23.02.2025
Philadelphia Flyers 6 - 3 Edmonton Oilers
The Philadelphia Flyers secured a 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, highlighted by Owen Tippett's two-goal performance in his return from an injury that sidelined him for five games. Playing a crucial role alongside Matvei Michkov and Sean Couturier, who also registered a goal and two assists each, Tippett's line combined for eight points, each finishing the game with a plus-5 rating. Couturier notably netted his 200th NHL goal during the match, proudly reflecting on overcoming past challenges. Michkov, fresh from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, scored early to give the Flyers a lead, later assisting Tippett's second goal. Philadelphia's Rasmus Ristolainen scored an empty-net goal to seal the game, marking his return after a brief absence due to injury. The Oilers, despite goals from Leon Draisaitl, John Klingberg, and Mattias Ekholm, struggled defensively, giving up four even-strength goals primarily due to costly turnovers, with goaltender Stuart Skinner making 26 saves amidst these challenges. Connor McDavid, playing shortly after scoring Canada's overtime goal in the 4 Nations final, saw his point streak against the Flyers end, while recently acquired Andrei Kuzmenko scored his first goal for Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Penguins 3 - 8 Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals secured a dominant 8-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, highlighted by a powerful second period in which they scored five goals. Jakob Chychrun led the charge with two goals during this period, contributing to a total outburst that saw the Capitals' lead stretch significantly. Dylan Strome extended his point streak to a career-high seven games, while Pierre-Luc Dubois demonstrated playmaking prowess with three assists. Capitals goalie Logan Thompson made 29 saves, effectively handling the Penguins' offensive attempts. Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby netted his 18th goal of the season despite dealing with a recent upper-body injury. The Penguins struggled defensively, leading to goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic's early exit after conceding five goals on just 14 shots. Notably, Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas reached a milestone of 100 career NHL points. Washington's Tom Wilson scored his career-high 25th goal before leaving the game after taking a hit, though his injury is not expected to be serious. The game followed a poignant tribute to iconic Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange, who passed away earlier in the week.
Detroit Red Wings 3 - 4 Minnesota Wild
Marco Rossi scored the overtime winner to lift the Minnesota Wild to a 4-3 comeback victory against the Detroit Red Wings, despite earlier being penalized for hooking. The Wild rallied with third-period goals from Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno, the latter tying the game near the end of regulation. Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 crucial saves, surpassing Roberto Luongo for second place in all-time NHL games played, with Martin Brodeur still leading. For the Red Wings, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond all contributed to Detroit's scoring, but they couldn't fend off Minnesota's late surge. The game featured several intriguing storylines, including ex-teammates facing off and Fleury and Cam Talbot’s unique goalie dynamics, as well as challenges that added a layer of complexity to an already thrilling matchup.
Buffalo Sabres 8 - 2 New York Rangers
In a commanding 8-2 victory, the Buffalo Sabres overwhelmed the New York Rangers by scoring five goals in the first period at the KeyBank Center. Key players Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson each contributed two goals and an assist, while Ryan McLeod also scored twice with Jason Zucker adding three assists for Buffalo, who secured their fifth win in six games. Rasmus Dahlin's exceptional performance further solidified his status, moving him past Mike Ramsey for the second-most goals by a defenseman in franchise history. Despite late efforts from Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad for the Rangers, their team fell short, especially after Igor Shesterkin allowed five goals on just 16 shots. Notably, veteran Chris Kreider scored his 116th career power-play goal, tying a Rangers record, and Zucker reached 200 career assists. Following a notable performance, Buffalo's coach Lindy Ruff praised Dahlin’s leadership, while Rangers’ coach Peter Laviolette emphasized his team's collective faults in the loss.
