Category: Ice Hockey

Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane passed Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano to become the top U.S.-born scorer in NHL history.

Kane, 37, had an assist in the second period on Thursday, Jan. 29 against the Washington Capitals to give him 1,375 points, one more than Modano, the former Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars standout who finished his career in Detroit.

It was the second milestone that Kane reached this month. He scored his 500th goal on Jan. 8, becoming the fifth U.S.-born player and 50th overall to hit that mark.

He drew the second assist on a goal by Ben Chiarot to break the points record Thursday. Teammates poured onto the ice to congratulate him.

Kane, who was born in Buffalo, New York, has 500 goals and 875 assists with the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Red Wings.

THIS ONE COUNTS ✅

PATRICK KANE HAS PASSED MIKE MODANO FOR MOST POINTS BY AN AMERICAN-BORN PLAYER! pic.twitter.com/UAeTo6lLUg

— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2026

Kane needs two attempts to break record

Kane looked like he might have the record early in the first period when he set up an Alex DeBrincat power play goal, but the play was ruled offsides after a Capitals challenge.

Of all things, just as Patrick Kane is celebrated for setting up DeBrincat and reaching 1,375 points, video review shows it was offside. pic.twitter.com/HzBmm5naqP

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) January 30, 2026

It was the second time in three games in which he lost a point. He was originally awarded an assist on a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 24, but it was later taken away. He had an assist late in that game to move within one point of Modano and then tied the record on Jan. 27 with an assist against the Los Angeles Kings.

Patrick Kane vs. Mike Modano

Modano, who was born in Michigan, played 1,499 games. Kane has played 1,343. Modano had been the U.S. leader for 18-plus years, passing Phil Housley in November 2007 shortly after Kane's NHL debut.

Modano (1988) and Kane (2007) are former No. 1 overall picks. Modano won a Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1999 and Kane won with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He won a scoring title with 106 points in 2015-16, the only American to do so, and also took home the Hart Trophy that season, ending a 91-year drought for U.S.-born players. His career best was 110 points in 2018-19.

Kane had a brief stint with the Rangers after a 2023 trade, then had hip surgery in the offseason. He signed with the Red Wings in November 2023 after recovering and has been in Detroit since.

Modano was not in the building but the Red Wings played a video message in which he praised Kane's skill level and the influence he has had on young American players.

"They all wanted to be Patrick Kane growing up," Modano said.

Mike Modano with a message to Patrick Kane after he broke his all-time scoring record among U.S.-born players 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vltRjnvL27

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 30, 2026

Modano's U.S. record of 561 goals (Brett Hull, who played internationally for the USA, was born in Canada) might hold up as the standard for a while. Kane is the next-closest active player at 500. Between him and Modano are Joe Mullen (502), Jeremy Roenick (513) and Keith Tkachuk (538).

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthew is the next active U.S.-born player at 427 goals and 772 points. He's averaging 1.14 points per game to Kane's 1.03.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Kane breaks Mike Modano record, becomes top US-born scorer

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Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane continues to set records in his illustrious career, and now, he's officially the highest-scoring U.S.-born player of all time.

With an assist on Ben Chiarot's second-period goal on Thursday evening against the Washington Capitals, Kane picked up the 1,375th point of his career, passing Mike Modano for the major milestone.

HISTORY IN DETROIT 🚨

Patrick Kane passes Mike Modano for the most points EVER by a US-born player in NHL history (1,375)

pic.twitter.com/NoaJTazz9c

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 30, 2026

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NEW YORK, NY -- New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer found himself back in the record book on Thursday night against the New York Rangers. 

At 18:53 of the second period, Schaefer wired a wrister over the right pad of a screened Jonathan Quick to give the Islanders a 2-0:

First goal against #NYR for Schaefer #Islespic.twitter.com/cPUaXQi3gT

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) January 30, 2026

With that goal, Schaefer passed hockey legend Bobby Orr for the second-most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman in franchise history. 

He is now three goals shy of tying Phil Housley's record of 17 for the most ever by an 18-year-old defenseman. 

