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Following their disappointing 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Friday evening, the Detroit Red Wings discussed the importance of improving their special teams play.

Instead, it was their inability to convert on both the power-play and the penalty kill on Sunday afternoon that ultimately served as their undoing. 

The Blackhawks scored on all three of their power-play chances while killing off all five opportunities the Red Wings had en route to a 5-1 victory at Little Caesars Arena. 

Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XFinal

With the loss, the Red Wings have now dropped three straight games in regulation, and have scored a combined two goals during that stretch. 

The Red Wings fired 45 shots at Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom, the brother of Detroit forward Elmer Soderblom, but he was easily the game's first star. 

The Blackhawks struck less than a minute after the opening face-off, as Connor Bedard whistled a shot past the glove of Red Wings goaltender John Gibson after Dylan Larkin had been whistled for a minor penalty. 

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It would be Larkin who knotted the score at 1-1 later in the first period, as he buried a loose puck from a Lucas Raymond shot past Soderblom. 

Chicago made the Red Wings pay in the second period, as Teuvo Teravainen scored his third goal of the season; his tally eventually stood up as the game-winner.

The Red Wings had a golden opportunity late in the second period, as former Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi was whistled for a minor penalty and then assessed another penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for refusing to stop barking at referee Carter Sandlak. 

They failed to win the face-off in the Chicago defensive zone, and barely had any sustained zone pressure. The entire four minute power-play, which stretched early into the third period, went for naught. 

To add insult to injury, Bertuzzi would score a power-play goal to increase Chicago's lead to 3-1 just seconds into Simon Edvinsson's slashing penalty. 

Chicago added two more goals in the third period, as Andre Burakovsky hit the open net with John Gibson on the bench, followed by rookie Oliver Moore scoring his first NHL goal with just 16 seconds left. 

Soderblom finished with 44 savese in one of the best performances of his young career, while Gibson conceded four goals on the 19 shots he faced. 

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MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- In a sense, Tyler Tucker knows what Logan Mailloux is dealing with right now.

In his attempt to secure a spot on the St. Louis Blues blue line, Tucker had a pipeline between St. Louis and Springfield, Mass; he would have been well-served to have his own private jet at his disposal.

Mailloux, who was assigned to Springfield of the American Hockey League on Sunday, isn’t at that point, but there are certain similarities. And who better to lean on than one of his defensive partners through his early career here in St. Louis than Tucker, who didn’t really have to tall him what the 22-year-old has to do.

“I think he knows what he’s got to do obviously,” Tucker said of Mailloux, who had 80 points the past two seasons in 135 regular-season games with Laval of the AHL. “He’s played a couple years now down there. He knows how good he can be down there. I think he’s just got to go down there, get his confidence back, play the way he knows he can play, and they know he can play and things will trend in the right direction for him obviously. As a young guy, that’s really not what you want to hear getting sent down, but I think there’s two ways to go about it, and that’s go down there and work hard or go down there and pout. I spoke with him last night after the game and he’s in the right mindset. I think he’ll do a good job.”

Mailloux, acquired in a July 1 trade with the Montreal Canadiens for Zack Bolduc, played in nine games this season with no points and tied for a team-worst minus-12. His promising preseason has turned into a tough start to his Blues career. But what the Blues want everyone to remember: they said this was a long-term project, not a quick fix/insertion. They were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle and have Mailloux fill in seamlessly at this level, but it’s obvious that they want to get him a ton of minutes, work on both special teams sides and playing in all situations.

“A player that has all the tools,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “Right now, he’s lost his confidence a little bit. This is an opportunity for him to go down, play a lot of minutes, get his game in order, come back up here and help us.”

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said that this isn’t a demotion or something that would last the entire season, but it’s apparent that there’s a need to recapture some confidence.

“I think for him especially, he comes in with high expectations, I feel like,” Tucker said. “Obviously he feels that. But I think for him, the biggest thing (for) himself is being able to trust himself, knowing how good he can be. I think going down there I think will help him. He’ll play in all situations, power play, penalty kill. They’re obviously struggling down there (1-8-1-1), so hopefully he can go in there and help them out a bit and turn it around.”

Mailloux has played a grand total of 17 games at the NHL level, including eight games with the Canadiens, but when he was given the keys to run with a job here, Armstrong at the time said, “It’s his job to lose,” perhaps he felt some pressure there and need to perhaps be too perfect.

“Maybe. I’m not too sure to be honest,” Tucker said. “I know I speak with him almost every day. He lives two doors down from me. I spend a lot of time with him. He’s a good kid. I’m sure he’ll be back here soon. He does a lot of the right things and he tries to be the best guy he can be. He’ll be just fine. I expect to see him back soon.

