“It was a great start. I think we were really focused on the start tonight, and that obviously put us in a great position. Second period wasn’t great, obviously, but we held down the fort. ‘Gibby’ made some huge saves. He was unbelievable for us tonight… Big team win,” Kane said after the game, according to NHL.com.

Detroit’s victory moved them one point behind the New York Islanders, who have played one more game, for the second Eastern wild card. Buffalo, meanwhile, has lost three straight games for the first time since December and remains two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Red Wings capitalize on early goals to set pace

Detroit struck early with two power-play goals in the first period. DeBrincat opened the scoring at 4:02, chipping a shot over Lyon’s pad after Seider set him up from the point. Lucas Raymond made it 2-0 at 9:11, finishing a wrist shot after a pass from Seider. Marco Kasper extended the lead to 3-0 later in the period.

Despite a stronger second period for Buffalo, including a goal by Tage Thompson, Detroit limited the damage and maintained control. The Red Wings’ disciplined approach and focus on strong starts proved crucial in keeping the Sabres at bay.

Strong start and team focus propel Red Wings

Detroit’s early goals and disciplined play set the tone for the game, helping them stay in control despite Buffalo’s late push. Capitalizing on power-play chances and limiting mistakes in critical moments demonstrated the team’s resilience.

Coach Todd McLellan praised his team’s approach, saying, “The opposition always has a say in the game. We’ll control as many variables as we can and try to get off to a good start again.” The win shows how Detroit’s focus on strong starts and teamwork can be a difference-maker as the playoffs approach.

According to a report from Mayor’s Manor, the Kings and Sabres made a swap of players via their AHL affiliates. This is not a trade, as it a temporarily loan. Per the report, forward Kaleb Lawrence has been loaned to the Rochester Americans. In return, the Ontario Reign are welcoming in defenseman Nikita Novikov.

While the two prospects change their AHL addresses, their rights remain in possession of their NHL teams. Thus, the Kings and Sabres could engage in such a move as it’s not a trade, with Lawrence remaining in Los Angeles’ system, and Novikov in Buffalo’s.

Both 2003-born players are eligible to play for their new clubs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, provided the Rochester Americans and Ontario Reign clinch playoff berths.

Kings’ moves in trade deadline

Ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the Kings didn’t shy away from engaging in trade talks. While some expected the Kings to take on a more aggressive approach, others believed they balanced it out perfectly.

The Kings shipped Corey Perry (traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning) and Warren Foegele (to the Ottawa Senators) away for draft assets, proving their long-term vision. However, they also brought in reinforcements by trading for Scott Laughton (with the Toronto Maple Leafs) and signing Mathieu Joseph to a one-year deal, after his contract had been terminated by the St. Louis Blues.

The Kings are currently three points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Their approach to the trade deadline paints a clear picture of the organization’s belief in the team. Los Angeles remains hopeful and may bet on itself, but it is also unwilling to go all in. Instead, it is playing its cards cautiously.

While trades are a routine part of the NHL business, Carrick acknowledged that the moment still carried an element of surprise before the deadline. Suddenly, he is now playing for a Stanley Cup contender.

“It’s always a shock even if you kind of know something’s coming. I had no idea what teams were calling. It could have been anywhere. I was just relieved that it’s close to where I lived back home in the summers. Family and lots of people can come and visit. Just relieved to have heard Buffalo.”

Can the Sabres win the Stanley Cup?

Yes. The Buffalo Sabres can win the Stanley Cup because they are one of the hottest teams at the moment in the NHL. Now, Sam Carrick gives them a key boost to achieve it.

The Sabres are leading the Atlantic Division with 84 points and appear likely to make the playoffs. At the moment, they have an impressive seven-game winning streak.

Their latest victory was epic, with an 8-7 score against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a game that was marked by a large number of fights on the ice, goals, and penalty minutes.

The play occurred early in the second period during Thursday’s matchup in Pittsburgh. Officials assessed Malkin multiple penalties on the sequence, including a minor penalty for cross-checking, a major penalty for slashing, and a game misconduct that forced him to leave the game.

