NHL MORNING SKATE – NOV. 17, 2015

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

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
NY ISLANDERS 5, Arizona 2
Anaheim 4, CAROLINA 1
MONTREAL 4, Vancouver 3 (OT)
Detroit 4, OTTAWA 3 (OT)
FLORIDA 1, Tampa Bay 0
ST. LOUIS 3, Winnipeg 2

EKBLAD’S LATE HEROICS (AGAIN) LIFT PANTHERS OVER LIGHTNING . . .

Aaron Ekblad scored the lone goal with 20.2 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Panthers to a sweep of their home-and-home series with the Lightning.
* On Saturday, Ekblad registered the tying goal with 37.9 seconds left in the third period en route to a 5-4 shootout win at TBL. Per Elias, Ekblad became the first player to score a tying or go-ahead goal in the final minute of consecutive games since March 17-19, 2003, when Thrashers forward Dany Heatley did so vs. CBJ (19:47 in 3-2 W) and vs. DAL (19:24 in 5-4 SO L), respectively.
* Elias adds that the Panthers became the first team to record a tying or go-ahead goal in the final minute of consecutive games since Feb. 25-26, 2014, when the Sabres did so vs. CAR (19:16 in 3-2 W) and vs. BOS (19:07 in 5-4 OT W), respectively.
* Ekblad, the reigning Calder Memorial Trophy winner, has 3-1—4 during a four-game point streak after collecting 1-2—3 in his first 14 appearances of the season.

. . . LUONGO MOVES UP THE ALL-TIME CHARTS

Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo – the NHL’s active leader in wins, shutouts and games played by a netminder – stopped all 39 shots he faced, including 15 in the third period, to continue his climb up the League’s all-time charts:

* Luongo earned his 407th career win to tie Glenn Hall for eighth place in NHL history.
* Luongo recorded his 69th career shutout to move within two of tying Harry Lumley (71) for 12th place in NHL history.
* Luongo made his 878th appearance to move within four of tying John Vanbiesbrouck (882) – who was in attendance on Monday – for eighth place in NHL history.

CANADIENS OVERCOME THREE-GOAL DEFICIT TO DEFEAT CANUCKS

The Canadiens scored four unanswered goals, including the winner by David Desharnais at 3:25 of overtime, to overcome a 3-0 deficit and improve to 8-1-1 this season at Bell Centre.
* Via Elias, the Canadiens overcame a three-goal deficit to win for the first time since April 4, 2014 at OTT, when the team registered seven consecutive goals – powered by a five-point performance from Max Pacioretty (3-2—5) – to rally from an early 3-0 deficit en route to a 7-4 victory.
* Desharnais, who posted his fourth career overtime goal, has recorded the decisive tally in each of Montreal’s past three victories (also Nov. 7 vs. BOS and Nov. 5 vs. NYI). His three game-winning goals this season (19 GP) are one shy of his career high, set in 2014-15 (82 GP).
* Tomas Fleischmann (1-1—2), who signed with the Canadiens following a PTO, notched the tying goal with 3:08 remaining in regulation. He has 5-8—13 in his first 19 games with the club.

TATAR, RED WINGS WITHSTAND SENATORS’ RALLY

The Senators erased a two-goal deficit in the third period, but Tomas Tatar scored at 2:04 of overtime to propel the Red Wings to their fourth win in their past five road games, including their second at Canadian Tire Centre (also Oct. 31: 5-3 W).
* Tatar, who led the Red Wings and established career highs in both goals (29) and game-winning goals (7) last season, posted his fifth tally and first decisive marker of 2015-16. He also notched his first career overtime goal.
* The Red Wings improved to 7-1-0 in their past eight visits to Canadian Tire Centre dating to Oct. 11, 2008 (OTT: 1-5-2).

THREE’S COMPANY

Four players – Blues captain David Backes (2-1—3), Islanders teammates John Tavares (2-1—3) and Kyle Okposo (0-3—3), and Ducks forward Carl Hagelin (1-2—3) – registered three points to power their teams to victories:

* Backes factored on all three of his team’s goals to help the Blues rebound from a pair of losses and improve to 12-1-2 in their last 15 meetings with the Jets/Thrashers dating to Oct. 30, 2010 (WPG/ATL: 3-8-4). Backes posted his 12th career three-point performance and first since March 17 at CGY (1-2—3).
* Tavares and Okposo combined to lead the Islanders to their third victory in their past four games overall as well as a 6-3-2 record in their first 11 contests at Barclays Center. The Islanders improved to 6-0-1 this season when Tavares scores. Okposo, who matched a career high for helpers in one game, also collected his 200th NHL assist.
* Hagelin equaled a career high for points in one contest to guide the Ducks a 5-1-2 record in their past eight outings following a 1-7-2 start to the season. Hagelin, who totaled 1-1—2 in his first 17 games with the Ducks, notched his fourth career three-point game and first since March 14, 2014 at WPG (3-0—3 w/ NYR).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Hurricanes defenseman Noah Hanifin, the fifth overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, scored his first career goal (15 GP). At 18 years, 295 days, Elias says that Hanifin became the youngest defenseman in Hurricanes/Whalers history to register a goal. Only three other defensemen have notched a goal with the franchise prior to their 19th birthday: Mickey Volcan (in 1980-81), Sylvain Cote (in 1984-85) and Dana Murzyn (in 1985-86).
* Ducks forward Nick Ritchie (10:39 TOI), the 10th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, and Canucks forward Hunter Shinkaruk (9:35 TOI), the 24th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft, both made their League debuts.
* Coyotes captain Shane Doan played in his 1,412th career game to surpass Harry Howell (1,411 GP) and move into sole possession of 30th place on the NHL’s all-time games played list.
* Islanders defenseman Marek Zidlicky (800) and Canadiens forward Tomas Fleischmann (600) both played in milestone games.
* Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (1-0—1) moved within two points of 900 in his NHL career (333-565—898).
* Forward Steve Bernier scored his first goal with the Islanders (10 GP).

