NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 19, 2016

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

SNEAK PEEK AT TUESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Calgary @ New Jersey, 7:00 p.m., SNF, MSG+
Vancouver @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., SNP, MSG
Toronto @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, TSN4, CSN-PH
Washington @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., CSN-DC, FS-O
Boston @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m., NESN, SNE, RDS
Edmonton @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m., SNW, SUN
Chicago @ Nashville, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN, SN1, SNO, CSN-CH
Dallas @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., SN, SN1, FS-SW, FS-W

BLACKHAWKS AIM FOR 12TH STRAIGHT WIN IN NASHVILLE

The Blackhawks (31-13-4, 66 points) – who have equaled a franchise record with 11 consecutive victories to move into first place in the Central Division and Western Conference – look to extend that run when they visit the rival Predators (20-17-8, 48 points) at Bridgestone Arena as part of a national broadcast in both the U.S. and Canada (NBCSN, SN1).

This marks the fourth of five meetings between Chicago and Nashville in 2015-16; the Blackhawks have won two of the first three, including a 3-2 triumph last Tuesday at United Center for the eighth victory during its current winning streak.

SHARKS HOST 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

One night after honoring forward Igor Larionov, the Sharks will host their 25th Anniversary Celebration at SAP Center. The evening will bring together San Jose’s roster of players, coaches, alumni and personalities to celebrate the history of the organization.

The program, hosted by Sharks play-by-play announcers Randy Hahn and Dan Rusanowsky, will include a series of speakers as well as a multimedia presentation covering several facets of the team’s history and heritage.

REMINDER: NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING MID-SEASON RANKINGS

NHL Central Scouting will release its mid-season rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft today at 11:00 a.m. ET. The rankings feature the top 210 skaters and 30 goaltenders in North America as well as the top 134 skaters and 15 goaltenders from Europe.

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Edmonton 4, FLORIDA 2
ST. LOUIS 5, Pittsburgh 2
Colorado 2, WINNIPEG 1
Buffalo 2, ARIZONA 1
Ottawa 4, SAN JOSE 3 (SO)

STASTNY’S FOUR POINTS LEAD BLUES OVER PENGUINS

The Blues scored four unanswered goals – powered by 1-3—4 from Paul Stastny – to overcome a 2-1 deficit en route to their fourth victory in their past five games.

* At 27-15-7 (61 points), the Blues moved within two points of the idle Stars (29-12-5, 63 points) for second place in the Central Division. Dallas, however, holds three games in hand and owns the ROW tiebreaker (DAL: 27, STL: 24).
* Stastny recorded his sixth career four-point game and first since Dec. 16, 2013 vs. DAL (2-2—4 w/ COL). He has 5-18—23 this season (31 GP), including 2-8—10 in his last nine outings.
* Brian Elliott made 36 saves, including 16 in the second period, to earn his fourth win in his past five starts and improve to 9-5-4 overall this season. Elliott also upped his record to 6-2-1 in 10 career regular-season appearances vs. PIT.

AROUND THE RINKS

* Taylor Hall (2-1—3) and Teddy Purcell (1-2—3) both registered three points to snap the Oilers’ road losing streak at seven games (0-4-3) and halt the Panthers’ franchise-record home-winning streak at seven contests. Hall – who paces Edmonton in goals (18), assists (27) and points (45) this season – recorded his 12th career multi-goal game and second of the campaign (also Dec. 11 vs. NYR: 2-2—4). He has collected three or more points seven times this season.
* The Senators yielded three consecutive goals, but Zack Smith tied the game via a shorthanded penalty shot – with 5:31 remaining in regulation – and Mika Zibanejad potted the lone tally in the shootout to snap the Sharks’ winning streak at five games. Ottawa, who has won three of its last five outings, registered its ninth shorthanded goal of the season, one ahead of Montreal for the League lead.
* Semyon Varlamov made 36 saves, including 15 in the final period, to backstop the Avalanche to their third victory in as many meetings with the Jets this season as well as a 10-3-1 record versus divisional opponents in 2015-16. At 23-21-3 (49 points), Colorado leapfrogged idle Nashville (20-17-8, 48 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, where six teams are within six points of its position.
* Jack Eichel posted 1-1—2 to power the Sabres to their fourth win in their last five games. Eichel, the second overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, shares second among rookies with 14 goals this season and ranks fourth with 15 assists and 29 points. Four of his six career multi-point performances have come since the NHL’s holiday break (5-8—13 in 12 GP).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla (1-0—1) scored his 602nd career goal to move past Jari Kurri (601) and into sole possession of 18th place in NHL history. Iginla also recorded his 96th career game-winning goal; Elias says that is tied with Mats Sundin for ninth place in League history.
* Sharks forward Joe Thornton (0-1—1) registered his 927th career assist to move past Stan Mikita (926) and into sole possession of 17th place in NHL history. Thornton, who has 2-6—8 during a six-game point streak, has posted at least one point in 14 of his past 15 outings (5-14—19).
* Sabres forward David Legwand played in his 1,100th NHL game.
* Jets forward JC Lipon, a third-round selection (91st overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft, made his League debut.