Shortly afterward, the league confirmed further punishment. The National Hockey League Department of Player Safety announced that Malkin has been suspended for five games without pay for slashing Dahlin during NHL Game No. 977.

NHL explains suspension and financial penalty

According to the league, the incident occurred at 0:35 of the second period, when Malkin delivered a forceful slash to Dahlin during a physical sequence along the boards. The officials on the ice immediately reviewed the situation and assessed the major penalty and game misconduct.

Under the terms of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Malkin will also face a significant financial penalty. Based on his average annual salary, the Penguins forward will forfeit $158,854.15 during the suspension.

Forward Sam Carrick has been traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for two draft picks: Buffalo’s own third-round pick and Chicago’s sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft. The trade was announced Friday by Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury, according to NHL.com.

With this trade, the Rangers now hold 11 selections in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, including one first-round pick, one conditional first-round pick, one second-round pick, three third-round picks, one conditional third-round pick, one fifth-round pick, two sixth-round picks, and one seventh-round pick.

The additional picks provide New York with flexibility to either select high-upside prospects or use them in potential future trades to improve the roster further.

Carrick heads to Buffalo

Sam Carrick’s experience and versatility will be an asset to the Sabres, who are looking to strengthen their roster as they aim for a playoff push. Meanwhile, the Rangers’ focus remains on accumulating draft capital and developing prospects who can make an impact in the near future.

This move highlights the Rangers’ strategy of balancing current roster needs with long-term planning, a hallmark of Drury’s tenure as GM. The upcoming draft will provide further opportunities to shape the future of the franchise.

He scored the gold-medal-winning overtime goal for USA, ending a 46-year drought and instantly elevating him to national spotlight status. As the team resumes play following the Olympic break, lineup decisions carry extra intrigue.

While NHL previews list him as expected to play tonight, there has been uncertainty surrounding his travel back from celebrations, including media appearances and national attention after the historic win.

Is Jack Hughes playing today for the Devils?

Yes — Jack Hughes is expected to play today for the New Jersey Devils against the Buffalo Sabres following his gold-medal run with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. According to official updates from NHL and comments from head coach Sheldon Keefe, he rejoined the team after the Olympic break.

He returns to Newark riding the momentum of a historic performance in Milan, where he delivered the overtime winner to secure Team USA’s first men’s Olympic hockey gold since 1980. The star center logged heavy minutes throughout the tournament and even battled through a facial injury during the final.

The franchise monitored his workload after the whirlwind of Olympic celebrations, travel and media obligations, but team reports indicate he participated in sessions upon returning and showed no lingering concerns.

For the Devils, his return means more than just a name in the lineup. His availability comes at a pivotal stretch of the NHL season, with New Jersey pushing to solidify its playoff position.

Some extended skids weren’t always the result of a single flaw. Injuries, thin rosters, expansion growing pains and organizational missteps often converged, creating moments where losses became part of the routine.

The league’s longest losing streaks now live as cautionary tales, remembered not just for their length but for what followed. Within those numbers lie turning points, rebuilds, and chapters that helped define NHL history.

Which teams have the longest losing streaks in NHL history?

The record books point to two franchises tied at the top for futility. Both the 1974–75 Washington Capitals and the 1992–93 San Jose Sharks endured 17 straight losses, marking the longest losing streaks in NHL regular-season history.

Those stretches came during formative years for each club, when roster instability and performance struggles compounded night after night. For the Capitals, the skid unfolded as a brutal winter stretch that defined an otherwise difficult inaugural era.

In San Jose, expansion-era growing pains were on full display, with a young Sharks roster unable to find consistency despite flashes of effort. These lengthy droughts now stand as stark reminders of the challenges new or rebuilding teams face in a league where parity can be unforgiving.

More recently, the Buffalo Sabres experienced a 14-game run without a win in the 2014–15 season. Even as game designs, skill levels and structures have changed, the persistence of prolonged losing streaks shows how difficult it can be to halt a downward spiral once it starts.

