NHL Daily: Vancouver’s Brock Boeser Scored in His NHL Debut, Jon Marchessault Scored a Natural Hat Trick in the Panthers Drubbing of the Blackhawks, Auston Matthews is Breaking Records, the Edmonton Oilers are in a Tie for Their Division Dead and More! (Morning NHL 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.
It was a busy night in the NHL on Saturday like it always is. There were a few games that impacted the playoff race, and a few games that were eye openers.
The Florida Panthers destroyed the Chicago Blackhawks 7-0, highlighted by Jon Marchessault’s first career hat trick. The Carolina Hurricanes stayed hot and eliminated New Jersey from playoff contention with a 3-1 win.
The Bruins gained traction for the final wild card spot, defeating the New York Islanders 2-1, the Maple Leafs lost some of that traction losing 5-2 to the Buffalo Sabres. In the Atlantic Division race, the Montreal Canadiens came out ahead of the Ottawa Senators 3-1.
The Columbus Blue Jackets kept pace in the President’s Trophy race with a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Washington Capitals beat the Arizona Coyotes 4-1.
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-2 thanks to Brock Boeser’s first NHL goal. The Calgary Flames shocked the St.Louis Blues with a late overtime goal by Sean Monahan. The Edmonton Oilers moved into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division by defeating the Colorado Avalanche 4-1.
The San Jose Sharks continued to struggle as they lost their seventh game in a row in a 7-2 thrashing by the Nashville Predators. The Los Angeles Kings were logically knocked out of the playoffs with a 3-0 loss to the New York Rangers.
The Highlight of the Night:
NHL Daily: Morning NHL Headlines
Brock Boeser makes NHL Debut
The Vancouver Canucks have decided to fully embrace the rebuild, so the future is now for these kids. The 2015 1st round selection ended his college career with the University of North Dakota and signed his entry level contract. Boeser made his debut and scored his first NHL goal. [The Canuck Way]
Carolina Hurricanes Climbing into Play Race
Quietly, the Carolina Hurricanes have put together a 10-game point streak. After thought to be have been an afterthought, the Hurricanes have put together one of the most impressive streaks of the NHL season and parlay that into a possible playoff birth. The Canes have a 12 per cent chance of making the playoffs now, and while that is a glimmer of hope, they still have an uphill battle. [Cardiaccane]
Edmonton Oilers Tied For Pacific Division Lead
The Edmonton Oilers have strung together a streak that includes six wins in their seven games, and after beating up the Colorado Avalanche 4-1, the Oilers climbed to the top of the Pacific Division. They are tied with the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, so this race will go down to the finish. [Oil On Whyte]
Jon Marchessault Scores 1st Career NHL Hat Trick
The Florida Panthers may be on the outside of the playoff picture, but they sure didn’t play that way last night as they demolished the Blackhawks 7-0. Free agent “moneypuck” signing Jon Marchessault led the way offensively scoring three goals. [The Rat Trick]
Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel has Earned his Keep
Seemingly out of nowhere, Jake Guentzel entered the NHL as the unknown who was playing with Crosby. Nowadays, people are starting to realize something; Jake Guentzel is very good. The Pens rookie deserves to stay in the NHL and alongside Sidney Crosby. [Pens Labyrinth]
Next: NHL Power Rankings Week 24
Auston Matthews breaks Wendel Clark’s record
The Leafs weren’t happy with the end result in their 5-2 loss to the Sabres, but Auston Matthews put a smile on Leaf fans faces. The wonder rookie scored his 34th goal of the season, passing Wendel Clark’s 33. [Puck Prose]