Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 16
In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for Dec 16, Bedard scores game-winner, Panthers represented in Four Nations, Rangers struggle
Welcome to the morning roundup with NHL Trade Talk. 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’s today’s NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 16.
Bedard’s Late Heroics Lift Blackhawks Over Islanders
Connor Bedard broke a 3-3 tie with just 54 seconds left in regulation, pushing the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday. Bedard capitalized on a loose puck in the slot after Ryan Donato’s wraparound attempt was stopped by Ilya Sorokin, firing a one-timer through the goalie’s pads for his seventh point in five games.
Teuvo Teravainen led the Blackhawks (10-19-2) with a goal and two assists, while Arvid Soderblom made 30 saves. Connor Murphy sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final seconds. The win was payback for the Islanders (12-13-7), who were coming off a 5-4 win against Chicago on Thursday. Mathew Barzal returned from a 21-game absence for the Islanders but lamented defensive breakdowns as the difference. “We deserved a little better,” Barzal said.
Sam Bennett Headlines Panthers’ Strong Representation at 4 Nations Face-Off
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett was elated after being named to Team Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, a goal he had since the start of the season. Bennett, who played a key role in the Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory last season, adds grit and physicality to Team Canada’s lineup alongside his scoring touch, with 13 goals and 26 points in 30 games this season.
He is one of eight Panthers selected for the tournament, the most of any NHL team. Sam Reinhart will join Bennett on Team Canada, while Matthew Tkachuk will represent Team USA. Aleksander Barkov, Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola will suit up for Finland, and Gustav Forsling will play for Sweden. Panthers coach Paul Maurice praised Bennett’s selection, highlighting his physical, versatile style as key to earning recognition on the international stage.
Blues Edge Rangers as New York’s Slide Continues
On Sunday, the St. Louis Blues snapped a two-game skid with a 3-2 victory over the struggling New York Rangers. Jordan Kyrou scored in his fourth consecutive game, while Robert Thomas added a goal and an assist to lift the Blues (15-14-3), supported by Joel Hofer’s 26-save performance in his fourth straight win. Despite coach Jim Montgomery’s push for tighter defensive play, the Blues allowed two third-period goals but held on for the win.
Meanwhile, the Rangers (15-14-1) dropped their fourth game in five. They were playing without leading scorer Artemi Panarin (upper-body injury) and scratching forward Kaapo Kakko. Brett Berard and Will Cuylle scored for New York, but Jonathan Quick’s 21 saves weren’t enough to halt their slump.
Related: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup for December 15
