TWO OF NHL’S TOP CLUBS TAKE TWO POINTS FRIDAY

The Panthers (34-10-5, 73 points) and Hurricanes (33-11-4, 70 points), who sit second and third in the NHL standings respectively, collected two crucial points to move within striking distance of the League-leading Avalanche (35-9-4, 74 points).

* The Panthers, who scored at least six times in a contest for the ninth time this season, are averaging an NHL-best 4.14 goals per game and became the first team to score 200 times in 2021-22.

* Jonathan Huberdeau (17-51—68) assisted on two Panthers goals to record his third career 50-assist season (also 2018-19 & 2019-20) and moved into a tie with Leon Draisaitl (35-33—68 in 48 GP) and Connor McDavid (25-43—68 in 47 GP) in the NHL’s 2021-22 Art Ross Trophy race.

* Andrei Svechnikov (2-1—3) factored on three goals to boost his totals since Jan. 1 to 13-12—25 (18 GP) – only four players in the NHL have scored more goals over that span: David Pastrnak (16), Bryan Rust (15), Chris Kreider (14) and Gabriel Landeskog (14).

OETTINGER OUTLASTS CHILDHOOD IDOL, WINS IN FRONT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Jake Oettinger (34 saves) went save-for-save against his childhood idol Marc-Andre Fleury (29 saves) through 60 minutes of regulation and five minutes of overtime en route to earning his second career shutout in front of family and friends at United Center. Prior to puck drop, Oettinger received a stick from the Blackhawks goaltender that inspired the No. 29 on the back of his Stars jersey.

BLACK HOCKEY HISTORY: ‘CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE AND JOY IN HOCKEY’

Wollman Park Partners, which includes the parent company New Jersey Devils, Premier Hockey Federation and the Carnegie Initiative launched “Celebrating Black Excellence and Joy in Hockey” at the Wollman Skating Rink NYC in Central Park Thursday.

* On hand for the announcement were Hockey Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree (via Zoom), players from Ice Hockey in Harlem, “NHL on TNT” analyst Anson Carter as well as Kelly Babstock, an Indigenous player for the Metropolitan Riveters, Bokondji Imama from Tucson of the AHL and Stefanie Tomlin, vice president of Wollman Park Partners and general manager of the rink.

* The campaign was created to respond to racial hate in hockey with positive and meaningful action. As part of the campaign Turner Sports/Bleacher Report, in conjunction with Wollman, is showcasing the best moments in Black hockey history which will be featured on "NHL on TNT" broadcasts. Click here for more details on the campaign.

NHL PODCASTS WEEKLY ROUNDUP

* Fantasy on Ice (2/14): Pete & Nick highlight best pickups entering the week

* The Chirp (2/16): Daren w/ JT Brown & Everett Fitzhugh ahead of historic broadcast
* NHL @TheRink (2/17): Dan & Shawn are joined by Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman

* Fantasy on Ice (2/17): Pete & Nick w/ Jake Hahn of SiriusXM on Toffoli, Eichel & more

QUICK CLICKS

* Kirill Kaprizov joins elite company in Friday edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates
* Brad Marchand’s six-game suspension upheld upon appeal by Commissioner Bettman

* NHL announces 2020 Stanley Awards winners

* Vincent Lecavalier named Canadiens special adviser to hockey operations

* NHL rendering for 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series in Nashville



SATURDAY STREAKS ON THE HORIZON
A plethora of lengthy stretches will be put to the test as the NHL’s longest active shutout and win streaks will be on display when Darcy Kuemper and the Avalanche (35-9-4, 74 points) visit the Sabres (16-25-8, 40 points), while the Flames (28-13-6, 62 points) host the Kraken (16-30-4, 36 points) for the first time ever with former captain Mark Giordano back in town.

* Kuemper has posted a shutout in each of his past two appearances and has not allowed a goal in 144:06. His current shutout sequence is the third-longest run of his career behind 193:58 in 2017-18 (w/ LAK) and 164:02 in 2014-15 (w/ MIN). Should he record his third straight shutout, he would join Patrick Roy (3 in 2001-02) as just the second goaltender in Avalanche/Nordiques history to do so.

* The Flames’ eight-game win streak has propelled them from the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference on Jan. 29 to the top of the Pacific Division. Calgary currently leads all teams in wins during the month of February and has scored five or more goals in each of its past five contests – the club has posted a longer such run four times in franchise history (6 GP in 1987-88, 1980-81, 1978-79 & 1976-77).

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.