As the calendar year 2025 comes to a close, the Buffalo Sabres are riding high on a nine-game win streak as they were set to take on the Dallas Stars in Dallas for a New Year's Eve game. But regardless of how that game turns out, the Sabres have given new GM Jarmo Kekalainen quite the conundrum – does he use Buffalo’s trade assets to bulk up and push for a playoff spot, or does he focus on the long-term and find a way to get better beyond this season?

We think the answer to that question is crystal clear: If we were running the Sabres, we’d be looking to get over the hump this season and end the Sabres’ Stanley Cup playoff drought at 14 years. 

While it does make sense to trade with the long haul in mind, Buffalo desperately needs the psychological boost that a playoff appearance would bring to the franchise and its long-suffering fan base. And given that Kekalainen will have approximately $8.73-million to play with by this year’s March 6 trade deadline, he’ll be wasting it if he holds onto it or spends it on a longer-term asset.

Brace Yourselves, Sabres Fans: One Way Or Another, 2026 Will Be A Fascinating, Feast-Or-Famine Year For BuffaloPlayoffs or bust: The Buffalo Sabres face a stark 2026 – either they make a thrilling, successful Stanley Cup playoff push, or they continue a decade-and-a-half-long playoff drought and management blows up their roster. It's going to make for compelling Sabres hockey.

Now, maybe there’s a way Kekalainen can address both his team’s short-and-long-term needs via trades this season. But if there’s going to be a priority for Buffalo, it has to be on the here and now. Kekalainen needs to send a message to his players, and that message has to be that they need to seize the day and rise further up the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division standings. 

As it stands at the moment, the Sabres are just one standings point behind the back-to-back Cup-champion Florida Panthers, and Buffalo has one game in hand on Florida. Imagine what it would mean for the Sabres to be the team that pushed the Panthers out of a playoff position. That alone would make Buffalo fans giddy with glee. 

But now imagine the other side of that competitive coin – imagine the crushing blow that would come if the Sabres finished one or two points out of a post-season spot. It would be another devastating chapter for a franchise that has had far too many of them.

Here's Why Sabres' Next Stretch Could Decide Whether Buffalo Makes Or Misses The Playoffs The Buffalo Sabres' Stanley Cup playoff hopes hinge on a brutal upcoming schedule. Can they survive facing top NHL contenders after their current winning streak ends?

Sabres fans may differ with our perspective, and that’s OK. There’s a case to be made that this organization has to focus on where it will be a year or two from now. But we think Kekalainen has to prioritize this season, because right now, there’s no question this Buffalo team is in dire need of something tangibly positive. And Sabres supporters aren’t going to get that if their team falls short of the playoffs. 

In 2026, the goal for Buffalo couldn’t be clearer. It’s playoffs-or-bust for the Sabres, and Kekalainen has to do everything in his power to get them to hockey’s biggest tournament this spring.

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights lost for the sixth time in seven games when they squandered a first-period 2-0 lead and lost to the Nashville Predators 4-2 on Wednesday.

The Golden Knights dropped to 4-2-0 all-time when playing on New Year's Eve.

Vegas captain Mark Stone opened the scoring for the Knights when he notched his 10th goal of the season during a power play early in the first period.

The goal was seemingly fitting hours after he was named to Canada’s Olympicroster, along with teammates Mitch Marner and Shea Theodore.

Ben Hutton made it 2-0 less than four minutes later, swinging momentum in full favor of the Knights.

The Predators weren't intimidated in the least, however, as they scored three unanswered goals and never looked back, adding a fourth goal in the second period to provide the final margin.

During the Knights' latest skid, they're allowing the league's sixth-highest 3.83 goals per game, having given up 29 goals in the six games.

"We can evaluate that any way you want," Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. "Is it the goalie not fighting to find the puck, or we're not getting in the shooting lanes or not boxing out? There's usually a product of those things. So that's what's happening.

"We're not giving up."

KEY MOMENT

With Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar in the penalty box for an extended period of time after being called for cross-checking and roughing, Michael Bunting's goal at the 11:52 mark gave Nashville its 4-2 lead and seemingly drained the fight from the Knights.

"Kolesar gets involved with one of their guys and their benches ... that's an automatic penalty when you're in a scrum from the bench," Cassidy said. "So I think they blew that call, to be perfectly honest. They get a power-play goal out of it."

