Where are all the games? Why Christmas Eve historically lacks sports
Christmas Eve hasn't hosted an NBA or NHL game since 1972.
NHL
25th December 2025
Team USA finalizes 2026 World Juniors roster: Who are the final cuts?
Team USA's roster is set, albeit not without questions going into the tournament — especially in net.
24th December 2025
The best moments of the sports year (in GIFs), plus a landmark NIL lawsuit
The Pulse Newsletter ???? | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! We are in full holiday mode today.
NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, Part 1
Where could Rasmus Andersson, Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly and Kiefer Sherwood end up by the deadline? Our insiders make their picks.
Why is naming the NHL's best Eastern Conference player so weirdly hard?
Some of the most obvious options are out of commission, underperforming or just getting old. Who actually has a realistic claim right now?.
Lafreniere hits milestone as Rangers rally to win
Alexis Lafreniere scored his 100th career goal as part of a five-goal third that rallied the Rangers to a victory over the Capitals on Tuesday night.
Draisaitl's hat trick helps Oilers storm into break
Captain Connor McDavid had five assists, teammate Leon Draisaitl scored three goals and the Oilers kept rolling into the holiday hiatus with a 5-1 victory over the rival Calgary Flames Tuesday night, giving Edmonton an 8-2-1 mark in its past 11 contests.
USA beats Finland in World Juniors pre-tournament game: How does the roster stack up?
The first impressions of this Team USA left something to be desired despite the win in what was a tight-checking, low-event match.
Treliving backs Berube, Maple Leafs end skid at 3
Hours after Toronto general manager Brad Treliving gave coach Craig Berube a vote of confidence amid his team's struggles, the Maple Leafs went out and ended a three-game slide with a 6-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena.
Canadiens handle Bruins in Original 6 fight fest
In a fight-filled game befitting the Original Six rivalry, the Boston Bruins fell to the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
ECHL players on verge of strike with CBA impasse
The Professional Hockey Players' Association said its ECHL membership has served a strike notice that would be effective Friday, as the union and league can't come to an agreement on a new CBA.
Leafs' Brad Treliving doubles down on Craig Berube after Marc Savard firing: ‘I support Craig fully’
Treliving went out of his way, for the second time in just over a month, to back Berube as head coach.
The Sabres are good. Seriously! Plus: 5 weird NHL stats
Welcome to Red Light, The Athletic's NHL newsletter.
FanDuel SN channels could be sold as broadcaster scrambles for funds
If a sale falls through, Main Street Sports Group could ultimately be shut down following the current NBA and NHL seasons.
23rd December 2025
World Junior Championship guide: Top contenders, key players to watch
The tournament starts Thursday, with the best under-20 players in hockey. Here are gold medal favorites, players set to break out.
PWHL power rankings: Boston Fleet are the team to beat one month in
The PWHL power rankings are back for the 2025-26 season, and with every team having a few games under their belts, patterns have emerged.
The fractured-jaw diet: Charlie McAvoy's Bruins return fueled by soup, acai and undercooked fish
McAvoy lost 18 pounds after suffering his injury and is having to get creative to regain it. "My mouth feels weird. I have no teeth.".
An NHL new year in the making: 7 hockey things to get hyped about in 2026
There's still some NHL action yet to play in 2025, but it's never too early to get excited for what 2026 will bring.
U.S. men's hockey roster: What we're hearing as management prepares to make final decisions
Here's our projection of who's in, who's out and what decisions remain heading into management's final meetings.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
ECHL player union announces strike notice starting Friday
One of the top minor hockey leagues in North America could go dark after playing without a CBA since the start of the season.
Preds' Haslam: 'No brainer' to add Saban to fold
Nick Saban, the Predator's new minority owner, said he will be involved in the organization as much or as chariman Bill Haslam wants.
Last-place Maple Leafs fire assistant coach Savard
The underperforming Toronto Maple Leafs fired assistant coach Marc Savard on Monday, the club announced in a statement, following a weekend in which the team dropped two games in two days, falling to second to last place in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto Maple Leafs fire assistant coach Marc Savard: What it means, what's next
Savard was responsible for the power play, which currently ranks dead last in the league.
Kraken's Montour (hand) on IR, out four weeks
Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour, who has missed Seattle's last two games, has been placed on injured reserve and will be out at least four weeks after undergoing hand surgery.
