Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of December 18th through 24th.
First Star – Kirill Kaprizov (LW – MIN)
Kirill Kaprizov would record four goals and three assists for seven points in four games played for the Minnesota Wild, and to open up his week he would record an assist in a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Dec. 18th. On Dec. 19th Kaprizov would record two goals in a 4-3 overtime victory over Boston, and on Dec. 21st he would record a goal and two assists in a 4-3 victory over Montreal. Then to close out his week Kaprizov would score a goal in a 3-2 victory over Boston on Dec. 23rd.
The Official Jersey Retailer of TXHT
Second Star – Mika Zibanejad (C – NYR)
Mika Zibanejad would also record four goals and three assists for seven points, but in three games played for the New York Rangers, and he would open his week with two goals in a 5-2 victory over Toronto on Dec. 19th. Then on Dec. 22nd he would record a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss to Edmonton, but Zibanejad would close out the week with a goal and two assists in a 4-3 overtime victory over Buffalo on Dec. 23rd.
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Third Star – Patrick Kane (RW – DET)
Patrick Kane would lead the League with four goals and four assists for eight points in four games played for the Detroit Red Wings. Kane would open his week with two assists in a 4-3 loss to Anaheim on Dec. 18th, and on Dec. 20th he would record a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg. Then on Dec. 22nd Kane would record two goals, an assist, and the shootout winner in a 7-6 victory over Philadelphia, and to close out his week Kane would score a goal in a 3-2 loss to New Jersey on Dec. 23rd.
The Official Jersey Retailer of TXHT
*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings.
TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.
We would encounter craziness for the holidays as we would be treated to 14 action packed games in the National Hockey League.
NHL News and Notes from Saturday, December 23rd, 2023
News
None
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Dallas Stars v. Nashville Predators – 2p ET
In Nashville the Predators would host their Central Division rival Dallas Stars before heading into the holiday break, and after a scoreless first period Michael McCarron and Colton Sissons would score to give the Preds the 2-0 lead. Then in the third period Evgenii Dadonov and Craig Smith would score for the Stars to tie the game at two, and with two seconds left in regulation Jani Hakanpaa would score to give the Stars the 3-2 comeback victory over the Predators.
In Florida for a rematch of the Stanley Cup Final the Panthers would play host to the Vegas Golden Knights, and after a scoreless first period Mark Stone would open the scoring for the Knights, but Sam Bennett and Gustav Forsling would strike for the Panthers to take the 2-1 lead. However before the period would end Pavel Dorofeyev would score to tie the game at two for the Knights. Then in the third period Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart would score to give the Panthers the 4-2 victory over the Golden Knights.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p ET
In Columbus the Toronto Maple Leafs would spend Hockey Night in Canada on the road as they take on the Blue Jackets, and in the first period Auston Matthews would score to give the Leafs the 1-0 lead. In the second period Justin Danforth would score to tie the game at one for the Jackets, but goals from John Tavares and Matthews would give the Leafs the 3-1 lead. Then in the third period William Nylander would score to give the Maple Leafs the 4-1 victory over the Blue Jackets.
In Minnesota the Wild would faceoff with the Boston Bruins, and in the first period David Pastrnak would score to give the B’s the 1-0 lead. In the second period Joel Eriksson Ek and Kirill Kaprizov would score to give the Wild the 2-1 lead. Then in the third period Morgan Geekie would score for the B’s but Marcus Foligno’s tally earlier in the period would give the Wild the 4-2 victory over the Bruins. The win would also be Marc-Andre Fleury’s 550th career NHL victory.
In New Jersey the Devils would take on the Detroit Red Wings, and in the first period Patrick Kane would open the scoring for the Wings, but Timo Meier would score to tie the game at one for the Devils. In the second period Shayne Gostisbehere would score to give the Wings the 2-1 lead. Then in the third period Meier would net his second of the game and Tyler Toffoli would score to give the Devils the 3-2 victory over the Red Wings.
In Ottawa for Hockey Night in Canada the Senators would battle the Pittsburgh Penguins, and in the first period Lars Eller would score for the Pens, but goals from Jakob Chychrun and Josh Norris would give the Sens the 2-1 lead. In the second period Rickard Rakell would score for the Pens, but Brady Tkachuk and Erik Brannstrom would score for the Sens to take a 4-2 lead. Then in the third period Drew O’Connor and Kris Letang would score to tie the game at four for the Pens to force overtime. In the extra frame Tim Stuetzle would score to give the Senators the 5-4 overtime victory over the Penguins.