Florida Panthers 1 - 2 Seattle Kraken
Joey Daccord made an impressive 26 saves as the Seattle Kraken narrowly defeated the Florida Panthers 2-1 at Amerant Bank Arena. The Kraken, back in action after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, benefitted from goals by Kaapo Kakko and Jared McCann, with Shane Wright contributing two assists. Seattle's second goal came from McCann in the third period, capitalizing on a deflected wrist shot. Florida initially tied the game with Eetu Luostarinen's goal in the second period, but a potential lead by the Panthers was nullified following a video review due to goalie interference. The Panthers struggled to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the closing minutes when they pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, resulting in intense pressure but no shots on goal. The game marked Jordan Eberle's return to the Seattle lineup post-pelvic surgery, and it saw Daccord achieve his 20th win, joining Martin Jones as the only Kraken goalies to reach this milestone.
New Jersey Devils 2 - 4 Dallas Stars
In a thrilling game at the Prudential Center, Casey DeSmith's 31 saves were pivotal in the Dallas Stars' 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston both contributed a goal and an assist, as the Stars continued their strong run with a 7-1-1 record over their last nine games. Jack Hughes shone for the Devils with two goals, supported by Jesper Bratt and Dougie Hamilton, who each had two assists, though New Jersey's recent inconsistency continued with a 3-4-0 record in their past seven games. DeSmith's exceptional performance included a crucial left pad save on Hamilton in the dying minutes to protect Dallas' lead. Notably, Johnston sealed the win with a short-handed, empty-net goal. Dallas extended their dominance at the Prudential Center, having not lost there since 2022, while Bratt increased his point streak to nine games.
Nashville Predators 2 - 1 Colorado Avalanche
In a thrilling game at Bridgestone Arena, Jonathan Marchessault broke a third-period tie to lead the Nashville Predators to a 2-1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche, marking Nashville's second consecutive win after a six-game losing streak. Marchessault’s decisive goal, resulting from a fortunate bounce off Luke Schenn’s slap shot, extended his impressive four-game point streak. The game saw strong performances from Juuse Saros, who made 31 saves, and Justin Barron, who quickly equalized with a slap shot after Sam Malinski initially gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead. Despite the Avalanche's recent strong form and Scott Wedgewood's 15 saves, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, as Saros thwarted their attempts to score. Both teams put on a spirited performance, with Avalanche coach Jared Bednar commending his team’s energy and play despite the loss, while the Predators emphasized their commitment to consistency and teamwork.
Boston Bruins 2 - 3 Anaheim Ducks
In an intense matchup at TD Garden, Leo Carlsson secured a 3-2 victory for the Anaheim Ducks over the Boston Bruins with his overtime goal at 3:39, notching his second career OT score. Despite an early 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano, the Ducks needed heroics from Carlsson after the Bruins tied the game in the third period with a last-minute goal from Morgan Geekie. The industrious performance featured standout goaltending from John Gibson and Lukas Dostal, with the goaltending tandem praised by Vatrano as the team's backbone. This victory marks Anaheim's fourth consecutive win, while David Pastrnak extended his point streak to 14 games for Boston, tying the longest streak in the NHL this season. Bruins captain Brad Marchand, despite a head-first collision, returned later to assist the game-tying goal, while Carlsson's game-winner tied him with Mason McTavish for the most game-winning goals by a Ducks player under 21.
Toronto Maple Leafs 6 - 3 Carolina Hurricanes
In a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, Auston Matthews scored his 389th NHL goal, tying him with Darryl Sittler for second place in Toronto Maple Leafs' history, trailing only Mats Sundin's 420 goals. Matthews sealed the win with an empty-netter at 18:37 of the third period. Pontus Holmberg was instrumental for Toronto with two goals and an assist, while Alex Steeves scored his first NHL goal in style, contributing to a strong start that saw Toronto leading 4-0. However, Carolina nearly staged a comeback, scoring three rapid goals in the third period before Toronto secured the win with two late empty-net goals. The victory marked Toronto's fourth win in their last five games, whereas Carolina continued their recent slump with their fourth loss in five matches. Brent Burns notched a milestone, playing his 900th consecutive game, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to achieve this streak.
