The Chicago Blackhawks have hit the road for a hand full of games after a long stretch at home. Despite just recently snapping a five game losing streak, they are still right there on the playoff bubble at 11-9-5.

The first game of this road trip is against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. This is the first time that the two clubs are matching up this season.  

Connor Bedard Is The "Third Star of the Month" For November

On Tuesday, the National Hockey League announced that Connor Bedard was the NHL's "Third Star of the Month" for November. 

Blackhawks Superstar Connor Bedard Named Third Star Of NovemberChicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard was named the Third Star of the Month for November.

Scouting Vegas 

The Vegas Golden Knights have one of the best rosters in the NHL. They have superstars everywhere. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Pavel Dorofeyev, Tomas Hertl, and newly signed Mitch Marner lead the way offensively for them. On defense, Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore lead a strong group on the back end. 

Barbashev-Eichel-Bowman

Marner-Howden-Stone

Saad-Hertl-Dorofeyev

Reinhardt-Sissons-Kolesar

McNabb-Theodore

Hanifin-Whitecloud

Hutton-Korczak

Hart

Despite having this loaded group, they are 11-6-8. Having most of their losses in overtime has kept them afloat in the Western Conference playoff chase but they are not playing like the dominant team that most expected coming into the year. 

Their goaltending has been lackluster and Marner is a guy still trying to get comfortable in his new situation. They are also missing William Karlsson due to injury, which is a big loss because of what he provides in all three zones. 

Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks snapped a five game losing streak in their game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. After going down 3-0, they came all the way back to win 5-3. 

Blackhawks Score 5 Unanswered, End Losing Streak With Comeback WInThe Chicago Blackhawks scored five unanswered goals to beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-3 to end the losing streak.

Although Vegas hasn't been overly impressive based on their expectations coming into the season, they still have an elite roster that is sure to be a Stanley Cup contender once the playoffs roll around. The Blackhawks must be ready for an opponent on that level in this one. 

Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky

Bertuzzi-Nazar-Moore

Teravainen-Dickinson-Mikheyev

Dach-Donato

Vlasic-Crevier

Kaiser-Levshunov

Grzelcyk-Murphy

Rinzel

With their 11/7 strategy, Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty are the likely scratches. Spencer Knight is going to be Chicago's starting goalie for the second game in a row. 

Knight enters the game with a 2.51 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. He gives them a chance to win every start. After allowing two goals in the first minute against the Ducks, Knight locked in and eventually won the game. 

Bedard's November that earned him a "Third Star of the Month" brought him to a total of 37 points, which is third in the NHL. Playing with Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky gives that top line a little bit of everything. 

There is more offensive depth and speed in the middle six, and a spot on the fourth line for double shifting top players on the team.

With the 11/7 lineup, all of their defensemen are given opportunities to play more when they are on top of their game. It has been beneficial for everyone. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. For viewing, it will be streamed nationally on ESPN+ or Hulu. The puck will drop shortly after 9 PM CT. 

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

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Leon Draisaitl spoke ahead of the optional skate for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday and noted that the league is different and that every year is a new story. One of the more interesting stories in the NHL in 2025-26 is the one being written in Minnesota. 

Over the past 10 games, an 8-0-2 Wild has proven their a force in the NHL. Meanwhile, the club is coming to Edmonton to battle an Oilers group that is still searching for its game. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt is red hot, and the Wild have a solid team with offensive stars and players who can play a 200-foot game. Their blue line is healthy, and almost everyone is firing. 

The same can't be said for the Oilers, who while they played a much better game against the Seattle Kraken an earned a 4-0 shutout win, know that one game doesn't flip a season and point the club in the right direction. 

The Wild will be a test for the Oilers. So far this season, tests tend to wind up with a failing grade. 

Time For the Oilers To Find The Game They Want to Play

"Let's go out and, you know, keep it simple," said Draisaitl. "It's the cliche, but just get your game, you know, just make it feel like playing the game that we want to play, and have that intensity, and then we'll be fine."