Tampa Bay Lightning v. Washington Capitals – 7p ET
In Washington the Tampa Bay Lightning would come to town to face the Capitals, and in the first period Luke Glendening would score to give the Bolts the 1-0 lead. In the second period Anthony Mantha would net his tenth of the season to tie the game at one for the Caps. Then after a scoreless third period and overtime Victor Hedman would score the shootout winner to give the Lightning the 2-1 victory over the Capitals.
New York Islanders v. Carolina Hurricanes – 730p ET
In Carolina the Hurricanes would play host to the New York Islanders, and in the first period Teuvo Teravainen would strike for the Canes, but Sebastian Aho (the other one), Brock Nelson, and Bo Horvat would score for the Isles to take the 3-1 lead. In the second period Sebastian Aho (the star player) would score for the Canes, but Mike Reilly’s goal would keep the Isles ahead by two. Then in the third period Jaccob Slavin and Stefan Noesen would score for the Canes, but Anders Lee would score to give the Islanders the 5-4 victory over the Hurricanes.
At Madison Square Garden the New York Rangers would take on the Buffalo Sabres, and in the first period Ryan Lindgren and Artemi Panarin would strike fort he 2-0 lead for the Rangers, but Rasmus Dahlin would score to get the Sabres back within one. In the second period Jack Quinn would score to tie the game at two for the Sabres, but Mika Zibanejad would score to retake the lead for the Rangers. Then in the third period Casey Mittelstadt would score to tie the game at three for the Sabres to force overtime. In the extra frame Chris Kreider would score to give the Rangers the 4-3 victory over the Sabres.
In Anaheim the Ducks would faceoff with the Seattle Kraken, and in the first period Oliver Bjorkstrand and Vince Dunn would score to give the Kraken the 2-0 lead. In the second period Frank Vatrano would score to get the Ducks back within one. Then in the third period Trevor Zegras would score a highlight reel goal for the Ducks, but a tally from Tomas Tatar would give the Kraken the 3-2 victory over the Ducks.
In St. Louis for another Central Division battle the Blues would take on the Chicago Blackhawks, and in the first period Robert Thomas would open up the scoring for the Blues, but Connor Bedard would score a highlight reel goal and Anthony Beauvillier would score to give the Blackhawks the 2-1 lead. In the second period Colton Parayko would score for the Blues, but goals from Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson would give the Blackhawks the 4-2 lead. Then in the third period Foligno would net his second of the game for the Blackhawks, but Jordan Kyrou would net a pair of goals and Brandon Saad, Jake Neighbours, and Justin Faulk would score to give the Blues the 7-5 comeback victory over the Blackhawks.
The NHL and NHLPA announced that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard has been cleared to resume participating with team.
Girard has entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
The NHL and NHLPA announced today that Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard has been cleared to resume practicing with the team and has entered the follow-up care phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Philadelphia Flyers v. Detroit Red Wings – 7p ET
In Detroit the Red Wings would take on the Philadelphia Flyers, and in the first period Patrick Kane would open the scoring with a pair of goals, but Bobby Brink would score for the Flyers to get back within one. However, in the latter part of the period Daniel Sprong, JT Compher, and Shayne Gostisbehere would score to give the Wings the 5-1 lead. In the second period Sean Couturier and Morgan Frost would score to get the Flyers back within two. Then in the third period Garnet Hathaway, Scott Laughton, and Owen Tippett would score for the Flyers to take the 6-5 lead, but Dylan Larkin would score to tie the game at six for the Wings to force overtime. After a scoreless extra five minutes of hockey it would be Kane with the shootout winner for the Red Wings to defeat the Flyers 7-6.
At Madison Square Garden the New York Rangers would welcome the Edmonton Oilers to the Big Apple, and in the first period Blake Wheeler would score off of an insane passing play by Mika Zibanejad to give the Rangers the 1-0 lead. Then after a scoreless second Mika Zibanejad and Will Cuylle would strike for the Rangers, but Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Ryan McLeod would score to give the Oilers the 4-3 victory over the Rangers.
