Detroit Red Wings
Pettersson Talks & Sens Streak: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Dec. 22
In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 22), Laine keeps on scoring, Hellebuyck gets another shutout, Senators win fourth straight.
Welcome to the NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (December 22). We will bring you three (four today) 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 Denies Rift with Miller Amid Canucks’ Slump
Elias Pettersson addressed rumors of tension with teammate J.T. Miller following the Vancouver Canucks’ 5-4 overtime loss to Ottawa, extending their losing streak to three games. Pettersson, visibly frustrated, dismissed the speculation. He said, “Well, it’s the same answer. It’s good. I don’t know why people still try and make (expletive) up.”
The Canucks are now 4-7 in December, and Pettersson’s abrupt exit from the media scrum highlighted the team’s struggles and growing frustration.
Canadiens Dominate Red Wings to Complete Back-to-Back Sweep
The Montreal Canadiens extended their momentum with a 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, sweeping back-to-back games at Bell Centre. Patrik Laine continued his power-play dominance with his fifth goal in three games, assisted by Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson. After Joe Veleno gave Detroit an early lead, Montreal surged back with goals from Juraj Slafkovsky, Jake Evans, Emil Heineman, and Brendan Gallagher.
Goalie Sam Montembeault made 20 saves in his ninth straight start as the Canadiens earned their first three-game win streak of the season. “We wanted to have a good game at home before the new year,” Suzuki said.
Jets Dominate Wild Behind Hellebuyck Shutout
Connor Hellebuyck, in the Jets morning roundup, registered his NHL-leading fourth shutout of the season as the Winnipeg Jets routed the Minnesota Wild 5-0 at Canada Life Centre. Cole Perfetti led the offense with a goal and two assists, while Nikolaj Ehlers, Neal Pionk, Morgan Barron, and Vladislav Namestnikov also scored for Winnipeg. The Jets improved to 24-10-1 and extended its points streak to five of six games. Pionk and Ehlers scored special teams goals.
The Wild suffered their fourth straight loss and were shut out for the first time this season. Minnesota turned over key chances, including one leading to Perfetti’s unassisted goal in the third. “We’ve got to stick to what gives us the best chance to win,” said Wild coach John Hynes.
Sanderson’s OT Heroics Push Senators to Sixth Straight Win
In NHL Trade Talk’s final roundup, Jake Sanderson delivered a dramatic overtime winner just 15 seconds into the OT, lifting the Ottawa Senators to a 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The Senators just kept coming back throughout the game. They overcame three blown leads to extend their winning streak to six games—their longest since 2017. Sanderson’s game-winner, set up by Shane Pinto and Tim Stützle, capped a standout game where he also contributed two assists. Pinto scored two goals and added an assist. Rookie goalie Leevi Merilainen took home his first NHL win his first start of the season.
Quinn Hughes (one goal, two assists) and Brock Boeser (two goals) were solid for Vancouver. Yet, the Canucks remain winless in their last three games. Ottawa’s balanced attack proved too much. The Senators have now won eight of their last nine games, showcasing their growth and maturity as they solidify their status as playoff contenders.
Related: Oilers’ Ekholm Ends It: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Dec. 20
