NHL Roundup: Slafkovsky’s Points, Ovechkin’s Milestone, and a Goaltending Showcase

November 18, 2025 – The National Hockey League saw a full slate of action on Tuesday night, with key performances from emerging stars, legendary veterans, and a unique display of international talent between the pipes.

Slafkovsky Adds to His Totals, Canadiens Continue Struggles

Slovak forward Juraj Slafkovský of the Montreal Canadiens notched two plus-one ratings in a closely contested 4-3 overtime and shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Canadiens, who have now dropped four consecutive contests, struggled to maintain their early lead.

“I knew we had to change something. We needed to shake up all the lines. I tried to lead our offense. Yes, we scored the first goal, but I think we could have done more. It depends on Marty (coach St. Louis) what he does and how he plays us, but it’s good to know that we have good chemistry amongst us,”

– Juraj Slafkovský on the team’s performance.

Despite not registering a point for the fourth game in a row, Slafkovský’s six goals and three assists in 19 games this season highlight his continued development. The Canadiens sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ovechkin Reaches Home Goal Milestone as Capitals Edge Kings

In a tight affair, the Washington Capitals secured a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, with captain Alexander Ovechkin scoring the game-winning goal. This marked the first time this season Ovechkin has scored in two consecutive games.

More significantly, Ovechkin’s goal was his 442nd in his home arena, surpassing the legendary Gordie Howe’s record of 441 home goals. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren was instrumental in the win, making 30 saves. The Capitals currently hold the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Kings saw their four-game winning streak snapped.

High-Scoring Affair in Florida as Panthers Top Canucks

Czech goaltender Jiří Patera made his debut for the Vancouver Canucks in a wild 8-5 loss to the Florida Panthers. This was Patera’s first NHL start since March 27, 2024. Despite facing 15 shots and allowing 5 goals, his counterpart, Sergei Bobrovsky, also a beneficiary of a high-scoring game, reached a career milestone.

Bobrovsky’s 438th career win, despite allowing 5 goals on 15 shots, moved him into 9th place on the NHL’s all-time goaltenders list, surpassing Jacques Plante. The Panthers, who came back from a 2-0 deficit, extended their home success against Vancouver to a first win since January 2023 and their first time scoring more than seven goals this season.

“When you look at that list, it’s amazing. I admire these goalies, I try to be like them. The fact that I’m on the same list as them is incredible.”

– Sergei Bobrovsky on his career achievement.

The Canucks, who lost despite tying the game at 5-5 in the third period, have now dropped four of their last five games.

McDavid Held Scoreless as Sabres Extend Win Streak

The struggling Buffalo Sabres surprised the Edmonton Oilers with a decisive 5-1 victory, marking their second consecutive win. Edmonton captain Connor McDavid was held off the scoresheet for the first time in eight games, registering two minus-one ratings.

Buffalo’s goaltender Colten Ellis was solid, stopping 31 shots. The Sabres, now tied in points with Toronto near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, are showing signs of improved play. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the impact of offseason acquisitions like Jack Roslovic, who scored Edmonton’s lone goal.

Kočetkov Denied Shutout by Tufte in Thriller

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pjotr Kočetkov was just 10 seconds away from his second shutout of the season but was beaten by Riley Tufte on the power play. Kočetkov finished the game with 29 saves, maintaining a strong 92.6% save percentage and a 1.70 goals-against average this season.

Despite the late goal, Carolina extended its point streak to seven of the last eight games, handing Boston their first home loss in TD Garden in over a month. Bruins coach Marco Sturm cited a general lack of energy and focus from his team.

Jordan Staal celebrates a goal against the Boston Bruins. (Photo: TASR/AP)

Four Czech Goaltenders Featured in Anaheim-Utah Matchup

A unique goaltending storyline unfolded in the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 overtime win against the Utah Hockey Club, as all four netminders involved hailed from the Czech Republic. Lukáš Dostál earned the win for the Ducks, with Petr Mrázek as his backup. Karel Vejmelka started for Utah, with Vitek Vaněček serving as his reserve.

Troy Terry forced overtime for the Ducks with a late goal, and Olen Zellweger scored the winner in the extra frame. The Ducks have now won their first game after a three-game losing streak, while Utah continues to struggle, particularly in overtime.

NHL Results – November 18th

Boston vs. Carolina 1-3

• Goals: Tufte (BOS) | Staal, Jankowski, Hall (CAR)
• Goaltenders: Swayman (BOS) – Kočetkov (CAR)
• Shots: 30-32

Buffalo vs. Edmonton 5-1

• Goals: Östlund (2), Byram, Malenstyn, T. Thompson (BUF) – Roslovic (EDM)
• Goaltenders: Ellis (BUF) – Skinner (EDM)
• Shots: 28-33

Florida vs. Vancouver 8-5

• Goals: Greer, S. Jones (2), Kunin, Rodrigues, Lundell, Bennett, Marchand (FLA) – O’Connor, DeBrusk, E. Pettersson (2), Hronek (VAN)
• Goaltenders: Bobrovskij (FLA) – Patera (VAN)
• Shots: 41-15

Washington vs. Los Angeles 2-1

• Goals: M. Roy, Ovečkin (WSH) – Kopitar (LAK)
• Goaltenders: Lindgren (WSH) – Kuemper (LAK)
• Shots: 25-31

Columbus vs. Montreal 4-3 (OT/SO)

• Goals: Werenski, Fantilli, Voronkov (CBJ) – O. Kapanen, Josh Anderson, L. Hutson (MTL)
• Goaltenders: Greaves (CBJ) – Dobeš (MTL)
• Shots: 23-32

Anaheim vs. Utah 3-2 (OT)

• Goals: LaCombe, Terry, Zellweger (ANA) – Guenther, L. Cooley (UTA)
• Goaltenders: Dostál (ANA) – Vejmelka (UTA)
• Shots: 25-18