In Winnipeg the Jet would battle the Boston Bruins, and in the first period Josh Morrissey would score to give the Jets the 1-0 lead. In the second period Gabriel Vilardi and Nino Niederreiter would score to grow the Jets lead to three. Then in the third period Brandon Carlo would strike for the B’s, but Adam Lowry would score and Niederreiter would net his second of the game to give the Jets the 5-1 victory over the Bruins.
Montreal Canadiens v. Chicago Blackhawks – 830p ET
In Chicago for an Original Six matchup the Blackhawks would take on the Montreal Canadiens, and in the first period Ryan Donato would score to give the Blackhawks the 1-0 lead. In the second period Jason Dickinson would net his tenth of the season to grow the Blackhawks lead to two, but Mitchell Stephens, Josh Anderson, and Juraj Slafkovsky would score to give the Habs the 3-2 lead. Then in the third period Nick Suzuki and David Savard would score to give the Canadiens the 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks.
In the PWHL Boston would sign forward Gigi Marvin to a one year deal.
She's accustomed to winning 🏆
Two-time Olympic medalist, seven-time World Championship medalist, & Isobel Cup champion Gigi Marvin has joined the squad on a one-year contract! pic.twitter.com/LP24y8zFOq
Boston would also announce that they have signed forward Amada Pelkey to a one year deal.
Two Olympic gold medalists in one day? Don't mind if we do.
2018 Olympic gold medalist, Isobel Cup champion, and former PHF All-Star Amanda Pelkey will suit up with us for the 2023-24 season! pic.twitter.com/hXNQSE7cJ7
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Buffalo Sabres – 7p ET
In Buffalo, the Sabres welcomed the Maple Leafs and in the first Buffalo took the 1-0 lead when Jordan Greenway scored his third of the year but then Toronto evened the scored with Auston Matthews’ 26th of the year. Then a power play goal from Max Domi gave Toronto the lead but then Owen Power got his second of the year to even the score for Buffalo. Then a Jeff Skinner goal put the Sabres back in the lead. In the second. a power play goal from Rasmus Dahlin pit Buffalo up a pair but then a shorthanded goal from Calle Jarnkrok brought the Leafs within a goal. Then, Tage Thompson scored his ninth of the year to put Buffalo up a pair and then Kyle Okposo scored a shorthanded goal to put Buffalo up three. In the third, Jack Quinn scored his first of the year to make it a 7-3 Buffalo lead and then Jeff Skinner scored his second of the night to put the Sabres up five. Kyle Okposo then scores his second of the night as the Sabres demolish the Maple Leafs 9-3.
Washington Capitals v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p ET
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets and Capitals face off for the final time this season and in the first, Washington took the 1-0 lead when Anthony Mantha scored a power play goal. In the second, Columbus tied it up when Cole Sillinger got his third of the year but then Anthony Mantha got his second of the night to put the Capitals back up a goal. In the third, Yegor Chinakhov got his ninth of the year to tie the contest once more. In overtime, Alex Ovechkin scored the game winner as the Capitals downed the Blue Jackets 3-2.
In South Florida, the Panthers hosted the Blues and after a scoreless first, St. Louis got a pair when Jordan Kyrou scored his seventh and then Pavel Buchnevich scored a shorthanded goal, his 11th goal of the year. Then, Florida got on the boar when Eetu Luostarinen netted his fifth of the year on the power play but then Alexey Toropchenko got his sixth of the year to give St. Louis the two goal lead back. Then in the third, Pavel Buchnevich scored an empty net goal to lift the Blues past the Panthers for the 4-1 victory.
Nashville Predators v. Philadelphia Flyers – 7p ET
In Philadelphia, the Predators made the annual trek to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Flyers and in the first, Philadelphia took the 1-0 lead when Morgan Frost got his fourth of the year. In the second, Nashville got on the board when Cole Smith scored a shorthanded goal but Sean Couturier responded with a power play goal to put the Flyers back in the lead. Then, Philip Tomasino scored his third of the year to tie the game for the Preds. In the third, Philip Tomasino scored his second of the night to give Nashville the 3-2 lead and then an empty netter from Gustav Nyqvist gave the Predators the 4-2 win over the Flyers.
