06.12.2024
Buffalo Sabres 2 - 3 Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets snapped a four-game losing streak with a dramatic 3-2 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center, highlighted by Adam Lowry's decisive goal with just over a minute left in OT. The game saw standout performances from Josh Morrissey, who assisted twice, and Connor Hellebuyck, who made 28 saves. Gabriel Vilardi contributed a goal and an assist, while Kyle Connor scored during a 5-on-3 power play. The Sabres, now on a five-game losing streak, had goals from Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen also making 28 saves. A notable moment included Tyson Kozak initially scoring in his NHL debut, only for it to be overturned due to goaltender interference. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff reached a milestone by coaching his 1,800th NHL game. Notably, the Jets have an impeccable 4-0 record in overtime games this season.
Montreal Canadiens 3 - 0 Nashville Predators
Laine scores in 2nd straight game, Canadiens shut out Predators
MONTREAL --
“It feels good,” Laine said. “It felt a little bit better than last game, and obviously the power play, it’s always been fun to play that. So that’s been working out well so far and just try to keep it going.”
Laine, who was acquired in a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Aug. 19, and Armia were named to Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster Wednesday. Montembeault, who was named to Canada’s roster Wednesday, tied
“He’s kept us in the game so many times, just unbelievable, and that’s why they picked him for Team Canada, for that reason,” Laine said. “He shows up in big moments. 5-on-3 against, when you look at the guys they have and nothing goes in, he’s been unreal.”
The Predators acquired Annunen in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
“He did exactly like ‘Juice’ (
The Predators were without forward
“We try the best we can,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette said about losing O’Reilly. “I think it’s an opportunity for other guys to step up and solidify a little bit of a role and add a little bit to the team.”
Evans gave Montreal a 1-0 lead with a short-handed goal at 7:50 of the first period. He carried the puck up ice along the left side with Armia driving hard to the net and put on the brakes before scoring with a wrist shot over Annunen’s right pad from the face-off circle.
“I was about to pass it to [Armia] and then kind of broke that up,” Evans said. “He fooled a lot of people. I’m sure the goalie might have been thinking about that too, so that helped.”
Laine made it 2-0 with his power-play goal at 1:14 of the third. He took
“I just try to shoot the puck when I have a chance,” Laine said. “Obviously 5-on-3 is a little different than 5-on-4, so a little more room. And one guy didn’t have his stick, so it was like a 5-on-2, but it’s not just me, it’s the whole unit. We’re working on it together, reading off each other. It’s only our second game together, but two games, two goals, so I feel we’ve got something going here. And just try to build off of that and create a pretty good weapon for us for the rest of the year.”
Armia shot into an empty net with 46 seconds remaining for the 3-0 final.
“I think it’s a different night, same result kind of thing,” Nashville defenseman
NOTES: Laine is the first player to score at least a goal in each of his first two games for Montreal since
Ottawa Senators 2 - 1 Detroit Red Wings
Josh Norris was the standout performer for the Ottawa Senators, scoring both goals in a narrow 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, capped by a dramatic game-winning goal with just 43 seconds remaining. Norris' first goal came from a backhand shot after collecting his own rebound, while his second was a decisive wrist shot from a Drake Batherson pass. The victory halted Ottawa's two-game losing streak, contrasting with Detroit's struggles extending to a four-game skid. Despite outchancing Ottawa 5-on-5 and winning the special teams battle with a 1-for-3 power play record compared to Ottawa's 0-for-5, Detroit failed to secure a point, which left their captain Dylan Larkin expressing frustration at not getting to overtime. Alex DeBrincat's third-period goal for the Red Wings tied the game briefly, and his goal marked his 225th, equaling Matthew Tkachuk's tally among the 2016 NHL Draft class. The game also saw Brady Tkachuk pass Marian Hossa for ninth on Ottawa's all-time assists list, while Red Wings' Lucas Raymond's eight-game point streak came to an end.
Tampa Bay Lightning 8 - 1 San Jose Sharks
The Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the San Jose Sharks with an 8-1 victory, fueled by a stunning five-goal first period, marking the third time this season they've scored eight goals in a game. Brayden Point stood out with four assists in his 600th NHL game, continuing an impressive run with nine points in his past five games. Brandon Hagel contributed two goals as the Lightning executed a rapid scoring burst, including the second-fastest four goals to start a game in their history. Despite good energy in their morning skate, the Sharks struggled from the start, with their goaltender Vitek Vanecek conceding five goals on 12 shots before being replaced by Mackenzie Blackwood. Sharks' standout rookie Macklin Celebrini's five-game point streak ended as the team endured a humbling defeat, though Alexander Wennberg managed a consolation goal in the third period.
