Welcome back! The NHL season is flying by as we have officially entered the month of November! Let’s dive right in with the latest news from around the league in this morning update.
NHL Morning Update: McAvoy Suspension, Leafs fall to LA and more
The NHL had just two games scheduled for Halloween night, but there is still a lot to break down from around the league.
Scores from around the NHL:
Los Angeles Kings 4 – Toronto Maple Leafs 1
The Kings dominated on the road against the Maple Leafs. Quinton Byfield registered two assists in the victory and even though the Maple Leafs scored a goal midway through the third period, this game was not going to bounce back in Toronto’s favor.
One positive though for Toronto has to be William Nylander’s franchise record nine game point streak. This is the longest season-opening point streak in franchise history. Nylander currently leads the Leafs with 13 points.
Vancouver Canucks 5 – Nashville Predators 2
Elias Pettersson registered his second career NHL Hat Trick in a big victory for the Canucks over the Predators. This was Vancouver’s second matchup with Nashville on the season, Vancouver is currently 2-0 against Nashville having outscored their opponent 8-4 in the two games.
One thing to watch for Vancouver has to be goaltender Thatcher Demko. Through six games this season he has put up a .935 save percentage. If he continues to put up big numbers there is little doubt that Vancouver definitely can make some noise come playoff time.
NHL News: McAvoy suspension leaves Bruins without star for four games.
NHL Player Safety announced yesterday that Bruins star defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for four games after an illegal check to the head during the Bruins 3-2 OT win over the Florida Panthers. This was the right call as McAvoy’s hit was dangerous and reckless.
This means the Bruins are going to be without McAvoy during some pretty big games coming up. Boston faces Toronto at home tonight before facing off against the Red Wings, Stars and Islanders. All four of those teams are playoff threats and definitely will be a challenge for the 8-0-1 Bruins.
There are just four games on tonight across the NHL, but two are national games on TNT. So, let’s dive in with the games to keep an eye on tonight.
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers: 5 PM ET
Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames: 6:30 PM ET
St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche: 7:30 PM ET
Arizona Coyotes at Anaheim Ducks: 8 PM ET
There are some big games here, first and foremost, the Sabres heading to Philadelphia on TNT should definitely be a good game. The Sabres have been underwhelming through nine games, so this game will be important to Buffalo.
Additionally anytime the Ducks and Coyotes play has been fun to watch the past few seasons. Arizona won their first head to head matchup, but with the regular season series heading to Anaheim, anything can happen.