Carolina Hurricanes v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p ET
In the Steel City, the Penguins hosted the Hurricanes and in the first, Sidney Crosby scored his 19th of the year to put Pittsburgh up 1-0. In the second, Carolina tied the contest when Teuvo Teravainen scored his 12th of the year. After a scoreless third and overtime period, Sidney Crosby scored the game winner to give the Penguins the 2-1 win over the Hurricanes.
Vegas Golden Knights v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7p ET
In Tampa, the Golden Knights made the annual trek to take on the Lightning and in the first Vegas got a pair when Jonathan Marchessault scored his 16th and then Ivan Barbashev got his ninth. In the second, Alex Barré-Boulet put the Bolts on the board with his sixth goal of the year and then Nikita Kucherov scored his 23rd to tie the game. Then, Brayden Point scored a pair of goals, one being a power play goal, to put the Lightning in the lead. In the third, Jonanthan Marchessault scored his second of the contest on the power play to bring Vegas within a goal and then Paul Cotter’s fifth of the year made this a 4-4 game. Nicholas Paul then scored the game winner as the Lightning squeaked by the Golden Knights for the 5-4 win.
In New Jersey, the Devils welcomed the Oilers back to the Garden State and in the first, Edmonton took the 1-0 lead when Ryan McLeod scored his third of the year and then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins got his eighth to put the Oilers up 2-0. Then, Dawson Mercer put New Jersey on the board with his eighth of the year. In the second, Jonas Siegenthaler got his first of the year to tie the game for New Jersey and then Timo Meier got his sixth of the year to give the Devs the 3-2 lead. Then in the third, Connor McDavid scored his 12th of the year to tie the contest 3-3 and then Leon Draisaitl scored his 14th of the year to put Edmonton back in the lead. Adam Erne’s first of the year gave Edmonton the two goal lead and then Ryan McLeod scored his second of the night as the Oilers doubled up the Devils 6-3.
In Dallas, the Canucks took on the Stars and in the first Vancouver took the 1-0 lead when Dakota Joshua scored his eighth of the year but then Tyler Seguin tied the game for Dallas with his 10th of the year. In the second, Roope Hintz scored his 11th of the year to put the Stars in the lead but then Brock Boeser scored his 24th of the year to tie the game for the Canucks. In the third, Conor Garland got his third of the year to put Vancouver back in the lead but Thomas Harley responded with his ninth of the year to tie the game for Dallas. In the overtime frame, Matt Duchene scored his 11th of the year to give the Stars the 4-3 win over the Canucks.
In Minnesota, the Wild welcomed the Canucks back to the State of Hockey and in the first, Matt Boldy scored a power play goal, his ninth of the year, to put Minnesota up 1-0 and then Marco Rossi scored his 11th of the year to give the Wild the 2-0 lead. In the second, David Savard’s second of the year put the Habs on the board. In the third, Nick Suzuki’s ninth of the year, on the power play, tied the game for Montreal but then Minnesota re-took the lead when Brock Faber got his second of the year. Then, Juraj Slafkovsky scored his third of the year to even the score once again. In overtime, Kirill Kaprizov scored his 11th of the season as the Wild downed the Canadiens 4-3.
The Washington Capitals teasing my heart on Tuesday with news surrounding Ethan Bear, plus a three game docket and PWHL signings.
NHL News and Notes from Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
News
The Washington Capitals announced their intentions to sign defenseman Ethan Bear to a contract at a later date.
Bear is currently with the Caps, and is practicing with the team.
#Caps are expected to officially sign defenseman Ethan Bear at a later date. Bear will join the team for today’s morning skate as he continues his rehabilitation process.
In the PWHL we would get more signing announcements, and starting in New York they would announce that they have signed defender Taylor Baker to a one year deal.
Locked in another star! 🔒
Hungarian National team member and PHF All-Star Taylor Baker has signed a one-year deal! pic.twitter.com/NfqOBAg90I
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Detroit Red Wings v. Winnipeg Jets – 730p ET
In Winnipeg the Jets would take on the Detroit Red Wings, and in the first period Neal Pionk would strike to get the Jets on the board for the 1-0 lead. In the second period Olli Maatta would score to tie the game at one for the Wings, but goals from Nikolaj Ehlers, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, and Gabriel Vilardi would give the Jets the 4-1 lead. Then in the third period Patrick Kane would score for the Wings, but Mark Scheifele would score to give the Jets the 5-2 victory over the Red Wings.