Laine underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury in late October, which will sideline him at least until the start of the new year in the NHL. With one of the team’s main goal scorers out of the picture for a long stretch, the Canadiens are leaving no stone unturned.

Tage Thompson has been on the radar of virtually every franchise in the NHL. Despite the perennial organization crisis affecting the Sabres, Thompson has been a standout in Buffalo for a long time, being among the league’s top goal scorers. Now, the Canadiens are reportedly trying their luck with the Arizona-native.

As reported by insider Marco D’Amico, the Canadiens are among the teams to check in with the Sabres about Tage Thompson. “The answer: Not available at this time,” D’Amico stated on X, though.

Thompson’s numbers

Coming off his second 40-plus goal season in the NHL, Thompson has drawn eyes all around the league. The Sabres remain stuck on their own twisted version of The Groundhog’s Day, and the impatience is growing uncontrollable in Buffalo. At some point, living in the City of Good Neighbors is not enough to dismiss the embarrassing showings night in and night out.

So far in his career, Thompson registers 182 goals and 155 assists (337 points) through 463 appearances. Moreover, the former first-round selection (drafted by the St. Louis Blues) in 2016 has three 30-plus goal seasons, including a career best 94-point season, highlighted by his 47-goal production.

Wanting out

Though Thompson hasn’t publicly asked for a trade out of Buffalo, it’s easy to imagine he might be open to a fresh start. After turning 28 in October, the 6’6” centerman may sense the clock starting to tick. Being on his 9th NHL season, Thompson has yet to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and he could be just what a team like Montreal need to truly be a championship contender.

However, the contract situation can’t be ignored. Thompson entered the third season of the seven-year, $50 million extension he signed with the Sabres on August 2022. Montreal currently has $6.68 million available in cap space. In order to accomodate, Thompson’s $7.14M cap hit, the Habs would have to let go of some pieces—or the Sabres must retain a part of Thompson’s salary.

It’s still early in the NHL season, so there’s no need for the Canadiens to rush into a move. Montreal has weathered the storm just fine so far, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. However, when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin to loom on the horizon, the Habs could resume their pursuit of Thompson—most likely around the trade deadline. They won’t be alone, though. If Buffalo fails to right the ship, expect Thompson to be one of the hottest names in the league come March.

Much of that turnaround stemmed from the play of backup goaltender Joel Hofer, who delivered his third career NHL shutout with 27 saves. Just 24 hours earlier, the Blues were coming off a humbling 6–1 defeat to the Washington Capitals, a loss that prompted Montgomery to bench forward Jordan Kyrou in a bid to reset the team’s mindset.

This time, the message appeared to land. Hofer’s calm presence in net set the tone, and his timely saves gave the Blues the confidence they had been lacking. The defensive group responded with grit, recording 19 blocked shots and three successful penalty kills in one of their most disciplined outings of the season.

How Montgomery’s message sparked a needed response

After the game, Montgomery’s praise was pointed and purposeful. “I thought the majority of the game the effort was significantly better than yesterday. I thought the physicality was good. I liked the way we dug in. There were numerous blocked shots and our goaltender was our best player, and that’s what you need on the road,” he told reporters, per The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford.

The comments captured the balance Montgomery has been searching for—a team willing to defend hard, commit to details, and rely on strong goaltending. For Hofer, it was a defining moment, proving he could handle the pressure of leading the team through adversity.

A blueprint for the Blues’ climb back to form

Offensively, the Blues found timely production from Mathieu Joseph, who scored a short-handed goal in the first period before assisting on tallies by Nick Bjugstad and Justin Faulk. That combination of opportunism and defensive structure was precisely what Montgomery demanded after recent struggles.

The 3–0 victory lifted St. Louis to 5–8–2, providing both statistical and psychological relief. With a four-game homestand on the horizon—featuring matchups against the Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs—the Blues now have a chance to regain momentum.

Through frigid winters and droughts, NHL supporters kept showing up regardless of standings. Their clubs cycled through rebuilds, coaching changes, and heartbreak, yet passion never faded. Loyalty became routine, stitched into daily life, year after year.