LOOSE PUCKS

Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (1-1—2) recorded his 11th goal of the season, third in the NHL behind Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (13) and Stars captain Jamie Benn (12) . . . Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (2-4—6) and Senators forward Bobby Ryan (3-4—7) both extended their point streaks to six games . . . Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (3-4—7), Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau (1-4—5) and Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty (2-4—6) all stretched their point streaks to five games . . . Ducks goaltender Anton Khudobin (24 SV), who compiled a 27-31-7 record over the past two seasons with the Hurricanes, earned the win in his return to Carolina . . . Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin (1-0—1) and Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (0-1—1) both have 5-7—12 this season (18 GP), tied for third among rookies . . . ICYMI: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene, Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello and Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer were named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Nov. 15 . . . The Red Wings signed defenseman Xavier Ouellet to a one-year contract extension . . . New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard attended the Coyotes-Islanders game.

SNEAK PEEK AT TUESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
San Jose @ Boston, 7:00 p.m., CSN-CA, NESN
Dallas @ Buffalo, 7:00 p.m., FS-MW, MSG-B, BELL TV
Los Angeles @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., FS-W, CSN-PH
St. Louis @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., FS-MW, FS-O
Minnesota @ Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN, ROOT
Colorado @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m., TVAS, ALT2, TSN4
Anaheim @ Nashville, 8:00 p.m., PRIME, FS-SD, FS-TN
New Jersey @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., MSG+, SNW

STARS AIM TO CONTINUE RECORD-SETTING START

The Stars, who at 14-4-0 (28 points) are off to their best 18-game start – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 48-year history, look to continue their record-setting run when they visit the Sabres at First Niagara Center. Dallas, which boasts two of the top three point-producers in the NHL (Tyler Seguin: 9-17—26 and Jamie Benn: 12-13—25) as well as the top defensive scorer (John Klingberg: 4-16—20), shares first in the League with seven road wins and 14 road points (7-2-0). Buffalo, however, has won six of the last seven meetings between these clubs at First Niagara Center dating to Feb. 28, 2003 (DAL: 1-5-1).

FLYERS HOST RETIREMENT CEREMONY FOR GAGNE

The Flyers will host a retirement ceremony for forward Simon Gagne prior to their game against the Kings at Wells Fargo Center. Gagne, the 22nd overall selection by Philadelphia in the 1998 NHL Draft, totaled 291-310—601 during 14 seasons (822 GP). He played 11 of those 14 campaigns (including each of his first 10) with the Flyers, compiling 264-271—535 in 691 appearances. Gagne also spent parts of two seasons with the Kings, posting 7-15—22 in 45 outings.

“It’s going to be fun to go back to where everything started, where my son was born, and we’re really excited,” Gagne told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We’re going to stick around more than just one night. We’re going to stay there for the week and just have some really good memories that happened there when I was in Philly for more than 10 years.”

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NHL MORNING SKATE – NOV. 16, 2015

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

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
NY RANGERS 4, Toronto 3
CHICAGO 4, Calgary 1

ZUCCARELLO’S LATE GOAL LIFTS RANGERS OVER MAPLE LEAFS

Mats Zuccarello (1-2—3) scored the tiebreaking goal with 53.8 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Rangers extend a trio of streaks: they won their ninth consecutive game overall, stretched their point streak to 13 games (11-0-2) and ran their home winning streak to eight contests.

* At 14-2-2 (30 points), the League-leading Rangers are off to their best 18-game start – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 89-year history.
* The Rangers improved to 9-1-1 (19 points) this season at Madison Square Garden. Their nine home wins and 19 home points also pace the NHL.
* Zuccarello posted his eighth career three-point performance and third of the season, two of which have come against the Maple Leafs (also Oct. 30 vs. TOR: 3-0—3). He leads the Rangers with 9-9—18 overall (18 GP), including 5-7—12 in his past eight outings.
* Antti Raanta turned aside 23 shots to improve to 4-0-0 in his first four outings with the Rangers (1.25 GAA, .955 SV%, 1 SO). Via Elias, Raanta became the second goaltender in Rangers history to win each of his first four appearances with the team (also Glenn Healy: Oct. 7-15, 1993) and the first to accomplish that feat in each of his first four starts with the club.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: THE STREAKING RANGERS

A closer look at the Rangers’ three active streaks:

* The Rangers have won nine consecutive games overall for the first time since Jan. 19 – Feb. 10, 1973 (10-0-0). That is one game shy of the longest winning streak in franchise history, achieved twice (also Dec. 19, 1939 – Jan. 13, 1940).
* The Rangers have collected points in 13 straight games (11-0-2) for the first time since Feb. 9 – March 10, 2008 (10-0-3). That is six games shy of the longest point streak in club history, set Nov. 23, 1939 – Jan. 13, 1940 (14-0-5).
* The Rangers have won eight consecutive home games for the first time since Oct. 8-31, 1990 (8-0-0). That is six games shy of the longest home winning streak in team history, set Dec. 19, 1939 – Feb. 25, 1940 (14-0-0).