Schaefer now has 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 54 games played this season. 

DETROIT (AP) — Red Wings' Patrick Kane becomes highest-scoring US-born player in NHL history.

Ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Pittsburgh Penguins needed to make a few roster moves. 

With forward Bryan Rust set to begin serving his three-game suspension for a hit to the head of Brock Boeser Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Jack St. Ivany heading to injured reserve, the Penguins recalled forward prospect Rutger McGroarty from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.

McGroarty, 21, had five assists in his four AHL games since being re-assigned to WBS from the Penguins on Jan. 18. Prior to his re-assignment, McGroarty had two goals and three points in 16 NHL games this season.

A 2022 first-round pick (14th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets, McGroarty has struggled to establish himself at the NHL level this season, and one of the central reasons has been injury. He had an upper-body ailment that caused him to miss all of training camp and the first month and a half of the regular season, and a concussion kept him out for a few games in January prior to his AHL re-assignment. 

However, he has excelled at the AHL level this season, putting up four goals and nine points in 12 AHL games. There is a good chance that McGroarty will remain with the NHL club through the end of Rust's suspension, as he is eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 2 against the Ottawa Senators.

McGroarty has three goals and six points in 24 career NHL games. 

Penguins' Rust Suspended Three Games For Hit Against CanucksIt looks like the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> will be without one of their top forwards for an upcoming crucial stretch of games.&nbsp;

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The clock is winding down on Artemi Panarin’s time with the Rangers, reaching an hour-by-hour countdown after the decision was made Wednesday to hold him out of the lineup until the Olympic break. 

Panarin, who will finish his Blueshirts tenure as one of the greatest free agent signings of all time, appears to be using the leverage he has.

With final say on his destination due to his full no-move clause, there is belief that Panarin would prefer a trade that includes an extension with the club he lands with. 

What that extension could look like would presumably vary depending on the organization signing it. 

Most of the top contending teams aren’t in a position to extend him now, which could force Panarin to weigh future security with his desire to go to a team that can help him hoist his first-ever Stanley Cup. 

At 34, the star Russian wing is naturally looking for a deal with term. He is said to believe he can play for several more years. 

Amid minimal signs of Panarin slowing down, however, there appear to be multiple interested parties. 

Panarin has been linked to at least six teams at one point or another this season, including all three California clubs. Considering he is the top impending free agent available, the widespread inquiries from contenders and bubble teams alike don’t come as a shock. 

The friendship between Panarin and Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is well documented, which likely puts Florida at the top of his list. A lot would have to happen on the Panthers’ end to make that work. 

Even if the Rangers retained up to 50 percent of Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit, salary would have to be moved or a third team would have to be brought in to make the numbers fit. 

Running with the California theory, San Jose and Los Angeles are probably the most appealing options to both Panarin and the Rangers. The Sharks turned a corner this season behind a young and exciting core, and they are projected to have plenty of cap space next season to handle an addition like Panarin. 

Both the Sharks and the Kings have their 2026 first-round pick to offer. The two teams are also neck-and-neck in the Western Conference wild-card race. 

San Jose has some enticing prospects and young players who the Rangers could pursue, especially at center. 

The Rangers are going to be even thinner down the middle than they were at the start of the season if president and general manager Chris Drury decides to move Vincent Trocheck. 

• CHECK OUT THE LATEST NHL STANDINGS AND RANGERS STATS

Targeting centermen should be a priority. The Sharks’ deep pool of options, such as Filip Bystedt (27th overall in 2022), Cole McKinney (53rd overall in 2025) and Braden Svoboda (71st overall in 2023), make them an enticing trade partner. Michael Misa (second overall in 2025) would be a top choice, but he is considered part of the core and is unlikely to be made available. 

Left wing Igor Chernyshov, who the Sharks selected 33rd overall in 2024, is another notable option. 

The Rangers are expected to follow the trade template that most high-scoring wingers have demanded as of late. Expecting a return that’s some combination of NHL-ready players, prospects and picks, Drury will also have to navigate which teams he’d have to retain salary on Panarin for. 

