NHL Daily: Mika Zibanejad, Brock McGinn, Jujhar Khaira

NHL Daily: Mika Zibanejad finally returning to New York Rangers lineup after a lengthy absence, Carolina Hurricanes’ Brock McGinn named NHL’s third star of the week, Edmonton Oilers’ Jujhar Khaira scored his first NHL goal on Monday, and more! (Morning Coffee Headlines)

Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.

7 games were scheduled for the Monday holiday. The Islanders shocked the Bruins with a 4-0 afternoon victory on the road. Buffalo grabbed two points at home versus Dallas in another afternoon match-up. Detroit shut out the Canadiens 1-0 at home. Tampa Bay edged the Kings 2-1. San Jose beat up on the Jets 5-2. Pittsburgh and Washington went off for 15 goals as the Pens edged the Caps 8-7. In the late game, Edmonton defeated a struggling Coyotes squad 3-1.

Here is your highlight of the night:

NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines

Zibanejad Returning to Lineup

New York Rangers offseason acquisition Mika Zibanejad was off to an electric start in 2016-17 before suffering a broken fibula on November 20th. It wasn’t long after that New York started to level out with the rest of the competition. Nearly two months later, the Swedish center is set to return to the Rangers lineup. [NHL.com]

Live Feed

Union and Blue

McGinn Named 3rd Star of the Week

Carolina Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn enjoyed a productive week playing in the top-six. He had a goal in his first goal, two goals in his second, and topped it off with a four-point (one goal, three assists) performance for seven points in three games. The Canes highly touted prospect was named the NHL’s third star of the week. [Cardiac Cane]

Khaira Scores 1st NHL Goal

Edmonton Oilers prospect Jujhar Khaira scored his first NHL goal on Monday night versus Arizona. Khaira previously appeared in 17 games for the Oilers back in 2015-16 (recorded two assists), but finally found the back of the net, in this, his 19th NHL game. [CBC]

McCarron Sent to St. John’s

Announced Monday, the Montreal Canadiens have sent 6’6 231lbs prospect Michael McCarron back down to AHL St. John’s. Selected 25th overall back in 2013, McCarron is still struggling to secure his spot as an everyday NHLer. [A Winning Habit]

Caps-Pens Game of the Year?

Being dubbed by some as the game of the year so far in 2016-17, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins put on a show Monday night. The two teams combined for 14 goals through 60 minutes, but the 7-7 tie needed overtime. Pittsburgh eventually emerged victorious on a Conor Sheary goal 34 seconds into OT. [The Score]

What Will Zaitsev Contract Look Like?

The Toronto Maple Leafs took a chance on Russian defender Nikita Zaitsev last summer. It’s worked out extremely well so far, but Tim Chiasson over at Editor in Leaf wonders what his next contract might look like. The 25-year-old RFA has exceeded expectations and should get a hefty raise from the $925k he’s currently earning. [Editor in Leaf]

Next: Weekly NHL Player Rankings, Risers/Fallers

NHL Daily Morning Rant

The return of Mika Zibanejad is a huge boost for the New York Rangers. At the time he went down, NY was on top of the NHL standings scoring goals at an unbelievable rate. Isn’t it interesting how the team seemingly came back to earth after losing their prized offseason acquisition?

Look for Zibanejad to help bring balance back to this roster. Replacing a two-way presence like that up the middle isn’t easy, but the Rangers did a good job while he was sidelined. Actually, don’t be surprised if New York manages to pull off a few decent winning streaks over the second half to challenge for the Presidents’ Trophy.

Make sure to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter for more NHL daily updates!