As the second half of the NHL season continues, the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are coming on strong. Both teams are jockeying for position within t

The Colorado Avalanche trading star Mikko Rantanen signifies a change in their team-building approach from front-loading their squad to improving their depth.

Team Sweden has announced that Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning will serve as their captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Hedman is in the midst of his first season as captain of the Lightning following the departure of Steven Stamkos.

All Goals from Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers in the 3rd Regulation Period, 11/18/2023

Connor McDavid scored in his return from a three-game suspension, Mattias Janmark scored for the first time in 38 games, and Mattias Ekholm scored into an empty net.

Slaggert put the Blackhawks ahead 2-1 at 18:14 with a snap shot from the top of the left circle off a drop pass from Lukas Reichel. Slaggert was playing his first NHL game of the season, having been recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Sunday.

The game ended with Sebastian Aho potting the game-winner 59 seconds into the extra session and prevented the Blackhawks from their first two-game winning streak since a three-game stretch in mid-December. Chicago does have points in three straight games (1-0-2), but Sorensen said the focus lately has been on protecting leads with better defense.

The Detroit Red Wings got things rolling on home ice this past week, but now they have to go back on the road for a series of tough games. The Red Wings swept their three-game homestand, beating the Montreal Canadiens,

Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93), left, celebrate after his goal against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) and goaltender Kevin Lankinen, second from right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

The improvement in scoring at five-on-five (by far the largest game state) represents a major positive shift for the Oilers in 2024-25. The coaching staff is trying to suppress opposition offence while making certain the elite talent on the Oilers can wheel.

The Red Wings (24-21-5, 53 points) would tie Tampa Bay and Columbus for the final wild card spot with a win over the Oilers and a regulation loss by the Blue Jackets at Vegas, though technically Detroit would still trail based on points percentage and tiebreakers.