minutes and start playing the right way straight from the puck drop. Two of the goals they gave were within three minutes of the start of a period, and their power play has been atrocious for the last two games.

The man-advantage doesn’t mean you don’t have to play as well or be as patient. It’s incredible to see how impatient the top unit can be when it’s time to enter the zone on the man-advantage, while they can be as patient as a young parent who never says no to their spoiled toddler when they are set up in the offensive zone, passing the puck.

In the game against the Wild, Caufield tried to beat three guys on his own to enter the zone on the power play, when by definition, a power play means you’ll have at least one man open on the ice. Tonight, the zone entries were just as hard, and, just like Tuesday, the power play coast the Canadiens’ momentum; it didn’t give them any, especially after it gave up a goal and nearly gave up a second one.

In the end, for much of the game, the Canadiens were dominant; they led 34-17 in shots, they won 64% of the faceoffs (36-20), and they led 28-26 in hits, but not playing for 60 minutes can be fatal, which it was on Thursday night.

This defeat leaves the Habs in a precarious position in the standings, with a two-point lead over the Sabres, but Buffalo has a game in hand. They are also just three points ahead of the Boston Bruins, who won tonight as well. As luck would have it, the Canadiens’ next game on Saturday will be against the Bruins, in Boston, and needless to say, it will be a do-or-die affair.

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The 2025-26 NHL season is more than halfway complete and plenty will be happening down the stretch.

The biggest event will be overseas as the league shuts down to send its players to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. Games will be played in Milan, Italy.

After the Olympics, it's a quick turnaround to the NHL trade deadline, then teams have more than a month to position themselves for a playoff spot. The playoffs open on April 18.

Here is a look at the key dates for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season, including the Olympic break and trade deadline:

When is the Stadium Series game?

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins outdoors on Feb. 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

When is the Olympic break?

The NHL will take a break from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. There are seven games on the schedule on Feb. 5. No trades can take place during the Olympic break.

When is the Olympic men's hockey tournament?

The tournament starts on Feb. 11 with two games. The USA opens play on Feb. 12 against Latvia. All teams will play three games during the round robin, which runs through Feb. 15. The three group winners and the best second-place team get byes to the quarterfinals.

Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17 for teams ranked fifth through 12th, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.

The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.

When does the NHL resume play after the Olympics?

Play resumes on Feb. 25 with eight games.

When is the NHL trade deadline?

The NHL trade deadline will be at 3 p.m. ET on March 6.

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end with six games on April 16.

When do the NHL playoffs begin?

The Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

When is the NHL draft lottery?

The date of the NHL draft lottery is to be determined.

When is the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final?

The last possible day is June 21.

When is the NHL draft?

The NHL draft will be June 26-27 at Buffalo's KeyBank Center. Top prospects will be there, but general managers will work remotely, just like last year.

When does NHL free agency begin?

NHL free agency begins at noon ET on July 1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is NHL Olympic break, trade deadline? Key 2025-26 dates

Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…

The Pittsburgh Penguins traveled to Edmonton, Alberta, on Thursday night for a date with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Tristan Jarry, and the Edmonton Oilers. However, a three-goal outburst in 37 seconds set the tone for the night, as the Penguins were en route to a 6-2 win, getting their first win in Oil Country since December 2019. [Recap]

General manager Kyle Dubas has quietly assembled a 2025-26 Penguins team that may be more than good enough for a playoff spot in what most thought would be another down year. His hot streak, however, dates back to the start of the 2024-25 campaign, and it’s put the Penguins on a path for success in the short- and long-term. [PensBurgh]

Eleven-year-old Katherine Haskey, who has Down syndrome, has found a sense of belonging in hockey through her close bond with Penguins rookie Ben Kindel, who treats her as a fellow player, not simply as a fan with a medical condition. Kindel’s consistent kindness has helped Katherine feel safe, valued, and confident both at the rink and in her own hockey journey. [Sportsnet]

Before Thursday night’s game, the Penguins activated defenseman Erik Karlsson from injured reserve, while subsequently placing defenseman Ryan Graves on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury. [Trib Live]

Acquired in the trade that sent Tristan Jarry to the Oilers, defender Brett Kulak has given the Penguins a reliable, steady presence on the back end who has jelled nicely alongside Kris Letang. [Trib Live]

News and notes from around the NHL…

The Toronto Maple Leafs were scheduled to practice outdoors this weekend, but due to extreme weather conditions in the forecast, the special practice session, originally slated from Saturday to Monday, has been canceled. Weather forecasts predict that the temperature in Toronto will drop as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius) throughout the weekend. [Sportsnet]

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Josh Doan to a seven-year, $48.65 million extension. [TSN]

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower-body injury that will prevent him from playing for Sweden in the Olympics next month. [Associated Press via Sportsnet]

Buffalo Sabres (28-17-5, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Islanders (27-18-5, in the Metropolitan Division)

Elmont, New York; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders and the Buffalo Sabres face off in Eastern Conference play.