Among teams that could fit his entire cap hit with minimal — or any — retention include the Ducks, the Hurricanes and the Red Wings. 

Panarin could always go to a team as a rental and be the No. 1 available option on July 1. That might help the dynamic forward maximize his next deal. 

Either way, Panarin’s days in Manhattan are numbered. 

Teams looking to acquire Panarin presumably would want him to be on the ice, get settled and be ready to hit the ground running after the Olympic break. 

All it comes down to is the right deal. 

Love it or hate it, fans’ opinions of Rogers Arena — the Vancouver Canucks’ home rink — have made themselves known. In a recent survey conducted by The Athletic, NHL fans ranked the Canucks’ home arena 29th out of 32 in the league with consideration towards the following criteria; location, amenities, atmosphere, and affordability. Rogers Arena ended up tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rink, Scotiabank Arena, with a score of 5.8 out of 10. 

“Rogers will never rank high simply because of its physical size. Being squeezed between two viaducts means tight concourses, which feels like you are constantly being pushed through a toothpaste tube. Visiting other arenas like Climate Pledge you notice that difference immediately,” one person writes in The Athletic’s piece. 

They’re not wrong. Despite undergoing various renovations throughout recent years, such as the new scoreboard that caused a concert to be postponed a few years back as well as new seats that have still not been fully installed, Rogers Arena still feels slightly dated compared to some of the shinier new arenas around the NHL — namely the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena, which finished eighth in the poll. 

Overall, Vancouver’s scores in the four presented categories don’t quite tell a friendly story. Like the Canucks compared to the rest of the NHL in on-ice performance so far, Vancouver placed within the bottom-two in the league in two of the categories — atmosphere and affordability. Their saving grace was the location itself, right at the edge of downtown Vancouver, which ranks it 12th out of 32nd in the NHL. 

Surprisingly enough, Vancouver ranked below arenas like the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary (25th), which is expected to be torn down soon as part of the city’s quest for a new entertainment district. Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles Kings), KeyBank Center (Buffalo Sabres), and Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa Senators) were the only three venues to rank lower than Rogers Arena. Bell Centre (Montréal Canadiens), T-Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights), Benchmark International Arena (Tampa Bay Lightning), Bridgestone Arena (Nashville Predators), and Little Caesars Arena (Detroit Red Wings) rounded out the NHL’s top-five. 

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New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is currently the biggest name on the trade market. He’s been informed by the Rangers’ front office that they have no intention of re-signing him, and have given permission to him and his agent to seek out a team or teams they are comfortable with trading him to in order to facilitate a deal from there.

Panarin is 34 years old; his seven-year, $11.6 million contract carries a full no-move clause and will expire on July 1. He’s scored 57 points (19-38=57) in 52 games in 2025-26, and he’s on pace to tally his ninth consecutive season of scoring north of a point-per-game, indicating he has several productive seasons left in the tank.

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The Rangers have announced that they will scratch Panarin until at least the Feb. 4 Olympic roster freeze, alleviating the risk of injury. He’s only missed nine games in the last four seasons.

The Anaheim Ducks are reported to have “looked around” at the possibility of acquiring Panarin. On Thursday, multiple NHL insiders reported that Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, are seeking out at least a four-year extension at a $10-12 million AAV with his new team as part of the potential trade, and they’ve reached out to Anaheim as a desired destination.

TSN and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN’s “Early Trading” that Panarin’s representation has reached out to all three California teams, showing interest, but the Ducks are “out.”

“The Panarin camp has reached out to all three California teams (Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks),” LeBrun said. “With the Ducks, there’s the Joel Quenneville connection from their time together in Chicago. But, I’m told the Ducks are out right now, and I’m told the reason is the extension doesn’t make sense for them.

“They’ve got a lot of young core guys to sign here in the next year or two, and spending four years and $10-11 million, whatever you think the extension will end up at, doesn’t really make sense for Anaheim. So, I have Anaheim out.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spoke on Panarin and the Ducks on Sportsnet’s “The Fan Hockey Show,” stating the Ducks would have rather traded for him without an extension in place.

