It was a Sunday for the history books—and the cardiac specialists. The NHL slate on January 4, 2026, delivered a trifecta of overtime thrillers, a snapped winning streak, and a milestone that cements Sidney Crosby’s status as the king of the clutch. With the trade deadline looming and the Olympic break on the horizon, the intensity is reaching a fever pitch.
Here is everything you need to know from around the league.
Sid The Kid (Still) The King of Overtime
Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Sidney Crosby, he finds a new way to stun the hockey world. The Penguins captain led Pittsburgh back from a 4-1 deficit against the Columbus Blue Jackets, assisting on the tying goal with just 14 seconds left in regulation before burying the game-winner in overtime.
The goal wasn’t just a win; it was history. Crosby became the first player in NHL history to record 50 career overtime points. At 38, he is dragging the Penguins back into the playoff fight with a five-game winning streak, proving that the road to the Cup still goes through #87.
Bertuzzi’s Hat Trick Heroics in Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks are finding their swagger, and Tyler Bertuzzi is leading the charge. Bertuzzi netted his second hat trick of the season, capping off a 3-2 comeback win over the Vegas Golden Knights with an overtime snipe. The victory gives Chicago three straight wins, a promising sign for a team looking to play spoiler in the Central Division.
Habs & Hutson Stun the Stars
In Dallas, the “Lane Hutson Show” went primetime. The rookie sensation scored the overtime winner to lift the Montreal Canadiens past the Dallas Stars, 4-3. It was a milestone night for Phillip Danault, who recorded his 400th career point in the win. Since returning to Montreal in that December blockbuster, Danault has been the stabilizing force the Habs desperately needed.
Panthers End Avalanche’s 10-Game Heater
All good things must come to an end. The Colorado Avalanche’s terrifying 10-game winning streak was snapped by the Florida Panthers in a gritty 2-1 defensive battle. Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad provided the offense, proving that the Cats can still lock it down against the league’s highest-octane offenses.
NHL Scores & Notes: Sunday, Jan 4, 2026
Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 4 (OT)
- The Story: Pittsburgh erases a 4-1 deficit in the 3rd period.
- Hero: Sidney Crosby (1G, 1A, OT Winner).
- Note: Yegor Chinakhov, facing his former team after the recent trade, tallied an assist on the OT winner.
Blackhawks 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT)
- The Story: Chicago frustrates Vegas for 60+ minutes.
- Hero: Tyler Bertuzzi (3 Goals).
- Note: Vegas has now lost 6 straight games, stumbling hard in the Pacific race.
Canadiens 4, Stars 3 (OT)
- The Story: A back-and-forth affair ends with rookie magic.
- Hero: Lane Hutson (OT Goal, 1A).
- Note: Wyatt Johnston scored twice for Dallas in the losing effort.
Panthers 2, Avalanche 1
- The Story: A playoff-style grind snaps Colorado’s unbeaten run.
- Hero: The Panthers Defense (Held Mackinnon & Co. to 1 goal).
- Note: Nathan MacKinnon scored the lone goal for the Avs.
Hurricanes 3, Devils 1
- The Story: Carolina suffocates New Jersey to end a 3-game skid.
- Hero: Seth Jarvis (Game-winning goal).
- Note: The Canes move within 2 points of the Metro lead.
Trade Rumors: Is Auston Matthews Unhappy?
The rumor mill exploded this weekend with speculation regarding Auston Matthews and his future in Toronto. While reliable sources like Terry Koshan have dismissed the idea of a trade as “crazy” given his no-movement clause, the noise around the Leafs captain isn’t going away.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are fielding calls on defenseman Rasmus Andersson. The Senators, Golden Knights, and Kings are all linked, but the asking price is steep: two first-round picks. With Quinn Hughes already moved to Minnesota earlier this season, the market for elite defensemen is set at a premium.
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