DID YOU KNOW?

Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello (19:06) scored the third tiebreaking goal in the final minute of regulation this season. The others: by Flames forward Michael Frolik on Oct. 31 at EDM (19:51) and Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen on Nov. 7 vs. VAN (19:43).

KANE POWERS BLACKHAWKS PAST FLAMES

Down 1-0 early in the second period, the Blackhawks scored four unanswered goals – including three in a span of 1:55 – to improve to 8-2-1 (17 points) this season at United Center.
* The Blackhawks rank second in the NHL in both home wins and home points, behind only the Rangers (9-1-1, 19 points).
* Patrick Kane registered 1-1—2 to extend a pair of streaks: he has 10-12—22 during a 13-game point streak and 7-7—14 during a seven-game goal streak.
* Kane’s 13-game point streak is one shy of his career high, set Nov. 30 – Dec. 28, 2013 (8-17—25 in 14 GP). His seven-game goal streak is a career high; via Elias, it also is the longest by a Blackhawks player since Oct. 23 – Nov. 6, 1987 (Steve Larmer: 8-1—9 in 7 GP) and the longest by any NHL player since March 18-30, 2014 (Patrice Bergeron: 8-2—10 in 7 GP).
* Kane has collected at least one point in 16 of 18 games this season, pacing the NHL with 13 goals and 28 points. He also has posted eight multi-point performances, including five in his past seven outings.

LOOSE PUCKS

The Blackhawks improved to 12-0-2 in their last 14 regular-season home games against the Flames dating to Nov. 9, 2008 (CGY: 2-11-1) . . . Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin scored to extend his point streak to five games (4-3—7). He leads all rookies with 6-12—18 overall (18 GP), three more points than Coyotes forward Max Domi (8-7—15 in 17 GP) . . . Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh collected 1-1—2. He has 3-3—6 in his last six outings after totaling one assist through the opening 12 games of the season . . . Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf posted 1-1—2. He (2-9—11) and fellow defenseman Morgan Rielly (3-8—11) share the team lead with 11 points apiece . . . Flames forward David Jones notched his 99th career goal (406 GP) . . . ICYMI: Both Madison Square Garden and United Center held moments of silence in honor of the recent tragedy in Paris.

SNEAK PEEK AT MONDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Arizona @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m., MSG+
Anaheim @ Carolina, 7:00 p.m., PRIME, FS-SD, FS-SE
Vancouver @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m., SNP, SNE, RDS
Detroit @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., FS-D, TSN5, RDSI
Tampa Bay @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., TVAS, SUN, FS-F
Winnipeg @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., TSN3, FS-MW

PANTHERS, LIGHTNING COMPLETE HOME-AND-HOME SERIES

The Panthers and Lightning play the second half of their home-and-home series when they face off at BB&T Center. On Saturday, Florida overcame a 4-3 deficit – aided by the tying goal from Aaron Ekblad with 37.9 seconds remaining in regulation – to defeat Tampa Bay in a shootout, 5-4. Overall, this marks the 119th all-time meeting between these intrastate rivals; the Panthers own a 59-37-22 head-to-head record (140 points), while the Lightning are 49-47-22 (120 points). They will play each other three more times this season: Jan. 17 at TBL, Jan. 23 at FLA and March 26 at TBL.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – NOV. 15, 2015

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

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
NY Rangers 2, OTTAWA 1 (SO)
BOSTON 3, Detroit 1
San Jose 2, BUFFALO 1 (OT)
TORONTO 4, Vancouver 2
Colorado 6, MONTREAL 1
Florida 5, TAMPA BAY 4 (SO)
NEW JERSEY 4, Pittsburgh 0
Philadelphia 3, CAROLINA 2 (OT)
COLUMBUS 5, Arizona 2
NASHVILLE 7, Winnipeg 0
Chicago 4, ST. LOUIS 2
DALLAS 3, Minnesota 2 (OT)
LOS ANGELES 4, Edmonton 3

NHL TEAMS PAY TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS OF PARIS ATTACKS

Each of the 13 arenas that hosted an NHL game on Saturday honored victims of the recent Paris tragedy with a pregame moment of silence. Some also played the French national anthem “La Marseillaise” prior to puck-drop, including at Bell Centre, where the Canadiens hosted the Avalanche.

LUNDQVIST BACKS RANGERS TO EIGHTH STRAIGHT WIN, TOP OF NHL STANDINGS

Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves through 65 minutes and denied two of three shooters in the shootout as the Rangers edged Ottawa, extending their winning streak to eight games and their point streak to 12 (10-0-2). Topping the League’s overall standings at 13-2-2 (28 points), the Rangers are off to their best 17-game start to a season – in terms of wins – in the franchise’s 89-year history. Their 28 points also equal a club record at this stage of the season, set in 1971-72 (12-1-4).

