NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 30, 2015

Posted on December 30, 2015 by CanucksBanter

NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 30, 2015

Welcome to the “NHL Morning Skate,” a daily collection of the latest news and notes from around the League.

GILLETTE STADIUM MAKES FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER CLASSIC

Lines and logos are on the ice as Gillette Stadium makes its final preparations for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Friday (1:00 p.m. ET, NBC, SN, TVAS).

FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 28 : Workers prepare the field for the 2016 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

TODAY’S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

All Times Eastern

Media Credential Distribution
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Gillette Stadium – Lot 6
Boston Bruins Media Availability (Select Players)
Approximately 12:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium
Media Skate Activity (Weather Permitting)
1:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium

^ 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic credential required
^^ Reservation required to Jeff Day (jday@nhl.com)
^^^ No TV cameras allowed on the ice

Media Reception
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Patriot Place (Near Gillette Stadium)

* A look at the three-day forecast for Foxborough, Mass., courtesy of the Weather Channel:

EPISODE THREE OF ROAD TO THE NHL WINTER CLASSIC

The third episode of Road to the NHL Winter Classic, a four-part series chronicling the Bruins and Canadiens as they prepare for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, debuts tonight in both the United States and Canada.

Viewers in the United States can watch the episode at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 9:00 p.m. CT via EPIX, EPIX.com, NHL.com and BostonBruins.com.

Viewers in Canada can catch the episode following the conclusion of Sportsnet’s Maple Leafs-Penguins broadcast (7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT). It also will air on RDS tomorrow – Thursday, Dec. 31 – at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Click on the following links for complete broadcast details in the United States and Canada (SN / RDS).

REMINDER: ALL-STAR GAME VOTING CLOSES ON FRIDAY

Voting for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game closes on Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

As part of the new format for the game, fans can cast votes for one player from each division, without regard to position. The top vote-getter from each division will be named an All-Star and team captain, with the remaining 40 All-Stars selected by the NHL’s Hockey Operations Department.

Fans are permitted to select as few as one player and a maximum of four players per ballot. The maximum number of ballots cast per day for each user is 10.

Click here to vote.

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
BOSTON 7, Ottawa 3
NY Islanders 6, TORONTO 3
NEW JERSEY 3, Carolina 2
COLUMBUS 6, Dallas 3
FLORIDA 3, Montreal 1
ST. LOUIS 4, Nashville 3 (OT)
WINNIPEG 4, Detroit 1
Anaheim 1, CALGARY 0
Los Angeles 5, EDMONTON 2
Chicago 7, ARIZONA 5

HAYES POWERS BRUINS IN FINAL GAME BEFORE WINTER CLASSIC . . .

Three players registered multi-goal performances – led by Jimmy Hayes’ first career hat trick – to help the Bruins snap a three-game skid, earn a split of their home-and-home series with the Senators and win their final game before the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.

* Hayes (Boston, Mass.), who scored his third goal with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation, became the second Massachusetts-born player to record a hat trick for the Bruins this season; Frank Vatrano (East Longmeadow, Mass.) achieved that feat 11 days prior, on Dec. 18 at PIT.
* “It’s a dream come true and a pretty cool feeling,” said Hayes. “It’s always fun to score a hat trick in any league and to do in the NHL for your hometown team is great.”
* Per Elias, this marks the second time – in the franchise’s 91-year history – that two or more Massachusetts-born players have posted hat tricks for the Bruins in the same season. The other such campaign: 1989-90, when Andy Brickley (Melrose, Mass.), Bob Carpenter (Beverly, Mass.) and Bob Sweeney (Concord, Mass.) all did so.
* Matt Beleskey and Patrice Bergeron also scored twice. Elias notes that the last time three Bruins players registered multiple goals in the same game was on Dec. 28, 2001 at FLA, when Bill Guerin, Mike Knuble and Glen Murray had two apiece.
* The Bruins (4-for-7) recorded four power-play goals in one game for the first time since Oct. 3, 2009 vs. CAR (4-for-8). They lead the NHL in power-play goals (30) and efficiency (29.4%) this season.