Philadelphia Flyers 5 - 7 Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers triumphed over the Philadelphia Flyers in a thrilling 7-5 victory at the Wells Fargo Center, despite squandering an initial 3-0 lead. Sam Reinhart's late power-play goal secured the win for the Panthers, who were notably successful on special teams, converting four of their five power-play opportunities. Matthew Tkachuk was instrumental with a goal and four assists, extending his point streak to five games. The Flyers mounted a fierce comeback, with Owen Tippett scoring twice within 23 seconds in the third period to tie the game briefly. While both teams showed resilience, key individual milestones included Tkachuk matching his father Keith Tkachuk's record for five-point games by a U.S.-born player and topping nine points across two games, a Panthers first. Rookie Matvei Michkov shone with three assists, a feat not seen for a Flyers teenager since 2016. The game's chaotic nature underscored the Panthers' mixed performance, but also highlighted the hazards and excitement of NHL play.
Carolina Hurricanes 5 - 3 Colorado Avalanche
In a thrilling matchup, Andrei Svechnikov scored a career-high four points, propelling the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche and ending their three-game losing streak. Playing at Lenovo Center, Svechnikov, who had been scoreless in his last four outings, contributed a goal and three assists, while Martin Necas and Sebastian Aho also played crucial roles with multiple points. Pyotr Kochetkov's key saves helped secure the victory. Despite Valeri Nichushkin's two goals and Cale Makar's two assists, the Avalanche struggled to counter Carolina’s pressure, leading to their third loss in four games. Scott Wedgewood, newly traded from the Nashville Predators, made his Avalanche debut with 30 saves. The Hurricanes’ disciplined 60-minute effort, as highlighted by coach Rod Brind’Amour, was a stark contrast to Colorado's difficulties in adapting to Carolina’s relentless play.
New York Islanders 2 - 5 Seattle Kraken
Vince Dunn shined for the Seattle Kraken with a goal and two assists, leading the team to a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Adam Larsson contributed three assists, while Joey Daccord stopped 28 shots, including a strong start that set the pace for the Kraken's second consecutive win, improving their record to 13-13-1. In contrast, the Islanders, who have now lost eight of their last ten games, saw their struggles continue despite goals from Noah Dobson and Maxim Tsyplakov. Islanders coach Patrick Roy acknowledged the Kraken's superior speed and execution, particularly praising their first two goals and quick pace on loose pucks. Ilya Sorokin allowed four goals on 13 shots before being replaced by Marcus Hogberg, marking his first NHL appearance since 2021. Notably, Oliver Bjorkstrand extended his points streak to seven games, and Brandon Tanev celebrated his 500th NHL game.
Calgary Flames 3 - 4 St Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues edged out the Calgary Flames 4-3 in overtime, marking their fifth consecutive game with a point in the standings. Colton Parayko scored the decisive goal after Dan Vladar stopped the initial attempt by Robert Thomas, whose standout performance included a goal and two assists. Meanwhile, Zack Bolduc and Pavel Buchnevich each found the net for the Blues, while Jordan Binnington made 36 key saves. For the Flames, MacKenzie Weegar contributed a goal and an assist, with Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier also scoring. Despite tying the game three times, Calgary's six-game home winning streak was snapped after Parayko's late overtime winner. The Blues have gone 4-0-1 since Jim Montgomery's arrival as head coach. Bolduc's power-play goal opened the scoring, followed by Weegar's equalizer and a 4-on-4 tally that further showcased both teams' consistent efforts to break the deadlock.
Edmonton Oilers 6 - 3 Columbus Blue Jackets
In a commanding 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Edmonton Oilers were bolstered by Zach Hyman's impressive return to the lineup, scoring twice after missing five games due to an undisclosed injury. Connor McDavid shone with four assists, showcasing his playmaking skills, notably with a dazzling set-up to Hyman for a goal that leveled the game at 1-1. The Oilers, who began a crucial home stretch, saw additional contributions from Leon Draisaitl, who netted twice and is now tied for the league lead in goals with 19. Despite a strong effort from Columbus goaltender Daniil Tarasov, who made 31 saves, the Blue Jackets couldn't overcome Edmonton’s offensive onslaught, falling short despite goals from Cole Sillinger and Damon Severson. Calvin Pickard fulfilled his role, making 19 saves to help secure the win.