* The NHL also announced the launch of the 2023 NHL All-Star Fan Vote presented by Guaranteed Rate, which will enable fans to complete the rosters by selecting 12 additional All-Stars. The rosters for each All-Star team ultimately will consist of 11 total players (nine skaters & two goaltenders) per squad. Voting is now open at NHL.com/vote and via the NHL App.

SUNRISE-BOUND PLAYERS LEAVE THEIR MARK ON GAMES THURSDAY

Several players headed to the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla., shone Thursday.

* Alex Ovechkin (29-19—48 in 41 GP) scored to move within one marker of tying longtime Capitals forward Mike Gartner (17) for the most 30-goal seasons in NHL history and help Washington extend its road winning streak to a franchise-record seven games. The 32 players named to an All-Star team roster have a combined 4,833 career regular-season goals, with Ovechkin accounting for nearly one-fifth of them.

* Connor McDavid (272-500—772 in 527 GP) tallied two helpers to reach the 500-assist milestone after being named to his sixth career NHL All-Star Game – the same night teammate Leon Draisaitl (276-400—676 in 596 GP) celebrated 400 career helpers. McDavid improved his League-leading point totals to 33-42—75 (40 GP) and became the fourth player in the past 30 years to record 75-plus points through 40 games in season, joining Mario Lemieux (42-62—104 in 1995-96 & 39-65—104 in 1992-93), Jaromir Jagr (35-47—82 in 1995-96) and Pat LaFontaine (26-49—75 in 1992-93).

Photo via @EdmontonOilers

* Sidney Crosby (20-25—45 in 38 GP) found the back of the net in Vegas and became just the second active player to record 15 or more 20-goal seasons, joining Ovechkin (18). Crosby, who is one of six NHL players to capture the All-Star Game MVP, Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy in his career (also Jean Beliveau, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Joe Sakic & Lemieux), is on pace for his third season with 40-plus goals and seventh with 90 or more points.

* Jack Hughes (24-22—46 in 39 GP) had two goals in the Devils’ loss to the Blues to boost his team-leading total to 24 this season. Hughes, one of 14 team leaders in goals named to an All-Star roster (outright or tied), recorded his 41st career multi-point game and tied Brendan Shanahan for the second most by a Devils/Rockies/Scouts skater before age 22 (only Kirk Muller has more w/ 63).

* Kevin Hayes (1-2—3) was one of three Flyers players with three or more points (also Morgan Frost & Travis Konecny) as Philadelphia posted a season-high six goals, including five in the middle frame. Hayes (10-25—35 in 38 GP) is one of 16 team leaders in assists named to an All-Star roster (outright or tied).

* Matty Beniers buried one of Seattle’s five goals as the Kraken snapped the Maple Leafs’ home point streak at 11 games (8-0-3 dating to Nov. 12, 2022). Beniers was one of two rookies named to an All-Star team roster, with the other one being Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson.

* Juuse Saros stopped 64 of the Hurricanes’ 67 shots on goal to establish a new single-game franchise record for saves by a Predators goaltender. Saros, who is set to appear in an NHL All-Star Game for the second time in as many years, helped Nashville snap Carolina’s home winning streak at eight contests.

QUICK CLICKS

* #NHLStats: Live Updates – Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023
* League-leading Bruins reach 30-win mark at historic pace
* Canada recovers to top Czechia in OT, win World Junior Championship
* U.S. defeats Sweden to win bronze at World Junior Championship
* Golden Knights wear special Pride warmup jerseys

KARLSSON CAN EXTEND STREAK AS SHARKS VISIT DUCKS ON HULU, ESPN+

Friday’s slate is highlighted by Erik Karlsson (2-19—21 in 13 GP) putting his franchise-record 13-game point streak on the line as the Sharks (12-20-7, 31 points) square off with the Ducks (11-24-4, 26 points) on HULU, ESPN+, Sportsnet ONE and TVA Sports. Karlsson can become the seventh NHL defenseman in the last 30 years with a point streak of at least 14 contests and the fifth blueliner in League history with an assist streak of that length, following Hockey Hall of Fame members Paul Coffey (17 GP in 1985-86), Brian Leetch (15 GP in 1991-92), Phil Housley (14 GP in 1992-93) and Bobby Orr (14 GP in 1970-71).

* Friday’s TVA Sports doubleheader closes in Anaheim but opens with Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers (17-18-4, 38 points) visiting the Red Wings (16-13-7, 39 points) at Little Caesars Arena. Tkachuk and his brother, Brady, were named to the Atlantic Division roster for the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend and would be the first siblings to skate with the same team during an NHL All-Star Game since Daniel and Henrik Sedin with Team Alfredsson in 2012.

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.