NHL rumblings: No panic in Predators, no easy fixes for Maple Leafs and more
After a tough start to the season, the Predators have won seven of 10 and are in the wild-card mix. Are they still sellers?.
22nd December 2025
The NHL's best this week: Is Craig Berube on the hot seat in Toronto?
As the holiday break approaches, the Maple Leafs aren't exactly excelling. Plus, key games in the week ahead.
The top 25 NHL prospects playing at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships
Based on their NHL projections, these players are the top prospects at the 2026 World Juniors in Minnesota.
NHL weekend rankings: Time for another round of holiday panic
Sometimes you know what you're getting with a team, even when first impressions imply otherwise. Other times, it's hard to have a clue.
Why are shots on goal disappearing across the NHL?
What once was considered a shot on goal in the NHL is now coming off the scoreboard — sometimes literally.
What’s really wrong with Auston Matthews this season?
The Maple Leafs' most reliable scorer isn't scoring anymore. What's going on, and can the Leafs fix it?.
Hughes scores in return as Devils fall to Sabres
New Jersey forward Jack Hughes, a 24-year-old center and hopeful for the U.S. Olympic team, returned to the Devils' lineup just more than five weeks after having finger surgery and scored the first goal in a 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.
Crosby leaps Lemieux as Pens' all-time top scorer
Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux's franchise scoring record with a goal and an assist in the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, giving him 645 goals and 1,079 assists for 1,724 points in 1,387 games.
Sidney Crosby passes Mario Lemieux as Penguins' all-time points leader
Sidney Crosby set a Penguins franchise record with two points in the first period against the Montreal Canadiens.
Injured captain Miller misses Rangers' 2-1 loss
Rangers veteran forward J.T. Miller missed his club's 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators Sunday night, and could miss additional time, coach Mike Sullivan said, adding that his captain was still being evaluated for an upper-body injury back in New York.
Devils' Jack Hughes returns after 'freak' injury
Devils star Jack Hughes, who injured his hand during a team dinner in Chicago on Nov. 13, will return to the lineup against the Sabres.
Sabres add ex-Habs GM Bergevin to front office
Newly hired Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced the hiring of former Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and Josh Flynn to his staff.
21st December 2025
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Blackhawks' Nazar hit in face by puck, out 4 weeks
The Blackhawks lost another key player when Frank Nazar was hit in the face by a puck during a 6-4 loss to the Senators.
Max Domi scratched as Maple Leafs make lineup changes, look for spark
Domi is in the middle of a difficult season as Toronto sits just one point out of last place in the Eastern Conference.
NHL referee makes wrong goal call, reverses decision after Senators, fans celebrate
The mix-up following a goaltender interference review drastically changed the mood of Senators players and fans at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Blackhawks' Frank Nazar out approximately 4 weeks after taking puck to the face
Nazar, a 2022 first-round pick, was recently promoted to No. 1 center due to Connor Bedard's injury,.
Rangers rally past Flyers but lose captain Miller
The Rangers killed off two penalties in overtime on the way to beating the Flyers 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday but lost captain J.T. Miller to an injury.
Sabres hiring Marc Bergevin as associate GM to replace Jason Karmanos
Replacing Karmanos with Bergevin is the first move new GM Jarmo Kekäläinen has made in Buffalo’s front office.
Kekalainen fires Karmanos as 1st Sabres change
New Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen made his first change since taking over, firing associate general manager Jason Karmanos.
Blue Jackets hope Mason Marchment gives lineup a boost, dressing room a jolt
GM Don Waddell has wanted Marchment for a while, but he also wanted to change the dynamic with the Blue Jackets.
20th December 2025
NHL stick customization: What do players prioritize when choosing their curves?
Which curves do NHLers use, and why? The Athletic asked a sampling of players. Their roles go a long way in explaining their preferences.
Rating every NHL team's goal song, from Eminem to AC/DC to Sabrina Carpenter
For years, goal songs have signaled joy in NHL arenas. Our staff rated each one, based on personal opinions and how the tune fits the team.
Inside the tense relationship between NCAA programs and CHL teams
Over the last several months, The Athletic spoke with NCAA and CHL coaches and executives about their uneasy alliance.
Kraken trade Marchment to CBJ after 29 games
The Kraken have traded forward Mason Marchment to the Blue Jackets for two draft picks.