KEY STAT

298 - Defenseman Brayden McNabb played in his 298th straight game, the 13th longest active ironman streak in the NHL, dating back to March 30, 2022. That streak is now in jeopardy, however, after McNabb was involved in an unfortunate - and violent - neutral zone collision with Nashville's Michael Bunting in the second period. McNabb was down for a while, but upon getting to his feet, he went straight down the tunnel and didn't return.

"Talk about things that altered the game, that particular instance and what happened transpired after us, very disappointed in how we ended up on the wrong end of that on a blatant interference on Nabber," said Cassidy, who offered no details on McNabb's injury other than that it's upper body.

WHAT A KNIGHT

Paval Dorofeyev finished with two assists and now has at least one point in eight of the last 10 games. Dorofeyev, who has 10 points in the last 10 games (4 goals, 6 assists), ranks sixth on the team with 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists).

UP NEXT: The Golden Knights open a three-game homestand that will drop the puck on 2026, with a game against the St. Louis Blues.

PHOTO CAPTION: Nashville Predators defenseman Brady Skjei (76) clears the puck away from Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Hockey News - Ottawa continues to look back on some of the biggest Senators news of the calendar year.  This brings us to the fourth and final part of our review of the Sens in 2025, October to December.

October

Tkachuk Sidelined Again as Injuries Pile Up

2025 was an injury-prone season for Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk missed 10 games back in the spring with a lower-body injury, first getting nicked up at the Four Nations Faceoff while playing for Team USA. Then, to start the 2025–26 season, he played just three games before injuring his thumb on a hit from behind against the Nashville Predators. Tkachuk missed the next 20 games, and while he was sidelined, the Senators went 11-5-4.

Yakemchuk Begins Pro Career in Belleville

Senators 2024 seventh-overall selection defenseman Carter Yakemchuk once again fell short in his bid to make the NHL roster and began his professional career in the American Hockey League with Belleville. As was the case during his junior regular season, Yakemchuk did not put up the same preseason point totals as the year before. While players like Sam Dickinson, Zayne Parekh, and Zeev Buium , all drafted after Yakemchuk, have already appeared in NHL games, the Senators are remaining patient as he continues to work on his all-around game.

Staios Adds Muscle After Physical Preseason Loss

The Senators began October by pulling off a trade that appeared to be a reaction to a preseason game in Montreal, where the Canadiens won handily both on the scoreboard and physically. General manager Steve Staios responded by acquiring a legitimate NHL heavyweight, trading Zach MacEwen to the New Jersey Devils for Kurtis MacDermid.

Waiver Loss: Sabrango Claimed by Florida

With Tyler Kleven injured to start the season, Donovan Sebrango played some early games, including one against the Florida Panthers. When Kleven returned to health and the Sens attempted to send Sebrango down to Belleville, the Panthers, having just seen him play, claimed Sebrango, and he has since appeared in 10 games for the two-time Stanley Cup champions.

November

Pinto Secures Long-Term Commitment

The biggest news of November was the Senators signing centre Shane Pinto to a four-year, $30-million contract extension. Pinto came out of the gate quickly, scoring seven goals in his first six games. Not that anyone could keep up that pace, but he has since cooled off, recording five goals in the 22 games that followed.

First Senators GM Mel Bridgman Passes Away

Former Ottawa Senators general manager Mel Bridgman passed away at the age of 70. Bridgman was the first GM in franchise history and lasted just one season in the role. He is better known to NHL fans for his playing career, primarily with the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s.

Tkachuk Brothers Launch ‘Wingmen’ Podcast

Tkachuk returned from his thumb injury, and while he and his brother Matthew were rehabbing, the two launched a new podcast. Wingmen, released every Wednesday, features the Tkachuk brothers swapping hockey stories and reacting to the latest NHL news.

Kaliyev Allegations Reviewed

The New York Post published an article detailing allegations from Arthur Kaliyev’s ex-girlfriend, who claims the 24-year-old borrowed tens of thousands of dollars from her to fund what she described as a gambling addiction. The accusations first surfaced in October through a series of social-media posts. The Senators have deferred comment to the league, which, along with the NHLPA, reviewed the situation. The NHL told the Post it found “no substantiation that anything Kaliyev was doing was in violation of our rules or applicable law.”