. . . PANTHERS KNOCK OFF CANADIENS, MATCH FRANCHISE RECORDS

Aleksander Barkov collected 2-1—3 to lead the Panthers past the Canadiens and to their seventh consecutive victory, equaling a franchise record last achieved March 2-16, 2008.

* The Panthers (21-12-4, 46 points), who also matched a club mark with their fifth straight home win (last achieved March 4-17, 2012), leapfrogged the Canadiens (21-15-3, 45 points) to move back into first place in the Atlantic Division.
* The Panthers, who went 11-3-0 (22 points) in December, also established franchise records for wins and points in one calendar month.
* Barkov posted his second consecutive multi-goal game, following 2-0—2 on Sunday vs. CBJ. He has 5-5—10 during the team’s seven-game winning streak, including a pair of three-point performances (also Dec. 15 at NYI: 1-2—3); Barkov had two such efforts in his first 145 career games prior to this run.

CALIFORNIA CLUBS SPOIL ALBERTA HOME STREAKS

The Ducks and Kings both earned wins on Tuesday to snap the home winning streaks of the Flames (11) and Oilers (7), respectively:

* John Gibson stopped all 14 shots he faced and Shawn Horcoff supplied the lone goal to propel the Ducks to their second straight victory and halt the Flames’ home winning streak at a franchise-record 11 games, the longest such run by any team since 2013-14 (PIT: 13-0-0 at CONSOL Energy Center). Gibson posted his fifth career shutout (third this season), while Horcoff notched his 16th career goal vs. CGY, tied for his highest total against any opponent (w/ COL).
* Jonathan Quick made 42 saves to lead the Kings to an 11-3-2 record in their last 16 outings and snap the Oilers’ home winning streak at seven games, one shy of tying the franchise record. Los Angeles has earned at least one point in 29 of its last 31 meetings with Edmonton dating to Nov. 26, 2008 (22-2-7), including a 13-1-3 clip at Rexall Place. Quick improved to 17-1-5 in 23 career appearances vs. EDM (1.66 GAA, .937 SV%, 1 SO), including a 10-0-3 record at Rexall Place.

CENTRAL TEAMS GAIN GROUND ON STARS

The Blues (23-12-4, 50 points) and Blackhawks (21-13-4, 46 points) – the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in the Central Division, respectively – both collected victories on Tuesday to gain ground on the Stars (27-8-3, 57 points), who lost in regulation:

* The Predators erased a two-goal deficit in the final four minutes of regulation, but Alexander Steen scored at 4:01 of overtime to power the Blues to their sixth win in their past eight games, including four straight victories at Scottrade Center. Jake Allen made 30 saves, including 17 in the second period, to improve to 4-0-0 in five career appearances vs. NSH (1.97 GAA, .935 SV%, 1 SO).
* Five different players posted multiple points – led by 1-2—3 from both Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith – to lift the Blackhawks to their eighth win in their last 12 contests. Kane, who recorded his 14th multi-point performance of the season, continues to pace the NHL with 22-31—53. He has notched at least one point in 33 of 38 appearances, including five three-point efforts.