* Lundqvist won his sixth consecutive game and improved to 10-2-2 on the season with a 1.69 goals-against average, a .947 save percentage and one shutout. His active point streak of nine games (7-0-2 dating to Oct. 18 vs. NJD) is a career high.
* Lundqvist registered his 51st career shootout win, second on the all-time list to Vancouver’s Ryan Miller (53).

DID YOU KNOW? Lundqvist has posted a 0.45 goals-against average and a .986 save percentage when the Rangers have either been tied or held a one-goal lead in the third period this season (73 saves on 74 shots in 130:27).

KLINGBERG A BREAKOUT STAR AS DALLAS EXTENDS LEAD IN WEST

* Defenseman John Klingberg (1-2—3) scored at 3:18 of overtime to help the Stars improve to 14-4-0 (28 points), extending their lead atop the Western Conference to five points. Dallas is off to its best 18-game start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in its 48-year franchise history.

* Klingberg upped his season scoring line to 4-16—20, leading all NHL blueliners in assists and points. The 23-year-old Gothenburg, Sweden native is playing in his second NHL season, having earned All-Rookie honors in 2014-15 with 11-29—40 in 65 games.
* Reigning Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn also notched a goal and two assists for the Stars. Benn ranks third in the League scoring race with 12-13—25, one point behind teammate Tyler Seguin (9-17—26) and Chicago’s Patrick Kane (12-14—26).
* Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (22 saves) earned his fifth consecutive win and improved to 8-1-0 (2.38 GAA, .921 SV%) on the season.

KANE POINT STREAK AT 12 GAMES FOLLOWING WINNING TALLY AT ST. LOUIS

* The Blackhawks overcame a 2-1 deficit via three unanswered goals – including the game-winner by Patrick Kane with 1:05 left in the middle stanza – to snap their three-game winless streak against St. Louis. Kane extended his point streak to 12 games (9-11—20) and his goal streak to a career-high six contests.
* Kane’s point streak is the longest in the NHL this season and two shy of his career high, set Nov. 30 – Dec. 28, 2013 (8-17—25 in 14 GP). He has five multi-point performances during the 12-game run. His goal streak also is the longest in the NHL this season. Recording points in 15 of his first 17 appearances, Kane (12-14—26) shares first place in the NHL in goals (w/ Dallas’ Jamie Benn) and points (w/ Dallas’ Tyler Seguin).

AROUND THE RINKS

* Cory Schneider (21 saves) posted his first shutout of the season as New Jersey improved to 10-3-0 in its past 13 games following a 0-3-1 start to the season. Mike Cammalleri (1-2—3) paced the Devils, who improved to 7-0-1 in their last eight home games vs. PIT dating to Feb. 9, 2013.
* James Reimer made 43 saves – including 24 in the final stanza – and Shawn Matthias scored the game-winning goal early in the same period against his former club as the Maple Leafs edged Vancouver and extended their point streak to five games (3-0-2). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Reimer improved to 14-2-2 in 18 career regular-season games when making 40 or more saves.
* Nathan MacKinnon (2-1—3), Mikhail Grigorenko (1-2—3) and Matt Duchene (1-2—3) all registered three points and Reto Berra made a season-high 39 saves to help the Avalanche snap their three-game winless streak against Montreal. MacKinnon scored consecutive first-period goals in a span of 13 seconds. Per Elias, he is the first Avalanche player to score two goals in a span of 13 seconds or faster since Milan Hejduk on Jan. 18, 2001 vs. VAN (0:10). Grigorenko recorded a career-high three points while Duchene has 4-4—8 in his last three outings.
* Pekka Rinne (20 saves) posted his second shutout of the season and eight different Nashville skaters registered multiple points in their 7-0 victory over the Jets. Per Elias, the Predators scored seven or more goals in a shutout victory for the first time since an 8-0 win on Feb. 28, 2009 against Detroit. Rinne improved to 8-1-0 in 10 all-time appearances against the Jets/Thrashers (1.84 GAA, .934 SV%, 2 SO).
* The Panthers overcame deficits of 2-1 and 4-3 – the latter via Aaron Ekblad scoring the game-tying goal with 38 seconds remaining in the contest – en route to their shootout victory over the cross-state rival Lightning. Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo earned his 406th career victory, moving within one of tying Glenn Hall (407) for eighth place on the NHL’s all-time wins list.
* Patrick Marleau scored at 2:59 of overtime to give the Sharks their first win at Buffalo since Dec. 2, 2005 and their second in franchise history (2-15-1). Marleau’s marker was his franchise-leading ninth career overtime goal. He also moved within two points of becoming the first player in franchise history to reach 1,000 points (461-537—998). Sharks forward Joe Pavelski (0-1—1) became the third player in franchise history to register 500 points (237-263—500). The others: Marleau and Joe Thornton (191-625—816).
* After their 2-0 lead was erased, the Blue Jackets scored three unanswered goals to improve to 6-1-0 in their last seven home games vs. ARI/PHX dating to Feb. 25, 2011. Boone Jenner (1-2—3) registered a career-high three points, including the game-winning goal, while Sergei Bobrovsky made 27 saves and added an assist. Bobrovsky improved to 4-1-0 in his last five outings following a 2-8-0 record in his first 10 appearances of the season.

