Here’s the very latest news from around the NHL.
Colorado Avalanche dominated early this season
The Colorado Avalanche sit atop the NHL standings, posting an impressive 16-1-5 record to start the year. Nathan MacKinnon is having an MVP-caliber season, scoring 17 goals and 37 points in his first 22 games. Cale Makar is also on another level right now, scoring 29 points in his first 22 games.
Add in Martin Necas and his 28 points, and the Avs have a three-headed monster leading their offense. Scott Wedgewood has 13 wins and leads all NHL goaltenders with a 2.09 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. Colorado is the only team in the league averaging 4.00 goals per game this year, while leading the NHL with 88 goals.
Colorado shutout the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday to extend their points streak to 13 games, going 11-0-2 during that stretch. While Colorado is focused on reaching a high in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Makar admitted after the game that this stretch is doing wonders for their confidence.
“I think it’s a good confidence piece for us right now that we can win these games,” Makar said. “It’s good for us that we can win in all these different ways. But again, we want to keep building on it at this point in the season.”
Montreal Canadiens sign Alex Texier
The Montreal Canadiens and free-agent forward Alexandre Texier have agreed to a one-year contract. Texier was recently waived and had his contract terminated by the St. Louis Blues.
Texier was originally signed to the Blues for $2.1 million AAV, and after playing in only eight of St. Louis’ first 21 games, the two sides decided that Texier would be better suited playing for another organization. His 10:15 ice time per game this season was the lowest of Texier’s career.
The 26-year-old joins the Canadiens, a team dealing with some injuries and looking to add some depth among their bottom six. Originally a second-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017, Texier had his best season in 2023-24, when he scored 30 points in 78 games.
The Canadiens are expected to be busy on the trade market this season and appear focused on adding a second-line center to their mix. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Blues are one team to watch in terms of a fire sale as they have not lived up to expectations this year, and GM Doug Armstrong could be open to shaking up his core.
Quick hits from around the NHL:
- Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen was suspended one game for boarding after being sent off for the second time in three games for hits from behind. Rantanen’s first goal was on New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, and the Russian blueliner underwent shoulder surgery and will be out for five to six months.
- San Jose Sharks sophomore Macklin Celebrini is second in the NHL with 34 points and is making a serious bid to be named to Team Canada’s Olympic team. The same can be said for Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, who has scored 31 points in his first 22 games.
- The Nashville Predators enter the new week as the worst team in the league with a 6-11-4 record and have several trade candidates to keep an eye on, including former Maple Leaf Michael Bunting.
- The Buffalo Sabers placed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev on unconditional waivers this weekend.
- Minnesota Wild forward Vinnie Hinostroza suffered a serious lower-body injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will miss significant time.
- Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie may be the surprise of the season, tying for the league lead with 17 goals this week.
Sponsored by bet365
#NHL #Avalanche #wins #9th #straight #game #Canadiens #sign #Alexandre #Texier