Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

NHL Short Notes

03/13/2015 at 10:45am EDT

ELLIOTT, HITCHCOCK REACH MILESTONES AS BLUES CLIMB STANDINGS
Brian Elliott stopped all 28 shots he faced through overtime – and another two attempts in the shootout – to record his 29th career shutout (fourth this season) and lead the Blues to their third consecutive victory.

* At 43-19-5 (91 points), the Blues moved into a share of first place in the Central Division, Western Conference and NHL standings, where the top six clubs all have 91 points:


* Elliott posted his 20th shutout since joining the Blues in 2011-12, tying Jaroslav Halak for first in franchise history. Only Jonathan Quick (22) has more shutouts in that span.

* Facing his former team, Ken Hitchcock (700-446-161) became the fourth head coach in NHL history to reach the 700-win milestone. The other three all have coached the Blues: Scotty Bowman (1,244-573-324), Al Arbour (782-577-248) and Joel Quenneville (746-449-165).

* T.J. Oshie scored his 16th career game-deciding goal in the shootout, tied for first among active skaters with Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Mikko Koivu and Frans Nielsen.

* Oshie also improved to 30-for-58 (51.7%) all-time in shootouts. His 51.7% career efficiency ranks third among active skaters with a minimum of 25 attempts, behind Nielsen (38-for-70, 54.3%) and Tyler Bozak (13-for-25, 52.0%).

* Vladimir Tarasenko added his sixth shootout goal of the season, tied for second in the NHL and three behind Jakob Silfverberg. Tarasenko is 9-for-18 (50.0%) all-time in tiebreakers.

* DID YOU KNOW?: The Blues also earned a 1-0 shootout win in their last home game against the Flyers on April 1, 2014. In that contest, Ryan Miller made 31 saves through overtime – and denied both shootout attempts he faced – while Oshie also scored the decisive goal in the tiebreaker.

QUICK CARRIES KINGS BACK INTO PLAYOFF POSITION . . .
Jonathan Quick stopped all 19 shots he faced to record his 36th career shutout (fifth this season) and lift the Kings to their seventh victory in their last eight meetings with the Canucks dating to Nov. 9, 2013.

* The Kings extended their point streak to five games (4-0-1). At 33-21-13 (79 points), they leapfrogged the Jets (33-23-12, 78 points) – who lost in regulation – for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.

* The Kings also tied the idle Flames (37-25-5, 79 points) – in terms of points – for third place in the Pacific Division, where the second- through fifth-place teams are separated by four points:


* The Kings improved to 3-0-0 this season against the Canucks (VAN: 0-3-0). The teams face off two more times, on March 21 at LAK and April 6 at VAN.

* Quick has been in net for all five games during the team’s current point streak, compiling a 1.57 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and one shutout in that span. He also has won 12 of his past 15 appearances dating to Feb. 7 (12-2-1).

* Quick extended his franchise record with his 36th career shutout, moving into sole possession of fourth place among active goaltenders. Only Roberto Luongo (68), Henrik Lundqvist (55) and Marc-Andre Fleury (37) have more shutouts among active netminders.

* Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams both posted 1-1—2. Kopitar leads the team with 14-38—52 this season, including 2-5—7 in his past five outings. Williams notched his second consecutive multi-point performance, following 0-3—3 on Tuesday at COL – he last achieved that feat on April 5-7, 2012 (3-1—4 in 2 GP).

* Tyler Toffoli (GWG) reached the 20-goal milestone for the first time in his career. Marian Gaborik scored for the fourth time in his past four appearances (4-0—4); he ranks second on the team with 21 goals this season.

. . . CLOSEST COMPETITORS ALSO WIN TO STAY IN THE HUNT
Three of the closest teams in the Western Conference Wild Card race – the Sharks, Avalanche and Stars – also picked up wins on Thursday:


* Antti Niemi denied all 35 shots he faced to record his 32nd career shutout (fifth this season) and backstop the Sharks to their fourth victory in their past five games. Niemi also blanked the Predators in their lone other meeting this season as SAP Center (Dec. 13: 29 SV). Tomas Hertl posted 1-1—2, including the game-winning goal, for his fifth multi-point performance of the season. Chris Tierney (0-2—2) also notched two points, while Tommy Wingels added an insurance goal into an empty net. The Sharks have earned points in 19 of their last 21 regular-season home games against the Predators dating to Nov. 22, 2003 (15-2-4).

