Sidney Crosby’s Ageless Scoring Surge, Red Wings’ Goalie Dilemma, and a Key Return Brewing in Colorado
Sidney Crosby isn’t just aging gracefully-he’s defying the clock altogether. With two more goals against the Flyers on Monday, the Penguins captain now sits at 18 goals through just 25 games this season.
To put that in perspective, he scored 33 in 80 games last year. At 38 years old, Crosby isn’t just keeping up-he’s pacing with the league’s top scorers, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon and Morgan Geekie in the goal race.
This isn’t a farewell tour; it’s a statement season.
What’s driving this resurgence? Crosby’s always been one of the smartest players on the ice, and that hockey IQ is aging like fine wine.
His ability to find soft spots in the defense, combined with a shot that still carries bite, is giving defenses fits. The Penguins are leaning on him more than ever, and he’s delivering like it’s 2010 all over again.
Injury Troubles in Philly
On the other side of that 5-1 blowout in Pittsburgh, the Flyers didn’t just take a tough loss-they also lost a key forward to injury. It’s a double blow for a team trying to find consistency.
The Flyers have shown flashes this season, but staying healthy has been a challenge. Losing a top-line contributor only adds to the uphill battle in a division where every point matters.
Red Wings’ Goaltending Woes: Time for a Change in Net?
In Detroit, the goaltending situation is becoming harder to ignore. John Gibson has had a rocky start, and while Cam Talbot has been serviceable, he hasn’t exactly been stealing games either. The Red Wings are treading water in the standings, and if they want to stay in the playoff hunt, they may need to look internally for a spark.
That brings us to Sebastian Cossa. The 6-foot-6 netminder has been developing in the AHL, and while he’s still raw, the upside is undeniable.
Is it time to give him a look at the NHL level? It’s a gamble, sure-but it might be one worth taking if the current tandem can’t stabilize things soon.
Big News Brewing in Colorado
In Colorado, there’s reason for excitement. Valeri Nichushkin was a full participant at practice on Monday, and that’s a major development for a team that’s already heating up. Head coach Jared Bednar hinted that Nichushkin could be back in the lineup soon-and possibly reunited with Brock Nelson and Gabriel Landeskog.
That trio has the potential to be a game-changer. Landeskog and Nelson had a slow start to the season, but they’re finding their rhythm now.
Add a healthy Nichushkin to the mix, and suddenly the Avalanche have another top-tier line to roll out. If they can stay healthy, this group could be a nightmare for opposing defenses down the stretch.
Hart Set for Return in Vegas
Over in Vegas, all eyes are on Carter Hart as he prepares to make his NHL return tonight for the Golden Knights. He spoke with the media ahead of the game, and while his role remains to be seen, his presence is a welcome one for a team looking to solidify its crease.
Hart’s return adds another layer of intrigue to a Golden Knights squad that’s already deep, disciplined, and dangerous. If he can find his form quickly, Vegas becomes even tougher to beat.
From Crosby’s vintage performance to the Avalanche potentially getting a major piece back, there’s no shortage of storylines heating up across the league. December is here, and the NHL season is starting to separate contenders from pretenders. Buckle up.