12.11.2024
Buffalo Sabres 5 - 7 Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens snapped a six-game losing streak by defeating the Buffalo Sabres 7-5 at KeyBank Center, aided by Cole Caufield’s standout performance with two goals, including a crucial power-play tally that gave Montreal a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. This victory was highlighted by Nick Suzuki’s contribution, scoring twice and assisting twice, reaching his 300th NHL point. Despite Cayden Primeau’s struggles in goal, conceding five goals on 14 shots, Sam Montembeault stepped in to secure the win with four saves. For the Sabres, Dylan Cozens and Rasmus Dahlin each recorded a goal and an assist, although Buffalo's defense faltered when it mattered, failing to protect leads throughout the game. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi shared the goaltending duties for Buffalo, but couldn’t prevent the Canadiens' rally. The game also marked Caufield’s move past Alex Galchenyuk for the fourth-most game-winning goals by a Montreal player before age 24, and his efforts were complemented by Suzuki’s significant milestone in his young career. Buffalo suffered injuries to key players Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson, providing further challenges as the team grapples with inconsistency after a recent three-game winning streak.
Philadelphia Flyers 4 - 3 San Jose Sharks
In his return to the Philadelphia Flyers lineup, Matvei Michkov showcased an impressive performance with a goal, an assist, and a key shootout score, leading the team to a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Michkov, who had been scratched for the previous two games, contributed to the Flyers' early 3-0 lead, with Erik Johnson and Travis Konecny also finding the net, and later helped secure their third consecutive game with a point. Samuel Ersson made 27 saves and was crucial in the shootout, while the Sharks battled back from their deficit with goals from Jack Thompson, Mikael Granlund, and Barclay Goodrow, only to fall short. Notably, Michkov, at 19, has four multipoint games this season, tying him for sixth most by a Flyers teenager. Meanwhile, Sharks rookie William Eklund provided two assists, but coach Ryan Warsofsky acknowledged his team's struggle to maintain the energy from their previous win over the New Jersey Devils. The encounter also pitted the NHL's oldest coach, John Tortorella, against its youngest, signaling an interesting coaching dynamic.
Pittsburgh Penguins 1 - 7 Dallas Stars
In a dominant performance, Mason Marchment led the Dallas Stars with a goal and four assists as they surged past the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 7-1 victory at PPG Paints Arena. The Stars scored six consecutive goals in the first period, marking the first time Pittsburgh allowed such a deficit at home. Dallas managed to score on half of their first 12 shots. Marchment, with his exceptional first-period play, became the second Stars player to achieve four points in a single period since Barry Gibbs did it in 1974. Miro Heiskanen added two goals, while Matt Duchene contributed a goal and two assists. Despite the challenging start, Penguins' Anthony Beauvillier managed a goal in the second period, while goalie Joel Blomqvist was pulled after allowing three early goals. This game marked the Stars' third-fastest scoring achievement from the start in their history, and Brendan Smith celebrated his 700th NHL game.
Calgary Flames 3 - 1 Los Angeles Kings
The Calgary Flames secured a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Saddledome, with goalie Dustin Wolf making 28 saves and earning his first NHL point by assisting on Jonathan Huberdeau's breakaway goal. Mikael Backlund contributed a goal and an assist, while Kevin Rooney sealed the win with an empty-net goal. The Flames scored twice in 36 seconds during the second period, jumping to a two-goal lead, while Trevor Moore managed to cut the lead for the Kings late in the third period. Despite a late push by the Kings, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, with Moore extending his point streak to six games and Anze Kopitar tying for 44th in NHL history for points. Rasmus Andersson shone defensively for Calgary with a career-high seven blocked shots, leading the NHL in that category. The Kings struggled offensively and saw Phillip Danault’s five-game point streak end.
Colorado Avalanche 3 - 2 Nashville Predators
Samuel Girard scored his first goal of the season on a breakaway at 2:47 of overtime to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena. Girard's decisive play came after he stole the puck from Brady Skjei, drawing a delayed penalty before beating goalie Juuse Saros with a wrist shot. The Avalanche, who have now won three of their last four games, also received goals from Devon Toews and Mikko Rantanen. Nathan MacKinnon continued his impressive start, extending his home point streak to 10 games and becoming the first player this season to reach 30 points, tying Joe Sakic as the third-fastest in Avalanche history to achieve this milestone. For Nashville, Colton Sissons and Luke Evangelista found the back of the net, yet the team suffered their fourth loss in five games. The Predators’ Gustav Nyquist marked his 800th NHL game, while Nashville coach Andrew Brunette highlighted the team's need to improve their 5-on-5 play despite gaining a point in the challenging Denver environment.
Vegas Golden Knights 2 - 5 Carolina Hurricanes
Pyotr Kochetkov was instrumental in securing the Carolina Hurricanes' 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights by making 31 saves, thus handing Vegas their first home loss of the season. Key performances from Jordan Staal, Eric Robinson, and Jasperi Kotkaniemi, each contributing a goal and an assist, helped Carolina improve to an 11-3-0 record, having won nine of their last ten games. Jack Eichel continued his point streak for the Golden Knights, with a goal and an assist, but it wasn't enough to overcome Carolina’s strong start. The Hurricanes quickly took a 4-0 lead, including a shorthanded goal by Staal, which led to the substitution of Vegas goalie Adin Hill after he allowed four goals on 21 shots. The Golden Knights, unable to recover, ended their eight-game home winning streak, with Akira Schmid stepping in to replace Hill, making 12 saves.