VETERANS CLIMB ALL-TIME CHARTS

The three active leaders in games played – Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr (1,565 GP), Coyotes captain Shane Doan (1,411 GP) and Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla (1,409 GP) –continued to move up the NHL’s all-time list:
* Jagr surpassed Nicklas Lidstrom (1,564 GP) for sole possession of 10th place. Ray Bourque (1,612 GP) holds the ninth spot.
* Doan surpassed Norm Ullman (1,410 GP) and tied Harry Howell for 30th place, while Iginla tied Paul Coffey for the 33rd spot.

ICYMI: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, Jr. was honored in a pregame ceremony in recognition of his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

LOOSE PUCKS

Linesman Scott Driscoll (1,500 career games) and referee Tim Peel (1,000 games) each worked milestone games … Playing in his home town of Ottawa with his brother and a dozen friends in attendance, Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle tallied his third career game-deciding shootout goal … Jakub Voracek (1-1—2) scored 37 seconds into overtime as the Flyers overcame a 2-0 deficit and snapped a four-game losing streak against Carolina … David Krejci (GWG) led the Bruins to their fifth consecutive win over Detroit. Krejci has 8-10—18 in his first 16 games of the season … The Kings improved to 7-0-0 in their last seven home games against Edmonton dating to April 2, 2012 … Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (1-0—1) has scored in three straight games (3-2—5) and with 3-14—17 in 17 games ranks second among all blueliners in points … The Blackhawks welcomed defenseman Duncan Keith back to the lineup. Keith registered an assist, three shots and +2 rating in a game-high 27:34 of ice time in his first game since Oct. 17… Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin (0-1—1) leads all rookies in assists and points with 5-12—17 in his first 17 appearances… Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (2-0—2) scored consecutive second-period goals in a span of 1:44… Blues goaltender Jake Allen submitted his bid for an early save of the year candidate on Blackhawks forward Marko Dano… Rangers forward Dominic Moore (700 GP), Kings forward Anze Kopitar (700 GP), Rangers forward Derick Brassard (500 GP), Avalanche forward Blake Comeau (500 GP) and Coyotes forward Mikkel Boedker (400 GP) all skated in milestone games.

SNEAK PEEK AT SUNDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Toronto @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., NHL-US, TVAS, SN, MSG
Calgary @ Chicago, 8:30 p.m., SN1, CSN-CH

HOMETOWN HOCKEY TRAVELS TO SYDNEY, N.S.

The Maple Leafs travel to Madison Square Garden for an Original Six contest with the Rangers as Rogers Hometown Hockey stops in Sydney, N.S. Host Ron MacLean takes a look at the careers of Hall of Fame defenseman Al MacInnis and broadcasting legend Danny Gallivan, two proud Nova Scotians who put their unique stamp on the game of hockey. 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 Sydney.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – NOV. 14, 2015

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

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Columbus 2, PITTSBURGH 1
Calgary 3, WASHINGTON 2 (OT)
San Jose 3, DETROIT 2
NY Islanders 4, ANAHEIM 1

MONAHAN, FLAMES CONTINUE OVERTIME MASTERY

After his team’s 2-0 lead was erased in the third period, Sean Monahan (2-0—2) scored at 1:40 of overtime to secure a road win for the Flames at Washington.

* The Flames have excelled in the new 3-on-3 overtime format this season, winning four of five extra-time sessions and advancing to a shootout in the other:
10/10/15, CGY 3 at VAN 2 (OT) (GWG: Johnny Gaudreau at 3:03)
10/23/15, CGY 3 vs. DET 2 (OT) (GWG: Mark Giordano at 3:12)
10/28/15, CGY 4 at OTT 5 (SO)
11/05/15, CGY 2 vs. PHI 1 (OT) (GWG: Mikael Backlund at 0:35)
11/13/15, CGY 3 at WSH 2 (OT) (GWG: Sean Monahan at 1:40

* Monahan tallied his fifth career overtime goal (174 GP). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 21-year-old center tied Theo Fleury (5 in 791 GP) for second place on the franchise’s all-time regular-season overtime goals list and moved within one of Jarome Iginla (6 in 1,219 GP) for the all-time lead.
* Monahan also scored in regulation to post his first multi-goal game of the season. He has 4-1—5 in his last four outings after registering 2-6—8 in his first 14 games of the season.

ROAD TEAMS RACK UP TRAVEL POINTS

The Blue Jackets, Sharks and Islanders also collected road wins in a clean sweep for visiting clubs on the Friday slate:

* Visiting his home town of Pittsburgh, Blue Jackets forward Brandon Saad (1-1—2) scored the game-winning goal at 12:49 of the second period and Sergei Bobrovsky – who fell 58 seconds short of posting his first shutout of the season – denied 28 of 29 shots as Columbus improved to 4-1-0 in its last five games against the Penguins dating to Dec. 13, 2014. Saad’s marker was his fifth power-play goal of the season (16 GP). Prior to 2015-16, Saad scored five career power-play goals in 208 regular-season games w/ CHI.