When asked about what seems like a tradition of the Oilers starting slowly and then turning it on in December and January, Draisaitl said there's good and bad about that somewhat troubling habit.

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"I don't know. I try not to read too much into... every year writes its own story. You know, constantly falling behind, and in these situations, that's not ideal; it's not the way that you want to go into a year. "With that being said, we do know the situation that we're in we have been here before. We have been in worse situations than what we're in right now, so that should give you a little bit of confidence. But, at the end of the day, this is a new year, this is a new league with new teams, and  they're both different and better teams, so which, yeah, we got to get going, we got to get on the road a little bit."

"They've got a very good team, very explosive," said head coach Kris Knoblauch. He noted that their defense likes to jump up and the goaltending their getting when the Wild make a mistake is bailing them out and making it an option for them to keep gambling and capitalizing on opportunties. 

When asked about the test that is the Wild, "Minnesota is one of the best teams in the league right now," and said he certainly hopes they (the Oilers) are ready to play. 

Wallstedt Is The Talk Of A Much Better Wild Team

Wallstedt has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November after a dominant 6-0-0 run with a league-best 1.14 goals-against average, .967 save percentage, and three shutouts. He's the "it guy" in the NHL these days -- not ideal for Oilers fans, considering this was a player the team could have drafted.

The 20th-overall pick from 2021 allowed two or fewer goals in five of six starts, highlighted by shutouts against Calgary, Anaheim, and Winnipeg. He also set a Wild rookie record with a 175:12 shutout streak, the longest by an NHL rookie goalie since 2016. 

The 23-year-old is now 7-0-2 with a .938 save percentage and joins elite company as one of only six rookie goalies to open a season with a nine-game point streak.

Wild head coach John Hynes said of Wallstedt's game, "He had a good offeseason. He made some real commitments to show that he wants to be able to get the best out of him. We know he has NHL talent. Now he's learning the other parts of, whether it's the game, or being the starting goalie, how important some of the things around the game are, your nutrition, rest recovery, practice.." 

If he keeps playing well, he'll keep getting opportunities. Wallsted didn't handle disappointment well last season, but he's gone through that adversity and "he took the action steps and learning lessons" said the coach. 

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Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane sustained an upper-body injury during his club's 2-1 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 17, and missed Detroit's subsequent nine games.

Since his return from the injury, he's skated in 12 games and scored once while adding eight assists. However, he's had multiple top-notch scoring opportunities that were unsuccessful, including two separate instances in which he had a gaping net to shoot at with the puck nearly on the goal line. 

Those are the kinds of chances that Kane would normally have buried with extreme ease during his Hall of Fame career, but he admitted that he continues to battle some inconsistency since coming back.

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

"I think it's kind of been up and down, a little inconsistent," Kane said of his overall play since returning to the Detroit lineup. "Some games I feel like I'm creating a lot, but overall - I think I've been back for 11 or 12 games since my injury and I could easily be sitting here with a handful more goals, right? But whether it's bearing down and just making sure when you get those chances that puck goes in, that's kind of on me."

The good news for Kane is that he's had multiple quality looks, and the more it happens, the more he's likely to begin capitalizing on them. 

"But you have to be happy with getting those looks and chances, and try to keep doing the same thing to get those because the more you get, eventually something will break," he said. 

Kane had a beautiful assist during Detroit's 3-2 shootout setback against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 29, dishing a nifty backhand feed to Michael Rasmussen at the side of the net late in regulation, helping the Red Wings knot the score at 2-2 and secure a point in the standings. 

Big Ras. #LGRWpic.twitter.com/tKlddcxoog

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 30, 2025

Head coach Todd McLellan isn't sweating Kane's goalless drought, noting that even the most successful players sometimes experience scoring slumps and pointing to the offensive opportunities Kane still manages to create. 