AROUND THE RINKS

* Six different players scored – including 1-1—2 from John Tavares, Frans Nielsen and Anders Lee – to lead the Islanders to a split of their home-and-home series with the Maple Leafs. Tavares (Mississauga, Ont.) has 11-13—24 in 22 career games vs. TOR, including 7-12—19 in 12 visits to Air Canada Centre.
* Four players registered multiple points – Bryan Little (0-3—3), Jacob Trouba (2-0—2), Drew Stafford (0-2—2) and Blake Wheeler (0-2—2) – to power the Jets to their sixth victory in their last seven games at MTS Centre. Little, who has 14-18—32 this season (36 GP), recorded his 12th career three-point game (and third in 2015-16).
* Kyle Palmieri and David Schlemko each scored in the third period to help the Devils overcome a 2-1 deficit and improve to 9-2-1 in their past 12 meetings with the Hurricanes dating to Oct. 17, 2009 (CAR: 3-8-1). Schlemko picked up his second game-winning goal of the season (31 GP); he had zero such tallies in his first 231 career outings.
* Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno both notched three assists to help the Blue Jackets snap a three-game skid. Per Elias, it marked the third in franchise history that a pair of Blue Jackets players collected three assists in the same game, also Jan. 11, 2008 vs. STL (Adam Foote, David Vyborny) and March 26, 2009 vs. CGY (Kristian Huselius, Rick Nash).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Coyotes captain Shane Doan recorded his second career hat trick – and first since Jan. 7, 2012 vs. NYI. In doing so, he tied Dale Hawerchuk for the most goals in Coyotes/Jets history (379). Doan, who registered two of his goals via the power play, also inched closer to matching Hawerchuk for a pair of other franchise records: points (Hawerchuk: 929, Doan: 915) and power-play goals (Hawerchuk: 122 PPG, Doan 119 PPG).
* Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored his 733rd goal to move within eight of tying Brett Hull (741) for third place in NHL history. Jagr also extended his NHL record with his 131st career game-winning goal.
* Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (27 SV) earned his 417th career victory to move within six of tying Tony Esposito (423) for seventh place on the NHL’s all-time wins list among goaltenders.
* Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno recorded his 300th NHL point (121-180—301). Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (23-77—100) and Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (29-71—100) posted their 100th NHL points.
* Kings forward Michael Mersch, a fourth-round selection (110th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft, scored his first career goal (9 GP).
* Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore, the 26th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft, and Coyotes forward Laurent Dauphin, a second-round pick (39th overall) that year, both made their League debuts.
* Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec (800) and Predators forward Colin Wilson (400) both played in milestone games.

LOOSE PUCKS

Stars captain Jamie Benn collected one assist to reach the 50-point milestone (23-27—50 in 38 GP) and extend his assist/point streak to six contests (3-6—9). Via Elias, he became the first Stars/North Stars player to record 50 or more points in the team’s opening 38 games of a season since 1987-88 (Dino Ciccarelli: 38 GP) . . . Senators captain Erik Karlsson posted one assist to extend his point streak to seven games (3-6—9). He leads all players with 32 assists this season and ranks fourth overall with 41 points (37 GP) . . . Blue Jackets forward Brandon Saad (4-5—9) and Stars forward Patrick Sharp (4-5—9) both extended their point streaks to six games . . . Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk notched one assist to extend his point streak to five games (2-3—5) . . . Coyotes teammates Oliver Ekman-Larsson (0-3—3) and Tobias Rieder (0-3—3) both established career highs for assists in one game . . . Hurricanes captain Eric Staal (2-0—2) registered his first multi-goal game since Jan. 19 at TOR (2-0—2) . . . Blackhawks forward Andrew Desjardins (2-0—2) posted his third career multi-goal game . . . Goaltender Ben Scrivens made 27 saves in his Canadiens debut.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Toronto @ Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m., SN, ROOT
Buffalo @ Washington, 7:00 p.m., MSG-B, BELL TV, CSN-DC
New Jersey @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., TVAS, MSG+, TSN5
NY Rangers @ Tampa Bay, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN
Philadelphia @ San Jose, 10:30 p.m., NBCSN, CSN-PH

LIGHTNING FACE RANGERS ON NBCSN’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIVALRY

The Lightning (18-15-4, 40 points) and Rangers (20-13-4, 44 points), opponents in the 2015 Eastern Conference Final, meet for the second time this season when they face off at Amalie Arena on NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Rivalry.

Tampa Bay, who eliminated New York in seven games to reach the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, has won five consecutive regular-season contests against the Rangers dating to Jan. 14, 2014 (NYR: 0-5-0). That includes a 2-1 victory on Nov. 19 that snapped New York’s nine-game winning streak and 13-game point streak (11-0-2). Ben Bishop, who made 20 saves in the teams’ first matchup of the season, owns a 9-0-0 record in nine career regular-season appearances vs. NYR (1.43 GAA, .947 SV%, 2 SO), including a 6-0-0 clip since joining the Lightning in 2012-13.

These clubs will not meet again until the final week of the season, on April 5 at Madison Square Garden.

Negative pressure on Canadian consumer confidence continues into holiday season (released December 29, 2015)

Posted on December 30, 2015 by CanucksBanter

Bloomberg-Nanos Economic Banner

Bloomberg Nanos Weekly Consumer Confidence Tracking

Canadian consumer sentiment in the holiday season continues to show negative pressure according to the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index with declines in main index and the forward looking Expectations Sub-indice.

