NHL Weekly Highlights: January 12-18, 2026

The NHL week of January 12-18, 2026, featured several significant blowouts, with the Boston Bruins notably defeating the New York Rangers 10-2, marking their first home game with such a score since 1979. This victory was part of a trend where multiple games ended with margins of four or more goals, including the New York Islanders' 9-0 win over the New Jersey Devils and the Colorado Avalanche's 8-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators. The high-scoring nature of this season is underscored by the fact that over 26% of games have gone past regulation, potentially setting a record for the shootout era.

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Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak had a standout week, recording six assists in the game against the Rangers, tying a franchise record. He was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week, finishing with two goals and seven assists across four games. Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights was recognized as the NHL's First Star, contributing significantly to his team's success with nine points in four games. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers continued his impressive scoring streak, now at 18 games, further solidifying his status as a top player in the league.

David Pastrnak Named NHL Third Star of the Week

The New Jersey Devils faced scrutiny as defenseman Dougie Hamilton was made a healthy scratch, leading to public comments from his agent and the team's general manager, Tom Fitzgerald. Hamilton's performance this season has been underwhelming, raising questions about his future with the team. Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios defended goaltender Linus Ullmark, who took a leave of absence for personal reasons, criticizing the negative speculation surrounding his situation.

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The week ahead includes notable events such as the retirement of Sergei Fedorov's number by the Detroit Red Wings and Zdeno Chara's number retirement. Additionally, the NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings will be released, providing insights into the top prospects ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. The week will also feature a significant matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, where both teams will see their Olympic representatives face off.

This Week in the NHL: Fedorov’s, Chara’s numbers rise to the rafters

While the Bruins' blowout against the Rangers was widely reported, the circumstances surrounding the Senators' management decisions and Ullmark's leave of absence have led to conflicting narratives. Some sources emphasize the team's support for Ullmark, while others highlight the public backlash against the speculation surrounding his absence.

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• “Senators GM Steve Staios was quick to retort, issuing a public statement that said: "Linus is away from our team for personal reasons and he has the entire organization's support.” — Steve Staios, GM of the Ottawa Senators

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• “His response: "Dougie was informed today that he will be not be playing now that Kovacevic is back in the lineup.” — J.P. Barry, Dougie Hamilton's agent

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This week in the NHL has been marked by high-scoring games, significant player performances, and critical management decisions, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.

David Pastrnak Named NHL Third Star of the Week