The NHL landscape shifted dramatically over the last 24 hours, with a mix of electrifying on-ice performances and front-office shockwaves that will define the rest of the 2025-26 season. While the Minnesota Wild are still buzzing from their blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes, the action on the ice last night proved that the league’s top stars are not taking a night off.
Nashville’s Filip Forsberg stole the headlines on Monday night, netting his 11th career hat trick to power the Predators past the St. Louis Blues. Forsberg’s dominance continues to keep Nashville relevant in a crowded Central Division. Meanwhile, the “Battle of Florida” saw the Florida Panthers flex their muscles with a convincing 5-2 win over Tampa Bay, driven by a two-goal performance from Sam Reinhart.
In trade news, the dust is still settling on the massive deal sending Hughes to Minnesota. Fantasy owners should be scrambling to adjust their lineups, as Hughes’ offensive upside on a potent Wild power play makes him a league-winner. In Toronto, rumors are growing louder regarding Auston Matthews and his fit under Craig Berube’s system, fueling speculation that another Original Six shakeup could be on the horizon if the Leafs don’t find consistency soon.
Looking ahead to tonight, all eyes are on the national broadcast featuring Sidney Crosby vs. Connor McDavid. With the 4 Nations Face-Off history between them and the Olympics looming, this matchup feels less like a regular-season game and more like a passing-of-the-torch ceremony.
NHL Game Scores & Notes: December 15, 2025
| Away Team | Score | Home Team | Score | Game Notes |
| Florida Panthers | 5 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 2 | Sam Reinhart scores twice; Panthers win 5th of last 6. |
| Anaheim Ducks | 4 | NY Rangers | 1 | Cutter Gauthier scores the go-ahead goal in the 3rd period. |
| Ottawa Senators | 3 | Winnipeg Jets | 2 (OT) | Brady Tkachuk plays hero with the OT winner; Stützle adds 3 assists. |
| Nashville Predators | 5 | St. Louis Blues | 2 | Filip Forsberg nets a hat trick; Roman Josi tallies 2 assists. |
| Dallas Stars | 4 | Los Angeles Kings | 1 | Mikko Rantanen records a goal and an assist in the win. |
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