Senators Swap Blue-Liners

Curiously, the Senators never finalized a new deal with restricted free-agent defenseman Max Guenette, who had been with the organization for several years. His tenure ended in November when he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Gilbert was acquired twice by Ottawa in 2025, first as part of the Josh Norris trade in March. The Senators either couldn't or didn't want to re-sign him in the summer, and Gilbert joined the Flyers.

December

Ullmark Steps Away, Meriläinen Takes the Net

As Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark continued an inconsistent stretch in Ottawa’s net, he stepped away from the team in late December, requesting a leave of absence for personal reasons. Whatever those reasons were, the club announced that Ullmark had its full support. That left 23-year-old Leevi Meriläinen as the team’s starter for the foreseeable future.

Brassard Attempts Comeback in Switzerland

Former Senator Derick Brassard announced he would attempt a comeback at age 38, signing with Genève-Servette in Switzerland. At the time of writing, Brassard has appeared in one game. He had two stints with Ottawa — first in 2016–17, when he helped the Senators reach the Eastern Conference Final, scoring 11 points in 19 playoff games. He returned on a professional tryout in 2022–23, but that season ended due to a serious leg injury. Three years later, his desire to play clearly remains strong.

Belleville Makes Coaching Change Amid Skid

The Senators also made changes in Belleville, firing head coach David Bell while the team was mired in an eight-game losing streak. Bell was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Andrew Campbell.

Josh Norris Returns to Ottawa, Earns Ovation

Former Senator Josh Norris, now with the Buffalo Sabres, has already endured two lengthy injury stints since being traded in March. Now healthy, Norris has recorded 12 points in 12 games for Buffalo and made his return to Ottawa shortly before the Christmas break. He received a loud ovation from the crowd following a tribute video during a stoppage in play.

Senators Close 2025 Searching for a Step Forward

So ends the year that was for the Ottawa Senators in 2025. The club finished the calendar year as a slightly worse team than it was a year ago. Last season, Ottawa sat at 18-15-2 for a .556 points percentage. This year, they closed out 2025 at 18-15-5, good for a .539 percentage. The Senators will host the Washington Capitals as they kick off what they hope will be a bigger and better new year in 2026.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News - Ottawa

Senators Year In Review Part One, January To March: Big Trades, 4 Nations, And A Playoff Push
Senators Year In Review Part Two, April-June: The Stanley Cup Playoff Drought Finally Ends
Senators Year In Review Part Three, July-September: Free Agency, A Big Change For Sens Radio

2025 is about to come to an end. The calendar year was up and down for the Chicago Blackhawks, but the organization has done a lot of good things that will help them down the road.

It may take a little while longer before they are a contender, but 2026 is going to be a much better calendar year, and the work they put in during 2025 will be a large reason for that. 

A lot of players suited up for the Blackhawks during this past year. Some of them were short-term tenures, others are expected to be with the club for a long time. Some of them stood out more than others along the way.

Of every player who put on a Chicago sweater this year, these five stick out the most: 

Connor Bedard

Connor Bedard has been sensational for the Chicago Blackhawks this year. He ended 2024-25 playing very well with a new cast of young players around him, and he turned into a superstar at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. 

Over the summer, Bedard put in the work. He made sure to improve his skating, which he felt would help him become an overall better player. That has come true. 

In the calendar year of 2025, Bedard had 32 goals and 46 assists for 78 points in 75 games played. There was a large jump in production, which paves the way for an even better 2026. In the year 2025, it became clear that Bedard is the star that the Blackhawks hoped he'd become when they selected him first overall. 

Spencer Knight

Early in 2025, Spencer Knight was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that sent Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers. This was a huge trade for the Blackhawks, as their trajectory as a franchise took a large leap forward. 

Knight has turned into one of the best goalies in the NHL. He is unlikely to be an Olympian for Team USA because they are going to go with the three that they brought to the 4-Nations Face-Off, but Knight may be one of the first players called if they need an injury replacement. 

You can't win in the NHL without goaltending, and they get that consistently with Knight. Going into 2026, a starting goalie is nothing for management to worry about, and it won't be an issue for a long time. 