New York Islanders v. Washington Capitals – 730p ET
In Washington for a Metro Division matchup the Capitals would host the New York Islanders, and in the first period Hendrix Lapierre would score to give the Capitals the 1-0 lead. In the second period Hudson Fasching would score to tie the game at one for the Isles, but Joel Edmundson would score his first as a Capital to retake the one goal lead. Then in the third period Anders Lee would score to tie the game at two for the Isles to force overtime. In the extra frame Dylan Strome would score to give the Capitals the 3-2 overtime victory over the Islanders.
Minnesota would also sign netminder Amada Leveille to a one year deal.
Goalie Amanda Leveille has signed a one-year contract!
With PHF all-time records for wins and shutouts, and two Isobel Cup championships under her belt, we're ready for a legendary season! pic.twitter.com/rgbt2FtYYU
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Minnesota Wild v. Boston Bruins – 7p ET
In Boston the Bruins would play host to the Minnesota Wild, and in the first period Marcus Johansson would score to give the Wild the 1-0 lead, but a pair of goals from David Pastrnak would give the B’s the 2-1 lead. Then after a scoreless second period Kirill Kaprizov and Ryan Hartman would score to give the Wild the 3-2 lead, but Brad Marchand would score to tie the game at three for the B’s to force overtime. In the extra frame Kaprizov would net his second of the game to give the Wild the 4-3 overtime victory over the Bruins.
In Buffalo the Sabres would take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, and in the first period Rasmus Dahlin would score 30 seconds into the game for the Sabres, but goals from Johnny Gaudreau, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko would give the Jackets the 3-1 lead. In the second period Marchenko would record two more goals to complete the hat trick and goals from Erik Gudbranson and Sean Kuraly would give the Jackets a six goal lead, but Kyle Okposo would score for the Sabres. Then in the third period Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens would score for the Sabres, but goals from Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson would give the Blue Jackets the 9-4 victory over the Sabres.
Vegas Golden Knights v. Carolina Hurricanes – 7p ET
In Carolina the Vegas Golden Knights would visit the Hurricanes, and in the first period Andrei Svechnikov would strike first for the Canes, but William Carrier would score for the Knights for the 1-1 tie. In the second period Jordan Staal, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Michael Bunting would score to give the Canes the 4-1 lead. Then in the third period Nicolas Hague and Carrier would score for the Knights, but Seth Jarvis and Brady Skjei would score to give the Hurricanes the 6-3 victory over the Golden Knights.
In New Jersey for an early preview of the Stadium Series as the Devils would play host to the Philadelphia Flyers, and in the first period Michael McLeod would score to give the Devils the 1-0 lead. In the second period Jesper Bratt would score for the Devils, but a pair of goals from Ryan Poehling would tie the game at two for the Flyers. Then after a scoreless third period Owen Tippett would score in the extra frame to give the Flyers the 3-2 overtime victory over the Devils.
In Tampa Bay the Lightning would play host to the St. Louis Blues, and in the first period Michael Eyssimont, Tyler Motte, and Nikita Kucherov would score to give the Bolts the 3-0 lead. In the second period Kucherov would net his second of the game and Haydn Fleury would score to grow the Bolts lead to five. Then in the third period Justin Faulk would score for the Blues, but Nick Paul would score to give the Lightning the 6-1 victory over the Blues.
In Toronto the New York Rangers would come to town for an Original Six matchup against the Maple Leafs, and after a scoreless first period Auston Matthews would score for the Leafs, but goals from Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere would give the Rangers the 2-1 lead. Then in the third period Matthews would net his second of the game for the Leafs, but goals from Braden Schnieder, Artemi Panarin, and Zibanejad to give the Rangers the 5-2 victory over the Maple Leafs.
On Long Island the New York Islanders would go to battle with the Edmonton Oilers, and in the first period Leon Draisaitl would score to give the Oilers the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Simon Holmstrom would score to give the Islanders the 3-1 victory over the Oilers.
In Nashville the Predators would face off with the Vancouver Canucks, and in the first period Elias Pettersson and Nils Aman would score to give the Canucks the 2-0 lead. In the second period Jeremy Lauzon would score to get the Preds back within one, but goals from Nils Hoglander and Pius Suter would give the Canucks the 4-1 lead. Then in the third period Cody glass would score for the Preds, but Teddy Blueger would score to give the Canucks the 5-2 victory over the Predators.
