NHL December 19, 2025

In one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the third period to stun the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime. According to the NHL, it was the first time Florida won a game when trailing by three goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation.

With Sergei Bobrovsky pulled for the extra attacker with about 4:40 remaining, Sam Bennett scored quickly to cut the lead to 3-2. Then Sam Reinhart connected with just 41.8 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 3-3, sending Amerant Bank Arena into a frenzy. Brad Marchand also scored in the comeback. Sebastian Aho scored two third-period goals for Carolina in the second consecutive game, but it wasn't enough. Jordan Staal also scored for the Hurricanes, whose five-game winning streak was snapped in heartbreaking fashion. Goaltender Brandon Bussi made 38 saves but suffered just his second loss in 13 starts this season.

The Dallas Stars exploded for four first-period goals and never looked back, cruising to a dominant 8-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The offensive onslaught featured goals from Oskar Back, Roope Hintz, Sam Steel, and Thomas Harley before the first intermission, putting the game out of reach early.

Jason Robertson stole the show with a hat trick, netting his 21st and 22nd goals of the season among his three tallies. Mikko Rantanen contributed multiple assists in another multi-point performance. The Stars' power play clicked at a high rate, and their depth scoring was on full display. Anaheim's young core showed flashes but couldn't contain Dallas's firepower. The eight-goal outburst continued the Stars' strong offensive run as they position themselves for another deep playoff push.

Two of the top rookie defensemen in the League - and leading Calder Trophy candidates - went head to head when the Vancouver Canucks faced the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The Canucks came away with a 3-0 shutout victory, with goals from K. Sherwood (2) and D. Kampf sealing the win.

Zeev Buium was playing just his third game for Vancouver since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes on December 12. He had recorded a goal and an assist in his first two games with the Canucks and continued his strong play. Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been outstanding in his first season with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 34 games, but couldn't break through against Vancouver's stingy defense in this matchup of future stars.

The Winnipeg Jets visited the Colorado Avalanche in a battle of Central Division contenders at Ball Arena. Morgan Barron and Mark Scheifele (goal 17) scored for the Jets in this crucial divisional matchup.

Nathan MacKinnon, with 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists) in 33 games, was in action for the Avalanche, continuing his Hart Trophy-caliber season. Colorado's high-powered offense featuring MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar faced a stiff test against Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets' stingy defense. Both teams entered with playoff positioning implications, making every point critical as the season approaches the midway point.

The New Jersey Devils visited the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City at Delta Center. Utah's Nick Schmaltz leads the team with 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 36 games, anchoring the offense for the franchise in their inaugural season after relocating from Arizona.

The Devils continued their push for playoff positioning in the competitive Metropolitan Division, led by Jack Hughes and their talented young core. Utah has exceeded expectations in their first season, drawing enthusiastic crowds at the Delta Center and establishing themselves as a competitive franchise. The matchup featured two teams with playoff aspirations and young talent looking to make a statement.