07.03.2025
Detroit Red Wings 2 - 4 Utah Hockey Club
Karel Vejmelka's standout performance, making 38 saves, led the Utah Hockey Club to a 4-2 comeback victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Vejmelka, fresh off signing a five-year contract extension, rebounded after conceding two early goals by halting the next 29 shots, helping Utah secure their fourth win in five games. Notably, Utah showcased a balanced team effort with ten players contributing at least one point, including Michael Kesselring with two assists, and pivotal goals from Nick Schmaltz, Kevin Stenlund, and Lawson Crouse. Dylan Larkin continued his impressive scoring streak for Detroit, becoming the first Red Wings player with four consecutive 25-goal seasons since Pavel Datsyuk. Despite his efforts, Detroit suffered its fourth consecutive loss and couldn’t score in the final 51 minutes. The match also marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams, with Utah aiming to complete their games against all league teams when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 22.
Tampa Bay Lightning 6 - 5 Buffalo Sabres
In a thrilling game at Amalie Arena, the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched a 6-5 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, highlighted by Jake Guentzel's impressive second-period hat trick, marking his second this season and seventh career hat trick. The Lightning, now victorious in 10 of their last 11 games, saw Oliver Bjorkstrand score the game-winning goal in the third period, marking his debut with the team following a multi-team trade. Nikita Kucherov contributed two assists, while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 28 saves. Despite leading 5-3 in the second period with goals from Rasmus Dahlin, JJ Peterka, and Tage Thompson, the Sabres couldn't maintain the advantage, extending their losing streak to five games. A notably chaotic finish saw the Sabres fail to capitalize on a 6-on-3 advantage, with Erik Cernak blocking Thompson's final shot. The game was also marked by Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman's early exit due to unspecified reasons and Sabres forward Jack Quinn leaving with an illness shortly after the start.
Florida Panthers 3 - 0 Columbus Blue Jackets
Bobrovsky, Panthers shut out Blue Jackets, push winning streak to 5
SUNRISE, Fla. --
“It is a blessing to play in this league and to have the life I have,” Bobrovsky said. “I enjoy every moment I get to put the gear on and get to go out and play, whether it is practice or a game. I have fun with the guys, work for them, and try to be there when they need me. Again, it’s a privilege to be part of this team.”
As for the company Bobrovsky is keeping on the wins list, Florida coach Paul Maurice said, “Tony Esposito, right? He’s from my hometown (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario), and I need to talk to [Bobrovsky] about that. … When we were growing up playing street hockey, you were either
“We had a good first and second period, and we knew lately, our third hasn’t been that good,” said Barkov, the Florida captain. “We wanted to be a little better. They had a push, but we did a better job. We’re happy with that, and it helps us moving forward.”
“They did not allow us to get to our game,” Columbus coach Dean Evason said. “They played a strong game, smart, obviously. They did a lot of good things; we didn’t get in on the forecheck, we could have done more aggressive stuff … simplify our game a little. We complicated things early, and it kind of fed into how they play the game.”
The Panthers had a 69-41 advantage in shot attempts.
“It was good,” Maurice said. “We played well tonight. Deserved to win.” The Blue Jackets were 0-for-4 on the power play.
Asked what his team needed to do differently against Bobrovsky, Columbus captain
Reinhart gave Florida a 1-0 lead at 5:58 of the first period with a power-play goal. He took a pass from Barkov at the right hash marks, turned as he settled the puck and sent it over the stick of Merzlikins.
“Coming in, we knew we had to be around the net for second chances,” Samoskevich said, “and that’s what happened.”
Barkov scored into an empty net at 17:48 of the third period for the 3-0 final.
NOTES: Reinhart scored his 10th power-play goal of the season, giving him four seasons with double digits in that category for the Panthers. He passed
Philadelphia Flyers 1 - 4 Winnipeg Jets
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1, putting an end to their three-game losing streak and marking a milestone as the first NHL team to reach 90 points this season. Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi shone with three points each, Scheifele scoring a goal and contributing two assists, while Vilardi added three assists. The Jets, boasting the NHL's best power play, went 2-for-2 in this game, thanks to goals from Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers, who reached his 20th goal milestone for the eighth time, tying him with franchise greats. Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry also found the net, with Connor's goal marking his second in five games since returning from a break. Despite a late goal by Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, his 20th of the season, Philadelphia struggled, plagued by off-ice distractions and unable to capitalize on their home advantage. Winnipeg's performance on the road continues to be formidable, setting a new franchise record for quickest to 20 road wins.