“Of note, there has been noticeable downward pressure on positive views on the value of real estate over the past week,” said Nanos Research Group Chairman Nik Nanos.

“Consumers have reacted to the extremely low level of interest rates with a worrisome imbalance between housing market speculation and traditional household investment. It seems likely that consumer expectations and spending might suffer until labor-market displacement issues are addressed and households can repair their balance sheets”, said Robert Lawrie of Bloomberg Economics.

The BNCCI, a composite of a weekly measure of financial health and economic expectations, registered at 54.54 compared with last week’s 55.03. The twelve month high stands at 58.62.

The Bloomberg Nanos Pocketbook Index is based on survey responses to questions on personal finances and job security. This sub-indice was at 59.06 this week compared to 59.49 the previous week. The Bloomberg Nanos Expectations Index, based on surveys for the outlook for the economy and real estate prices, was at 50.01 this week (compared to 50.58 last week).

The average for the BNCCI since 2008 has been 56.72 with a low of 43.28 in December 2008 and a high of 62.92 in December 2009. The index has averaged 55.46 this year.

To view the weekly tracking visit our website.

Methodology

The BNCCI is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random telephone interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (land- and cell-lines), using a four week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of 1,000 respondents may be weighted by age and gender using the latest census information for Canada and the sample is geographically stratified to be representative of Canada. The interviews are compiled into a four week rolling average of 1,000 interviews where each week, the oldest group of 250 interviews is dropped and a new group of 250 interviews is added. The views of 1,000 respondents are compiled into a diffusion index from 0 to 100. A score of 50 on the diffusion index indicates that positive and negative views are a wash while scores above 50 suggest net positive views, while those below 50 suggest net negative views in terms of the economic mood of Canadians.

A random telephone survey of 1,000 consumers in Canada is accurate 3.1 percentage points, plus or minus, 19 times out of 20.

All references or use of this data must cite Bloomberg Nanos as the source.

Vancouver Completely Dominated By Kings In 5-0 Loss

Posted on December 29, 2015 by CanucksBanter

CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff December 29, 2015

CANUCKS SHUTOUT FOR FIFTH TIME

Vancouver (14-15-9) were completely dominated in the 2nd of four games against Pacific division opponents Monday night against the Los Angeles Kings (22-11-2), on their 7-game home stand.

The Canucks came into the game with a 3 game undefeated streak at home, and 7 points in their last 4 games, where they were undefeated going 3-0-1. Both came to an end as the Kings shutout Vancouver 5-0, the second shutout this season for Los Angeles against the Canucks.

With the loss, Vancouver sits tied for 3rd place in the Pacific division with Arizona with 37 points, 9 points behind the Kings in 1rst place.

Canucks are a single point ahead of San Jose and Calgary; four points ahead of Edmonton and five points in front of Anaheim.

Jacob Markstrom could not be faulted for any of the goals in the loss. With the loss, Markstrom is 3-6-3 in his last 12 games, with a 2.61 GAA and .917 Sv%. and is 2-1-0 in his last three games with a 2.29 GAA and .929 Sv% in relief for the injured Ryan Miller.

The Canucks entered the game hurting with Ryan Miller (undisclosed), Christopher Tanev (lower body), Dan Hamhuis (facial surgery), Luca Sbisa (hand), Brandon Sutter (sports hernia surgery) out indefinitely. Henrik Sedin, Chris Higgins and Alex Burrows back but ailing.

The Kings wasted little time in picking on one of the Sedins, and chose Henrik, who is playing through a lower body injury, as Brayden McNabb hit him hard, throwing an elbow. That resulted in Alex Biega coming to his teammate’s aid and taking McNabb on. The referees did not see the elbow and Biega was given the only penalty, and an early power play for the Kings that Vancouver would kill.

The Kings drew first blood scoring at 15:33 of the period on a goal by Tyler Toffoli (15) on wrist shot from Anze Kopitar (13) and Milan Lucic (12).

