The 2024-25 NHL season has delivered its fair share of drama, not least in the form of injuries to several key players across the league. As teams grapple with these setbacks, legendary figures and rising stars alike find themselves coping with unexpected hurdles.
Ovechkin Chasing History
Among the stories that have dominated headlines, Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record stands out. The Washington Capitals' captain has long been a scoring machine, and fans eagerly anticipate the moment he might surpass "The Great One." However, Ovechkin's quest has hit a temporary snag. Following a collision with Utah forward Jack McBain, Ovechkin sustained a lower-leg injury that has sidelined him on a week-to-week basis. Despite the setback, the Capitals have chosen not to place Ovechkin on injured reserve, a decision that indicates cautious optimism about his return.
Sabres Struggling Without Dahlin
In Buffalo, the Sabres are enduring a formidable losing streak, exacerbated by the absence of Rasmus Dahlin. The star defenseman has missed seven consecutive games with persistent back spasms. Dahlin's influential presence on the ice has been sorely missed, but he may offer a beacon of hope for Sabres fans soon. There's anticipation around his potential return against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 20.
Injury Woes for Ducks and Bruins
The Anaheim Ducks are also navigating troubled waters with Trevor Zegras out of action due to a lower-body injury sustained in early December. His absence is felt keenly as the Ducks seek to maintain momentum in a highly competitive league.
Similarly, the Boston Bruins have faced challenges without Hampus Lindholm, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since mid-November. Lindholm's reliability on defense has been a cornerstone of the Bruins' strategy, making his absence a significant hurdle for the team to overcome.
Landeskog's Long Wait Continues
Over in Colorado, Gabriel Landeskog remains out of the lineup as his knee issues persist—a struggle that's hampered him since mid-2022. His ongoing absence is a blow to the Avalanche, who rely on his leadership and offensive prowess.
Carolina and New York Feel the Absence
The Carolina Hurricanes are currently missing goaltending stalwart Frederik Andersen, who nurses a lower-body injury. Although he hasn't been placed on injured reserve, his return timetable remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are managing several injury concerns. Anthony Duclair sits out with a lower-body issue, leaving a gap in their offensive unit. Moreover, defenseman Mike Reilly is soldiering on despite dealing with upper-body concerns.
Adding to the Islanders’ woes, San Jose Sharks veterans Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture both occupy spots on injured reserve, with upper-body and groin injuries, respectively. Their absence is a significant challenge for the Sharks, who rely heavily on their experienced players.
Maple Leafs Hit Hard
The Toronto Maple Leafs have entered the season with notable absences as well. Anthony Stolarz is recuperating from knee surgery, while Calle Jarnkrok has been out of action since late September. Their absence has forced the Leafs to test their depth early in the campaign.
As teams contend with these injury-induced challenges, the league's landscape is in a state of flux. Coaches and managers are faced with the task of filling gaps left by these sidelined stars, paving the way for lesser-known players to step up. For fans, this mix of adversity and opportunity keeps the narrative of the NHL season as unpredictable as ever. In the midst of the turmoil, eyes remain fixed on the recovery timelines, awaiting the return of the league's stars to restore the balance and elevate the spectacle of hockey to its full glory once more.