The final NHL game on Wednesday's schedule will pit the defending champion Panthers against the Kings out on the West Coast.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-21-8) again have a chance to get back to hockey .500, but more importantly, stack wins on a pivotal seven-game road trip. Thus far, the Penguins are 2-1-0 in the first three games and inching back into the continually mediocre middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Ducks have lost seven of their last eight, accruing just four of a possible 16 points, while Pittsburgh just hammered the Kings on Monday

The Los Angeles Kings conclude a quick two-game homestand against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. LA comes into this matchup after a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mason McTavish and Alex Killorn each scored twice and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 on Thursday night. Frank Vatrano also scored and Troy Terry and Jacob Trouba each had a pair of assists as the Ducks snapped a four-game winless streak. John Gibson made 31 saves.

Sharks starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev, in a shaky performance, was pulled at the 3:01 mark of the second period after allowing four goals on 15 shots. Yaroslav Askarov came on in relief and but did not fare much better, as he allowed three goals on 16 shots.

The Los Angeles Kings begin a five-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets. LA are coming off a two-game homestand where they went 1-1-0, losing 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins and winning 2-1 versus the Florida Panthers.

Rantanen was acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday for forwards Jack Drury and Martin Necas, along with a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Hall was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks for a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft.

Celebrini has had his share of highlight-reel plays this season as he entered Saturday’s game against Barkov and the Panthers with 35 points in 39 games. Celebrini’s 15 goals before Saturday’s game led all NHL rookies, even as the Sharks have stumbled to last place in the league’s overall standings.

The New York Rangers have bounced back after losing 17 of 23 games and are now on a 10-game point streak which has them back in the playoff mix. Star goalie Igor Shesterkin has been stellar since returning from a stint on injured reserve and his play is one of the keys to the team’s recent success.

The Hurricanes made a statement move well in advance of the NHL trade deadline. Carolina GM Eric Tulsky explained the team’s move.

Welcome to NHL trade deadline season. The blockbuster trade of Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes surprised the hockey world Friday evening and has big takeaways.