* Jarome Iginla scored in regulation and potted the decisive goal in the shootout to lead the Avalanche to their fourth win their last five outings. Making his return to the lineup following a one-game absence, Semyon Varlamov stopped 23 shots – and two shootout attempts – to extend his personal winning streak to four games (0.75 GAA, .976 SV%, 1 SO). The Avalanche improved to 7-0-1 in their last eight meetings with the Devils dating to Jan. 16, 2010, including four straight wins at Pepsi Center. They also earned their ninth shootout win of the season, tied for first in the NHL with the Blackhawks and Blues.

* The Hurricanes took a 1-0 lead just 4:06 after the opening face-off, but the Stars scored four consecutive goals – including three in the first period – to pick up their fourth victory in their past five starts. Cody Eakin, Patrick Eaves and Alex Goligoski all recorded 1-1—2. Jason Demers and Curtis McKenzie also scored for the Stars, who earned their third victory in their past four visits to Carolina dating to Nov. 29, 2010. Kari Lehtonen made 15 saves; he has a 3-0-2 record in his past five decisions, including three straight wins.

BRUINS EDGE LIGHTNING TO CONTINUE RECENT DOMINANCE . . .
Tuukka Rask made 35 saves through overtime – and denied both shootout attempts he faced – to help the Bruins extend their overall point streak to seven games (6-0-1) and winning streak against the Lightning to 10 contests dating to March 27, 2012.

* At 35-22-10 (80 points), the Bruins moved within two points of the idle Capitals (36-22-10, 82 points) for the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston holds one game in hand, but Washington owns the ROW tiebreaker (WSH: 33, BOS: 22). The teams face off two more times this season, on Sunday and April 8 – both at WSH.

* Rask improved to 9-2-0 with a 2.07 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and three shutouts in 11 career appearances vs. TBL, including eight consecutive wins.

* Rask also stretched his personal point streak to five games (4-0-1). He has a 7-2-2 record when making at least 35 saves this season.

* Patrice Bergeron scored in regulation and added the decisive marker in the shootout, his ninth career game-deciding goal (24-for-74, 32.4%). He has 11-20—31 in 36 career games vs. TBL and 2-4—6 in his past six outings overall.

* Ryan Spooner collected one assist to extend his point streak to a career-high seven games (3-5—8), the longest by a Bruins rookie since March 11-21, 2006 (Brad Boyes: 6-4—10 in 7 GP). Boyes also posted an eight-game point streak earlier that season (Jan. 19 – Feb. 2, 2006: 5-8—13).

* David Pastrnak supplied the other goal in regulation, his ninth of the season and third against the Lightning (also Jan. 13 vs. TBL: 2-0—2). He has 3-4—7 in his past seven contests.

. . . BARKOV SCORES LATE TO HELP PANTHERS KEEP PACE . . .
Aleksander Barkov scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:53 remaining in regulation to help the Panthers improve to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

* At 30-23-14 (74 points), the Panthers remained six points behind the Bruins (35-22-10, 80 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The teams meet three more times this season, on March 21 at FLA, March 31 at BOS and April 9 at FLA.

* Barkov recorded his fourth career game-winning goal and third this season, all against Western Conference opponents (also Nov. 11 vs. SJS and Jan. 8 at VAN). He has 11-13—24 (56 GP), equaling his point total from his rookie season in 2013-14 (8-16—24 in 54 GP).

* Jonathan Huberdeau collected two assists to reach the 100-point milestone (34-66—100 in 181 GP) and extend his point streak to a career-high five games (2-6—8).

* Jaromir Jagr also notched two assists, while Nick Bjugstad, Brad Boyes and Derek MacKenzie supplied the other goals. ICYMI: MacKenzie made a spectacular play to chip in his fifth goal of the season.

