This week in the NHL: Looking back at the oldest to play; Handing out awards for 2023; Kris Letang's historic night

Deadspin Bot|published: Sat 30th December, 07:00 2023

credits: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports | source: Getty Images

These are the oldest players in NHL history

source: Getty Images

Hockey players are a different breed. While most sports see their stars fizzle out by the time they reach their late thirties, the NHL routinely has their stars shine well into their forties. Hockey players play the game with grit and resilience, unlike any other athlete. Maybe that’s why they boast some of the oldest professional athletes in the history of North American team sports. - Cale Clinton Read More

Let’s hand out some NHL awards. It’s Christmas after all!

Connor Bedard. source: Getty Images

Generally, this comes up at the quarter-mark or halfway through the season. But hey, it’s Christmas, so let’s hand out some Christmastime NHL awards just to get into the spirit of the thing! Who is leading in the various categories that the league likes to hand out some weird looking silverware for at a very awkward ceremony in June while everyone waits to get drunk (if they’re not already)? - Sam Fels Read More

Sabres F Tage Thompson (personal) placed on non-roster list

Dec 16, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) looks on against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period at Mullett Arena. credits: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres placed forward Tage Thompson on the non-roster list Thursday for personal reasons.

Thompson, 26, was a late scratch prior to Wednesday night’s 4-1 home loss to the Boston Bruins.

Following a breakout year in 2022-23, Thompson has 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 26 games this season.

Thompson set career highs in goals (47) and assists (47) last season and was 15th in the NHL in points (94).

The Phoenix native has 112 goals and 216 points in 327 career games with St. Louis (2017-18) and Buffalo.

Dec 27, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) controls the puck against New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly (2) during the third period at UBS Arena. credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin both scored twice while Kris Letang collected a record five assists during a six-goal second period for the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins, who routed the New York Islanders 7-0 on Wednesday night in Elmont, N.Y. - Field Level Media Read More

Ducks hand Golden Knights 4th straight loss

Dec 27, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate the goal scored by right wing Brett Leason (20) against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at Honda Center. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Leason scored two goals, including the first of four in the game’s opening 12 1/2 minutes, and the Anaheim Ducks earned a 5-2 victory Wednesday over the visiting Vegas Golden Knights, who are on a season-long four-game losing streak. - Field Level Media Read More

Adrian Kempe tallies twice as Kings crush Sharks

Dec 27, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a gaol during the second period of a game against the San Jose Sharks at Crypto.com Arena. credits: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Kempe scored twice as the host Los Angeles Kings scored five unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. - Field Level Media Read More