On a rather tame Monday, there would be four one goal games and one decided by two, plus news and notes
NHL News and Notes from Monday, December 18th, 2023
News
The Ottawa Senators announced that they have relieved head coach DJ Smith of his duties.
Jacques Martin was named interim head coach, and Daniel Alfredsson joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach.
News Release: D.J. Smith has been relieved of his head coaching duties; Jacques Martin has been named #Sens interim head coach. Daniel Alfredsson joins the team’s coaching staff as an assistant coach: https://t.co/UtadFrrkEGpic.twitter.com/LZiNGB5Mbm
The PWHL announced that have hired Cassie Campbell-Pascall as a Special Advisor to the league.
Welcome to the PWHL, Cassie Campbell-Pascall! 🎉
The three-time Olympic medalist with Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team and the first woman to provide color commentary on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada joins the league as a Special Advisor. 📰 https://t.co/n35KkWOutUpic.twitter.com/YUzmW6V37i
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Anaheim Ducks v. Detroit Red Wings – 7p ET
In the Motor City, the Red Wings welcomed the Ducks back to Detroit and in the first Radko Gudas put Anaheim on the board with his fifth of the year and then Pavel Mintyukov scored his second to give Anaheim the 2-0 lead. Then, Adam Henrique scored a power play goal, his tenth goal of the year, to give the Ducks the 3-0 lead. In the second, Troy Terry netted his eighth to put Anaheim up 4-0 but then Detroit got on the board when Jeff Petry scored his first of the year. In the third, Alex DeBrincat notched a pair of power play goals for Detroit but the Ducks held on to down the Red Wings 4-3.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcomed the Wild for the lone time on the season and in the first Reilly Smith scored his eighth of the year to give Pittsburgh the 1-0 lead. In the second, Jake Guentzel scored just 36 seconds into the period on the power play to give the Pens the 2-0 lead and then Evgeni Malkin got his 11th of the year. Then, Minnesota responded with a pair from Ryan Hartman and Jake Middleton. IN the third. Vinni Lettieri got his third as the Wild tied the game but Sidney Crosby scored the game winner to give the Penguins the 4-3 win over the Wild.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, ELVIS HAS JUST LEFT THE BUILDING!
In Winnipeg, the Jets welcomed their fellow Canadian foes in Montreal and after a scoreless first, Josh Anderson scored his fourth to put Montreal up 1-0 and then Christian Dvorak scored his third of the year on a Habs power play to give the Canadiens the 2-0 lead. Then, Gabriel Vilardi’s fifth of the year year put Winnipeg on the board. In the third, Cole Perfetti scored his 10th of the year to tie the game for the Jets. In overtime, Justin Barron scored the game winner on the power play for the Canadiens to down the Jets 3-2.
In the Lone Star State, Dallas played host for Seattle and in the first Matt Duchene scored his ninth to put the Stars up 1-0 and then Jason Robertson got his 10th to put Dallas up 2-0. In the second, Tomas Tatar scored his second of the year to get Seattle on the board but then Matt Duchene scored his second of the night to give Dallas the two goal lead once more. Then, Matty Beniers scored his fifth to bring Seattle within a goal. In the third, Eeli Tolvanen scored his ninth of the year to make it a 3-3 game. In overtime, Dallas’ Thomas Harley scored his eighth of the year as the Stars got the 4-3 win over the Kraken.
Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of December 11th through 17th.
First Star – Nathan MacKinnon (C – COL)
Nathan MacKinnon would record three goals and seven assists for ten points in four games played for the Colorado Avalanche, and to start off his week he would record a goal and an assist in a 6-5 victory over Calgary on Dec. 11th. Then on Dec. 13th he would record two assists in a 5-1 victory over Buffalo and two assists in a 6-2 loss to Winnipeg on Dec. 16th. To close out his week MacKinnon would record two goals and two assists in a 6-2 victory over San Jose on Dec. 17th.
