NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Milestone Achievements
Joel Quenneville joined Scotty Bowman as the only coaches with 1,000 NHL wins when his Ducks rallied to beat the Oilers on Wednesday night. The veteran coach's milestone came in dramatic fashion as Anaheim mounted a comeback victory.
Player Health Updates
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve. The team announced Wednesday that the star forward's absence will be a significant blow to their playoff push. Meanwhile, Lightning coach Jon Cooper is taking a brief leave for personal reasons after the death of his father, Robert, and will miss the next two games.
Olympic Return
Vegas Golden Knights returned to NHL action without five players from the Olympic final, including Canadian forwards Mark Stone and Mitch Marner, defenseman Shea Theodore, and American stars Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. The defending Stanley Cup champions are already dealing with significant lineup challenges.
Mental Health Spotlight
Maple Leafs center John Tavares has been driving awareness of mental health conversations through his foundation. The veteran forward's renaissance this season has been attributed in part to his focus on mental wellness and supporting others facing similar challenges.
Trade Deadline Approaches
With the playoff races heating up, many teams are looking to bolster their rosters for a deep run this spring. The trade market is expected to be active as contenders seek to add pieces that could make the difference in a Stanley Cup pursuit.
Personal Matters
St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas, second on the team with 33 points, will take a temporary leave of absence for a personal matter. The young center's absence creates a significant gap in the Blues' offensive production.
Olympic Hero Honored
Devils forward Jack Hughes was honored by New Jersey before their game against the Sabres, celebrating his performance for Team USA at the Olympics. The young star's international success has carried over as NHL play resumed.