NHL Daily: Flyers Make Draft-Lottery Gains; Ovi Would Have Already Passed Getzky If …

The Philadelphia Flyers are gaining ground in the draft-lottery race. The Pittsburgh Penguins have another injury to a key player, and Alex Ovechkin would have already passed Wayne Gretzky if not for two lockouts and a pair of COVID-shortened seasons.

Oh, and the Bo Horvat trade scenarios intensify.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers’ goaltenders have been solid, but the team’s scoring has been sketchy. At best. As a result of the latter, they have lost 16 of 18 and are in the Connor Bedard conversation. Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington Hockey Now: Alex Ovechkin is 94 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 career tallies. The Great 8 would probably already have the record if there weren’t lockouts and COVID developments. Washington Capitals.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Add Jason Zucker to the Penguins’ growing inury list. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Boston Hockey Now: For the Bruins, there is a benefit from David Krejci’s absence: It allowed the B’s to see how things may look like with Pavel Zacha as a top-six center in the future. Boston Bruins.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Isles have been in heavy trade talks lately. Thirteen NHL scouts watched their last game. New York Islanders.

Vegas Hockey Now: Is Vegas forward Chandler Stephenson the NHL’s  most improved player? Vegas Golden Knights. 

San Jose Hockey Now: With the team decimated by injuries and going nowhere, the Sharks — the West Coast version of the Flyers — might start promoting their top prospects. San Jose Sharks.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings’ playoff hopes took a major hit Wednesday. Not only did they drop a 4-1 decision in Minnesota, but they lost another member their core to an injury. Defenseman Filip Hronek took a big hit from Ryan Reeves and left the game. The previous night, captain Dylan Larkin was injured. Detroit Red Wings.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers sorely miss Patric Hornqvist, sidelined since Dec. 3 with a concussion. Florida Panthers.

Colorado Hockey Now. Thoughts on Bo Horvat and a potential trade with the Avs. Colorado Avalanche.