Sidney Crosby is defying time — and the NHL can’t stop watching. The Penguins’ captain is lighting up the scoreboard again, proving that age might just be a number when it comes to greatness. Meanwhile, Detroit’s goaltending situation is raising eyebrows, and the Avalanche could be boosted tonight by a significant returning star. There’s plenty to unpack in today’s edition of Deen’s Daily — December 2.
Colorado Hockey Now
The Avalanche may be getting a major reinforcement soon. Valeri Nichushkin was a full participant in practice on Monday, which is a huge sign for fans hoping to see him back on the ice. Head coach Jared Bednar hinted that tonight’s lineup could feature a familiar chemistry: Nichushkin skating alongside Brock Nelson and Gabriel Landeskog. After a sluggish offensive start, Nelson and Landeskog have finally found their rhythm — and Nichushkin’s return could push that momentum even further.
Could this be the spark the Avs need heading into December? Read more about Bednar’s comments and Nichushkin’s potential comeback here.
Around the NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Crosby just keeps silencing doubters. He netted two more goals against Philadelphia on Monday, bringing his total to 18 goals in 25 games. For context, he scored 33 in 80 games last season. That puts him merely two goals behind Nathan MacKinnon (and Morgan Geekie) for the league lead — and yes, Crosby’s doing this at 38 years old. Talk about turning back the clock. But is it sustainable, or will father time catch up as the season wears on?
Philly Hockey Now: Things went from bad to worse for the Flyers. A 5–1 loss to Pittsburgh hurt, but losing a key forward to injury made the night even tougher. How they recover from this setback could define the tone of their season moving forward.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings’ goaltending picture raises a serious question: Is it time to call up Sebastian Cossa? John Gibson’s performances have wavered, and while Cam Talbot has handled most of the workload, his numbers aren’t exactly eye-catching. No one’s calling for a complete shake-up — yet. But Detroit’s AHL standout in Grand Rapids, Cossa, has been sharp early in the season. Maybe it’s time for the organization to test his potential at the next level.
Vegas Hockey Now: Carter Hart opened up to the media about the mental focus that kept him going during his time away from the rink. His patience and persistence will be tested again as he finally steps back onto NHL ice, suiting up for the Golden Knights tonight. Could this be the start of a redemption arc for Hart?
Hockey fans, what do you think? Can Crosby realistically keep chasing down MacKinnon for the goal lead at his age? Should Detroit roll the dice with Cossa instead of sticking with experience in net? Drop your take in the comments — there’s plenty of room for debate on this one.
