Quinn Hughes Returns to Vancouver with a Win as Minnesota Wild Secure Victory in NHL Roundup

Oct 25, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) checks Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

In a highly anticipated matchup, Quinn Hughes marked his return to Vancouver with a goal and an assist, reaching the prestigious 500-point milestone for his career. Alongside Kirill Kaprizov, who scored his league-leading 13th goal of the season and added an assist, the Minnesota Wild secured a convincing 4-2 victory over the Canucks on Sunday night.

Hughes, playing his first game in Vancouver since being traded to Minnesota in a blockbuster deal on Dec. 12, 2025, etched his name into the NHL history books. He became the second-fastest American-born defenseman to reach 500 career points, achieving the milestone in 520 games—just behind Brian Leetch, who accomplished the feat in 496 games. Despite facing boos from the Vancouver crowd every time he touched the puck, Hughes remained unfazed and focused on the win.

Maxim Shabanov contributed a goal and an assist, while Bobby Brink added another goal for the Wild. With this victory, Minnesota moved two points ahead of the Utah Mammoth, claiming first place in the Central Division. Goaltender Calvin Pickard, making only his second start of the season, recorded 15 saves to earn his first win with the team.

For the Canucks, Max Sasson and Brock Boeser found the back of the net, while goaltender Leevi Merilainen made 30 saves. However, the team suffered a tough defeat, extending their losing streak to ten consecutive games (0-9-1).

Canadiens 2, Jets 1

In the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, played outdoors at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, goaltender Jacob Fowler made 33 crucial saves to lead Montreal to a narrow 2-1 victory over Winnipeg.

Defensemen Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle each scored a goal, while Cole Caufield contributed two assists for the Canadiens. This game marked the NHL’s 46th outdoor game and the 10th played in Canada, adding to the historic atmosphere of the event.

Isak Rosen scored a late goal for Winnipeg, and goaltender Stuart Skinner made 19 saves. The loss extended the Jets’ losing streak to five games (0-3-2). Forward Dawson Mercer made his debut for Winnipeg after being acquired from the New Jersey Devils in Friday’s trade for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, registering two shots in 15:22 of ice time.

Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

Lars Eller scored the go-ahead goal with just 2:23 remaining in the third period, while Sandis Vilmanis and Matthew Tkachuk also found the net to lead visiting Florida to a 3-2 victory over Chicago.

Eller’s game-winner came at 17:37 of the third period during a line change. He received a long pass from Aaron Ekblad just inside the blue line, skated down the right side, and fired a wrist shot from the circle past Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight. Goaltender Akira Schmid stopped 19 shots, helping Florida snap a two-game losing streak.

Ryan Greene and Roman Kantserov scored for Chicago, while goaltender Spencer Knight made 30 saves. The Blackhawks struggled on the power play, going 0-for-7, and fell to 2-4-0 during their seven-game homestand, which is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Stars 6, Islanders 3

Jason Robertson delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals for his fourth consecutive multi-point game, leading host Dallas to a decisive victory over New York.

Robertson opened the scoring in the first period and added a breakaway goal in the third, bringing his point total to 13 (five goals, eight assists) over his last nine games. Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin each recorded a goal and an assist, while Mikko Rantanen and Justin Hryckowian also scored. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 17 saves, propelling the Stars to their fifth consecutive victory.

The victory spoiled the return of Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer, who previously coached the Stars for three seasons (2022–25), leading them to the Western Conference final in each of those campaigns. Meanwhile, New York’s 19-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his second goal in as many games, raising his career total to 25 and surpassing Hall of Famer Bobby Orr for the second-most goals by a teenage defenseman in NHL history.

Predators 6, Avalanche 2

Ryan O’Reilly led the charge with two goals, including the game-winner, and two assists as host Nashville defeated Colorado. The victory helped the Predators avoid a third consecutive loss and marked only their second win in their last seven games (2-2-3).

Steven Stamkos scored twice and added an assist, while Filip Forsberg contributed a goal and two assists. Jack Drury also scored, and Roman Josi chipped in with three assists. Goaltender Justus Annunen made 19 saves to secure his first win of the season.

Artturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews scored for the Avalanche, who have now lost three of their last four games and sit at 2-4-0 on the road. Martin Necas contributed two assists, and goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 29 saves in net.

Source link