“I think he’s a really good puck mover. He’s able to make really nice plays, but he’s also able to keep it simple. Just move pucks, get them out of his hands. He’s got a little bit of everything. I’ve seen him be really skilled, I’ve seen him play on the first power play unit. I’ve played against him where he’s probably scored on us. I know he can make plays, I think everyone knows he can make plays. Just putting it all together in this league, I think going down there will help him because he’ll be able to do that down there, put everything together and come back a better player I think.”

This isn’t the Blues’ first rodeo with sending a player down to the minors to spruce and polish up his game before feeling said player is ready for full-time NHL duty. One of these was just recently last year, and a familiar name.

“Bolduc’s a great example of last year, right,” Montgomery said. “He was struggling right before the 4 Nations break. Went down, played four games. I don’t think he lit the world on fire when he went down there, but he came back with just a new appreciation and I think gratitude for how hard it is to be an everyday player in the NHL.

“It’s hard to replicate it here, right? There’s four guys ahead of him that are going to log the most important minutes and he’s got to be able to take the minutes he gets there and bring that confidence and assimilate it into the role that he’s going to have here.”

And in the meantime, Tucker said the lines of communication are open for whenever Mailloux needs it.

“Of course. Obviously I feel like we’ve got a lot of young guys here,” Tucker said. “I think we all do a really good job by keeping in touch and just checking in with each other. I have no doubt in my mind that I’ll be talking to him here shortly.”

As for Hunter Skinner, who was recalled to fill the role of seventh defenseman, Montgomery goes back to a player’s strong training camp and willingness to push for a job out of camp.

“His energy’s really good,” Montgomery said. “He has that enthusiasm that permeates into the dressing room because of how much he loves being at the rink. He seems like a rink rat. I don’t know him well enough to know if he’s a rink rat, but I know he loves being on the ice. He loves being around the locker room and he’s got a smile on his face.”

Blues Already Moved Past Saturday's ControversyGoalie interference call that wasn't made allowed Seattle to tie it late, win in OT; Sunday's practice was more geared towards pushing each other to be better, end with bag skate

Observations From Blues' 4-3 Overtime Loss Vs. KrakenBlues lose on late goalie interference call that should have gone their way; another yo-yo game in which St. Louis starts strong, levels off, finishes well until league fumbles another infraction that wasn't called; please explain why someone would take their foot off the gas; Kyrou good in return

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The Chicago Blackhawks have a ton of great young players. With that comes a ton of first career goals to celebrate. There was one on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings. 

Oliver Moore, one of Chicago's first round picks during the 2023 NHL Draft, finally scored his. It hasn't been for a lack of chances, but he finally has his first in his 13th career game. 

Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) on X🚨OLIVER MOORE FIRST NHL GOAL🚨

This is a moment that Oliver Moore won't soon forget. Now that he has his first out of the way, he will focus on being the best player he can be, which will lead to a ton more goals. 

Moore is now sitting with a goal and an assist in four games played since being called up with Chicago. At this point, he is looking like an incredibly productive player in Chicago's middle six. There is plenty more where that came from. 

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The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation hosted its annual “A Golden Knight” gala on Sunday, November 2, raising an impressive $1 million to benefit local nonprofits and community initiatives across Southern Nevada. Held at the luxurious LIV Beach and LIV Las Vegas inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the event brought together players, coaches, front office staff, and fans. 

The gala featured a vibrant atmosphere with live music, food, and specialty drinks. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on exclusive items and experiences during live and silent auctions. Highlights included a full set of team-signed jerseys and a rare behind-the-bench practice day with head coach Bruce Cassidy and his staff.

“It’s always been a great event,” head coach Bruce Cassidy told KTNV. “We always have a lot of fun, meet some interesting people. The guys enjoy it — they get their wives dressed up, get out and have a night on the town, and they’re doing it for a good cause.”

The funds raised will directly support local nonprofits that focus on education and youth sports, military and first responders, and health and wellness. These initiatives aim to uplift underserved communities and provide critical resources to those in need throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

VGK Foundation President Kim Frank expressed his appreciation."We are filled with gratitude for the generosity from our fans and their shared support of the community and the initiatives of the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation. Sunday’s event was full of smiles from our players, staff, and guests, and the funds raised will go towards our continued philanthropic efforts in the Las Vegas community”.

The evening also featured appearances by David Perrico’s Pop String Orchestra, a mentalist, and a contortionist, adding a unique flair to the festivities. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which hosted the gala for the second consecutive year, provided a dazzling backdrop for the black-tie affair.

As Las Vegas’ first major professional sports team, the Golden Knights continue to embrace their role as community leaders.

