NHL News: Quinn Hughes Trade Already Changing the NHL? + Crosby Chasing History

The NHL landscape shifted tectonically this week, and as we wake up on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the aftershocks are still being felt. While the Minnesota Wild are busy integrating their new superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes after last Friday’s blockbuster trade, the rest of the league is grinding through a pivotal December schedule.

In Pittsburgh, history is holding its breath. Sidney Crosby enters tonight’s action just one point shy of tying Mario Lemieux for the franchise scoring record. The Penguins are in action, and all eyes will be on No. 87. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the “fresh start” narrative finds its poster child in Trevor Zegras, who is currently pacing all players on new teams with 33 points in 32 games for the Flyers.

But before we look at tonight’s massive slate featuring the Oilers in Boston and the Leafs in D.C., let’s recap the action from last night.

NHL Scores & Notes: December 17, 2025

A rundown of Wednesday night’s action.

🔥 Carolina Hurricanes 4, Nashville Predators 1 The Canes extended their win streak to five games behind a masterclass from Sebastian Aho, who tallied two goals and three points. Carolina’s top line continues to dominate possession, leaving the Preds chasing shadows at Bridgestone Arena.

🛡️ St. Louis Blues 1, Winnipeg Jets 0 Goaltender Joel Hofer was perfect, posting his third shutout of the season to blank a high-flying Jets offense. Justin Faulk provided the lone goal in the second period, quieting the trade rumors surrounding his name—at least for one night.

🦁 Florida Panthers 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 Sam Bennett played the hero, netting the game-winner just 10 seconds into the third period. The defending champs looked poised and physical, holding off a late Kings push to secure two massive points in the standings.

🐘 Utah Mammoth 4, Detroit Red Wings 1 Dylan Guenther is officially on a heater. He scored his seventh goal of December to lift Utah past Detroit. The Mammoth are finding their identity, and Guenther’s shot is becoming one of the league’s most dangerous weapons.

🎲 New Jersey Devils 2, Vegas Golden Knights 1 (SO) Jake Allen turned back the clock with 36 saves, and Jesper Bratt buried the shootout winner. It was a goalie duel in the desert, but New Jersey escaped with the extra point.

Tonight’s Key Matchups (Dec 18)

• Edmonton Oilers @ Boston Bruins: McDavid visits the Garden.
• Toronto Maple Leafs @ Washington Capitals: Ovechkin looks to add to his goal total against a Leafs team trying to tighten up defensively.

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