Ottawa Senators 2 - 5 Montreal Canadiens
Brendan Gallagher's goal and assist helped the Montreal Canadiens snap a three-game losing streak with a decisive 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. The Canadiens, backed by a boisterous away crowd that Gallagher noted felt like a home atmosphere, also saw goals from Cole Caufield, Patrik Laine, and Juraj Slafkovsky, while Nick Suzuki contributed two assists. Ottawa's Tim Stutzle extended his point streak to nine games with a goal and an assist, despite his team missing key players, including Brady Tkachuk due to international duties. Linus Ullmark was pulled after allowing five goals, highlighting the Senators' struggles, compounded by turnovers and being without top players due to injuries. Montreal's victory was marked by an effective start and risk management, with Sam Montembeault making 25 saves. Notably, Slafkovsky stood out with eight hits and five shots on goal, and Emil Heineman made his return after a long absence, contributing four hits in limited ice time.
Columbus Blue Jackets 5 - 1 Chicago Blackhawks
Zach Werenski shone brightly with a goal and two assists as the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a dominant 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. This game saw Werenski extend his impressive home point streak to 22 games, tying Phil Housley for the third-longest such streak by a defenseman, just three short of Bobby Orr’s record. Kent Johnson also made significant contributions with two goals, while Dmitri Voronkov chipped in with two assists. Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins was solid between the pipes with 27 saves, helping to end the Blue Jackets’ four-game losing streak. In contrast, the Blackhawks continued to struggle, having now lost five of their last six games. Craig Smith scored the lone goal for Chicago, but Columbus's resilience and strategic execution, highlighted by Werenski’s performance, ultimately overwhelmed the Blackhawks. Additionally, Boone Jenner returned after his shoulder surgery to aid Werenski’s goal, marking his season debut.
St Louis Blues 3 - 4 Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets extended their winning streak to nine games with a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues, with Gabriel Vilardi scoring twice, including the tying goal in the final minutes of regulation. Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor, who netted the decisive goal in the shootout, also contributed to the Jets' offense. The team reached a remarkable 40 wins this season, becoming the first in the NHL to do so. Despite missing key players like Connor Hellebuyck and Josh Morrissey, the Jets displayed resilience against a competitive Blues side. Robert Thomas scored twice for St. Louis, marking his 100th NHL goal, while Pavel Buchnevich recorded a goal and two assists. Joel Hofer's 25 saves kept the Blues competitive, although they ultimately fell short. Winnipeg's tactical execution, particularly in the tense final moments and shootout, highlighted their determination and skillful play during the winning streak, outscoring opponents 39-19.
Los Angeles Kings 5 - 3 Utah Hockey Club
Drew Doughty had a standout performance with a goal and two assists as the Los Angeles Kings secured a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings, enjoying a five-game home point streak, capitalized on Doughty's contributions alongside Kevin Fiala's power-play goal and assist, as well as Darcy Kuemper's 24 saves. Despite Barrett Hayton achieving his first NHL hat trick for Utah, the Kings' dynamic offense, including notable goals from Alex Laferriere and Trevor Lewis, ensured their win. Hayton's efforts included two power-play goals, while Nick Schmaltz added two assists for Utah, and Connor Ingram recorded 21 saves. The game saw Doughty score his first goal in seven games after recovering from a preseason injury.
Vegas Golden Knights 3 - 1 Vancouver Canucks
The Vegas Golden Knights secured a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks at T-Mobile Arena, with Brandon Saad scoring the decisive goal just 18 seconds into the third period. Ivan Barbashev and Tomas Hertl also found the net, while goalie Adin Hill was a standout with 32 saves, maintaining Vegas' momentum as they notched their third consecutive win. Jake DeBrusk put the Canucks on the scoreboard first, capitalizing on a pass from Kiefer Sherwood, but Barbashev tied it up in the second period by converting a rebound. A potential tying goal by Vancouver’s Nils Hoglander was disallowed due to interference, leaving Tomas Hertl to seal the win with an empty-net goal. Both teams' goalies, Hill and Vancouver's Kevin Lankinen, made 32 saves each, highlighting a strong defensive performance on both sides.