The Canucks were: out shot, 16-; 8 for 23 on face-offs; and had 4 giveaways
The Canucks did out hit the Kings, 7-6; and had 9 blocked shots to the Kings two. Radim Vrbata had 4 shots; Andrey Pedan and Henrik Sedin, 2 hits each.
Vancouver had one shot on the Kings after 10 minutes of play in the opening period, and were 3 for 14 face-offs halfway through.
Canucks were 0-1 on the power play; and 1 for 1 on the penalty kill.

Vancouver came out in the middle frame with more jump, getting some good scoring chances early, but quickly the Kings would take a 2-0 lead, changing the momentum of the game in the period.

Derek Forbort, his 1rst goal of the season, on a deflected shot, that also went off Andrey Pedan’s skate, and past Jacob Markstrom. Assisted by Trevor Lewis (3) at 1:57.

The Kings would make it 3-0, with their second goal of the period, on a goal by Brayden McNabb, his 2nd goal of the season,on a slapshot from the left point, assisted by Anze Kopitar (14) at 11:57.

And 3-0 Los Angeles would be the score at the end of the middle frame.

Canucks were: out shot 10-9; only won 4 of 16 face-offs; had 3 giveaways; were 0 for 1 on the power play
Vancouver had only won one face-off win by the 15 minute mark of the period.

In the third period, the Canucks knew they would face an uphill battle against Los Angeles, and Los Angeles would squash any hope of a Canuck rally, when they scored their fourth unanswered goal at 5:55 of the final frame.

Tyler Toffoli, his 16th of the season, second of the game, on a wrist shot, assisted by Anze Kopitar (15) and Alec Martinez (10), making it 4-0 Los Angeles.

Tyler Toffoli would pick up his hat trick goal and make it 5-0 for the Kings, a power play goal, on a deflected shot, at 12:56 assisted by Anze Kopitar (16) and Drew Doughty (16). It was his second career hat trick and 17 goal of the season.

Vancouver got their third and fourth power play opportunities of the game late in the period, and hope abounded that the Canuck could spoil the shutout bid by Jonathan Quick. But the Canucks would not be able to do it.

GAME REVIEW

CANUCKS PLAYER STATS

WESTERN CONFERENCE WILD CARD STANDINGS

Statistics courtesy of the NHL, and the Vancouver Canucks, with thanks.

Vancouver Attempts To Dethrone Division Leading Los Angeles Kings Tonight

Posted on December 28, 2015 by CanucksBanter

CANUCKS BANTER By Andrew Chernoff December 28, 2015

Henrik Sedin, Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins To Play Tonight

Vancouver (14-14-9) plays the 2nd of four games against Pacific division opponents tonight as they host the Los Angeles Kings (21-11-2), on their 7-game home stand.

The Canucks enter the game with a 3 game undefeated streak at home (6-6-3), and 7 points in their last 4 games, where they are undefeated going 3-0-1; the last win being on Boxing Day, 2-1 in overtime against the Edmonton Oilers.

Jannik Hansen notched two goals to lead Vancouver to victory. His game winning goal puts him 20th for most GWG’s in franchise history with 16. Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Matt Bartkowski and Jacob Markstrom each had an assist. Vancouver was 3 for 3 on the penalty kill but 0 for 2 on the power play. Adam Cracknell had 8 hits in the game, a season high for any Canuck. Jacob Markstrom stopped 32 or 33 shots.

This marks the longest winning streak at home this season; last year the Canucks posted one four game winning streak (Feb. 7-Mar. 1) at home and two three game winning streaks at Rogers Arena (Apr. 6-11 and Oct. 26-30).

Vancouver sits tied for 3rd place in the Pacific division with Arizona with 37 points, 7 points behind the Kings in 1rst place.

Canucks are a single point ahead of San Jose and Calgary; three points ahead of Edmonton and four points in front of Anaheim.

Vancouver is 5-4-1 in their last 10 games.

The game is the third of five meetings this season between the two teams and first to be played in Vancouver. The Kings visit Rogers Arena again on Apr. 4. The Canucks pay a visit to the Staples Center on Mar. 7. The Canucks have a record of 1-0-1 in the season series to date.

Henrik Sedin, Alex Burrows and Chris Higgins are confirmed to play tonight.

Jacob Markstrom will start in net for the Canucks with Joe Cannata backing him up.

