Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

NHL Short Notes

01/16/2022 at 3:19am EST

* The Panthers scored early and often Saturday, netting their second nine-goal outing in just over two weeks.

* Auston Matthews, Alex Ovechkin and Chris Kreider, three of the NHL’s top four goal scorers this season, each found the back of the net in victories.

* Marc-Andre Fleury became the 14th goaltender in NHL history to post 70 career shutouts.




PANTHERS ERUPT FOR SECOND NINE-GOAL OUTING OF SEASON
MacKenzie Weegar (1-3—4) was one of nine Florida skaters with multiple points as the NHL-leading Panthers (26-7-5, 57 points) scored nine goals in a game for the second time this season (also Dec. 30, 2021 vs. TBL) and third time in franchise history. Only two other teams in the past 10 years have reached the mark twice in a single season: Tampa Bay (2x in 2019-20) and Calgary (2x in 2018-19).

* After a seven-goal performance on Jan. 14, the Panthersbecame the sixth different team in the past 30 years to score at least seven goals in consecutive days, joining the Penguins (Oct. 12-13, 2019), Predators (April 12-13, 2014), Thrashers (Oct. 7-8, 2005), Blackhawks (Nov. 7-8, 1992 & Oct. 12-13, 1991) and Rangers (March 1-2, 1992).



* Weegar matched the franchise record for the most points in a game by a defenseman – a benchmark he reached once before (also 1-3—4 on April 24, 2021). Only one other blueliner in Panthers history has recorded multiple four-point performances: Bryan McCabe (3x: Oct. 16, 2010, March 3, 2010 & March 1, 2009).

* Jonathan Huberdeau (1-1—2) extended the League’s longest active point and assist streaks to eight games and boosted his 2021-22 totals to 15-38—53 (38 GP) – trailing onlyLeon Draisaitl(26-28—54) for the most this season. Huberdeau became the second player in Panthers history to register an eight-game assist streak, joining Olli Jokinen (8 GP in 2005-06).

NHL’S TOP GOAL SCORERS IN 2021-22 SHINE SATURDAY
Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (25-15—40 in 33 GP), Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (25-28—53 in 38 GP) and Rangers forward Chris Kreider(24-1135 in 39 GP) each found the back of the net Saturday to continue their goal-scoring ways in 2021-22. The trio rank second, third and fourth in goals, respectively, behind Leon Draisaitl(26-28—54 in 35 GP).

* In a back-and-forth, 11-goal affair that saw the Blues erase 3-1 and 4-3 deficits before taking a 5-4 lead, Matthews scored the crucial game-tying tally with 8:36 remaining in regulation to help the Maple Leafs (24-9-3, 51 points) snap the Blues’ 13-game home point streak. In the process, Matthews became the third player in NHL history to post a double-digit road goal streak, joining Pavel Bure (11 GP in 1993-94 w/ VAN) and Steve Yzerman (11 GP in 1988-89 w/ DET).

* Ovechkin scored an empty netter to reach the 25-goal mark for the 16th time in his NHL career. The only other players in League history with as many 25-goal seasons are Gordie Howe (20x), Jaromir Jagr (18x), Mike Gartner (17x), Teemu Selanne (16x), Brendan Shanahan (16x), Brett Hull (16x) and Marcel Dionne (16x).

* Kreiderscored his second game winner in as many contests to help the Rangers (25-10-4, 54 points) remain as the top team in the Metropolitan Division. Only two players in franchise history have scored the game-winning goal in three straight contests: Mika Zibanejad (3 GP in 2018-19) and Rod Gilbert (3 GP in 1966-67).

FLEURY SECURES BENCHMARK AS BLACKHAWKS BLANK DUCKS
Patrick Kane (1-0—1) found the score sheet for the seventh straight game and Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside all 37 shots he faced to record his 70th career shutout and third of 2021-22. Only Jacob Markstrom (5 w/ CGY) and Jack Campbell (4 w/ TOR) have posted more such performances this season.



AVALANCHE TRIO CONTINUE TO ROLL
The trio of Nathan MacKinnon (2-1—3), Mikko Rantanen (2-1—3) and Nazem Kadri (1-0—1) accounted for each of Colorado’s five goals as the Avalanche (24-8-3, 51 points) collected their 12th win in 14 contests.



* MacKinnon’s outing also included his 30th assist of the season (8-30—38 in 25 GP). Only one player in Avalanche/Nordiques history reached the mark in fewer games: Rantanen (24 GP in 2018-19).

* Saturday was Rantanen’s fourth game with at least three points since Jan. 1 – the most by any player during that span.

MARCHAND POSTS ANOTHER MULTI-POINT GAME IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
In the Saturday edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates, Brad Marchand (1-1—2) reached the 20-goal mark for the 11th time in his career as the Bruins (22-11-2, 46 points) thwarted a Predators rally in overtime to extend their win streak to five games and strengthen their grip on the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Marchand earned his fifth consecutive multi-point contest (8-4—12) and matched the longest such run of his NHL career, achieved from Feb. 5-12, 2019 (3-9—12).



QUICK CLICKS

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* Hurricanes hold special Surge on Nascar Day
* Jack Eichel will play in a few weeks, Golden Knights owner says

CAPITALS, CANUCKS SET FOR SUNDAY MATINEE MATCHUP
A busy week in the NHL concludes Sunday with a matinee matchup between Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals (21-8-9, 51 points) and Bo Horvat and the Canucks (16-18-3, 35 points) at Capital One Arena. Washington will look to leapfrog the idle Hurricanes (25-8-2, 52 points) for second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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