The Detroit Red Wings had a viral moment on Sunday and it wasn’t just because of top prospect Nate Danielson’s much-anticipated NHL debut. 

In Detroit’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, all eyes turned to a unique family storyline as brothers Elmer and Arvid Soderblom faced off.

Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XSoderbrothers 🤝

Before the puck dropped, the two Swedish brothers shared a lighthearted moment, posing together for a photo that quickly made the rounds on social media. But it was an in-game exchange that truly captured attention. Late in the first period, Detroit winger Elmer Soderblom found himself on a two-on-one rush, the kind of backyard hockey scenario the brothers likely played out countless times growing up.

When Elmer cut to the net, his brother Arvid Soderblom, manning the crease for Chicago, stood tall and turned aside the chance, preserving a 1-1 tie heading into the intermission.

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NHL (@NHL) on XSODERBLOM STOPS SODERBLOM 👀 A huge save by Arvid on his brother, Elmer!

Arvid, making his fifth start of the season, entered the game with a 1-2-1 record, having allowed 12 goals and posting a .885 save percentage through his previous four starts. Elmer, meanwhile, continues to work his way into a regular role in Detroit’s lineup, appearing in 10 games so far this season with one goal and averaging about 10 minutes of ice time per night.

While Danielson’s debut drew plenty of buzz, it was the Soderblom brothers’ family faceoff and that memorable first-period duel, that gave hockey fans a heartwarming subplot to talk about.

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Red Wings Recall Top Prospect Nate Danielson From Grand RapidsThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> announced Sunday that they have recalled center Nate Danielson from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

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ST. PAUL, Minn - The Minnesota Wild (6-7-3) return home to host the Calgary Flames (4-10-2) for a 7:00 game. It will be the first of five games at home for the Wild.

Tonight also marks Wild forward Marcus Johansson's 1,000th career NHL game.

The native of Sweden will become the 20th Swedish-born player to reach the 1,000 game milestone and the 412th overall player. He will also become the 11th player to play his 1,000th game as a member of the Wild.

"I just think it speaks to his abilities," Wild head coach John Hynes said on Johansson's 1,000th game. "I had him in New Jersey, he still looks the same. But just his fitness level, his ability to skate and his hockey sense. He can play multiple roles. He can play 3-on-3, 4-on-4, penalty kill and power play. So I think his ability allows him to be such a valuable piece to a team."

Johansson, 35, is playing the best hockey of his career right now. He has six goals, eight assists and 14 points in 16 games. Last year he had just one goal in the first 17 games. It took him 57 games to get to six goals last year.

Per NHL Stats, Johansson is only the second player in NHL history to carry an active point streak of eight games or longer into their 1,000th career game. Bobby Hull carried a 16-game streak into his 1,000th game in 1972.

"He's a really special player, and I'm really happy for him," Jonas Brodin said on Johansson. "But yeah, he's a great player. His skating ability is one of the best in the league. I think when he skates, I mean, he's really hard to defend to as a dman, I played against him a lot. So he's a tough player to play against for sure."

Brodin and Johansson are both from Sweden and actually train in the same hometown together during the offseason. Joel Eriksson Ek is also from Sweden and the two of them raved of Johansson's training.

Across 15-plus seasons in the NHL, Johansson has recorded 191 goals, 340 assists and 531 points. He is riding an eight-game point streak that includes five goals and five assists.

It shouldn't be a surprise that Johansson is playing his best hockey right now and is set to play in his 1,000th game at the age of 35.

"I mean, he's a pro. He's been in the league for so long," Brodin said. "We live in the same hometown. He's from my hometown, so we work out a lot together. He's a really professional player. I mean, he's like in shape every year. And yeah, he's just a problem."

Eriksson Ek added: "It just shows to his dedication. How much he prepares and takes care of himself, his body and his mind. Like I said, there's not a lot of people that can do it and I am really happy for him and his family."

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A player unexpectedly blossoming into a star is every team’s dream, but it’s not something that happens every day. While it’s more common for a young player to break out, there are times when it takes players several seasons to find their groove.

Last year, Columbus' Kirill Marchenko, Colorado's Martin Necas and even Winnipeg's Kyle Connor all had career seasons, including playing an instrumental role in their team’s improvements. 

Here’s a look at three players who are off to hot starts and on pace for a breakout season.

Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina Hurricanes

There’s no doubt Jarvis was a solid forward for the Carolina Hurricanes since entering the league, and he’s improved every year, but coming off back-to-back 60+ point campaigns, there were high expectations for Jarvis entering his fifth NHL season. Through 14 games, he's lived up to those expectations. 