"If I was a betting man, I'd certainly bet on him finishing some of those, but for some reason, they haven't gone in," McLellan said of Kane's recent scoring chances. "Players can go through that, and even Patrick Kane can go through that at times. The simple fact that he's still creating chances, and when the power-play is going well, it's usually going through him." 

"The offense is what he's here for. He gets a little leeway defensively, but he's still providing that." 

While Kane said he felt his timing was a bit off during his initial return to play, it's simply a matter of regaining the kind of mental fortitude that's made him one of the game's best players throughout his time in the NHL. 

"Mentally, just kind of getting out of your own head a little bit and just play the game like you've done your whole career," he said of what he needs to do. 

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November was an eventful month in the NHL, filled with major storylines.

The Colorado Avalanche are the second team in 45 years to have one regulation loss or fewer entering American Thanksgiving. Youngsters Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are emerging as superstars. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers' struggles became a frequent talking point.

However, November was also full of great plays on both ends of the ice. The Avalanche, Leafs and Oilers had some dazzling moments during the month, even though only one of those squads had a November to remember.

Here are the NHL's top 10 plays of the month.

10. Clean Pace And Puck Control Lead To Cale Makar Goal

With the Avalanche trailing 2-1 against the New York Rangers on Nov. 20, Cale Makar stepped up and delivered one of the best goals of the month to tie the game up late in the second period. 

Cale Makar flies in and puts home the wraparound tally! ✅ pic.twitter.com/Ky3BHAN7hJ

— NHL (@NHL) November 21, 2025

The play started with a 3-on-2 in the Rangers' zone. Nathan MacKinnon dropped a pass over to Martin Necas, who made a cross-ice pass to Makar. Makar sped behind the net and wrapped it behind a lunging Igor Shesterkin, who couldn't get his pad out in time.

9. Sam Reinhart, What A Goal

With just over seven minutes left in the first period of their Nov. 20 game against the New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers right winger Sam Reinhart delivered a beautiful goal, in what would be the only one of the game.

Sam Reinhart scores a beauty 😍

📺: Devils 🆚 Panthers live on SNP
📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/EdNroujZOy

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 21, 2025

Reinhart picked the puck up at center ice and went off into Devils territory while Luke Hughes defended him. As he neared the hashmarks, Hughes tried to swipe the puck away. Reinhart slid the puck underneath Hughes' stick and followed up with a snap shot that beat goalie Jake Allen stick-side.

8. Leo Carlsson Goes Backhand Top Corner

On Nov. 8 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson extended the team's lead to 2-1 on one of his best goals yet.

Following a brief battle for the puck along the boards in the offensive zone, Ducks left winger Troy Terry emerged with it and fed Carlsson.

Carlsson made a quick backhand move, lifting the puck past defenseman Noah Hanifin and goalie Akira Schmid.

LEO CARLSSON ROOFS IT BACK HAND WHAT A GOAL 🤢🚨 pic.twitter.com/OI8VJAj2Wr

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 9, 2025

Carlsson has stepped his game up this year, but the quick move and accuracy on this goal were on a whole different level.

7. Beck Malenstyn Dekes Around Sebastian Aho

Buffalo Sabres left winger Beck Malenstyn is not known for piling up the points, but he surprised everybody against the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 23. 

BECK MALENSTYN, ARE YOU KIDDING RIGHT NOW?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3YlztKsQfd

— NHL (@NHL) November 23, 2025

With just over a minute remaining in the second period, Malenstyn caught a pass from Tyler Kozak, sending him into Hurricanes territory with Sebastian Aho to beat. When Aho caught up, Malenstyn pulled off a windmill deke, leaving the Hurricanes center lost. Malenstyn emerged on a mini breakaway and beat goalie Frederik Andersen glove-side for what was likely the best goal of his career.

6. William Nylander Fakes Out Jordan Binnington

In a game where the Maple Leafs needed a win badly, John Tavares, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly combined for arguably the team's best goal of the year so far.