Some arenas echoed with frustration as defeats stacked up. Fans kept jerseys close, believing future could redeem pain. The bond strengthened in silence: long drives home after losses, ticket stubs kept and faith in what might come next, ever hopeful so.

In cities where trophies rarely arrive, loyalty becomes legacy. These fanbases held on through the roughest seasons, waiting for their time to rise. Hope fuels every chant, every banner, every promise that losing is only a chapter not destiny, soon ahead.

Toronto Maple Leafs

For a Maple Leafs fan, devotion is almost a generational burden. Despite being one of the league’s colossal markets in one of hockey’s biggest cities, Toronto supporters have endured one of the most agonizing Stanley Cup droughts in professional sports, dating back to 1967.

This is not a simple wait; it’s a constant test of faith where high hopes inflate every autumn only to be deflated, often in the first round of the playoffs. The Leafs fan wakes up every morning knowing they support a team with a legendary history, yes, but one that hasn’t tasted ultimate success in decades.

“Watching the Leafs is a religion”, is a common refrain. It’s not just about the results; it’s the tradition, the blue and white colors, and the pride of the maple leaf, which, despite everything, remains the symbol of hockey in the city.

The noise in the Scotiabank Arena, through all the ups and downs, remains one of the loudest in the league, proving that their patience is, perhaps, their greatest trophy.

Buffalo Sabres

Imagine living in a city where the weather is harsh and sports fortunes have been, at best, elusive. The Buffalo Sabres fan, based in the “716” area code, embodies pure resilience. Since their founding in 1970, they have come close to glory but have failed to grasp the ultimate prize.

The recent period has been a true walk through the desert, featuring one of the longest non-playoff streaks in NHL history. What distinguishes this group is how their support becomes a capsule of hope for the entire city. Hockey in Buffalo, alongside the NFL’s Bills, is a central part of the local identity.

The Sabres fan doesn’t just cheer for the team; they defend a legacy and patiently wait for the new wave of talent, like past icons such as Gilbert Perreault, to finally break through.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks‘ fan base is marked by intense passion and often deep-seated pain. They have reached the Stanley Cup Final three times, and each time, the city has been paralyzed, only to watch the dream painfully fade. The 2011 defeat, in particular, which led to civil unrest, underscores the visceral emotional connection they have with the team.

The Vancouver faithful knows what it means to be on the brink, which amplifies the frustration of every failed rebuild. Despite years of inconsistent performance and questionable management moves, Rogers Arena fills up and the noise is deafening.

Their loyalty is not silent; it is loud, demanding, and above all, unconditional. They continue to believe in Pacific hockey, hoping their current crop of talent like Demko or Quinn Hughes can finally lead them to the promised title.

Philadelphia Flyers

To understand the devotion of Philadelphia Flyers fans, one must look back to their roots: the “Broad Street Bullies” of the 1970s. Those teams, rugged and successful, captured the hardworking spirit and tenacity of Philadelphia, making hockey a popular sport there. Since then, the team has had several “almost wins” but never the trophy.

The Flyers fan doesn’t ask for pretty play; they demand courage, toughness, and relentless effort on the ice, reflecting the city’s identity. After years without a clear direction and constant coaching changes, the fan keeps the hope alive that a new group of “tough guys” will restore the franchise’s winning identity. Their support is a cultural statement, a rallying cry that refuses to fade.

Ottawa Senators

The journey of the Ottawa Senators fan is unique in the NHL. The current franchise was born in 1992, resurrecting the name of a team with historical roots. This generated a community fervor by bringing elite hockey back to the Canadian capital. Although the team enjoyed a successful period in the early 2000s, recent years have been a rollercoaster of unfulfilled expectations and failed rebuilds.

The Sens fan, especially those who witnessed their birth, is an example of long-term patience. For many, as discussed in fan forums, the support began in childhood, idolizing players and linking that support to local identity.

