NHL Today: Islanders Take Out Frustrations; Ritchie Rampages

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Friday, December 29, and here’s what’s happening around the NHL today.

Islanders Take Out Frustrations:

The emotion inside UBS Arena on Wednesday night for the New York Islanders was disappointing, as the Pittsburgh Penguins abused them to the tune of a 7-0 loss.

On Thursday morning, the Islanders’ energy at practice shifted to frustration as a couple of sticks were swung into the boards, and a few players spouted words that cannot be repeated here.

It was intense but also necessary.

Bo Horvat on the frustration at today's #Isles practice:

"Nobody's happy with how things went last night. It was perfect practice for after a game like that. A lot of battle, a lot of compete, and taking frustrations out of your teammates, but in a good way. We needed it."

— Andrew Fantucchio (@A_Fantucchio) December 28, 2023

The Islanders will need that intensity as they face the Washington Capitals tonight.

Caps Officially Sign Bear:

When the Capitals take the ice against the Islanders later tonight, they’ll have a new player joining them.

Ethan Bear has been working out with Washington for the last few weeks and officially signed with the team yesterday on a two-year $4.125 million contract.

OFFICIAL: The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Ethan Bear to a two-year, $4.125 million contract. Bear’s contract will carry an average annual value of $2.0625 million.#ALLCAPS

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2023

Bear, 26, has been an unrestricted free agent since being let go by the Vancouver Canucks at the end of last season.

In 251 career NHL games, the defenseman has 63 points with 16 goals.

Nick Ritchie Goes On Rampage:

Former first-round draft pick Nick Ritchie is playing over in Finland this year and has brought the chippy style of play he became known for in the NHL with him.

Playing for the Oulun Kärpät, the once Calgary Flame locked up with Marcus Nurmi of TPS Turku in a battle along the boards and pushed him down to the ice by the back of his head. Ritchie didn’t cease once Nurmi was already down on all fours. He proceeded to punch Nurmi while he was down.

Tilannehuone on tarkastanut torstain #HCTPS–#Kärpät-ottelusta tilanteen ajassa 38.40, jossa Kärppien Nick Ritchie lyö hanska kädessä nyrkillä pelitilanteen ulkopuolella TPS:n Markus Nurmea pään alueelle. Tilanteesta tuomittiin Ritchielle 5+PR.

➡️ Tilanne etenee #Liiga'n… pic.twitter.com/WHz3kdqf8q

— Liiga (@smliiga) December 28, 2023

Yesterday’s Scoreboard:

Hurricanes: 5, Canadiens: 3

Flyers: 4, Canucks: 1

Golden Knights: 3, Kings: 2

Oilers: 5, Sharks: 0

Today’s Schedule:

All Times EST

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.

New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.

New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.

Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Anaheim Ducks. 10 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

New Jersey Devils: He may only be 20 years old, but New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes is already being compared to a Hall of Famer.

Philadelphia: Noah Cates is back on his feet(and skates) as he pushes towards a return for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: After routing the Islanders, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a chance to get back in the race in the Metro Division.

Buffalo: Why was Tage Thompson added to the non-roster list for the Buffalo Sabres?

Detroit: If the Detroit Red Wings are going to compete for a playoff spot, they’ll need to be better at helping their goalies.

Nashville: Nashville Predators prospect Matthew Wood is stealing the show for Team Canada at the World Juniors.

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