WILLIAM NYLANDER SCORES AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY FOR THE OT WINNER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5XPAK4W4OM

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 19, 2025

With just under a minute left in overtime against the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 18, a battle for the puck ensued along the boards in offensive territory. Tavares emerged with the puck and made a back-heeled pass to Rielly, who sent it over to Nylander. Moving in, Nylander slid the puck past Dylan Holloway before deking out goalie Jordan Binnington on a backhand move that allowed him to tap it in.

5. Tyler Bertuzzi, Sam Rinzel And Connor Bedard Combine For A Beauty

The Chicago Blackhawks have been in a long rebuild, so it's fair to say their fans were pretty surprised when forwards Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi and Sam Rinzel combined for one of the nicest goals the team has scored in years.

Genuinely one of the prettiest plays the Blackhawks have executed in years:pic.twitter.com/uH2orWXJZV

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 27, 2025

The play began with Bedard skating in the offensive zone and leaving the puck for an incoming Bertuzzi, who sent it across the ice to Rinzel. Rinzel made a quick pass over to Bedard, who cut in front of the net and tipped it in over lunging Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson.

4. Mikko Rantanen Pulls Off Spinning Backhand Goal

There are plenty of reasons Mikko Rantanen signed an eight-year, $96-million contract with the Dallas Stars last year. His ability to find the back of the net no matter the situation, as he did against the Vancouver Canucks, is definitely one of them.

Take a bow, Mikko Rantanen 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TsbVai6fDj

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) November 21, 2025

With just over a minute left in the third period of their Nov. 21 game against the Canucks, Rantanen moved into the offensive zone in a 1-on-1 against Brock Boeser. As he neared the hashmarks, Rantanen spun and sent a no-look backhand shot on goal that beat goalie Kevin Lankinen over his left shoulder.

3. Andrei Vasilevskiy Makes An Incredible Game-Saving Stop

Anybody who said Andrei Vasilevskiy isn't the same goalie he used to be is dead wrong, and this game-saving play against the  Oilers couldn't be better proof.

With just over three minutes remaining in overtime, the Oilers emerged on a 3-on-2 in Lightning territory, with defenseman Darnell Nurse in control of the puck. Vasilevskiy stopped Nurse's shot, but the puck redirected right in front of the net for Oilers right winger Jack Roslovic, who appeared to have an easy scoring chance.

As Roslovic went to raise the puck over Vasilevskiy, the goalie lifted his pad and stopped the shot.

VASILEVSKIY MAKES AN INSANE OT SAVE AND THE BOLTS GO DOWN AND WIN IT 🤯⚡️ pic.twitter.com/FrYk28F29X

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 21, 2025

With Oilers defenders struggling to get back, the Tampa Bay Lightning charged down the ice and scored the game-winning goal.

2. Connor McDavid Also Scored A Spinning Backhand Goal

If you thought Mikko Rantanen's spinning goal was incredible, just brace yourself for what Oilers superstar Connor McDavid did just a week-and-a-half earlier.

Just under a minute into the third period of the team's Nov. 10 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, McDavid entered the offensive zone, trying to make something happen.

OH MY GOSH CONNOR MCDAVID THAT WAS FILTHY 🤢 pic.twitter.com/4EvPquPiBf

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 11, 2025

Coming down the left boards, he skated across the ice, spun at the top of the right faceoff circle and delivered a no-look backhand shot that beat goalie Jet Greaves' glove side.

McDavid also sent Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk flying to the ground during his spinning shot, making the play even more impressive.

1. Jonathan Quick Robs Patrick Kane Of Wide-Open Net Goal

Yes, there's one play that beats McDavid's thrilling goal, and that's a defensive play by Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick.

With just under 11 minutes remaining in the second period of the Rangers' Nov. 7 game against the Detroit Red Wings, Quick came out of his net to play the puck.

However, it deflected off the stick of Patrick Kane, who had an open net.

Just before it looked like Quick's blunder would be one of the biggest misplays of the month, he dove in the direction of Kane. Quick took his stick and pulled Kane's twig away from the puck.