“Panarin would like to have an extension as part of this. They’ve (Panarin and his agent) reached out to the Ducks. I think he was pretty interested. But I’ve heard Anaheim is not likely because the Ducks’ preference is not to do an extension right away,” Friedman said. “That they would like to see how the fit goes, potentially. That means it’s likely not going to happen there. That’s what I’ve heard as of last night (Jan. 28). And just a reminder, all of these things can kind of change.”

LeBrun reiterated his own report and echoed Friedman on TSN’s “Insider Trading” as well. As it stands, the Ducks are reported to be unwilling to extend Panarin, given the core talent they’ll have to resign in the summer of 2026 and beyond.

“(The trade) most likely involves teams that aren’t scared to sign a 34-year-old player to a four-year extension to perhaps a double-digit AAV,” LeBrun said on where the most likely landing spot is for Panarin. “That’s what we think the extension will be if this gets done. I’m told if the extension is paramount, the Ducks are out right now. They don’t want to sign that money to a veteran player when they’ve got young pieces to sign.”

The Ducks have over $27.2 million in current cap space and are projected to have over $39.2 million in cap space come July 1. Jacob Trouba, Ross Johnston, Radko Gudas, Ryan Poehling, Jansen Harkins, Petr Mrazek, and Jeffrey Viel will all become unrestricted free agents if they’re unsigned by July 1.

The most significant items on the agenda will be the next contracts of pending restricted free agents Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, along with Ian Moore, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger, who will be restricted free agents along the blueline. Those contracts could eat up a sizable chunk of that projected cap space, reportedly enough to detract Ducks’ general manager Pat Verbeek from acquiring Panarin.

Among the most-mentioned teams involved in the Panarin trade rumors at the moment are the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes.

Verbeek has reportedly struggled to acquire a star or marquee talent on the free agent or trade markets during his time as Ducks GM. He was reportedly interested in Alex DeBrincat before he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in the summer of 2023. On July 1, 2024, he reportedly offered then free agents Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault each more term and AAV than the contracts they eventually signed with the Nashville Predators.

It’s worth noting that an available star player (Panarin) now reportedly would prefer to play for Anaheim for the next four-plus seasons, and the Ducks are reportedly the ones uninterested. The New York Rangers are reportedly asking for a similar return that the New York Islanders received for center Brock Nelson at the 2025 trade deadline. Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Calum Ritchie (an A-/B+ prospect) and a first-round pick. 

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The Winnipeg Jets have faced criticism in recent years for struggling to create opportunities for their young prospects, and that issue has resurfaced with one former first-round pick now openly expressing frustration with the organization.

Selected 20th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Finnish defenseman Ville Heinola was once considered one of the Jets’ most promising prospects. However, as he approaches his 25th birthday in March, Heinola has yet to establish himself at the NHL level. He has appeared in just 53 NHL games, recording one goal and 11 assists for 12 points.

This season, Heinola has spent the majority of his time with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, where he has posted 18 points in 38 games. Despite several injury-related openings on the Jets’ blue line at different points during the season, Heinola has not received an NHL call-up.

Heinola recently spoke candidly about his situation in an interview with Finnish outlet Ilta-Sanomat, voicing frustration over what he believes has been a lack of opportunity.

“What annoys me the most is that I don't think I've ever had a decent chance in the NHL after my first year,” Heinola said. “I feel like I'm stuck here.”

The defenseman made it clear that remaining in the AHL is not his long-term goal, even though he believes his relationship with the organization remains professional.

Ville Heinola was the first to find the back of the net for the Moose last night. Who will it be tonight?

First Goal Predictor delivered by SKIP is open! Play now to be entered to win a $250 giftcard from @SkipTheDishes

Place your guess ➡️ https://t.co/A6BNvctPGYpic.twitter.com/WyohRqG5xg

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) April 3, 2024

“There's no other way to do this than to play so well that they have no choice but to promote me to the NHL,” Heinola explained. “I think I've been on good terms with everyone. I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about me.”