NHL trade grades: Phillip Danault makes sense for Canadiens — despite obvious red flag
While the idea of adding a clutch playoff performer sounds enticing, Danault's offensive downturn and contract are a concern.
Kraken trade Mason Marchment to Blue Jackets for draft picks: Sources
Marchment, who has four goals and 13 points in 29 games this season, will join his fifth NHL franchise.
Montreal-bound: Danault returns to Habs in trade
The Kings have traded center Phillip Danault to the Canadiens, ending speculation about his future with the team.
L.A. Kings trade Phillip Danault to Canadiens for second-round draft pick
Danault, 32, was in the midst of a trying season with the Kings, with zero goals and just five assists in 30 games.
Eichel, Theodore out for Golden Knights' road trip
Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore will not make the Vegas Golden Knights' weekend Canadian road trip because of injuries, costing the team its leading scorer and one of its top defensemen.
Oilers put newly added Jarry (lower body) on IR
Oilers goalie Tristan Jarry has been put on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Jarry has made three starts for Edmonton since a Dec. 12 trade from Pittsburgh.
Has Craig Berube lost the Maple Leafs? 'Ask those guys, not me'
The Leafs’ brass should be asking tough questions to determine whether this season is still salvageable with Craig Berube at the controls.
Flyers suspend radio play-by-play announcer Tim Saunders for inappropriate remark on hot mic
Len Redkoles via Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Flyers have suspended radio play-by-play broadcaster Tim Saunders after he was heard making an inappropriate comment during Thursday's game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Stars' Seguin, 6-time All-Star, has ACL surgery
Stars forward Tyler Seguin underwent surgery this week to repair the ACL in his right knee, and the team said Friday that he would be reevaluated after the Olympic break.
Inside Sabres' whirlwind week that led to Jarmo Kekäläinen becoming GM
Sabres COO Pete Guelli said it feels like a “new day” for the franchise as Jarmo Kekäläinen takes over hockey operations.
Stars forward Tyler Seguin has successful surgery on torn ACL, will be re-evaluated after Olympic break
Seguin had seven goals and 10 assists in 27 games before getting tangled up with Rangers defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov on Dec. 2.
What’s next for Canucks after trading Quinn Hughes? Here’s what a rebuild could look like
The Canucks' actions going forward will be more important than simply saying the word "rebuild.".
Flyers suspend radio broadcaster for comments made during hot mic moment
Brian Smith, the Flyers' director of broadcasting and content, will fill in, calling games with analyst Todd Fedoruk.
Which teams will do some last-minute NHL trade shopping?
Plus: We're finally seeing some of the playoff pretenders come back to Earth.
NHL Power Rankings: Sing along to your team's Christmas song
We've found a set of holiday lyrics that apply to each team and their place in the rankings.
Who says no to these 11 NHL trades (featuring things that can't actually be traded)?
Terry Pegula for Francesco Aquilini? Crosby becomes an American for a Canadian Stanley Cup win? The trade block is open for business.
'She's an icon': Heading into her final Olympics, Hilary Knight's impact is as big as ever
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be Knight's last playing for Team USA.
NHL Power Rankings: Updated 1-32 poll, holiday gifts for each team
The Hurricanes, Wild and Oilers moved up in our rankings, and the Capitals and Penguins drop.
19th December 2025
Rumblings: What I'm hearing on Canada's Olympic roster bubble, plus NHL trade chatter picking up
Who makes the final Canadian cut? And the latest on trade targets Phillip Danault, Rasmus Andersson, Kiefer Sherwood and Ryan O'Reilly.
Why the Maple Leafs aren't filling seats like they used to
Something strange is happening at Scotiabank Arena: The Maple Leafs are no longer selling out every game.
Former NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith: Why sports' leaders must address growing gambling crisis
Fans must believe that games, and the actions within them, are authentic. That belief is being threatened by multiple gambling scandals.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Sabres' Timmins breaks leg, likely out 6-8 weeks
Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins is expected to sit out 6-8 weeks after sustaining a broken left leg in what appeared to be a noncontact injury Thursday night against the Flyers.
18th December 2025
Ryan O'Reilly to the Capitals, and five other post-roster-freeze NHL trades
No trades can be made from Dec. 21 to 28. Here are a handful of deals that make too much sense.