This might be the best defensive play of the decade by Quick pic.twitter.com/QhnS1ZaZcA

— Empty Netters (@EmptyNettersPod) November 8, 2025

The Rangers, who were up 2-1 at the time, ended up adding two more for the win. Quick's save wasn't only incredible but also prevented a momentum shift, leaving it as the best play of the month.

Michael Hapanovich is an intern with The Hockey News.

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 Chicago Blackhawks have a superstar on their hands with Connor Bedard. He has been a top-five scorer in the NHL all season long, and he took his game to another level in November. 

Bedard scored 10 goals and added 13 assists for 23 points in 14 games played during the year's 11th month. That earned him the honor of the "3rd Star of the Month" for November of 2025.

stick taps for our 3rd Star of the Month!⭐️ pic.twitter.com/b6FAJQSVHZ

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 2, 2025

He comes in behind Jacob Robertson of the Dallas Stars (second star) and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche (first star). That is some pretty elite company for Bedard to be in, but that's becoming normal for him as he enters superstardom. 

Nathan MacKinnon, Jason Robertson and Connor Bedard have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of November.

3 Stars of the Month presented by @GEICO#NHLStats: https://t.co/2mhysPZzyhpic.twitter.com/yJMoxvRa24

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) December 2, 2025

For his season total, Bedard is up to 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 25 games. Those 37 points have him as the third leading scorer in the entire National Hockey League. 

Connor Bedard has been impressive to begin his NHL career. It wasn't always perfect when he was a teenager, but his game has risen to a new level. This won't be the last time he receives an accolade from the league. 

Bedard's first chance to impress in December will come on Tuesday night when the Blackhawks visit the Vegas Golden Knights. 

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

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Six and a half months ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were sent packing by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the playoffs.

That Panthers team went on to win a second straight Stanley Cup.

Toronto was facing its own questions following the series defeat, including what was next for its star forward, Mitch Marner. Ultimately, he left for the Vegas Golden Knights, and in return, the Maple Leafs got Nicolas Roy.

Not only that, they added Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua to replace the production Marner left.

Since then, it hasn't gone too smoothly for the Maple Leafs. But you can say the same for the Panthers, who, like Toronto, are decimated by injuries. That all goes out the window when they face each other on Tuesday evening in Florida, their first rematch since half a year ago.

'It Hurts Right Now': Craig Berube Urges Maple Leafs to Remember Playoff Disappointment, Pins Game 7 Loss on StructureCraig Berube didn't mince any words about why he felt his team struggled in Game 7 and other points in the Toronto Maple Leafs' second-round playoff loss to the Florida Panthers.

Both teams are trying to climb out of the Atlantic Division's basement, and a win would do just that.

"It's going to be a big one for us," Oliver Ekman-Larsson said on Monday. "And obviously, we've got to make sure that we're ready because every game is so important right now, and we need this one. But at the same time, we want to build from what we did last night and obviously put some wins together."

The Maple Leafs took a step in the right direction on Saturday night, soundly defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-2. It was their most lopsided win of the season, and one that likely moved them in the direction they've wanted to go since the beginning of November.

'That's What Happens When You Get Scratched': Max Domi Responds With Big Game Vs. Penguins After Maple Leafs' BenchingDomi's two points came in the back half of Toronto's lopsided win over the Penguins.

If they manage to defeat the Panthers, more fuel will be added to the fire.

"Yeah, I mean, they're obviously been the standard of the league over the last two, three years," Auston Matthews said, when asked if he'll use what occurred last spring as motivation.

"I think you use it as motivation. I think at the same time it's a divisional game. Looking at where we're at in the standings and just how important these games are, especially against your own division, I don't think there's really any extra motivation needed.

"We know we have to be ready to play. They're a very detailed, structured team, physical team. Got a lot of depth throughout their lineup. So for us, it's just all about competing out there, setting each other up for the next shift, taking care of pucks and just making sure that we're winning the net-fronts as well."