The Official Jersey Retailer of TXHT
Second Star – Thatcher Demko (G – VAN)
Thatcher Demko would go a perfect 3-0-0 for the Vancouver Canucks as he would record a 1.33 goals against average, a .957 save percentage, and one shutout. To open up his week Demko would make 28 saves ina 4-1 victory over Tampa Bay on Dec. 12th, and then on Dec. 14th he would record 36 saves for his sixth career shutout and a 4-0 victory over Florida. Then to close out his week Demko would make 25 saves in a 4-3 victory over Chicago on Dec. 17th.
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Third Star – Noah Dobson (D – NYI)
Noah Dobson would record eight assists for eight points in four games played for the New York Islanders. Dobson would record three assists in a 4-3 victory over Toronto on Dec. 11th, and on Dec. 13th he would pick up two assists in a 4-3 victory over Anaheim. Then on Dec. 15th he would be held scoreless in a 5-4 loss to Boston, but on Dec. 16 Dobson would record three assists in a 5-3 loss to Montreal.
The Official Jersey Retailer of TXHT
*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, and Vancouver Canucks.
TXHT may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through Cool Hockey and Dr. Squatch ads/links in this article.
On a Sunday with no news, just games with those five games being action packed
NHL News and Notes from Sunday, December 17th, 2023
News
None
The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.
Game Recaps
Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks – 3p ET
In Chicago, the Blackhawks faced off against the Canucks in a matinee match-up. In the first, Chicago took the 1-0 lead with Nick Foligno’s fifth of the year but then Vancouver tied it up with a power play goal from Elias Pettersson. In the second, Nick Foligno got his second of the contest on the power play to give the ‘Hawks the lead back but then Dakota Joshua got his seventh of the year to tie the game 2-2. Then, Brock Boeser got his 23rd and Ilya Mikheyev scored his 10th to give the Canucks the 4-2 lead. In the third, Chicago’s Cole Guttman got his second, scoring on the power play, but the Canucks held on as they squeaked by the Blackhawks for the 4-3 win.
Washington Capitals v. Carolina Hurricanes – 6p ET
In Raleigh, the Hurricanes welcomed their divisional foes in the Capitals back to North Carolina and after a scoreless first, Sebastian Aho scored his 12th to give Carolina the 1-0 lead but then Martin Fehervary got his first of the year to even the score. Following a scoreless third and overtime frame, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the lone goal in the shootout to lift the Capitals past the Hurricanes for the 2-1 victory.
In New Jersey, the Devils hosted the Ducks for the lone time this season and after a scoreless first, Anaheim got a pair from Adam Henrique but then New Jersey got on the board when Michael McLeod scored his sixth of the year. In the third, Alex Killorn scored his fourth and then Troy Terry netted his seventh to give Anaheim the three goal lead. Then, Adam Henrique got an empty net goal, thus getting the hat trick, and giving the Ducks the 5-1 win over the Devils.
In the Mile High City, the Avalanche looked to bury the Sharks and in the first, Colorado took the 1-0 lead when Valeri Nichushikn got his 13th on the power play and then Mikko Rantanen got his 15th, also on the power play. Then, Miles Wood scored his sixth to put the Avs up 3-0. In the second, Nathan MacKinnon scored his 13th to give Colorado the four goal lead but then San Jose got on the board with Tomas Hertl’s 10th of the year, scoring on a Sharks power play. In the third, Ryan Johnsen scored his 10th to give Colorado the four goal lead back but Tomas Hertl responded with his second of the game and bringing the Sharks back within three once more. Then, Nathan MacKinnon scored an empty netter, and his second of the night, to give the Avalanche the 6-2 win over the Sharks.
In Sin City, the Golden Knights welcomed the Senators back to Vegas for the only time this season. In the first, Jack Eichel gave Vegas the 1-0 lead with his 14th of the year but then Josh Norris scored his ninth of the year on a Ottawa power play to tie the contest. Then, Ridly Greig also scored a power play goal, his third goal of the year, to give the Senators the one goal lead but then Jonathan Marchessault scored his 15th of the year. In the second, Vegas got a trio of goals when Nicolas Roy scored his fifth on the power play, Chandler Stephenson scored his sixth while the Golden Knights were shorthanded, and then Ivan Barbashev got his eighth to give Vegas the 5-2 lead. In the third, William Karlsson scored a power play goal, his 14th of the year to make it a 6-2 Vegas lead but then Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk netted his 14th. However, the Golden Knights stood tall as they doubled up the Senators 6-3.