* The Sharks reversed an early deficit by scoring three consecutive goals – including the game-winner by Joe Pavelski at 10:23 of the second period – en route to a 3-2 win over the Red Wings. The Sharks improved to 8-1-1 in their last 10 games at Detroit dating to Nov. 5, 2009, including an active streak of four consecutive wins. Pavelski scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season, tied for fourth place in the League overall.

* Leading 2-1 after two periods, the Islanders extended their advantage in the final frame with a pair of goals by Frans Nielsen as New York recorded its first regulation victory in Anaheim since March 12, 2004. Winning goaltender Thomas Greiss turned aside 24 of 25 shots to improve to 5-1-2 in his first eight appearances with the club (2.22 GAA, .930 SV%), while Josh Bailey (0-2—2) and Anders Lee (0-2—2) assisted on both Nielsen third-period markers.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Capitals head coach Barry Trotz coached his 1,294th career game, tying Jacques Martin for 10th place on the NHL’s all-time games coached list.
* Ducks forward Corey Perry scored his 301st career goal, passing Paul Kariya for sole possession of second place on the franchise’s all-time goals list. Teemu Selanne is Anaheim’s all-time leader with 457.
* With a goal, Sharks forward Joe Pavelski (237-262—499) moved within a point of becoming the third player in franchise history to reach the 500 milestone. The others: Patrick Marleau (460-537—997) and Joe Thornton (191-625—816).
* Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech made his NHL debut (13:19 TOI). A Toronto native who represented Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden, Pelech was a third-round pick by the Islanders (65th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.

NHL ISSUES SECURITY ADVISORY

The NHL released the following statement Friday after attacks in Paris that targeted areas with large crowds. “We have sent an advisory to our Clubs to be on heightened alert given today’s events in Paris,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said.

LOOSE PUCKS

Blue Jackets forward Scott Hartnell (1-0—1) has 5-2—7 in his last six outings after posting 3-3—6 in his first 11 games of the season… Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk made his season debut after being sidelined due to ankle surgery in the offseason (4 shots, 20:53 TOI)… Ducks forward Corey Perry (1-0—1) has 5-3—8 in his last six outings after posting 0-3—3 in his first 11 games of the season… Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay), Peter DeBoer (San Jose), Dave Tippett (Arizona) and Jay Woodcroft (Edmonton) were named assistant coaches for Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey… Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen has been fined $2,000 as supplementary discipline under NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment)… Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Bruins forward Brad Marchand. Marchand was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for subsequently roughing Landeskog.

SNEAK PEEK AT SATURDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
NY Rangers @ Ottawa, 1:00 p.m., MSG, RDS, TSN5
Detroit @ Boston, 7:00 p.m., NHLN-US, FS-D, NESN
San Jose @ Buffalo, 7:00 p.m., CSN-CA, MSG-B, BELL TV
Vancouver @ Toronto, 7:00 p.m., CBC
Colorado @ Montreal, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, SN, ALT
Florida @ Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m., FS-F, SUN
Pittsburgh @ New Jersey, 7:00 p.m., ROOT, MSG+
Philadelphia @ Carolina, 7:00 p.m., CSN-PH, FS-CR
Arizona @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., FS-A PLUS, FS-O
Winnipeg @ Nashville, 7:00 p.m., CITY, FS-TN
Chicago @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., WGN, FS-MW
Minnesota @ Dallas, 8:00 p.m., FS-N, FS-SW+
Edmonton @ Los Angeles, 10:00 p.m., CBC, SN, FS-W

BLACKHAWKS’ BLUELINE GETS BOOST FOR RIVALRY CLASH AT ST. LOUIS

Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is expected to play tonight against the Central Division archrival Blues in St. Louis. The Blackhawks are 5-4-1 since the two-time Norris Trophy winner and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy recipient left the lineup with a knee injury. Chicago also activated defenseman Michal Rozsival, who is slated to make his season debut. The 37-year-old is set to play for the first time since fracturing his left ankle last season against Minnesota in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round.

In the clubs’ memorable first encounter of the season 10 days ago, a 6-5 St. Louis overtime win at Chicago, the Blues became the 11th team in NHL history to win a game in which it allowed five first-period goals.

OTHER CENTRAL DIVISION SHOWDOWN SEES STARS FACE WILD

The teams with the best points percentages in the Western Conference meet in Dallas tonight when the Stars (13-4-0, .765) play host to the Wild (10-3-2, .733) in the first of their five-game season series. The Stars boast the League’s top scoring tandem in forwards Tyler Seguin (9-16—25 in 17 GP) and Jamie Benn (11-11—22 in 17 GP), who are expected to face the NHL wins leader in Minnesota goaltender Devin Dubnyk (10-3-1), set to make his eighth consecutive start.

