Nashville Predators

Rangers and NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: December 18

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 18), Ullmark shines in a Sens win. The Rangers lose again, and the Devils are winning under Keefe.

by
Old Prof
December 18, 2024

Welcome to the December 18 NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup. 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 big topics.

Ullmark Shines as Senators Blank Kraken for Fourth Straight Win

The Ottawa Senators pushed their winning streak to four games with a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken on the road. Linus Ullmark was the star of the night, stopping all 30 shots he faced for his second consecutive road shutout. Shane Pinto, Noah Gregor, and Tim Stutzle scored for Ottawa, which has won six of its last seven games and is surging in the Atlantic Division standings.

For Seattle, goalie Joey Daccord made 24 saves, but the Kraken were shut out for the fifth time this season. Despite outshooting Ottawa early, Seattle couldn’t solve Ullmark, who has allowed only five goals over his last six starts. With the loss, Seattle has dropped two of its last three games and continues to struggle in the Pacific Division.

Predators Shut Out Slumping Rangers, Trade Talk Surrounds Kakko

The Nashville Predators blanked the New York Rangers 2-0 on Tuesday, handing them their fifth loss in six games. Jonathan Marchessault opened the scoring with a tap-in goal off a pass from Steven Stamkos in the first period. Rookie Adam Wilsby sealed the win with a solo effort in the third, deking around a defender before firing a wrist shot past Igor Shesterkin for his first NHL goal. Predators defenseman Luke Schenn praised Wilsby’s elite skating.

The New York Rangers keep getting bad news when it comes to Igor Shesterkin, as a report now says he wants to “reset” the goalie market.

The Rangers’ offensive struggles continued. New York is 3-11-0 in their last 14 games. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette lamented his team’s lackluster third-period effort, emphasizing the need to capitalize when trailing late. The Rangers miss Artemi Panarin, sidelined for the second straight game with an upper-body injury. New blue liner Urho Vaakanainen debuted following his trade from Anaheim. Meanwhile, Nashville is seeking to rebound from a poor start, and they seem to be building momentum after early losses.

There is also a ton of trade talk surrounding Kaapo Kakko and he’s a player we’re keeping an eye on over the next 24 hours.

Devils Extend Win Streak to Three with Victory Over Blues

The New Jersey Devils earned their third straight win with a 4-1 triumph over the St. Louis Blues. Stefan Noesen scored in his milestone 400th NHL game, while Ondrej Palat, Brenden Dillon, and Jesper Bratt also hit the back of the net. Jack Hughes added two assists, and Jacob Markstrom made 19 saves in a strong defensive showing.

The Blues fell to 15-15-3 on the season. Jordan Kyrou scored his fifth goal in as many games, but despite Binnington’s 24 saves, the Blues were outmatched by New Jersey’s dominant neutral-zone coverage. The Devils’ balanced effort on both ends of the ice showcased Keefe’s influence as the team continues to climb the standings with disciplined hockey.