* Dan Ellis stopped 18 shots to improve to 2-0-1 since making his season debut on March 5 (2.53 GAA, .900 SV%).

. . . KARLSSON, HAMMOND RALLY SENATORS OVER CANADIENS
Down 2-0 after the first period, the Senators posted five unanswered goals – highlighted by 2-1—3 from Erik Karlsson – to defeat the Canadiens and improve to 9-1-1 in their last 11 outings.

* At 31-24-11 (73 points), the Senators also remained seven points behind the Bruins (35-22-10, 80 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference:


* Karlsson registered his 15th career three-point performance and first since March 24, 2014 at TBL (1-2—3). He leads all defensemen with 18-35—53 this season, one point ahead of Kris Letang (10-42—52).

* Karlson also notched his eighth career multi-goal game and second of the season (other Jan. 21 vs. TOR: 2-0—2). Per Elias, his eight such performances are tied for second among defensemen since 2009-10, when Karlsson made his NHL debut. Shea Weber leads all defensemen with nine multi-goal games in that span.

* Andrew Hammond made 27 saves to improve to 8-0-1 in his first nine career starts and 11 NHL appearances (1.40 GAA, .953 SV%, 2 SO). Elias says he is the third goaltender in the past 25 years to earn at least one point in each of his first nine career starts, joining Patrick Lalime (1996-97: 9-0-0 w/ PIT) and Ray Emery (2002-03 – 2005-06: 8-0-1 w/ OTT).

* Hammond also is just the fourth goaltender in NHL history – and first since 1938 – to yield two goals or fewer in each of his first nine career starts. The others: Boston’s Frank Brimsek (12 starts, Nov. 3 – Dec. 27, 1938), Detroit’s Clarence Dolson (10 starts, Nov. 15 – Dec. 13, 1928) and Boston’s Tiny Thompson (9 starts, Nov. 15 – Dec. 9, 1928).

* Mark Stone notched the tiebreaking goal early in the third period, his fourth career game-winning tally. He ranks third among rookies with 17-27—44.

* Marc Methot (1-1—2) snapped a 45-game drought with his first goal since March 10, 2014 vs. NSH. Milan Michalek added two assists.

* The Senators earned their fifth win of the season when trailing by at least two goals.

PENGUINS HOLD OFF OILERS TO NARROW METROPOLITAN GAP
The Oilers erased a 4-0 deficit, but Steve Downie scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:22 remaining in regulation to power the Penguins to their seventh victory in their past nine games (7-1-1).

* At 39-18-10 (88 points), the Penguins moved within two points of the idle Islanders (43-22-4, 90 points) for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh also holds two games in hand.

* Per Elias, the Penguins won in regulation after surrendering a four-goal lead for the first time since Nov. 13, 1971 vs. LAK (also 6-4 W).

* The Penguins stretched their point streak against the Oilers to nine games dating to Dec. 5, 2007 (7-0-2). They also improved to 13-2-2 in their last 17 home games against the Oilers dating to Jan. 9, 1991, including four straight wins.

* Sidney Crosby registered 1-2—3 for his 11th three-point performance of the season, tops in the NHL and two more than Patrick Kane. Crosby is tied for second in the League with 23-47—70, two points behind John Tavares (33-39—72).

* Brandon Sutter (2-0—2) notched his seventh career multi-goal game and first since April 6, 2014 at COL (2-0—2). He also recorded his 10th career shorthanded goal and fourth of the season, tied for first in the NHL with Rick Nash and Tyler Toffoli.

* Evgeni Malkin collected one assist to become the fourth player in Penguins history to reach 700 points (268-432—700), joining Mario Lemieux (690-1,033—1,723), Jaromir Jagr (439-640—1,079) and Crosby (297-542—839).

* David Perron recorded 1-1—2 while facing his former team. He has 11-9—20 in 29 games with the Penguins after posting 5-14—19 in 38 contests this season with the Oilers. Downie (1-1—2), Patric Hornqvist (1-1—2) and Daniel Winnik (0-2—2) also notched multiple points.

