Tuesday’s NHL Rundown: Penguins Roll, Olympic Ice Woes, and Formenton Out for Season
Tuesday might not be packed with NHL headlines, but what’s out there is definitely worth your attention. From the Penguins' statement win over the Flyers to a bizarre twist in Olympic preparations, and a notable development in the Team Canada situation, there’s plenty to unpack.
Penguins Dominate Flyers: A Statement Win in Steel City
Let’s start with Pittsburgh, where the Penguins didn’t just beat the Flyers-they dismantled them. A 5-1 win is one thing, but the way they did it tells a deeper story.
The Penguins came out flying, and it wasn’t just the usual suspects doing damage. The call-up of Rutger McGroarty added a fresh spark to the lineup, and it showed.
From the jump, Pittsburgh looked faster, more cohesive, and completely in sync. Special teams played a major role, and the goaltending held strong when needed.
Sidney Crosby, as always, found ways to leave his mark-not just on the scoresheet, but with the kind of leadership and puck control that’s become his trademark. And while the Flyers struggled to find their footing, Pittsburgh looked like a team that’s starting to figure out its identity.
The Penguins now get a bit of a breather before heading to Tampa, but this win could be a turning point. If they can bottle this performance, especially the aggressive forecheck and structured defensive play, they’ll be a tough out moving forward.
Olympic Ice in Milan? Too Short, Says DeBoer
Now to a story that sounds like it belongs in a slapstick sports comedy, but unfortunately, it’s very real. Dallas Stars head coach Pete DeBoer may have inadvertently confirmed what many feared: the Olympic ice surface being built in Milan might actually be too short.
Yes, you read that right.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics creeping closer, construction delays have been a known issue. But now there’s concern that the rink dimensions themselves aren’t even standard. If true, this isn’t just a minor hiccup-it’s a fundamental problem that could impact the entire Olympic hockey tournament.
The NHL has long been hesitant about Olympic participation due to scheduling and injury concerns. But if the venue itself isn’t up to par, the league could be forced to reconsider its involvement altogether. Whether the games end up in Milan or get relocated to a North American city like Edmonton or Florida, the hope is that the players still get the chance to represent their countries on a proper stage.
Alex Formenton Will Not Play in NHL This Season
In a significant update tied to the 2018 Team Canada investigation, Alex Formenton-one of the players acquitted in the case-will not play in the NHL this season. The deadline for him to sign with a team passed on December 1, and as a restricted free agent, he is now ineligible to return until next season.
While the legal process has run its course, the fallout continues to be felt across the league. Formenton’s future remains uncertain, and his absence this season will likely continue to be part of a broader conversation about accountability, league policy, and player conduct.
Carter Hart Returns to the Ice Amid Controversy
Carter Hart is set to start in goal Tuesday, marking his first game action since being acquitted in the same Team Canada investigation. He addressed the media on Monday, and while the questions were pointed, he fielded them without incident.
The situation remains complex. There’s no easy narrative here, and opinions are deeply divided.
But as Hart returns to the crease, the focus-at least on the ice-will shift back to hockey. Still, the larger conversation surrounding the case and its implications for the NHL won’t be going away anytime soon.
Brenden Dillon Hits 1,000 Games, Devils Face Helmet Reprimand
A milestone moment in New Jersey, where defenseman Brenden Dillon was honored for playing in his 1,000th NHL game. Teammates marked the occasion with commemorative patches and Dillon jerseys during warmups-but also opted to skate without helmets, a tradition that’s become increasingly rare in today’s NHL.
The league took notice, and the Devils are expected to be reprimanded for the move. While it was a nod to old-school hockey culture, the NHL has tightened up on warmup safety protocols in recent years, and this one won’t slide by without consequence.
Final Thoughts
It’s a mixed bag of NHL news today-on the ice, the Penguins made a loud statement, while off it, Olympic logistics and legal aftermaths continue to shape the headlines.
As the season rolls on, these are the kinds of stories that will shape not just the standings, but the broader narrative of where the league is headed. Whether it’s a young player making an impact, a rink being built too short for Olympic hockey, or a veteran hitting 1,000 games, the NHL never fails to keep us guessing.
Stay locked in.