BARZAL’S FIVE-POINT AFTERNOON POWERS ISLANDERS SEVEN-GOAL OUTBURST
Mathew Barzal (2-3—5) registered his second five-point game of 2017-18 (0-5—5 on Nov. 5 vs. COL) and the Islanders erupted for a season-high seven goals to defeat the Rangers. Barzal boosted his totals to 15-29—44 this season (44 GP) to move four points ahead of Canucks forward Brock Boeser (22-18—40 in 41 GP) for the rookie scoring lead.

* Elias notes that Barzal became the second rookie in franchise history to record multiple games with at least five points in a single season, joining Bryan Trottier in 1975-76. In fact, only three other rookies in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) have accomplished the feat – brothers Peter, Anton and Marian Stastny with the Quebec Nordiques.

THORNTON PASSES OATES ON ALL-TIME POINTS LIST
San Jose tied the game with 15.8 seconds remaining in regulation and Joe Thornton (1-2—3) assisted on the overtime winner to help the Sharkscomplete their rally over the Coyotes. Thornton pushed his career totals to 393-1,028—1,421 and leapfrogged Adam Oates for sole possession of 17th place on the NHL’s all-time points list.

* Thornton also skated in his 1,487th career game to tie Wayne Gretzky for 21st place on the NHL’s all-time list.

AVALANCHE EARN SIXTH STRAIGHT WIN, ECLIPSE TOTALS FROM LAST SEASON
Nathan MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to help Colorado extend its win streak to six games, their longest since posting an equal run from March 25 – April 5, 2014.

* The Avalanche improved to 23-16-3 (49 points) through 42 contests this season, eclipsing their 82-game win and point totals from 2016-17 (22-56-4, 48 points). The largest year-to-year point improvement by an NHL team at the end of the season is 58 – the Sharks went from 11-71-2 (24 points) in 1992-93 to 33-35-16 (82 points) in 1993-94.

* MacKinnon extended his point streak to six games (4-9—13) and shares third in the NHL with 19-34—53 this season (42 GP).

COUTURIER GUIDES FLYERS TO FOURTH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY
Sean Couturier (2-1—3) factored on three of five goals to guide the Flyers to their fourth consecutive victory. Couturier boosted his 2017-18 totals to 25-20—45 (43 GP), extending his single-season career highs for goals and points.

* Couturier has recorded multiple points in all four games of Philadelphia’s win streak (7-2—9), including two goals in each of his last three outings. Elias notes that Couturier became the fourth different player in franchise history to score multiple goals in three consecutive team games.

BRUINS, RASK EXTEND POINT STREAKS
Tuukka Rask made 27 saves through 65 minutes and turned aside three of four shootout attempts to help the Bruins extend their point streak to 12 games (9-0-3). Boston’s point streak is the second-longest in the NHL this season (VGK: 12-0-1 from Dec. 3 – Jan. 2) and the longest by the club since a 16-game run in 2013-14 (15-0-1).

* Rask improved to 12-0-2 in his last 14 decisions dating to Nov. 29 (1.69 GAA, .938 SV%, 2 SO), extending the longest such point streak of his NHL career.

McDAVID REACHES 200-POINT MILESTONE IN OILERS WIN
Connor McDavid collected two assists while celebrating his 21st birthday to reach the 200-point milestone (61-139—200) and help the Oilersdefeat the Golden Knights. McDavid (173 GP) required the third-fewest games to reach the milestone (all w/ EDM) among players to make their NHL debut with the Oilers.

QUICK CLICKS

· Miller's extraordinary career honored by fellow L.A. sports legends

· Getaway pulls Golden Knights even closer (via Nick Cotsonika)

· O'Ree still has impact on Weekes, community (via Amalie Benjamin)

· Crosby sticks with special purple tape, keeps up red-hot play

· Wheeler participates in Vikings 'Skol' chant on Jets bench

SNEAK PEEK AT SUNDAY’S ACTION

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