01.11.2024
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 - 1 Seattle Kraken
William Nylander scored twice as the Toronto Maple Leafs claimed a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Arena. Nylander benefited from two impressive assists, with his first goal coming via a pass from Morgan Rielly, and his second following a dramatic setup by John Tavares, who has now extended his point streak to six games. Toronto's Auston Matthews also contributed with a goal and an assist, while goaltender Joseph Woll, newly returned from injury, made 24 saves in his second start of the season. Despite Seattle's Eeli Tolvanen reducing the deficit to 3-1 late in the third period with a 6-on-5 advantage, Matthews sealed the win with an empty-netter. The Kraken played without defenseman Brandon Montour, who was absent due to the birth of his daughter. This victory marked Toronto’s second consecutive win after a brief slump, whereas the Kraken have now recorded just one win in their last five games.
Philadelphia Flyers 2 - 1 St Louis Blues
In an exciting matchup at Wells Fargo Center, the Philadelphia Flyers secured a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, highlighted by Bobby Brink's decisive third-period goal, marking his first since October 15. Garnet Hathaway also contributed for Philadelphia, scoring his first goal in 29 games during the first period. Flyers' goalie Samuel Ersson was instrumental, making 20 saves, including crucial stops in the final moments to preserve the win. This victory marks the Flyers' first consecutive wins of the season, following their previous shutout against the Boston Bruins. Despite the Blues' Nathan Walker tying the game in the third period, St. Louis struggled offensively, scoring just four goals in their last three games, and now face a three-game losing streak. The Flyers' defensive effort was commendable, with two critical blocked shots in the final minute, showcasing a growing chemistry on the ice. Although Blues' coach Drew Bannister noted an improved effort, the team's minor mistakes continue to hinder their success, as the Blues focus on smoothing out issues to overcome their current slump.
Pittsburgh Penguins 2 - 1 Anaheim Ducks
Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, scoring twice, including the game-winner in overtime, and ending the Penguins' six-game winless streak. The win came at PPG Paints Arena, where Crosby skillfully netted the overtime goal after Cody Glass set him up by taking the puck from Cutter Gauthier. This game marked a strategic turning point for the Penguins, as emphasized by Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan, who praised the team’s more systematic play. Alex Nedeljkovic made 22 saves for the Penguins, who were previously outscored 26-13 during their losing streak. Meanwhile, Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal was crucial in keeping the game competitive, making 44 saves, although the Ducks fell short on their road trip. Alex Killorn provided Anaheim's lone goal, scored in the first period from a Trevor Zegras pass, while Crosby's third-period equalizer tied him with the NHL's active third-most tying goals at 97. Despite the Ducks' strong effort, including a late attempted lead by Zegras, the Penguins secured the win, with Marcus Pettersson clearing a potential Ducks’ goal from the line in the final period.
Washington Capitals 6 - 3 Montreal Canadiens
In an exciting matchup at Capital One Arena, Alex Ovechkin bolstered the Washington Capitals' 6-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens with a goal and two assists, pushing his career goal tally to 858, leaving him 37 shy of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. Ovechkin’s linemate Aliaksei Protas praised his enthusiasm for scoring, reminiscent of a rookie's joy. Connor McMichael's pivotal goal in the third period restored the Capitals' lead, which was further extended by Protas and Ovechkin, culminating their five-game home winning streak. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield starred for the Canadiens, with Caufield scoring in his fourth consecutive game, although their efforts weren't enough. Caps coach Spencer Carbery highlighted the team's shift in mindset during a critical third-period talk that propelled them to victory, while Canadiens' forward Brendan Gallagher noted his team's recurring mistakes. The game also saw significant contributions from Tom Wilson and notable returns, with Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle back after an injury absence.
Carolina Hurricanes 8 - 2 Boston Bruins
In a decisive 8-2 victory over the Boston Bruins at Lenovo Center, Martin Necas led the charge for the Carolina Hurricanes with four points, contributing to the team's fifth consecutive win. The Hurricanes' strong performance featured standout contributions from Andrei Svechnikov, who accumulated three points, and Jack Roslovic, who scored twice. Notably, Carolina scored three goals in an extraordinary 52-second span during the first period, marking the second-fastest trio of goals in franchise history. Despite the Bruins' attempts to rally, with goals from Hampus Lindholm and Brad Marchand, their struggles continued, allowing the Hurricanes to exploit their weaknesses. Necas extended his impressive point streak to five games, totaling 12 points, while Svechnikov maintained a four-game point streak. This commanding win emphasizes the Hurricanes' formidable puck pressure and teamwork, factors that the Bruins' coach, Jim Montgomery, acknowledged as problematic for his team.
Nashville Predators 1 - 5 Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl's standout performance, contributing two goals and an assist, propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, despite the absence of star player Connor McDavid due to injury. The victory highlighted the Oilers' ability to leverage opportunities with key players missing, showcasing strong chemistry among the lines, particularly with new NHL debutant Noah Philp providing an assist. Zach Hyman and Viktor Arvidsson also scored their first goals of the season, while Calvin Pickard made 26 saves, underscoring Edmonton's comprehensive team effort. The Predators struggled to find form, with only Filip Forsberg finding the net, as they continue to seek chemistry and consistency. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised Draisaitl's line for their execution and pace, noting the importance of collective effort in the team's road trip success.
San Jose Sharks 3 - 2 Chicago Blackhawks
In an NHL matchup at SAP Center, the San Jose Sharks edged out the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2, marking their third consecutive win. Highlighting the game was Sharks' 19-year-old forward Will Smith, the No. 4 pick from the 2023 draft, achieving a milestone by scoring his first two NHL goals. Alexander Wennberg added another goal for the Sharks, while Jake Walman contributed an assist, continuing his impressive run of seven points in the last three games. Mackenzie Blackwood's 29 saves were crucial for the Sharks' victory. The Blackhawks saw goals from Ryan Donato, who scored his fourth in three games, and Tyler Bertuzzi, with Connor Murphy assisting twice. Smith's decisive power-play goal in the second period sealed the Sharks' 3-2 victory.