Detroit Red Wings

McLellan Wins 1st with Wings: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup Dec. 30

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 30), Crosby sets Penguins assist record, Ovechkin 25 back of Gretz, Sens beat Wild on the road

by
Old Prof
December 30, 2024

Welcome back to the NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (December 30). 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.

Crosby Breaks Penguins’ All-Time Assist Record in Win Over Islanders

Sidney Crosby made history on Sunday when he passed Mario Lemieux for the most assists in Pittsburgh Penguins history. He picked up his 1,034th assist in a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Crosby’s assist came on a power-play goal by Michael Bunting in the second period. The milestone assist came in Crosby’s 1,310th career game.

Crosby will be known as one of the greatest players in the Penguins franchise. Always a class act, Crosby remained humble, expressing deep appreciation for the players before him – particularly Lemieux. That Mario is Mario makes Crosby’s milestone all the more remarkable. Additionally, even in his 20th season, Crosby remains one of the NHL’s elite players. Congratulations to Sidney.

Norris’ Third-Period Power Play Goal Lifts Senators Over Wild, 3-1

Josh Norris scored the decisive goal in the third period, helping the Ottawa Senators skate to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Norris’ power-play one-timer came midway through the third period to give Ottawa a 2-1 lead, and Claude Giroux scored an empty-netter late in the third. Ridly Greig got the Senators’ third goal, and goaltender Leevi Merilainen earned his second NHL win by making 30 saves.

With the win, the Senators broke their two-game losing streak. The Wild took an early first-period lead but struggled to convert their chances. It was the Wild’s fifth loss in seven games. Ottawa’s penalty kill, disciplined defence, and timely scoring helped them carry off their road win.

Ovechkin Scores Goal No. 870 in Loss to Red Wings

Alex Ovechkin scored his 870th career goal in Washington’s 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, bringing him within 25 goals of Wayne Gretzky’s record. Ovechkin’s goal came in the first period, marking his second game with a goal after returning from a fractured fibula. Despite his milestone, the Capitals struggled defensively, allowing four goals in the first period.

The Red Wings, led by Alex DeBrincat’s two goals and Patrick Kane’s 1,300th career point, dominated. After jumping out to a 4-1 lead, Detroit held off a late push from Washington, winning their first game under new coach Todd McLellan.