He’s totalled 14 points and a plus-4 rating. Jarvis is also averaging 19:19 in ice time, and nearly six minutes combined between the power play and penalty kill, which are all career highs. Jarvis also became the first NHL player to score four game-winning goals within the Hurricanes’ first five games in the season. The ability to close out games is a skill that separates the good from the great, and alongside his offensive and defensive contributions, it shows he can be a leader.

He’s on pace for a point per game campaign, which would shatter his season high point total of 67, which he put up in both 2023 and 2024. 

Despite playing alongside Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal on the third line, Jarvis leads the team in points and has still found ways to contribute defensively as well. 

With Andrei Svechnikov and newly acquired forward Nikolaj Ehlers struggling to find their groove, Jarvis’ breakout campaign has proved to be crucial. The Hurricanes sit at 10-4-0 and near the top of the Eastern Conference, largely due to Jarvis’ elite level of play on both sides of the ice and in close game situations.

Jarvis has shown he is the most well-rounded forward on the Hurricanes, and if he can continue his high level of play for the rest of this season, it won’t be long until he’s considered one of the league’s best.

Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks

If there’s one player whose breakout hasn’t been a huge surprise, it’s Macklin Celebrini’s. Celebrini was drafted first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL draft, and in his first NHL season, he led the team in points with 63 and a minus-31 rating through 70 games. He was also named a finalist for the Calder Trophy. Considering the Sharks had next to no star talent and ended up finishing with the worst record in the NHL, Celebrini’s rookie season went about as well as it possibly could have. 

In the off-season, San Jose drafted Michael Misa with the second overall pick and added veterans John Klingberg and Dmitry Orlov. The Sharks weren’t expected to contend this year, and while they currently have a losing record, Celebrini has looked like one of the league’s best forwards so far. Through 16 games, he’s tied with Nathan MacKinnon for the most points in the league, at 24. He also holds a plus-7 rating, despite the Sharks being one of the poorer defensive teams in the league.

Macklin Celebrini And Will Smith Are Igniting Change In San Jose, Placing The Sharks In Playoff ContentionYoung stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have ignited the San Jose Sharks' offense this season, but can they lead the Sharks on a surprising playoff push?

Since starting the season 0-4-2, the Sharks have turned it around and are 7-2-1 in their last eight games, largely due to Celebrini’s play. He’s notched at least a point in every one of the team’s wins and has three points or more in two of them. So, when Celebrini turns it up, so do the Sharks. He showed flashes of stardom as a rookie, but this season, he’s emerging as a true leader and the cornerstone of the franchise who can win them games.

The Sharks' first line, consisting of Celebrini, Will Smith and Tyler Toffoli, has also drastically improved and looks like one of the better ones in the league. According to Money Puck, they have the sixth most goals for and the eighth fewest goals against among forward lines with at least 80 minutes of playing time. They also rank seventh in goals against per 60 minutes, averaging just 0.89. 

It’s rare to see the top line of one of the league’s worst teams put up such strong numbers, and Celebrini is the main reason behind it.

He’s shown how valuable he is to the team’s success and is on the verge of not just being a franchise cornerstone but also the league’s next superstar.

Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

For most players, if they’re going to break out, it’ll usually be before their 11th year in the league. But Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is proving it can come at any time. Larkin, who was drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings in the 2014 NHL draft, has spent all 11 seasons with Detroit, and by no means has he been a bad player.

He’s led the team in points five times and has been a consistent scorer since entering the league. However, he’s never averaged a point per game, and the highest point total he’s ever accumulated in a single season was 79. 

He’s a three-time all-star with selections in 2016, 2022 and 2023, but every team is guaranteed one player to make it, and Larkin was the Red Wings’ only selection all three years.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, there were no expectations that Larkin would step his game up to a new level, but that’s what he’s doing right now.

Through 15 games, Larkin is tied for the 18th most points in the league with 18, and he’s also posted a plus-6 rating.

Detroit currently holds the second-longest playoff drought in the NHL at nine seasons, having missed the post-season every year following Larkin’s rookie season in 2015-16. But, they’re off to a good start. They’re tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for third in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings' top line, consisting of Larkin, Lucas Raymond and Emmitt Finnie, has been a major factor in their early success.

They’re tied for the 18th most goals among forward lines with 80 or more minutes played. They also rank seventh in average goals against per 60 minutes, allowing just two. While all three players on the Red Wings' first line have been effective, Larkin has been the best. Entering the season, Detroit was in desperate need of someone to step up and lead the team to the playoffs, and the captain has answered that call.

He’s always had the talent, but was surrounded by weak rosters for most of his career. Now that the Red Wings are ready to contend, it appears Larkin is prepared to take that next step. If he continues to sustain the pace he’s on right now, and Detroit’s successes continue, I think it’s fair to say Larkin has taken that step from good to great.

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