* Marc-Andre Fleury made 25 saves to improve to 11-3-3 with a 1.62 goals-against average, .942 save percentage and six shutouts this season against Western Conference opponents.

DID YOU KNOW?
Via Elias, Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby (297-542—839) and Evgeni Malkin (268-432—700) are the fourth pair of active teammates who have each recorded at least 700 points for their current team.

The others: Patrick Marleau (452-527—979) and Joe Thornton (186-611—797) of the Sharks, Henrik (208-694—902) and Daniel Sedin (321-542—863) of the Canucks, and Pavel Datsyuk (295-565—860) and Henrik Zetterberg (294-482—776) of the Red Wings.

RICHARDS HITS MILESTONE, LEADS BLACKHAWKS PAST COYOTES
Brad Richards notched the tiebreaking goal with 7:11 remaining in regulation to lift the Blackhawks to their fifth victory in their past seven outings (5-1-1).

* At 40-21-6 (86 points), the Blackhawks moved within five points of the Blues (43-19-5, 91 points) and Predators (42-20-7, 91 points) for first place in the Central Division. They face the Blues two more times this season, on April 5 at CHI and April 9 at STL. Their season series with the Predators is complete (CHI: 3-0-1, NSH: 1-1-2).

* Richards snapped a 23-game drought with his first goal since Jan. 11 vs. MIN. He also recorded his 900th NHL point (286-614—900 in 1,046 GP), becoming the 10th active player to reach the milestone. ICYMI: Richards celebrated the achievement with his father.

* Andrew Shaw also snapped an 18-game drought with his first goal since Jan. 28 at LAK.

* Corey Crawford (17 SV) allowed one goal or fewer for the fourth time in his past five starts (4-0-1). He improved to 5-2-2 in 10 career regular-season appearances vs. ARI.

* Chicago improved to 6-1-2 in its nine meetings with Arizona since being eliminated by the Coyotes in the 2012 Western Conference Quarterfinals.

LOOSE PUCKS
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 41 saves – his second-highest total of the season behind his franchise-record and career-high 52-save performance on Dec. 4 at FLA (4-3 SO W) – to help the Blue Jackets improve to 9-2-1 in their last 12 meetings with the Red Wings dating to March 28, 2012 . . . Flyers goaltender Steve Mason stopped all 35 shots he faced through overtime to record his 26th career shutout (third this season), but ultimately lost in the shootout. He has two road shutouts this season (also Nov. 24 at NYI: 46 SV in 1-0 SO L), but only one road win (1-10-6) . . . Lightning captain Steven Stamkos scored his 37th goal of the season to move within two of Rangers forward Rick Nash (39) for second in the NHL . . . Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty (2-0—2) recorded his fifth multi-goal game of the season with scores via the power play and penalty kill. He shares fourth in the League with 33 overall goals . . . Hurricanes forward Victor Rask (1-2—3) set a career high for points in one game. He has 2-4—6 in his past three outings . . . Blue Jackets forward Scott Hartnell posted his 49th career game-winning goal and first such tally since March 15, 2014 vs. PIT (w/ PHI). He has 5-2—7 in his last six games . . . Jets forward Michael Frolik posted one assist to extend his point streak to a career-high eight contests (5-3—8) . . . Oilers forwards Jordan Eberle (1-1—2), Derek Roy (1-1—2) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (0-2—2) all registered multiple points . . . Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith made 42 saves, three shy of his season high set Jan. 20 (also against the Blackhawks) . . . Canadiens defenseman Sergei Gonchar became the 57th player in NHL history to play in 1,300 games . . . Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis skated in his 800th NHL game . . . ICYMI: The Islanders signed defenseman Johnny Boychuk to a seven-year contract extension.

SNEAK PEEK AT FRIDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Ottawa @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m., TSN5, RDS, MSG+
Dallas @ Washington, 7:00 p.m., FS-SW+, CSN-DC
Edmonton @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., SNOL, FS-O
Anaheim @ Minnesota, 8:00 p.m., FS-W, FS-N, FS-WI
Toronto @ Calgary, 8:00 p.m., TSN4, SNW

the above information was supplied by the NHL PR department

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