SHERO, HYNES FACE FORMER CLUB WHEN DEVILS PLAY HOST TO PENGUINS

Former Penguins General Manager Ray Shero faces his old team for the first time since becoming GM of the Devils in May. In addition, it will be New Jersey coach John Hynes‘ first game against his former organization; he spent five seasons coaching the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League before being hired to coach the Devils. The Penguins (10-6-0) and Devils (9-6-1) are separated by just one point in a tight Metropolitan Division race that has the top five clubs just seven points apart.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – NOV. 13, 2015

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

REMINDER: CREDENTIAL APPLICATIONS DUE TODAY FOR WINTER EVENTS

Media credential applications for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic and 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend are due today.
Click here to apply for credentials.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Colorado 3, BOSTON 2
NY RANGERS 6, St. Louis 3
Washington 5, PHILADELPHIA 2
Minnesota 3, CAROLINA 2 (OT)
OTTAWA 3, Vancouver 2
TAMPA BAY 3, Calgary 1
Buffalo 3, FLORIDA 2
Toronto 2, NASHVILLE 1 (SO)
New Jersey 3, CHICAGO 2
DALLAS 6, Winnipeg 3
ARIZONA 4, Edmonton 1
LOS ANGELES 2, NY Islanders 1

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Of the 12 games contested on Thursday:
* Ten were tied or within one goal entering the third period (COL-BOS, STL-NYR, MIN-CAR, VAN-OTT, CGY-TBL, BUF-FLA, TOR-NSH, NJD-CHI, WPG-DAL and NYI-LAK).
* Nine saw the winning team overcome a deficit of at least one goal (COL-BOS, WSH-PHI, MIN-CAR, VAN-OTT, TOR-NSH, NJD-CHI, WPG-DAL, EDM-ARI and NYI-LAK).
* Two saw the winning team overcome a multi-goal deficit (COL-BOS and MIN-CAR).

CLUBS CONTINUE RECORD-SETTING STARTS . . .

Four clubs – the Rangers, Stars, Capitals and Wild – won on Thursday to continue their record-setting starts to the season:

* Mats Zuccarello registered 1-2—3 and Henrik Lundqvist made 31 saves, including a sprawling paddle stop in the first period, to help the Rangers extend their point streak to 11 games (9-0-2), including seven consecutive wins. At 12-2-2 (26 points), the Rangers are off to their best 16-game start to a season – in terms of wins – in the franchise’s 89-year history. Their 26 points also equal a club record through the opening 16 contests of a season, set in 1971-72 (11-1-4). The Rangers last posted a point streak of 11 or more games from Feb. 9 – March 10, 2008, when they had a 13-game run (10-0-3).
* Ales Hemsky notched 1-2—3 and Jamie Benn scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:55 remaining in regulation to lift the Stars to their fourth victory in their past five contests. At 13-4-0 (26 points), the Stars are off to their best 17-game start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 48-year history.
* Jason Chimera collected 2-1—3 to help the Capitals overcome a pair of one-goal deficits and pick up their fifth win in their last seven outings. At 11-4-0 (22 points), the Capitals have equaled their best 15-game start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 41-year history (also 1991-92: 11-4-0 and 2010-11: 11-4-0).
* Jason Zucker scored twice, including the winning goal at 3:50 of overtime, to lead the Wild back from an early 2-0 deficit en route to their third consecutive victory. At 10-3-2 (22 points), the Wild have matched their best 15-game start to a season – in terms of points – in the franchise’s 15-year history (also 2002-03: 10-3-2 and 2006-07: 11-4-0).

. . . OTHERS KEEP THE MOMENTUM

Four other teams – the Kings, Devils, Sabres and Senators – picked up wins on Thursday to continue their recent strings of success:

* Offseason acquisitions Jhonas Enroth (31 SV) and Milan Lucic (GWG) combined to lead the Kings to their 10th victory in their last 13 outings following a 0-3-0 start to the season. Enroth improved to 3-0-0 in his first three appearances with the Kings, yielding just two goals on 96 shots (0.67 GAA, .979 SV%, 1 SO).
* Sergey Kalinin posted 1-1—2, including the tiebreaking goal with 2:27 remaining in regulation, to help the Devils overcome an early 1-0 deficit and defeat the Blackhawks for the second time in the past week (also Nov. 6 at NJD: 4-2 W). The Devils improved to 9-3-0 in their past 12 games following a 0-3-1 start to the season.
* Linus Ullmark made 36 saves, including 16 in the middle frame, to help the Sabres hold off the Panthers en route to sixth victory in their past eight games following a 2-6-0 start to the season. Ullmark improved to 4-2-0 in his first six NHL appearances (2.45 GAA, .924 SV%).
* The Senators scored three consecutive goals to overcome an early 1-0 deficit and improve to 5-2-1 in their last eight contests following a 3-2-2 start to the season. Andrew Hammond (22 SV) upped his career record to 22-1-4 in 29 appearances (1.84 GAA, .940 SV%, 3 SO); per Elias, he became the third goaltender in NHL history to win 22 of his first 29 career outings (also Frank Brimsek in 1938-39 and Ross Brooks from 1972-74, both w/ BOS).