New York is 14-8-2 at home and 27-18-5 overall. The Islanders have a 19-2-3 record when scoring three or more goals.

Buffalo has gone 12-11-2 in road games and 28-17-5 overall. The Sabres have a 26-4-4 record when scoring at least three goals.

The matchup Saturday is the second time these teams square off this season. The Sabres won 3-2 in a shootout in the previous meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Matthew Schaefer has scored 13 goals with 21 assists for the Islanders. Anthony Duclair has eight goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Rasmus Dahlin has seven goals and 29 assists for the Sabres. Tage Thompson has scored six goals with nine assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 5-4-1, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.1 assists, 3.2 penalties and 6.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

Sabres: 7-2-1, averaging 4.2 goals, 6.9 assists, four penalties and 9.3 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.

INJURIES: Islanders: None listed.

Sabres: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Vegas Golden Knights (24-13-12, in the Pacific Division) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (24-17-9, in the Atlantic Division)

Toronto; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Golden Knights -120, Maple Leafs -100; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights meet in a non-conference matchup.

Toronto is 24-17-9 overall and 16-6-6 in home games. The Maple Leafs are 20-9-4 in games they score three or more goals.

Vegas has gone 12-6-6 in road games and 24-13-12 overall. The Golden Knights have a +17 scoring differential, with 163 total goals scored and 146 conceded.

The teams meet Friday for the second time this season. The Golden Knights won 6-5 in overtime in the previous matchup. Pavel Dorofeyev led the Golden Knights with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: John Tavares has 18 goals and 25 assists for the Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews has seven goals and four assists over the last 10 games.

Mitchell Marner has 12 goals and 40 assists for the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel has six goals and 12 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Maple Leafs: 5-2-3, averaging 3.2 goals, 4.7 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game.

Golden Knights: 7-2-1, averaging 4.2 goals, 7.4 assists, 2.5 penalties and 6.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.

INJURIES: Maple Leafs: None listed.

Golden Knights: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

By Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com

Fantasy hockey is a constant process that loops through the following four phases: monitoring, realizing, adjusting and complaining. And just when we think we've figured it out, various situations or surprises will pop up to remind us that we, in fact, know nothing.

But don't worry. This column can help, no matter your league standing. Check out the following upward-trending NHLers who should be able to work on any lineup.

(Rostered rates as of Jan. 23)

Forwards

Elias Lindholm, BOS (Yahoo: 31%): Lindholm missed most of November and didn't get on the scoresheet during his first two games back but has since reeled off 26 points from the last 26 in addition to 41 shots and 228 faceoff wins. He's well-positioned centering the Bruins' first line and power play (17 PPPs overall), averaging 17:35 of ice time over that stretch. David Pastrnak may be Boston's primary play driver, though Lindholm regularly skates with him and is obviously more available for fantasy purposes on a club that's scored 46 times across 11 matchups.

Mats Zuccarello, MIN (Yahoo: 22%): While Zuccarello's return to action was more recent than Lindholm's, he's also been able to consistently produce by way of six goals, 11 assists, seven PPPs and 34 shots through 17 contests. He's also a regular on Minnesota's lead attacking units, sharing the ice with Kirill Kaprizov. Expect Zuccarello to continue racking up the offense on a Wild team that's even more dangerous with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson now back from injury.

Jason Zucker, BUF (Yahoo: 11%): Zucker also encountered a couple of physical issues this season but has been lethal when healthy with 25 points over 31 outings — 11 coming on the man-advantage. His scoring hasn't been as eye-popping as the last two entries, yet a goal, four assists, 10 shots and seven hits during the past week and a place on Buffalo's top PP/top-six works just fine. As long as Zucker can stay in the lineup, you can put him down for enough counting stats to boost any fantasy roster.

Anthony Duclair, NYI (Yahoo: 7%): Duclair's goal on Wednesday now has him at eight across eight appearances — three of those PPGs. Throw in 15 shots on 16:06 of ice time a night and a place alongside Mathew Barzal for both even-strength and the power play to make for a favorable scoring situation. With these numbers, it's amazing Duclair is still only covered in the single-digits. Click on his name to help fix that oversight.

Jonathan Toews, WPG (Yahoo: 4%): Toews going back to his hometown for his first NHL action since 2022-23 has to be the feel-good story of the season. And while only nine points came during the first 35 games, he's turned it around by recording 10 from the last 15 — including two PPGs, joining the big guns on the lead group. Toews has also benefited from Gabriel Vilardi switching over to his wing at five-on-five and sits second in the league for faceoff success rate at 61.6% (from a total of 651). There have been rumors about Edmonton being interested in Toews, but his going there would probably decrease his value, as he'd likely fit somewhere in the bottom half of their depth chart. Regardless if that happens, don't expect Toews to provide much outside of scoring. 