Ryan Donato

2025 was big for Ryan Donato. At the end of last season, Donato finished off a 31-goal season, which nearly doubled his career high. That earned him a long contract extension with the Blackhawks, something he never expected to get when he first came over. 

Now, playing up and down the lineup, Donato plays a very important role on the team. He is a solid veteran player who brings his A-game in all three zones every night. He can score goals, come to the defense of his teammates, and defend. 

Donato may never eclipse 30 goals again, but it will never be his role to do so. Helping the young kids by continuing to play the game the right way will provide a service that few others in the organization can do. 

Frank Nazar 

Besides Connor Bedard, no player in the Blackhawks' organization has risen to the top of the lineup more than Frank Nazar. He still has a long way to go in his development, especially in his finishing touch, but there is clearly a toolbox there that will help him produce for a long time. 

To be a second line center, and not because of necessity, because he's earned it, speaks volumes about his compete level and overall skill. Right now, Nazar is the runaway second-best forward on the team. 

It will be great for Nazar to continue learning how to score more, but that isn't his entire game. The kid can skate, make passes, and kill penalties with the best of them. He is the only player on the team who is above average on the power play, penalty kill, and at even strength. 

Tyler Bertuzzi

Tyler Bertuzzi has had an up-and-down tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, but his calendar year of 2025 has been solid. He is one of the best goal scorers on the team, and few players in the NHL score on the road more than he does. 

Bertuzzi does something special that not every offensive player can do. He goes to the front of the net with regularity and succeeds. He can tip pucks in, bang in rebounds, or have crafty hands in tight. With great playmakers around him to set up plays like that, he takes full advantage. 

Expect more of the same from Bertuzzi in 2026. The team is only going to get better around him. His competitive level on every shift will help these young players continue to grow their games. 

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

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

This was not the blockbuster trade for a center everyone was hoping for, but the Philadelphia Flyers again managed to get the best of their trade partners, this time fleecing the rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

On Wednesday, the Flyers finally parted ways with the struggling Egor Zamula, swapping the defenseman for Penguins forward Phil Tomasino, who had been buried in the AHL himself this season.

Zamula, 25, had worn out his welcome in Philadelphia, and there wasn't much more to it than that.

The formerly undrafted Russian defender hadn't progressed as the team had hoped over the last few seasons and, having to impress a new coaching staff with Rick Tocchet and Todd Reirden, ultimately played his way off the NHL roster entirely.

Instead, journeyman Noah Juulsen carved out a role for himself as the No. 7 defenseman; Emil Andrae, who didn't even make the Flyers out of training camp, has established himself as one of Tocchet and Reirden's go-to defenders, and Ty Murchison, who earned a brief two-game cameo in the wake of a Cam York injury, proved himself as a better option and kept the vastly more experienced Zamula in the press box.

Flyers Prospects Prevail Undefeated on Day 1 of World Junior ChampionshipsAll of the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> prospects participating in the 2026 World Junior Championships prevailed with a win on Day 1, but it was the unheralded players who stood out most.

In short: there was no further reason to keep Zamula around, even at the AHL level, and the Flyers agreed.

As for the new guy, Tomasino, 24, is a 2019 first-round pick who now finds himself on his third team in less than two full seasons.

The 6-foot, right-shot forward is a strong skater with a solid offensive toolbox, but, given his age, is unlikely to be an impact player at the NHL level.

That said, the Flyers have long coveted speed at the center position, and the versatile Tomasino can slot in at that position if needed and proceed from there.

Astute fans may recall that the 24-year-old, who was traded to the Penguins by the Nashville Predators early last season, was quietly very productive for Pittsburgh, scoring 11 goals, 12 assists, and 23 points in 50 games.

That scoring luck obviously ran out this season, with an assist in nine NHL games earning him another stint in the AHL.

Overall, though, with 23 goals and 95 points in 218 games across five seasons (nearly a 41-point pace per 82 games), it's hard to imagine the Flyers not giving the former 24th overall pick a chance at the NHL level at some point; the Flyers stated Tomasino will start in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

During the aforementioned productive stint with the Penguins last season, Tomasino's underlying numbers, per Evolving-Hockey, showed that he actually deserved a bit better in terms of bounces at both ends of the ice. If the Flyers can unlock that player, even without the deserved bounces, that's a legitimate middle-six piece worth keeping around.