How the Capitals retooled on the fly: Looking where other teams don't and arbitrage
General manager Chris Patrick and the Capitals have defied expectations in Alex Ovechkin's golden years. Here's how they did it.
This Week in Sports Trivia: December 18, 2025
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
The rise of Quinn Hughes: Hockey nerd, skating savant — and ideal fit for the Wild
From youth hockey to the U.S. NTDP to the NHL, Hughes' path to the Wild has left teammates and coaches in awe.
Which team has the ultimate front office in 2025? The fans get the final say
After polling more than 100 front-office executives from across the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB this year, the fans finally got their vote.
Breaking down Team USA's best Olympic roster by the numbers
Based on Net Rating this season, here’s what an American roster based purely on The Numbers would look like.
16 stats: Wild's usage of Quinn Hughes and Moritz Seider's Norris Trophy push
Plus the red-hot Predators, the Devils' offense without Jack Hughes and why three-on-three hockey has slowed down.
Canada beats Sweden in World Juniors pre-tournament game: Who stood out?
Canada still has a few roster cuts to make before the tournament begins on Boxing Day.
Penguins' new owner, the Hoffmann family, can fix FSG's weaknesses with this 4-point plan
The Penguins' new owners have several urgent questions to answer. Here's where they should start.
Qatari fund, private equity firm buying stake in Wizards, Mystics, Capitals ownership group
Powell Jobs has owned a minority share of Monumental Sports & Entertainment since 2017.
FSG agrees to sell Penguins to Hoffmann family
Fenway Sports Group has agreed in principle to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Chicago-based Hoffmann family.
Rangers call up top prospect Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann from AHL
In search of a spark after two consecutive losses, the New York Rangers called up reinforcements.
Penguins sold to new owners Hoffmann family; Fenway Sports Group out after 4 years
Rumors have swirled about a potential sale. Now, the Penguins will have their third owners since 2021.
Geek and destroy: How Bruins winger Morgan Geekie has defied goal-scoring regression
Many expected the 27-year-old to take a step back from his 33 goals last season. Instead, he's on pace for 58.
Who wins: A team of Canadians who played in Canada or Americans who played in America?
It's Double Canadians vs. Double Americans, two teams made up of players who represent their country both internationally and in the NHL.
17th December 2025
How Wallstedt, Bussi, five other NHL goalies leveled up their play this season
A new wave of netminding talent is taking the league by storm, coming from a variety of backgrounds.
What I saw and heard at Canada's World Junior camp: Gavin McKenna, the bubble, the NHLers, more
Scott Wheeler spent the last three days at the Gale Centre Arena in Niagara Falls for a series of practices and scrimmages.
Breaking down Team Canada's best Olympic roster by the numbers
Based Net Rating this season, here’s what a Canadian roster based purely on The Numbers would look like.
Losing motivation? 3 tips from a pro athlete and an expert to turn things around
Former NHL goalie Corey Hirsch and an expert in the field of burnout share ideas to help anyone get out of a funk.
Hockey's overlooked art: NHL 'wall work' is 'one of the hardest things to do in sports'
Picking a puck off the boards can make the difference between a breakout and a goal against and is a “thousand percent teachable skill.".
How Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL's hottest player, is extending his prime
Now 30 and in his 13th NHL season, MacKinnon is hyper-focused on improvement and longevity: "I’m kind of getting started, to be honest.".
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
NHL trade board 2.0: Who could move if there's a flurry before the holiday freeze?
Double retentions won't be possible for players moved after the NHL's holiday trade freeze, which could spur some teams into action.
Spin-o-rama goal helps Celebrini to 50-point mark
Macklin Celebrini scored a spin-o-rama goal as part of a four-point night that made him the fastest San Jose player to reach 50 points in a season as the Sharks beat the Flames 6-3 on Tuesday.
Five days after goalie swap, Jarry bests Skinner
Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner, traded for one another just five days ago, starred against their former teams as Edmonton defeated Pittsburgh 6-4 on Tuesday night.
Draisaitl hits 1,000 points against ex-Oiler Skinner
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl became the fourth-fastest active player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points in the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Oilers' Leon Draisaitl scores 1,000th point: 'He's showing no signs of slowing down'
Draisaitl became the fifth-fastest player born outside of North America to reach the 1,000-point milestone.