Heinola added that both he and his agent have consistently tried to work cooperatively with the Jets, but the situation has grown more frustrating as other players receive opportunities ahead of him.

“My game has been going well lately, but there are guys from next door who are making it to the NHL,” Heinola said. “So far, however, I haven't been ready to give up on the NHL dream. I feel and know that I can play there.”

Heinola’s name has surfaced in trade discussions in the past, though no deal has materialized. Earlier this season, the Jets placed him on waivers, a move that did not result in another team claiming him.

Walker Duehr tied the game late, and #NHLJets 2019 first-round pick Ville Heinola scored the lone goal in the fourth round of the shootout to secure a 3-2 win for the #MBMoose.#NHLJetsNationpic.twitter.com/8AKbwtzczy

— Evan Waldner (@evanwaldner31) January 11, 2026

“Still, it was a big disappointment that no club picked me up,” Heinola said. “And if that opportunity hasn't come here, why couldn't the club have let me go somewhere else, where I might have had a chance?”

The repeated setbacks have taken a mental toll on the young defenseman, who acknowledged that recent months have been especially challenging.

“This has been by far the most mentally difficult period of my career,” Heinola said.

As the season continues, it remains unclear what the future holds for Heinola. Whether he remains with the Jets, is moved via trade, or eventually finds a fresh start elsewhere is still to be determined. What is clear, however, is that Jets management now finds itself dealing with a once-promising prospect who is growing increasingly frustrated and disgruntled. 

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The Detroit Red Wings are dealing with an injury to their second-best defenseman, Simon Edvinsson, who was hurt earlier this month during Detroit's 2-1 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

The Red Wings have since announced that not only is he not going to play until at least after the Olympic breaks in late February, but that he's now been placed on Injured Reserve. 

Additionally, head coach Todd McLellan said the flu is making its way through the dressing room.

In Edvinsson's absence, the Red Wings have sought reinforcements from the Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Earlier on Thursday, the club announced that defenseman Justin Holl and forward Sheldon Dries have been summoned from Grand Rapids.

UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled Justin Holl and Sheldon Dries from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Additionally, Simon Edvinsson has been placed on Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/sbYd26Dsoq

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 29, 2026

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Holl, who is skating in the final season of his three-year deal, has yet to appear in an NHL game with the Red Wings this season. He has tallied two goals and eight assists in 31 games with the Griffins thus far.

Dries, a Macomb, Mich., native and former Western Michigan University Bronco, has also yet to skate with Detroit this season. He has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in 32 games with the Griffins.

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Flyers' spiral continues to grow in concern with 10th loss over last 12 games originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

What more can the Flyers say?

They seem to have very few answers for this troubling — perhaps defining — stretch of their 2025-26 season. They stumbled to the Bruins, 6-3, Thursday night at TD Garden.

Travis Konecny, Nikita Grebenkin and Matvei Michkov provided the team’s goals. The Flyers were down 3-0 when Konecny scored, 5-1 when Grebenkin got on the board and 6-2 when Michkov put one home on the power play.

After upending the juggernaut Avalanche, 7-3, last Friday night, the Flyers (24-20-9) have lost three straight by a combined score of 15-6. They’ve dropped 10 of their last 12 games (2-8-2) and have allowed 4.58 goals per game over that span.

Rick Tocchet’s club has given up four or more goals nine times this month.

The Bruins (32-20-3) are trending in a totally different direction, having won 10 of their last 12 games (10-1-1). This was the first of three meetings this season between the Flyers and Boston.

• The Flyers are in a real precarious spot.

This maybe wasn’t a playoff-or-bust season, but the Flyers wanted to get better. And part of getting better should be avoiding these lengthy stretches of head-scratching play, these lopsided, uncompetitive games.

The Flyers made it clear before the season that they did not want to be in selling mode unless they had to be. They showed that with a five-year commitment to Christian Dvorak earlier this month.

While the Flyers weren’t going to be a major buyer at the March 6 trade deadline, you have to wonder what their motives will be if they can’t stop this slide.