After Jett Luchanko had been sent back to the OHL early in the season, the Flyers had recalled Jacob Gaucher, citing a need for a right-shot center.

The Gaucher experiment didn't last long, but the Flyers now have another one in their ranks who is far more talented offensively.

With time, and a positive first impression in the organization, Tomasino is someone who can push a player like Rodrigo Abols for a spot in the lineup.

And all those potential opportunities came at the cost of Zamula, who could have just left the organization and walked away via a mutual contract termination, as was reported to have been offered to the Flyers.

Tomasino has one year remaining on his contract at a $1.75 million cap hit and will not be an unrestricted free agent until 2029.

In what was their last game of 2025, the New York Rangers suffered a 6-3 loss at the hands of the Washington Capitals. 

To start with the good news for the Rangers, Adam Fox returned after missing the past 14 games due to a shoulder injury. 

The 27-year-old defenseman made an immediate impact, recording one goal, one assist, and two points, while posting a total of 21:13 minutes. 

Fox’s presence was specifically felt from an offensive standpoint, as he helped elevate the power play, with the Rangers’ moving the puck well, which eventually led to a goal from Fox. He was crisp in his return, and he did not seem to miss a beat or shake off any rust.

“I thought he had a strong game,” Mike Sullivan said of Fox. “I thought he played real well. I think you can see the impact that he has on our team.”

With the score tied 1-1 in the second period, Tom Wilson delivered a big-time body check to Noah Laba, and seconds later, Wilson scored with Laba riving in pain on the ice, taking him out of the play. 

Laba made his way to the locker room after taking the hit from Wilson, and he ultimately did not return due to an apparent upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Conor Sheary suffered a lower-body injury later in the period. He also left the game and ultimately did not return.

After Laba and Sheary left the game, the Rangers were forced to play with 10 forwards instead of 12, putting Sullivan in a position where he had to shuffle the lines. 

“It just taxes guys when you lose two guys early like that to injury,” Sullivan said. “You're down to short numbers, so that's just the reality of the way the game played out.”

Sullivan confirmed that both Laba and Sheary are being evaluated, but he did not provide any further details on their current status.

Despite a strong push from the Rangers in the third period down 3-2, two goals from Aliaksei Protas and Wilson late in the final frame put this game to rest. 

Mike Sullivan Credits Gabe Perreault For Improved Play Upon Return To Rangers We are beginning to see flashes of Gabe Perreault’s offensive potential at the NHL level with the New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a>.&nbsp;

The Rangers have now lost three consecutive games, but the team now heads to the Sunshine State to play in the Winter Classic on Friday night against the Florida Panthers. 

A game of this magnitude, flat in the middle of the season, can serve as a bit of a refresher and a turning point for a Blueshirts team that is sitting just above a .500 record, while finding itself outside the playoffs. 

“We need a game where we play well and we win,” Mika Zibanejad said. “Winning solves a lot of it. We just have to find a way. We have to be better.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins are staying busy, as they acquired defenseman Egor Zamula from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Philip Tomasino on Dec. 31. This comes after both players were recently placed on waivers and cleared them. 

Although the Penguins and Flyers do not make trades with each other often due to their intense rivalry, this deal makes sense for both sides. There was no question that both Zamula and Tomasino were in need of fresh starts, and now they have gotten just that. 

While this is not the biggest move in the NHL this season, it has the potential to be a solid one for the Penguins. 

Zamula has shown in the past that he has the potential to provide decent offense from the point. During the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-3 puck-moving defenseman set career highs with five goals, 16 assists, and 21 points in 66 games. Furthermore, with Zamula still only 25 years old, the possibility of him bouncing back with the Penguins should not be ruled out. 

It is also no secret that the Penguins need help on the left side of their defense. While Zamula is starting his tenure with the organization in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, he certainly has a good chance of getting called up if he impresses. 

If Zamula regains his 2023-24 form or even hits a new level for Pittsburgh, it would be huge for a Penguins team in the middle of a retool. Ultimately, there is no harm in the Penguins taking a chance on him, and it will be fascinating to see how much of an impact he can make from here. 

In 168 career NHL games over six seasons, Zamula has recorded eight goals, 33 assists, and 41 points. In 13 games this season with the Flyers before being traded to Pittsburgh, he had one assist and a plus-4 rating. 