They continue to attend games, even when success seems distant, on the promise that the “next generation” will finally mature. Their faith is a vote of confidence in the project, despite repeated letdowns.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Founded in 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the league’s younger franchises and thus have less winning history to “defend.” Their fan base, sometimes nicknamed the “Anonymous Soldier,” has had to build tradition from the ground up. The choice of their name, a tribute to the Union soldiers of the Civil War, evokes a spirit of fight and tenacity reflected in their followers.

The Blue Jackets fan has lived through many more years without the playoffs than with them, only reaching the post-season for the first time in 2009. Their peak moment, the sweep of the heavily-favored Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019, was an explosion of joy that reminded everyone of what is possible.

This fan base has shown stoic loyalty in the face of inconsistency, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere at Nationwide Arena, particularly with the tradition of the cannon that fires after a goal. Their hope is the seed of tradition that, with perseverance, they expect to blossom.

Minnesota Wild

Hockey has deep roots in Minnesota, but the departure of the North Stars in 1993 left a void. When the Minnesota Wild arrived in 2000, fans in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” embraced the new team with fervent passion.

This fan base is known for being knowledgeable and demanding, heirs to a rich collegiate hockey culture. Their devotion has been tested by a disappointing playoff history: many qualifications, but few deep runs.

The Wild fan persists, not just for the professional team, but because hockey is part of the fabric of their state. Supporting the Wild is an act of local identity, a commitment to the sport they love, even when the Stanley Cup seems like a distant dream. Their faith is a pledge to the state’s tradition.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are a case study in extreme loyalty. The city lost its original team in 1996 and spent 15 years without NHL hockey. When the Atlanta franchise relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, the explosion of emotion was a sporting event of immense proportions.

This fan base, which had to suffer the loss, returned with unparalleled fervor, ensuring that the MTS Centre (now Canada Life Centre) is always one of the loudest arenas in the league, regardless of the weather or performance.

Although they have had periods of success, the Jets fan has watched their team face volatility and the difficulty of retaining top players due to the small market. Their devotion is fueled by the sheer joy of having the NHL back.

For them, every season is a gift, and every victory is a confirmation that their support, which never ceased even during the exile, is worthwhile. They are the epitome of a city that refused to be forgotten by the league.

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks, established in 1991, quickly gained a fan base in the California Bay Area, a region traditionally foreign to ice hockey. The “Teal and Black Tide” is famous for being loud and constant, even though ultimate success has eluded the franchise.

With legendary talents like Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, they had a long period of playoff qualifications and division dominance, but only reached one Stanley Cup Final. The Sharks fan has recently endured a painful rebuild, with seasons at the bottom of the standings.

Their loyalty is not based on an old title, but on the culture built around the team and the hope that the great talent they have always nurtured will finally complete the mission. Watching their team transition from a perennial contender to a developing franchise is a test of patience that only the most devoted are willing to overcome.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have a dual history: a glorious dynasty of four consecutive Stanley Cups in the early 1980s and a long, long period of subsequent mediocrity and confusion. The Long Island fan has endured decades of instability, ownership changes, stadium disputes, and failed playoff runs, especially before the resurgence under coach Barry Trotz.

What makes this group special is their historical memory and regional identity. They carry the spirit of a champion, even when the team doesn’t reflect it. Nassau Coliseum, their historic home, became a symbol of their unwavering resilience, a place where the noise and passion defied the outdated facilities. The Isles’ devotion is an act of faith in the return of glory, a constant reminder that they were once the best, and the hope that the dynasty can be revived.

Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames fans are a symbol of Western Canadian pride. Their history is marked by a single, yet epic, Stanley Cup triumph in 1989. Since then, the fanbase has lived in a state of constant frustration that, far from fading, burns stronger at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Flames supporters are vocal, passionate, and above all, demanding, expecting a total commitment that reflects the tenacity of their region. The most recent moment of true ecstasy, the run to the 2004 Final, which they ultimately lost, left a scar that keeps the thirst for victory alive.

Every rebuild, every star departure, only reinforces the unfulfilled promise of Calgary’s potential. The Flames fan is not just a spectator; they are a guardian of the flame who, despite the setbacks, continues to believe in the resurgence of Alberta’s power.

