New York Islanders
Crosby Ties Lemieux: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Dec. 24
In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 23), Pettersson scores two for Canucks, Crosby ties Mario’s record, Sabres finally win.
Welcome to the NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (December 24). We will bring you three key NHL stories in brief each morning. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here are today’s three key roundup topics.
Pettersson’s Two-Goal Burst Propels Canucks Past Sharks
Our Top NHL Trade Talk Morning Round Up Story
In roundup one, Elias Pettersson scored twice in 44 seconds to help the Vancouver Canucks skate away with a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, snapping a three-game losing streak. Pettersson, who ended a six-game pointless drought, left the game early in the third period with an undisclosed injury. Despite a late rally from the Sharks, who scored twice in the final frame, Vancouver held on for the win. Thatcher Demko made 26 saves.
The Sharks, who have now lost five straight, struggled defensively after a solid start, allowing three goals in just over a minute late in the second period. Top 2024 draft pick Macklin Celebrini made his NHL debut, recording an assist and committing a costly turnover that led to one of Pettersson’s goals.
Crosby Ties Lemieux for Most Assists in Penguins History
In a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, Sidney Crosby reached 1,033 career assists, tying Mario Lemieux for the most in Pittsburgh Penguins history. Crosby, who also added an empty-net goal, continues to build on his legendary career, now spanning 20 seasons. With 1,635 points and 602 goals, Crosby is second only to Lemieux in Penguins history and remains central to his team’s success, leading the Penguins with 39 points this season.
Crosby’s milestone cements his place alongside Lemieux as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Though Crosby is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, he signed a two-year contract extension this past offseason. He’ll stay in Pittsburgh through 2027. His ongoing contributions as a playmaker and leader are key to the Penguins’ push for a playoff spot as they remain in the hunt for the Eastern Conference wild-card positions.
Sabres (Finally) Snap 13-Game Skid with 7-1 Win Over Islanders
In our final roundup, Jiri Kulich scored twice and added an assist as the Buffalo Sabres ended a 13-game winless streak with a 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Rasmus Dahlin registered four assists, while Beck Malenstyn, Jason Zucker, Zach Benson, Jack Quinn, and Tage Thompson scored. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 27 saves to secure the win. The Sabres, who hadn’t won since Nov. 23, dominated the Islanders from start to finish.
The Islanders were outplayed in all areas. Kyle Palmieri scored their only goal early in the game. Despite an early 1-0 deficit, the Sabres overwhelmed the Islanders with a strong power play and relentless offense. Islanders coach Patrick Roy pulled Ilya Sorokin early in the third period, but Buffalo continued to capitalize, adding two more goals for a commanding 7-1 win.
Related: Hyman Rolling: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Dec. 23