Not only would a win pull them out of the basement, but it could also move them closer to a playoff spot again. As of Tuesday afternoon, Toronto is four points out of a playoff spot. If the Montreal Canadiens lose and the Maple Leafs win, that gap shrinks to two points.

Even if the Panthers are dealing with numerous injuries (like the Maple Leafs), they'll still have Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and Carter Verhaeghe. Plus, a fully intact defense core.

'I Grew Up A Leafs Fan': Panthers': Brad Marchand Owns Toronto Again, But Doesn't Believe Fans' Pressure Is JustifiedFlorida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones shook his head, agreeing with Brad Marchand after the veteran forward, who's now ousted the Toronto Maple Leafs from the playoffs on five separate occasions, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/panthers/video/fla-at-tor-jones-marchand-postgame-6373044656112">said the fans beat the pressure into this team</a>.

No matter who's injured, they're going to be a tough team to beat, and that's what Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expects.

"It's going to be like we always play Florida. We know how they play, and we know what type of game it's going to be. Their game's not going to change. And we just got to build off last game," he said.

"We did a lot of good things with the puck, and we're going to have to do that again tonight. And even looking back to the playoffs last year, we had some real good success against them in that series, and then not so good success. So there's certain things that we can do tonight that will give us success, and that's what we're going to focus on."

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DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche have received a full slate of green lights—everyone is good to play tonight.

We're All Clear

Captain Gabe Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, and Parker Kelly were all absent from Monday’s practice due to illness. After Colorado’s 7–2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at Ball Arena, Coach Jared Bednar explained that MacKinnon had been feeling unwell since Saturday morning, yet he still dressed, competed, and produced a goal and two assists.

Landeskog did not take part in Tuesday’s morning skate, but he was later seen in the gym, where he paused to sign an autograph for a young fan, pose for photos, and was in great spirits.

As for Kelly, he took part in the morning skate and told The Hockey News that his ailment didn’t fit the usual definition of being sick.

"(I feel) good," Kelly stated. "I don't want to specify on mine too much, but mine wasn't really a sickness, like a cough or a flu, it was something else."

Use your imagination, folks.

When asked for an update on the trio, Bednar kept it simple: “All good to go.”

Nichushkin Will Suit Up Tonight Despite Pre-Game Uncertainty

Nichushkin shed his red non-contact sweater at Monday’s practice, yet a measure of uncertainty lingered heading into Tuesday. He appeared in a white jersey during the morning skate, a choice that can occasionally signal a player is not fully cleared to return, prompting some concern that he might not dress for tonight’s game. However, Bednar erased all doubt when he was asked if he was returning tonight.

"He is."

Nichushkin sustained a lower-body injury in the third period of Colorado’s 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on November 11 after blocking a shot and immediately heading down the tunnel.

History has generally been unkind to the Avalanche when Nichushkin hasn't been in the lineup, but his absence has not affected Colorado too bad this time around as the Avalanche remain the NHL's best team with just one regulation loss through 25 games.

The @Avalanche match 2012-13 Blackhawks for 2nd longest into a season with 1 regulation loss. Avs 42 points 1 shy of most through 25 games in @NHL history

LONGEST INTO SEASON WITH 1 REG. LOSS
37 GP – 1979-80 PHI (26-1-10)
25 GP – 2025-26 COL (18-1-6)
25 GP – 2012-13 CHI (21-1-3) pic.twitter.com/8J1qNBzoXM

— Brendan McNicholas (@bmcnich) November 29, 2025

In fact, the Avalanche have matched the 2012-13 Blackhawks’ 21-1-3 start for the second-longest streak to begin a season with only one regulation loss. Still, Colorado has some ground to cover to catch the all-time benchmark set by the 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers, who opened the season 26-1-10.

The Game

Stay tuned to The Hockey News for your latest updates. The Avalanche (18-1-6) square off against the Vancouver Canucks (10-13-3) at Ball Arena. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. local time. 

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.