Yegor Sharangovich, CGY (Yahoo: 3%): Even though the Flames are technically still alive for a wild-card berth, they've started selling by trading Rasmus Andersson to Vegas with more moves projected leading up to the March 6 deadline. The club also ranks 31st with an average of 2.52 goals, but there have been a couple notable fantasy performers of late. Sharangovich had been inconsistent early on, and he was eventually scratched for two contests. That eventually led to him posting three goals, three assists, three PPPs and 11 shots across five appearances while frequently logging 17-plus minutes. Sharangovich will be asked to keep scoring for Calgary, though a move away could hurt his fantasy outlook.

Ethen Frank, WSH (Yahoo: 2%): Frank went undrafted and then starred over five NCAA seasons before earning his first pro contract and winning back-to-back Calder Cups. After a brief stint in the AHL and on IR, he immediately contributed for the Caps, tallying assists during each of his first two outings and a four-point effort two weeks later. Frank was eventually rewarded with a place on Washington's lead man-advantage where he's picked up two PPGs. Even though that spot has been reclaimed by the now-healthy Tom Wilson, Frank remains with Alex Ovechkin at even-strength while accumulating four goals, an assist, 18 shots and 12 hits from the last seven. The organization has put its trust in him. Maybe you should, too.

Kaapo Kakko, SEA (Yahoo: 2%): Kakko suffered a broken hand during preseason and then quickly went back on IR due to another injury. He finally reemerged at the end of November, but it wasn't until mid-December where he took off via 15 points, 29 shots and 14 hits over 19 matchups. Kakko has bounced around Seattle's first three lines while doing well at each stop, so there shouldn't be any concern regarding his placement. Monitor his progress to see if he can maintain this type of output before adding him.

Defensemen

Jake Walman, EDM (Yahoo: 34%): Walman missed nearly two months before returning last week and producing a shorthanded goal, three assists, 16 shots and 10 blocks over six games. He also filled in for Leon Draisaitl on Edmonton's elite power play and provided a PPA there Sunday, but lost that prime placement when the star reappeared on Thursday. Walman should keep contributing within a top-five attack coming off a 40-point campaign while collecting sufficient stats in other areas.

John Klingberg, SJ (Yahoo: 9%): Klingberg has frequently endured injuries throughout his career yet remains reliable when available. After another short spell on the sidelines, he regained the quarterbacking duties on the Sharks' top man-advantage while pairing with Dmitry Orlov at even-strength. Since returning, Klingberg has managed a goal (PPG), two assists, nine shots, seven hits and nine blocks on 21:23 of ice time a night. Those stats may not be outstanding, though they're solid when combined with his responsibilities and track record.

Alexandre Carrier, MTL (Yahoo: 6%): Carrier will get overlooked in fantasy due to having become more of a defense-first player on an offensively loaded Montreal blueline. Let's not forget he once notched 30 points with 20 and 25 the previous two seasons, and is currently riding a 10-game run that's seen him go off for four goals and three assists in addition to 14 shots and 27 blocks. Even after Carrier was moved off a five-on-five duo with Lane Hutson, he still potted a pair. Take a chance on him while he's hot and part of one of the league's best scoring sides.

John Marino, UTA (Yahoo: 5%): This column previously discussed Mammoth defenders Sean Durzi and Nate Schmidt based on their secondary scoring skills, but I bet you didn't realize Marino was significantly outperforming both of them, having already registered 24 points (tying him with the likes of Seth Jones and Brandt Clarke) — including seven from the last eight outings. The offense will inevitably drop off, but he's got plenty of cross-category output and is averaging around a shot, hit and block over that stretch alongside a plus-30 overall.

Goaltenders

Anton Forsberg, LA (Yahoo: 8%): Darcy Kuemper left Tuesday with an upper-body injury but has reported himself as ready to go. While he was sidelined during the second half of December, Forsberg covered almost all of the netminding and has remained hot by posting a 2.12 GAA and .926 save percentage in eight appearances. So there's no guarantee Kuemper will automatically slide back into the lead role, considering his 3.43/.867 line since New Year's Day. The Kings have been anemic on offense, but their defense remains excellent at minimizing shots against to allow either goalie more opportunities to pick up wins.

Alex Nedeljkovic, SJ (Yahoo: 4%): You may have seen Nedeljkovic throw punches with Sergei Bobrovsky on Monday. And even though that's earned him attention, his recent play should be the thing that gets him on more fantasy rosters. Nedeljkovic has won his last four — the last two at Washington and Florida — during which he's only allowed a combined nine goals on 115 shots. Yaroslav Askarov has struggled the last month with a 4.32 GAA and .852 save percentage. The duo has been splitting starts of late, which will probably continue, so Nedeljkovic can at least be used as a decent daily streamer.