Markstrom is 3-5-3 in his last 11 games, with a 2.33 GAA and .924 Sv%. and is 2-0-0 in his last two games with a 0.97 GAA and .967 Sv% in relief for the injured Ryan Miller.

In the Kings last game, Arizona managed to score twice on a major penalty late in the third period to force overtime against the Los Angeles Kings, but it would be the Kings scored the eventual winner. Anze Kopitar popped in the winner 36 seconds into the overtime period, for a 4-3 victory.

Los Angeles is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.

The Canucks need to tighten up their defensive game, giving up less even strength shots to their opponents and win more face-offs, while getting more shots on opposing goalies.

Canucks were 32 for 66 in the face-off circle against Edmonton; 12 for 25 in the final period and overtime. Which is an improvement over previous games.

Vancouver also needs to come up with an improved power play which has been a let down in recent games. Canucks power play is 0 for 13 in their last seven games, including the 6 games on their recent road trip. The 7 games prior, it was only 4 for 30. In the last 14 games, their power play is 4 for 43 for 9.3 percent.

When it comes to the penalty kill, Vancouver is second best in the Pacific division at home, and continued that strong showing on Saturday night when they were 3 for 3 on penalty kill, which will need to continue to be strong the rest of the season.

Vancouver is 17 for 20: 85.0% on their penalty kill, in their last 4 games, in which they sport a record of 3-0-1.

Vancouver overall is the 3rd most penalized team in the NHL, with 438 minutes. They have the 3rd most penalties handed out (172); the 3rd most minors (148); tied for the 6th most majors (14); the 2nd most miscellaneous at 6.

The Canuck players have to be more disciplined and selective when it comes to taking penalties.

In December, Vancouver is the 2nd most penalized team in the league with 158 penalty minutes in 12 games. They are tied for the most penalties taken with 63; are 1rst in most minors with 56; tied for 5th majors with 4.

Be best for Vancouver not to upset the referees, but if they do, the penalty kill is nearing the best it has ever been. The Canucks are 41 for 49, 83.7% in 12 games this month and 21 for 24 in their last five games for 87.5 percent.

CANUCK JOTTINGS

Point Streaks:
- DANIEL SEDIN (2-1-3 / 3 Games)
- HENRIK SEDIN (0-2-2 / 2 Games
Daniel Sedin (133) and Radim Vrbata (130) rank seventh and eighth in the League, respectively, in shots.
Vancouver has a .667 win percentage when scoring three or more goals (10-1-4).
The Canucks 21 PPG on the season are t-16th most in the NHL
Vancouver has had 122 power play opportunities to date, tied for fourth most of any team in the League; 69 of these opportunities have been drawn on the road (t-1st in the NHL).
The Canucks are 16th in the League in blocked shots with 496 and ninth in shots for with 108.
The Canucks called up blue-liner Ashton Sautner from Utica (AHL) yesterday although, for the time being, that appears to be just a depth move.
On Saturday, despite seven regulars out of the line-up including starting netminder Ryan Miller, the Canucks managed to battle back from a one-goal deficit to earn their first overtime win of the season in the 2-1 victory over the Oilers.
Canucks have earned points in four straight (3-0-1), their longest such streak since a five-game run from October 24 to November 2.

SEASON SNAPSHOT

CANUCKS PLAYERS STATS

KINGS PLAYERS STATS

CANUCKS-KINGS AT A GLANCE

Statistics from the NHL, Vancouver Canucks and SportingCharts, with thanks.

NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 27, 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by CanucksBanter

NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 27, 2015

Welcome to the “NHL Morning Skate,” a daily collection of the latest news and notes from around the League.

REMINDER: HOLIDAY ROSTER FREEZE

The NHL’s holiday roster freeze expires at midnight (local time) tonight. This roster freeze applied to all players on an NHL active roster, injured reserve, or with non-roster and injured non-roster status as of Saturday, Dec. 19, with respect to waivers, trades and loans, subject to the exceptions provided for in CBA Article 16.5 (d).