The Flyers entered Thursday with a 21.1 percent chance to make the playoffs, according to Hockey-Reference.com’s probabilities report. They’re in seventh place of a tight Metropolitan Division.

• Samuel Ersson registered 15 saves on 20 shots through two periods of work.

He didn’t return to the game for the third period because of a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old was making his eighth appearance in the last nine games.

Dan Vladar turned away the six shots he faced in relief. The Bruins’ final goal was an empty-netter.

Boston netminder Jeremy Swayman stopped 33 of the Flyers’ 36 shots.

The Flyers were dealt a blow when Dvorak had a first-period goal wiped away because of goaltender interference on Grebenkin. It was a tough call on Grebenkin, who was making a play toward the net and created a rebound opportunity for Dvorak.

The goal would have cut the Flyers’ deficit to 2-1. Instead, the Flyers trailed by two at intermission.

The Bruins struck just 2:27 minutes into the second period on a Fraser Minten shot that Ersson could have denied. At that point, the Flyers, already fighting their confidence, were behind 3-0, which felt insurmountable.

• The struggling Sean Couturier centered Nicolas Deslauriers and Garnet Hathaway on the fourth line.

The Flyers’ captain has gone 26 straight games without a goal. He has nine assists and a minus-9 mark over that time. Couturier had four shots in 13:57 minutes Thursday night.

Tocchet clearly had to try some adjustments up front, especially with Couturier not producing offensively. Trevor Zegras was moved to the middle as Lane Pederson came out of the lineup.

Zegras, though, had no shots and went 1 for 12 in the faceoff circle.

• The Flyers got good news before the start of the game as Rasmus Ristolainen was able to play. The 31-year-old defenseman had to exit Wednesday night with a lower-body injury after just 1:01 minutes of ice time.

Against Boston, Ristolainen finished with 21:53 minutes.

Emil Andrae was healthy scratched for a second straight game.

• The Flyers are back in action Saturday when they host the Kings (12:30 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

In defeating the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, 7-1 and 5-2, respectively, the Ottawa Senators did more than just collect four regulation points against two of the top four teams in the Western Conference. They served notice to their fanbase that reports of their imminent demise were greatly exaggerated.

After the late-game collapse against the Predators in Nashville and the subsequent home ice loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, last rites were being read by many self-ordained experts.

This is not to suggest the Senators don’t have their work cut out for them to qualify for the playoffs, but the convincing nature of these victories was compelling. The Senators statistically and analytically dominated these highly-touted opponents.

But to make the playoffs, they'll probably need to at least match their total of 97 from last season.

So, what has to happen?

1) LINUS ULLMARK HAS TO HAPPEN

We were all moved by Ullmark’s interview with Claire Hanna, where he shared the true reasons for needing to step away from the team.

Without putting any undue pressure on someone who clearly carries the weight of the world right now, for this season to tip in the Senators’ favour, Ullmark needs to take off his baseball cap and put his mask back on.

James Reimer has more than adequately acquitted himself since joining the fold and it was encouraging to see Mads Sogaard’s performance against the Golden Knights. Even Leevi Merilainen has delivered victories, and by the way, looked great in both of his AHL starts in Belleville.

That said, there are only so many Hamburglar runs to be had, and the Senators have used theirs.

Without Ullmark back in the crease, performing to his capabilities, this becomes a short conversation.

2) DIVISIONAL DOMINANCE

Of the 58 remaining points to be had, 20 are available against divisional opponents. They currently own a 5-4-3 record against the Atlantic division to date, or 13 of a possible 24 points.

This won’t cut it the rest of the way.

These games are split evenly between home and away and they own a 13-10-4 record at home and 12-11-3 record on the road.

It's hard to see any advantage in the schedule, so the Senators will simply have to become, be it at home or on the road, what they have failed to be all season: Consistent.

Ideally, the Senators need 15-17 of the 20 points on the table in these games and obviously, three-point games need to be minimized.

It's definitely a tall order, but if the Buffalo Sabres can extricate themselves from last in the conference to a top-three spot in the division by winning 15 of 17, it’s proven to be possible.

