In the latest updates from the NHL, several teams are dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming games. The Chicago Blackhawks will have forward Taylor Hall back in the lineup, while Craig Smith is listed as day-to-day due to a back injury.

The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Jonathan Drouin back from an upper-body injury, while the Montreal Canadiens reported that David Savard and Patrik Laine are not traveling with the team due to injuries and illness, respectively.

In Nashville, the Predators are missing Luke Evangelista for four weeks, alongside Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby, both on the IR. The New York Islanders are hopeful that Semyon Varlamov and Isaiah George will return to practice soon, but Hudson Fasching is sidelined for two weeks. The New York Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin return after an injury absence.

Further updates include Ottawa's Noah Gregor being out with a lower-body injury, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin missing another game due to an upper-body injury, and San Jose's Fabian Zetterlund as a game-time decision. The Winnipeg Jets anticipate the return of Dylan Samberg and Josh Morrissey for their next matchup.

Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm is back on the ice after being sidelined since mid-November due to a lower-body injury, but coach Joe Sacco has not provided a timeline for his return. In contrast, Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary exited the game with a lower-body injury, and his status remains unclear after the game. Other injury updates reveal that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan and Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin also left their respective games with injuries, with no specific updates available.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings' Jeff Petry is not expected to skate soon, indicating a longer recovery. In more injury news, Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Luke Evangelista both sustained lower-body injuries in the second period. New York Rangers forward Filip Chytil also left his game due to an upper-body issue, while Chris Kreider has been placed on IR with a similar injury. The Ottawa Senators announced that Jacob Bernard-Docker will be sidelined with a high ankle sprain, and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin missed his last game due to an upper-body injury.

Bryan Rust's overtime goal secured a thrilling 5-4 victory for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Nashville Predators, with Sidney Crosby contributing four points. The Penguins, who trailed for most of the game, have now won three of their last four matches.

In other NHL action, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the St. Louis Blues 3-1, while the Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. The Los Angeles Kings triumphed over the Philadelphia Flyers 7-3, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Seattle Kraken 3-1.

Bryan Rust netted his second goal in overtime, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Nashville Predators. Sidney Crosby shone with a season-high four points, including a goal and three assists, breaking a 10-game scoring drought.

The Penguins, who have won three of their last four games, managed to rally from a 3-1 deficit, with key contributions from Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson. Nashville struggled in overtime, falling to 1-7 in such games this season.

Mackenzie Blackwood made a stellar debut for the Colorado Avalanche, stopping 38 shots in a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Nathan MacKinnon led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Artturi Lehkonen also scored twice. Blackwood's performance was crucial, especially as he faced a late surge from Nashville.

Despite a tough week transitioning from the San Jose Sharks, Blackwood expressed gratitude for the win and the support from Avalanche fans. MacKinnon, now with 50 points this season, is finding his rhythm after a slow November.