The Chicago Blackhawks have made a roster move, as they have announced that they have recalled forward Dominic Toninato from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. 

Toninato being called up comes after he was just sent down to the AHL by the Blackhawks earlier week. Now, he is heading right back up to Chicago's roster with this latest roster move. 

Toninato has played in five games this season with the Blackhawks, where he has recorded one assist, 10 hits, and a plus-1 rating. Down in the AHL with the IceHogs this season, the 2012 fifth-round pick has posted five goals, 12 assists, and 17 points in 25 games. 

Toninato will now be looking to make an impact after landing this latest call-up to the Blackhawks' roster. 

In 194 career NHL games split over nine seasons between the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Winnipeg Jets, and Blackhawks, Toninato has recorded 13 goals, 23 assists, 36 points, 226 hits, and a plus-13 rating. 

During the off-season, former Montreal Canadiens goalie Jake Allen signed a five-year, $9 million contract to stay with the New Jersey Devils. This was after the Fredericton, New Brunswick native had a 13-16-1 record, a 2.66 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and four shutouts in 31 games with the Devils in 2024-25. 

Now, as we enter the new year, the Devils' decision to keep Allen around is looking like a very good one. 

Allen is currently in the middle of a very solid season with the Devils in 2025-26. In 20 games so far this campaign with the Metropolitan Division club, he has a 10-8-1 record, a 2.54 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and one shutout. With numbers like these, there is no question that the former Canadiens goalie has been providing the Devils with strong goaltending. 

Allen is continuing to play well as the season rolls on, too. The 35-year-old goaltender has had a .917 save percentage or better in three out of his last four appearances with the Devils. This included him stopping 36 out of 37 shots against the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 17.

In 127 games over four seasons with the Canadiens from 2020-21 to 2023-24, Allen recorded a 41-68-15 record, a .899 save percentage, and a 3.30 goals-against average. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tom Wilson had two goals and an assist to lead the Washington Capitals past the New York Rangers 6-3 on Wednesday.

Wilson, who earlier in the day was named a member of Canada’s Olympic roster, got into a fight with Sam Carrick in the second period for at least his second Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, an assist and a fight — since March 3, 2025.

Justin Sourdif also had two goals and Anthony Beauvillier and Aliaksei Protas each scored for the Capitals, who have won two of the last three games.

Adam Fox, making his return from long-term injured reserve, had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who have lost three straight. Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider also scored.

With the Capitals tied 1-1 and needing a spark in the second, Wilson rose to the occasion. The 28-year-old came streaking up ice and leveled Noah Laba before getting to the front of the net and roofing a feed from Connor McMichael to restore Washington’s lead as he became the first Capital to hit the 20-goal mark this season. Minutes later, he answered for Laba’s hit, fighting Carrick.

The fight, initiated by Carrick, put the Capitals on the power play. Sourdif snuck a loose puck past Jonathan Quick, who had 21 saves, to end a 16-game goal drought to make it 3-1.

Fox responded with a power-play goal of his own soon after to pull things to 3-2 going into the third.

Protas and Wilson, netting his 200th career goal, added insurance tallies late to cushion the lead.

Schneider brought New York back within two late.

Wilson assisted Sourdif on an empty-netter.

Charlie Lindgren made 22 saves for Washington.

Up next

Rangers: Visit Florida in the Winter Classic on Friday.

Capitals: Visit Ottawa on Thursday.

 

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers made a rare trade with each other on Wednesday.

The Penguins sent forward Philip Tomasino to the Flyers in exchange for defenseman Egor Zamula. Tomasino had fallen out of favor with the Penguins and had been in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a good chunk of the 2025-26 season before getting sent to the Flyers.

The Penguins have acquired defenseman Egor Zamula from the @NHLFlyers in exchange for forward Philip Tomasino.

Details: https://t.co/oxKHyv1NJvpic.twitter.com/2anGBLtk8L

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 31, 2025

Tomasino will report to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (the Flyers' AHL affiliate). 

Zamula had also fallen out of favor with the Flyers and is set to report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (the Penguins' AHL affiliate). 

Per a team spokesperson, Egor Zamula will be assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Per the AHL's Web site, Ryan Graves was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) December 31, 2025

Tomasino was initially acquired by the Penguins from the Nashville Predators for a fourth-round pick during last season. He compiled 11 goals and 23 points in 50 games with the Penguins before notching one assist in nine games this year.

