Alex Ovechkin has set a new NHL record for empty-net goals, netting his 57th on February 10, 2024, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's previous mark of 56. This milestone was achieved in a game against the Boston Bruins, where Ovechkin scored at the closing seconds of the third period in a 3-0 victory. Ovechkin accomplished this feat in 1,394 games compared to Gretzky's 1,487, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability in high-pressure situations.

Beyond Ovechkin and Gretzky, several notable players have also excelled in this area, including Marian Hossa and Brad Marchand, who are among the top empty-net goal scorers in NHL history. This strategy of pulling the goalie for an extra skater often leads to heightened offensive chances, but it's a double-edged sword, leaving teams vulnerable defensively.

Sidney Crosby's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins remains uncertain as trade rumors swirl ahead of the impending deadline. Despite speculation, insiders believe that the likelihood of Crosby departing Pittsburgh is minimal. His loyalty to the Penguins and their fans has been highlighted, with expectations that he will clarify his intentions soon.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are in the spotlight regarding potential trades, particularly with Jordan Greenway, who has expressed a desire to remain with the team. The Sabres are open to trading certain players but are cautious about dealing away current roster players.

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, thanks to William Nylander's clutch goal just one minute into the extra period. This win marked the Maple Leafs' fifth consecutive victory, showcasing an impressive offensive performance as Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, John Tavares, Max Domi, and Conor Timmins also found the scoresheet. Matthews extended his nine-game point streak with his 390th career goal, surpassing Darryl Sittler for second on the franchise's all-time list.

Sidney Crosby led the charge for the Penguins with a goal and two assists, allowing him to surpass Bobby Hull for 18th on the NHL's career goals list and Gordie Howe for 10th on the assists list. Rickard Rakell contributed with two goals, marking his 500th career point. Despite the loss, the Penguins have struggled, now losing six of their last seven games. As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs have proven resilient when leading after two periods, maintaining a perfect 27-0-0 record.

In a thrilling finale at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Connor McDavid scored what many are calling the 'McGolden goal', a moment that solidified his status as a generational talent in Canadian hockey. The game, which saw Canada face off against the United States, culminated in a dramatic overtime scenario, where McDavid triumphed with a game-winning shot, reminiscent of Sidney Crosby's golden goal during the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. The match was rich with intensity and emotion, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the two nations.

As the overtime unfolded, the Americans were caught in a crucial icing call that allowed Canada to deploy their top players. McDavid, alongside Mitch Marner and Brayden Point, faced Auston Matthews and his line, setting the stage for the decisive moment. The play unfolded with a well-structured faceoff strategy, leading to a shot opportunity that was initially deflected but found its way to Marner, who set McDavid up perfectly for the finish. This goal not only secured victory for Canada but also sparked discussions about the legacy of Canadian hockey, with both Crosby and McDavid being pivotal figures in their respective eras.

The Philadelphia Flyers faced a tough challenge against the Pittsburgh Penguins, ultimately falling 5-4 in overtime despite showing promising moments throughout the game. Noah Cates starred with a hat trick, tying his career high with 13 goals this season. The Flyers, who extended their point streak to four games, initially took control, leading 3-0 at one point, but defensive lapses allowed the Penguins to claw back into the game.

Key moments included a disallowed goal from Andrei Kuzmenko that could have put the Flyers further ahead, and a clean hit from Garnet Hathaway that resulted in a controversial minor penalty. Meanwhile, Evgeni Malkin capped off the Penguins' comeback with the game-winning goal in overtime, showcasing the struggle for the Flyers to maintain their edge against a fierce division rival.