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Buffalo 6, BOSTON 3
TAMPA BAY 5, Columbus 2
WASHINGTON 3, Montreal 1
CAROLINA 3, New Jersey 1
ST. LOUIS 3, Dallas 2 (SO)
Detroit 3, NASHVILLE 2
Pittsburgh 3, MINNESOTA 1
Los Angeles 4, ARIZONA 3 (OT)
VANCOUVER 2, Edmonton 1 (OT)

EICHEL POWERS SABRES IN BOSTON HOMECOMING

Down 3-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Sabres scored five unanswered goals – led by 2-2—4 from Jack Eichel – to improve to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

* Eichel, who grew up approximately 30 miles from TD Garden, established career highs for goals and points in one game in his first NHL visit to Boston.
* Via Elias, Eichel became the first Sabres rookie to post four points in one game since March 10, 2010 vs. DAL (Tyler Myers: 1-3—4). At 19 years old, he also became the second-youngest player in franchise history to record a four-point game; Phil Housley did so at age 18 on Oct. 17, 1982 vs. EDM (1-3—4).
* Eichel, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, ranks fourth among rookies with 11-9—20 this season (35 GP). His 11 goals place second, two behind Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin (13 in 34 GP).
* “I was a little bit nervous jumping on the ice for warm-ups,” said Eichel, who played at Boston University last season and won the Beanpot and Hockey East title at TD Garden. “But just an exciting game throughout. We made some mistakes. But at the end of the day, it’s a huge win and it’s a super-nice way to start this next segment of us. Just exciting to get a win and do it in the fashion that we did in front of so many friends and family.”

ATLANTIC DIVISION SHAKEUP

Both the Red Wings (18-10-7, 43 points) and Lightning (18-15-3, 39 points) won on Saturday to shake up the order in the tightly packed Atlantic Division, where the top six clubs are separated by four points:

* The Predators erased a pair of one-goal deficits, but Luke Glendening potted the tiebreaking marker at 6:45 of the third period to propel the Red Wings to a 6-2-3 record in December. Eleven points out of first place on Dec. 3, Detroit leapfrogged Montreal – who lost in regulation – to climb atop the Atlantic Division standings.
* The Lightning registered four unanswered goals – including a pair of power-play strikes in 32 seconds from Steven Stamkos (2-1—3) – to overcome a 2-1 deficit and improve to 4-2-0 in their past six contests. Per Elias, Stamkos set a franchise record for the fastest two power-play goals by one player, previously held by Pavel Kubina (0:54 on Jan. 27, 2004 at PIT).

HOLTBY BACKSTOPS CAPITALS TO SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN

Braden Holtby made 29 saves, including 15 in the second period, to lead the Capitals to their seventh consecutive victory overall as well as their eighth straight win at Verizon Center.

* At 26-6-2 (54 points), the Capitals continued their best start – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 41-year history. They have earned at least one point in 15 of their last 16 games dating to Nov. 21 (14-1-1).
* Holtby picked up his League-leading 22nd win of the season (28 GP), including a 14-0-1 record in his last 16 appearances dating to Nov. 12 (1.85 GAA, .931 SV%, 1 SO). He also paces the NHL with a 1.92 goals-against average.
* Holtby improved to 13-2-0 in 16 outings this season at Verizon Center (1.87 GAA, .931 SV%, 1 SO), including 10 consecutive victories. He is 9-2-1 in 12 contests as a visitor (1.99 GAA, .934 SV%, 0 SO).
* Holtby also improved to 8-0-2 in 10 career appearances vs. MTL (1.36 GAA, .951 SV%, 2 SO).