Carolina Hurricanes 3 - 2 Boston Bruins
In a thrilling showdown at Lenovo Center, Seth Jarvis scored a late game-winning goal with just 19 seconds left to secure a 3-2 victory for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Boston Bruins. The decisive goal came after Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov's stick broke, leaving Jarvis with an opportunity he confidently seized despite recent struggles. Earlier, Sebastian Aho had opened the scoring with a short-handed goal, marking his 20th career short-handed tally, placing him among elite company. Morgan Geekie scored both goals for Boston, equalizing twice, yet goalie Pyotr Kochetkov's 32 saves were pivotal in maintaining Carolina's edge. Though Carolina failed to convert any of their three power-play opportunities, the victory marked their third consecutive win, while the Bruins continued their slump, managing only one win in their last nine games.
Nashville Predators 5 - 3 Seattle Kraken
In an exciting game at Bridgestone Arena, Filip Forsberg took center stage by scoring twice, leading the Nashville Predators to a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Forsberg's performance was complemented by goals from Brady Skjei, Michael McCarron, and Luke Evangelista, as well as two assists from Steven Stamkos. Juuse Saros contributed with 22 critical saves, securing consecutive wins for the Predators. Despite Adam Larsson's early goal for the Kraken and Michael Eyssimont's debut goal after being traded from the Lightning, Seattle ultimately fell short, with Joey Daccord making 29 saves in the effort. The game was notable for Eyssimont's productive line synergy and Seattle's inability to maintain their initial momentum. Additionally, Michael Bunting, a newly-acquired forward for Nashville, was absent due to appendix surgery.
Dallas Stars 3 - 2 Calgary Flames
In a thrilling matchup, the Dallas Stars edged out the Calgary Flames 3-2 in overtime, courtesy of Jason Robertson's second goal of the night with just 43 seconds remaining. The game took a dramatic turn when Calgary’s Nazem Kadri hit the post in overtime, allowing Dallas to seize the victory. Dallas, who have won 13 of their last 17 games, also saw standout performances from Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz, each continuing impressive point streaks. Calgary, despite taking an early 2-0 lead with goals from Joel Farabee and Mikael Backlund, who ended a 15-game goalless streak, couldn't stave off the Stars' comeback. The Flames' three missed opportunities hitting the post in overtime underscored the game’s intensity and the fine margins of victory. The win finished Dallas's homestand perfectly at 4-0-0, further solidifying their strength at the American Airlines Center.
Edmonton Oilers 3 - 2 Montreal Canadiens
Evan Bouchard's last-second overtime goal, assisted by Connor McDavid, secured a 3-2 victory for the Edmonton Oilers over the Montreal Canadiens, ending the Oilers' slump of six losses in seven games. Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl, who continued his impressive point streak by scoring his 46th goal, were pivotal in the win. Draisaitl's goal not only led the NHL season but also moved him to fourth in Edmonton's franchise goal-scoring history, surpassing Mark Messier. Cole Caufield and Joel Armia scored for the Canadiens, whose five-game winning streak was shattered. Sam Montembeault's effort with 29 saves couldn't prevent the loss, despite notable performances by Canadiens rookies Lane Hutson and Cam Dineen. Stuart Skinner's 25 saves were crucial in goal for Edmonton.
Colorado Avalanche 7 - 3 San Jose Sharks
In a dominant performance, Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon combined for 11 points to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, marking their fourth consecutive win. Makar's six points set a franchise record for most points in a single game by a defenseman in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history. MacKinnon continued his impressive form, extending his home point streak to 18 games. The Avalanche benefited from contributions by Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas, who each had a goal and an assist, as well as Artturi Lehkonen with two assists. For the Sharks, William Eklund contributed a goal and an assist, while Macklin Celebrini and Fabian Zetterlund also found the net. The game featured an early short-handed goal from Joel Kiviranta, followed by several power-play goals from both teams, highlighting the effectiveness of special teams play.