Zamula has played in 13 games this season and has only one assist. He has played in 168 NHL games, scoring eight goals and recording 41 points. 

---

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

1. By far the Rangers biggest flop – in terms of expectations this season – has been former top pick Brennan Othmann. Either the Blueshirts mis-coached him, or he simply doesn't have it.

2. "Othmann is like an appendix or tonsils," says Blue Collar Blue Shirts columnist Sean McCaffrey. "He serves no function at all for the Rangers and should be removed."

3. Now for the Good News: The Blueshirts are 19-18-5 for 43 points. A year ago they were 16-19-1 for 33 points.

4. Now for the Bad News, courtesy of superscout Jess Rubenstein: "The Rangers are 1-2-1 on the road trip and have earned three points out of a possible eight. If not for goalies Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, their season would be over right now!`'

5. Now for more Good News: The return of Adam Fox will strengthen the defense, fortify the failing power play and provide missing leadership to a team without a playing captain now.

6. Friday's Rangers-Panthers outdoor "Winter Classic" at loan Depot Park in Miami once again proves how innovative – and daring –   he NHL has been under Gary Bettman's commissionership. Another outstanding, dynamic move.

Are The Rangers Any Better Than They Were Last Year?During the Rangers last game – at Carolina – a devoted fan who I happen to know and respect – did a double-take when he viewed Vin Trocheck on the New York bench.

7. Three decades ago plus – when the Bettman Era began – nobody in his right, or wrong, mind would have dreamed that a regular NHL outdoor game would be played under Florida's sheltering palms.

8. I know a few fans who dare not dream that the Rangers can win in the great outdoors.

9. The Maven believes the Blueshirts will fool everyone and the Panthers will skate off the ice at the end singing "Am I Blue!"

The Philadelphia Flyers have made a notable roster adjustment, sending defenseman Egor Zamula to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Philip Tomasino.

The Penguins have acquired Egor Zamula from the Flyers for Philip Tomasino 🔄 pic.twitter.com/NRvPkRsed1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 31, 2025

The move sees Tomasino immediately report to the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Tomasino, 24, arrives with a resume that reflects both opportunity and unfinished business. A first-round selection by Nashville in 2019 (24th overall), the right winger has moved between the NHL and AHL since turning pro, appearing in 218 NHL games with the Predators and Penguins.

Across those appearances, he has produced 95 points, with an ability to play in a variety of roles. His most productive NHL season came in 2024–25 with Pittsburgh, where he posted 23 points and finished second on the team in game-winning goals.

This season has been more fragmented. Tomasino appeared in nine NHL games for the Penguins, recording one assist, while spending most of his time in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. There, he was far more impactful, tallying 15 points in 14 games. 

For Pittsburgh, the acquisition of Zamula addresses a different organizational need. Signed by the Flyers as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Zamula developed patiently within the system before carving out a regular NHL role. Over parts of six seasons with Philadelphia, he appeared in 168 games, contributing 41 points from the back end. While his offensive ceiling remained modest, Zamula offered size, mobility, and familiarity with NHL minutes—qualities that can hold value for a Penguins blue line seeking depth and flexibility.

Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff has announced that goaltender Alex Lyon has left the team's road trip and will miss "a bit of time" due to a lower-body injury. 

This is certainly tough news for the Sabres, as Lyon has been playing some strong hockey for the Atlantic Division club this season. In 21 games so far this campaign with the Sabres, he has recorded a 10-6-3 record, a .906 save percentage, a .906 save percentage, and one shutout. 

Lyon has also been a major reason for the Sabres' ongoing nine-game winning streak, as he has won each of his last seven starts during it. With this, there is no question that the Sabres are going to miss him while he is out. 

While Lyon is set to miss time, the Sabres also announced that goaltender Colten Ellis has been activated off of injured reserve after being in concussion protocol. With this, the Sabres will be relying on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Ellis while Lyon is out with his injury. 

The Sabres signed Lyon to a two-year, $3 million contract during the 2025 NHL off-season. This was after he had a 14-9-1 record, a .896 save percentage, and a 2.81 goals-against average in 30 games for the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25.