AROUND THE RINKS

* The Coyotes erased a two-goal deficit in the final four minutes of regulation, but Anze Kopitar (1-1—2) scored 36 seconds into overtime to lift the Kings to a 9-3-2 record in their past 14 outings. Kopitar registered his third overtime goal of the season (also Oct. 16 vs. MIN and Dec. 1 vs. VAN), tied for first in the NHL. Elias notes that he also equaled a franchise record for overtime goals in one season (34 GP), set by Yanic Perreault in 1995-96 (78 GP) and matched by Jozef Stumpel in 1999-00 (57 GP).
* Jannik Hansen scored twice, including his first career overtime goal with 58.6 seconds remaining in the extra frame, to help the Canucks extend their point streak to four contests (3-0-1). Hansen posted his fifth career multi-goal game and first since collecting his first career hat trick on Nov. 23, 2014 vs. CHI (3-0—3).
* Robby Fabbri evened the game with 1:50 remaining in regulation and David Backes potted the winning goal in the ninth round of the shootout to lead the Blues past the Stars in the first half of their back-to-back, home-and-home series. St. Louis (22-11-4, 48 points) climbed within seven points of Dallas (26-7-3, 55 points) for first place in the Central Division and NHL standings.
* Justin Faulk notched 1-1—2, including the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period, to power the Hurricanes to a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 contests. Faulk, who scored his first even-strength goal of the season (12 PPG), ranks second among defensemen with 13 goals overall, one behind Brent Burns (14 w/ SJS).
* Sidney Crosby collected 1-1—2 in his return from a one-game absence to lift the Penguins to their second straight victory. Crosby has 5-10—15 over his past 15 appearances, including 1-4—5 in his last three games, after totaling 2-7—9 in his first 18 outings of the season.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Penguins defenseman Kris Letang posted two assists to eclipse 300 NHL points (67-234—301 in 517 GP). Letang, a third-round selection (62nd overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft, became the second defenseman from his draft class to reach the milestone. The other: Keith Yandle (68-273—341 in 615 GP).
* Kings forward Milan Lucic (600) and Canadiens forward Lars Eller (400) both played in milestone games.
* Red Wings forward Tomas Nosek made his NHL debut (7:26 TOI).

LOOSE PUCKS

MUST-SEE: Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk made a game-saving stop in overtime . . . Sabres forward Ryan O’Reilly (2-1—3) notched his third three-point game of the season (35 GP). He paces the club in goals (14), assists (18) and points (32) . . . Predators forward Filip Forsberg (2-0—2) registered his third career multi-goal game and second of the season (also Dec. 1 vs. ARI: 2-1—3) . . . Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (2-0—2) posted his sixth career multi-goal game and first since April 4 vs. SJS (2-1—3) . . . Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (0-1—1) extended his point streak to a career-high eight games (6-6—12). He shares fourth in the NHL with 22-17—39 overall (36 GP) . . . Lightning forward Jonathan Marchessault (0-2—2) extended his point streak to a career-high six games (3-4—7), while teammate Nikita Kucherov (0-2—2) extended his point streak to five games (1-7—8) . . . Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker (0-3—3) set a career high for assists in one game . . . Stars teammates Jamie Benn (0-1—1) and Tyler Seguin (1-0—1) each collected one point. Their 47 points – 22-25—47 for Benn and 20-27—47 for Seguin (both in 36 GP) – rank second in the NHL, three behind Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (21-29—50 in 36 GP) . . . ICYMI: Paul Fahrenbach of the U.S. Navy surprised his family with a special homecoming at the Blue Jackets-Lightning game.

TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 26: Paul Fahrenbach of U.S. Navy surprises his family during the first intermission of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets game at the Amalie Arena on December 26, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

SNEAK PEEK AT SUNDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Boston @ Ottawa, 5:00 p.m., NESN, TSN5, RDS2
Columbus @ Florida, 6:00 p.m., FS-O, FS-F
Toronto @ NY Islanders, 6:00 p.m., SN, TVAS, MSG+
St. Louis @ Dallas, 6:00 p.m., FS-MW, FS-SW
Carolina @ Chicago, 7:00 p.m., FS-CR, WGN
Pittsburgh @ Winnipeg, 8:00 p.m., ROOT, TSN3
Arizona @ Colorado, 8:00 p.m., FS-A, ALT2
Philadelphia @ Anaheim, 8:00 p.m., TCN-PH, PRIME, FS-SD
Edmonton @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., SN

HOMETOWN HOCKEY TOUR STOPS IN OSHAWA

The Islanders (19-11-5, 43 points) face the Maple Leafs (12-14-7, 31 points) at Barclays Center as Rogers Hometown Hockey visits Oshawa, Ont., where Islanders captain John Tavares honed his skills with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals for four seasons (2005-09). Throughout 2015-16, Sunday games will be broadcast from a different community rink in various towns across Canada. Included in each telecast will be local NHL player profiles, grassroots stories and local entertainment features.

Click here for more details about the festivities in Oshawa.

Andrew Phillip Chernoff

The Outer Limits To The Inner Depths