15 of 20 points leaves 19 games to get a minimum of 25 points.

3) ROAD WARRIORS

After they play the Devils on Saturday, the Senators will play eight of their next nine on the road and won’t be back at CTC until February 26th. The season hinges on using this time away to simplify their game, build on the momentum of the last two games, and re-integrate Ullmark into the rotation.

Though the starter against the Devils remains to be determined, it seems safer to have Ullmark return to the crease on the road, where there are fewer distractions.

In the next 10 games, only two of them are against divisional opponents. Four of them will be Western opponents, where the three-point games won’t be an issue.

In fact, only the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams they are in competition with for the wildcard spots where three-point games will be something to avoid.

For the 16 road points available to them between now and February 26th, a minimum of 10 and ideally 12 or more would be required.

Earning 10 out of 16 road points leaves the Senators with 25 of the minimum 40 points with 11 games remaining to deliver the other 15.

4) OUTSIDE HELP

The Ottawa Senators do not control their own destiny at this point, so there will be scoreboard watching.

Let’s assume for a moment that they get to 97 points, where they were last year. That is the minimum they will need.

Not only do they need to get there and avoid three-point games against playoff rivals, but they also need to hope that those same rivals lose or win in regulation whenever possible.

Since scoreboard-watching has been happening since before the Christmas break, three-point games have not been unusual, and this is particularly true against division rivals.

If this continues to be the case late in the season, the Senators may need to consider pulling the goalie late in tie games against teams they're trying to catch.

5) HEALTH

Injuries and absences cannot be blamed for the predicament the Senators find themselves in today, but they do need to stay relatively healthy down the stretch. Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle and Lars Eller are going to Milan in February, and it would be great if the Senators got them back in the same condition they left in.

The Senators will finish the regular season on April 15th at home against the Maple Leafs. It would be nice to think that the game might mean something, potentially determining playoff fates.

But there's a lot of high-quality Senators hockey (and some good luck) that will need to happen between now and then.

Pat Maguire
The Hockey News Ottawa

'I Don’t Want to Move’: Pending UFA Nick Cousins Would Love To Be Back In Ottawa Next SeasonIf the season completely gets away from the Senators, pending UFA Nick Cousins could be a potential trade chip. But Cousins, who was the first star on Wednesday, told The Hockey News this week that he and his family love it here.

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The Buffalo Sabres held an optional morning skate at KeyBank Center on Thursday prior to their match against the Los Angeles Kings. The Sabres are coming off a successful road trip, going 4-1 with wins over Nashville, Montreal, the NY Islanders and a 7-4 victory in Toronto on Tuesday. 

In the game, goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen left the game in the first period after allowing a goal to the Leafs Auston Matthews, and did not practice on Monday, as he was being examined by the club’s medical staff. On Tuesday, head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that the Sabres netminder will miss some time with a lower-body injury, which could affect his status for the upcoming Olympics. 

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"He's gonna miss a little bit of time. I'd say right now, we're looking at a week and then see where he's at." Ruff said. "We really haven't talked about (the Olympics) yet. We don't want to rule it out. Let's just see where we get by early next week."

Alex Lyon is expected to start against the Kings, and will be going for a club-record 10th consecutive victory. Ruff also updated the status of Jordan Greenway, who missed three of the five road games with mid-body issues that have plagued him since last season. Greenway has struggled this season, with just one goal in 33 games. The big winger skated on Thursday, but is still being re-evaluated for the injury that is clearly affecting his play.  

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SEATTLE — The Toronto Maple Leafs are hopeful that William Nylander can return to the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Although Nylander participated in a full morning skate ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken, the team's top scorer will remain out of the lineup, marking his seventh consecutive missed game due to a groin injury.

“He’s close,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said following the session, noting that the forward is “potentially” an option for the visit to Vancouver.