GOT YOUR NUMBER

The Coyotes and Avalanche overcame deficits to continue their recent success against their Thursday opponents:

* The Coyotes scored four unanswered goals – powered by 1-1—2 from Max Domi – to overcome an early 1-0 deficit and extend their point streak against the Oilers to 19 games (16-0-3) dating to March 17, 2011 (EDM: 3-13-3), including six consecutive wins. Domi has 8-7—15 in his first 16 NHL outings (including five multi-point performances); he ranks first among rookies in goals and second in points.
* The Avalanche recorded three unanswered goals – including the tiebreaker by Matt Duchene (1-1—2) at 6:49 of the third period – to overcome a 2-0 deficit en route to their eighth consecutive victory at TD Garden dating to March 24, 2001 (BOS: 0-7-1). Duchene has 6-3—9, including four multi-point performances, in his last six contests after totaling 1-1—2 in his first 10 games of the season.

THIS AND THAT

* Steven Stamkos broke a 1-1 tie at 12:51 of the third period to help the Lightning improve to 8-3-0 in their last 11 meetings with the Flames since defeating them in the 2004 Stanley Cup Final (CGY: 3-4-4). Stamkos recorded his 99th career power-play goal (all w/ TBL), second in franchise history behind Vincent Lecavalier (112).
* Tyler Bozak potted the tying goal at 5:52 of the third period and Peter Holland notched the lone marker in the shootout to lift the Maple Leafs to their second consecutive victory, equaling their win total from the first 14 games of the season.

KANE EXTENDS POINT, GOAL STREAK

Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane registered 1-1—2 to extend his point streak to 11 games (8-11—19) and goal streak to five contests (5-6—11).
* Kane, who has 11-14—25 overall this season (including at least one point in 14 of his first 16 outings), shares first in the NHL in goals (w/ Jamie Benn) and points (w/ Tyler Seguin).
* Kane’s 11-game point streak is the longest in the NHL this season and three shy of his career high, set Nov. 30 – Dec. 28, 2013 (8-17—25 in 14 GP). He has five multi-point performances during the 11-game run, including four in his past five contests (5-6—11).
* Kane’s five-game goal streak is tied for the longest in the NHL this season (w/ Joe Pavelski) and equals a career high, last achieved Feb. 1-10, 2013 (7-2—9).

VETERANS MOVE UP THE ALL-TIME CHARTS . . .

The three active leaders in games played – Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr (1,564 GP), Coyotes captain Shane Doan (1,410 GP) and Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla (1,408 GP) – all continued their climbs up the NHL’s all-time list:

* Jagr (0-1—1) played in his 1,564th career game to tie Nicklas Lidstrom – who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday – for 10th place in NHL history.
* Doan (1-0—1) played in his 1,410th career game to surpass Paul Coffey (1,409 GP) and tie Norm Ullman (1,410 GP) for 31st place in NHL history.
* Iginla (0-1—1) played in his 1,408th career game to surpass Dale Hunter (1,407 GP) for sole possession of 34th place in NHL history.
* Iginla (596-643—1,239) also tied Peter Stastny (450-789—1,239) for 37th place on the NHL’s all-time points list.

. . . MORE MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Erik Johnson (COL), the first overall selection (by STL) in the 2006 NHL Draft, collected one assist to become the first defenseman – and 17th overall player – from his draft class to reach the 200-point milestone (51-149—200).
* Predators captain Shea Weber (1-0—1) played in his 700th NHL game (all w/ NSH) to become the first defenseman – and third overall player – in franchise history to reach the milestone. The others: David Legwand (956 GP) and Martin Erat (723 GP).
* Oilers forward Teddy Purcell played in his 500th NHL game.
* Coyotes defenseman Stefan Elliott scored his first goal with his new club (6 GP) and first in the NHL since April 13, 2014 at ANA (w/ COL).

LOOSE PUCKS

John Klingberg (DAL) registered 1-1—2 to move back into first place in scoring among defensemen (3-14—17 in 17 GP), one point ahead of Erik Karlsson (OTT) and P.K. Subban (MTL) . . . Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk notched his sixth goal of the season (all PPG), tops among defensemen. His six power-play goals also pace the entire NHL . . . Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin scored to maintain first place among rookies with 5-11—16 (in 16 GP) . . . Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl posted one assist. He has 4-7—11, including points in five of seven games, since being recalled from the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) on Oct. 29 . . . Avalanche forward Carl Soderberg, who played his first 161 NHL games with the Bruins (29-65—94), scored in his return to TD Garden . . . Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith turned aside 27 shots to improve to 11-1-1 in 15 career appearances vs. EDM (2.53 GAA, .915 SV%) . . . Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen, the second overall selection by the Thrashers in the 2002 NHL Draft, made 35 saves to improve to 6-1-1 in eight career appearances vs. ATL/WPG (2.11 GAA, .941 SV%) . . . Blues goaltender Jake Allen saw his shutout streak end at 170:53 . . . ICYMI: The Red Wings signed forward Justin Abdelkader to a seven-year contract extension . . . The Flames acquired goaltender Kevin Poulin from the Lightning in exchange for future considerations.

SNEAK PEEK AT FRIDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Columbus @ Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m., SN1, TVAS, FS-O, ROOT
Calgary @ Washington, 7:00 p.m., SNW, CSN-DC
San Jose @ Detroit, 7:30 p.m., CSN-CA, FS-D
NY Islanders @ Anaheim, 10:00 p.m., MSG+, PRIME, FS-SD

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