Edmonton Oilers

For Edmonton Oilers supporters, loyalty is a pendulum swinging between the memory of a legendary dynasty and the pain of one of the league’s worst lost decades, even after drafting a string of number-one picks.

Oilers fans lived through hockey’s highest peak and, after the shock of Gretzky’s departure in 1988, went on to support a team that struggled for years, with only fleeting glimpses of hope. The arrival of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl awakened a fervor that had been dormant, but playoff success has been notoriously elusive.

The Oilers fan has shown remarkable patience, enduring one managerial misstep after another, while maintaining deafening support at Rogers Place. Their faith is centered on the certainty that individual talent is enough to return them to the top, a devotion that refuses to let past greatness completely fade.

Montreal Canadiens

Supporting the Montreal Canadiens is not a choice; it is a cultural inheritance, especially for Quebec’s francophone population. With 24 Stanley Cups, they are the NHL’s most decorated franchise, but their last title was in 1993, meaning an entire generation has grown up without seeing ultimate glory.

The Habs fanbase must grapple with the pressure of a monumental past that looms over every season. The Canadiens fan doesn’t just ask for wins; they demand the dignity and excellence expected of “the Máison” of hockey.

Despite long droughts and ups and downs, the Bell Centre remains a temple with an atmosphere few can match, especially when the team manages any unexpected playoff run. Their loyalty is a matter of identity, history, and pride, an unwavering commitment to the team that shaped the league.

New York Rangers

Devotion to the New York Rangers is defined by one date: 1940. For 54 long years, Blueshirts supporters endured the infamous “curse” that prevented them from winning a Stanley Cup, making the team a recurring joke in the sports world. The moment Mark Messier lifted the Cup in 1994 was not just a victory; it was a collective liberation, an explosion of joy that paid for a century of suffering.

Since that moment, the Rangers fan lives with the memory of that wait. Although they have had successful seasons and have been contenders, they have also gone through difficult rebuilding periods.

The fanbase, anchored in the heart of Manhattan, is a mix of “Original Six City” history and the passion of one of the world’s largest cities. Their loyalty is a tribute to the sacrifice and the sweet reward that finally came, ensuring that the famous Madison Square Garden banner always holds a special meaning.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators fan is perhaps the most surprising and vibrant on this list. In a state where hockey lacks traditional roots, the Preds, founded in 1998, have cultivated a fanbase that is one of the loudest in the league, nicknamed the “Cathedral of Claws” or “Smashville”.

Their devotion is based on the joy of novelty and the festive atmosphere that takes over the city during games. The highlight of their history, the run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, turned Nashville into a hockey town.

The Predators fan, despite years of rebuilding or unstable seasons, remains unwavering. Their loyalty is a commitment to the culture they helped build. They don’t have decades of failure to lament, but the need to prove that hockey can thrive in the South. They maintain the noise level, the tradition of throwing catfish onto the ice, and the hope of another roar in the Final.

Jason Zucker scored before leaving with an injury, while Josh Doan and Jack Quinn made it a three-point night for Buffalo. Detroit managed goals from Compher and Emmitt Finnie, but the 4-2 defeat left the team reeling.

After the game, head coach Todd McLellan shared his thoughts on the performance. “I didn’t think we got to our game real quick,” McLellan said according to NHL.com. “We’re short-handed 30 seconds into the game, get through that kill and all of a sudden we’re back in the box again.”

He added: “It’s hard to get into any type of rhythm. We somewhat wasted the first period. Based on that outcome, I didn’t think we were prepared for the pace that the game was played at, and a lot of times we’ve been dictating the pace.”

Did the Red Wings waste the first period against Buffalo?

Detroit struggled early, unable to generate dangerous opportunities against a rookie goaltender. Over half of the first period passed without a shot on goal, giving the Sabres control. Discipline issues compounded the challenge, with 10 minutes in penalties handing Buffalo multiple scoring chances.

Despite the loss, the Red Wings showed flashes of potential in the second period. Their resilience will be tested on Thursday as they hit the road to face Matthew Schaefer and the New York Islanders. How they respond could define the start of their season.