#Leafs lines during morning skate Jan. 29/26

McMann-Matthews-Domi
Maccelli-Tavares-Knies
Robertson-Roy-Jarnkrok
Lorentz-Laughton-Cowan
Extra: Nylander, Quillan

Rielly-Carlo
McCabe-OEL
Benoit-Stecher
Extra: Rifai, Myers

Stolarz
Woll@BodogCApic.twitter.com/k85PHBeBZE

— David Alter (@davidalter) January 29, 2026

The skate represented Nylander’s first full session since aggravating his injury during the club’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 15. Having already missed six games earlier in the season due to the same ailment, his total time on the sidelines due to the ailment has reached 13 games. Given that the team's medical management has become a recent topic of discussion, Berube addressed how the return will be handled.

“Well, it's a tandem with the trainers and everyone we communicate with,” Berube explained. “Willie wanted to get a real good push today out here and do some extra skating. Hopefully, he's ready to go next game”.

The timing is critical for Toronto. After a winless 0-4-1 homestand, the Maple Leafs are beginning a four-game Western road trip starting Thursday in Seattle. Currently sitting last in the Atlantic Division, the team is in desperate need of points; being without their primary offensive engine makes that climb significantly harder.

Leafs getting ready for a full morning skate shortly. William Nylander set to take part. ⁦@BodogCA⁩ pic.twitter.com/vr9k9IuuYS

— David Alter (@davidalter) January 29, 2026

While Berube has asserted that the club’s primary issues involve defensive play rather than scoring, the Leafs clearly lack Nylander’s game-breaking ability. In the four games he played between stints on the injured reserve, Nylander recorded three goals and four assists. This included a goal and an assist in just over two minutes of ice time against Vegas before he was forced to exit.

Maple Leafs Reveal Groin Injury For William Nylander, Could He Miss The Olympics?With Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealing that William Nylander is sidelined by a recurring groin injury, the focus now shifts to whether the superstar can recover in time for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Nylander’s absence has also impacted the team's depth, often turning the Leafs into a one-line threat that is easier for opponents to check. Without him, the coaching staff has utilized Matias Maccelli and Matthew Knies on the second-line wings alongside John Tavares. Auston Matthews has mostly become a lone focal point, skating with Bobby McMann and Max Domi, a trio that has been tasked with the majority of difficult defensive matchups.

Maple Leafs' William Nylander Apologies For Middle Finger Gesture, Hopes To Return From Groin Injury During Upcoming Road TripNylander flipped the middle finger at a camera during the TSN broadcast of the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

The winger's health remains a focal point not just for the NHL season, but for international play, as Nylander is expected to be a cornerstone of Sweden’s contingent at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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The Detroit Red Wings have one of the deepest prospect pools in the National Hockey League, thanks to the diligent work of general manager Steve Yzerman since his arrival in April 2019. 

A handful of those prospects have either already become full-time NHL players, or otherwise gained multiple games of NHL experience so far this season. 

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is now just over one month away, though there will be a trade "freeze" in effect from Feb. 4 through the 22nd to accommodate the Winter Olympics break. 

As the trade deadline approaches, the Red Wings have been identified by multiple notable insiders as a team that could be active buyers this year, a shift from recent seasons.

While Yzerman has been reluctant to part with young, draft-developed talent that has yet to establish itself at the NHL level, there is growing potential for that approach to change this season.

During a recent Grand Rapids Griffins game, there were reportedly multiple scouts from multiple NHL clubs on hand. 

NHL teams with representatives in attendance at tonight’s Grand Rapids Griffins game

Jets
Ducks
Flyers
Islanders
Canucks
Kings
Sharks
Lightning
Devils
Senators#GoGRG#LGRW

— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) January 29, 2026

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

To get, one must give. Acquiring an established NHL player who can boost the roster may require parting with a young prospect currently playing for the Griffins.

Among the players who were recently linked to the Red Wings by The Athletic are forwards Jake DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, defenseman Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, and defenseman Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks. 

Meanwhile, the Jets have reportedly been exploring a move involving right-shot defenseman Luke Schenn, who is playing on an expiring contract.

If the Red Wings can maintain their favorable position in the Atlantic Division by the time the calendar flips to March, this could be the first season in recent memory in which they approach the Trade Deadline with a buyer's mentality. 

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