LOOSE PUCKS

Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored his 25th goal of the season to move into a tie for fourth place in the NHL (w/ Tyler Seguin) . . . Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin reached the 20-goal milestone for the eighth time in his 10 NHL seasons. Via Elias, he became the sixth player in Penguins history to record eight or more 20-goal seasons. The others: Mario Lemieux (12), Jaromir Jagr (11), Rick Kehoe (9), Jean Pronovost (9) and Sidney Crosby (8) . . . Senators captain Erik Karlsson posted his 38th assist of the season, two off the League lead (by Patrick Kane). Karlsson paces all defensemen with 9-38—47, six more points than the next-closest blueliner (Brent Burns: 18-23—41) . . . One day after signing a three-year contract extension, Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot made 31 saves for his ninth win of the season . . . ICYMI: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, Flames forward Sam Bennett and Kings forward Anze Kopitar were named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 17 . . . Rogers announced that it will produce and broadcast the first-ever NHL game in 4K when the Maple Leafs face the Canadiens at Air Canada Centre this Saturday, Jan. 23 (7:00 p.m. ET, NHLN-US, CBC, TVAS).

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NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 14, 2016

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

NHL ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR GAME PERFORMERS

The NHL announced that Grammy-award winning artists Vince Gill and Jennifer Nettles, CMA- and ACM-winning artist Lee Brice, and music duo and real-life sisters Lennon & Maisy will lead the entertainment for the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, Jan. 31 (4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, TVAS).

Click here for more information.

SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
NY Rangers @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, MSG, MSG+
Vancouver @ Washington, 7:00 p.m., SN360, CSN-DC
Chicago @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN, CSN-CH, SNE, RDS
Carolina @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., FS-SE, FS-MW
Nashville @ Winnipeg, 8:00 p.m., FS-TN, TSN3
New Jersey @ Colorado, 9:00 p.m., MSG+ 2, ALT
Detroit @ Arizona, 9:00 p.m., FS-D+, FS-A
Edmonton @ San Jose, 10:30 p.m., SNW, CSN-CA

BLACKHAWKS AIM FOR NINTH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY

The Blackhawks (28-13-4, 60 points), who have won a season-high eight consecutive games to climb within two points of first place in the Central Division, look to continue that run when they visit the Canadiens (23-17-3, 49 points) at Bell Centre.

This marks the first of two meetings in four days between these Original Six rivals; they also will face off on Sunday at United Center. Chicago has collected at least one point in seven consecutive head-to-head matchups dating to Oct. 30, 2009 (5-0-2), including three straight wins.

BATTLE OF NEW YORK HEATS UP IN TIGHT DIVISION RACE

Crucial points are on the line when the Rangers (23-14-5, 51 points) play the Islanders (23-15-5, 51 points) at Barclays Center in the second of four meetings this season.

These clubs are tied – in terms of points – for second place in the Metropolitan Division, but the Rangers have played one fewer game and own the ROW tiebreaker (NYR: 22, NYI: 20).

The Islanders claimed their first matchup of the season – and first meeting ever in Brooklyn – with a 2-1 shootout victory on Dec. 2 at Barclays Center.

McLELLAN MAKES FIRST TRIP BACK TO SAN JOSE

Edmonton head coach Todd McLellan returns to San Jose for the first time when the Oilers (17-23-4, 38 points) visit the Sharks (21-18-2, 44 points) at SAP Center.

McLellan spent the past seven seasons in San Jose, where he compiled a 311-163-66 record and led the Sharks to six playoff appearances, four 40-plus win seasons, three division titles and one Presidents’ Trophy (2008-09).

The Oilers picked up a 4-3 victory in the first meeting between these teams this season, on Dec. 9 at Rexall Place, courtesy of an overtime goal by Taylor Hall.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Columbus 3, TORONTO 1
PHILADELPHIA 3, Boston 2
CALGARY 6, Florida 0
ANAHEIM 4, Ottawa 1

BENNETT’S FOUR GOALS LIFT FLAMES OVER PANTHERS . . .

Sam Bennett scored four goals, including his first career hat trick (at the 17:01 mark of the first period), to power the Flames to their third win in their last five contests and snap the Panthers’ franchise-record point streak at 13 games (12-0-1).

* At 20-20-2 (42 points), the Flames moved within two points of the idle Sharks (21-18-2, 44 points) for third place in the Pacific Division. They also climbed within three points of the idle Predators (19-17-7, 45 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
* Bennett, the fourth overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, registered his first career multi-goal game (42 GP). He has scored five times in his past two outings (5-0—5), equaling his goal total from his first 40 NHL appearances (5-10—15).
* “It’s a great feeling,” Bennett said. “I think it’s big for my confidence. I knew I felt confident playing in this league and now I think I took another step in the right direction. It’ll just keep building on my confidence.”

CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 13: Sam Bennett #93 of the Calgary Flames holds up all four of his goal pucks against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 13, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)

. . . INSIDE THE NUMBERS

A statistical look at Sam Bennett’s four-goal performance, courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau:

* At 19 years, 207 days, Bennett became the third-youngest player in NHL history to record a four-goal game. The only younger players to do so: Maple Leafs forward Jack Hamilton (18 years, 185 days; Dec. 4, 1943 vs. NYR) and Capitals forward Bobby Carpenter (18 years, 227 days; Feb. 25, 1982 vs. STL).
* Bennett also became the third-youngest player in NHL history to post a first-period hat trick. The only younger players to do so: Maple Leafs forward Ted ‘Teeder’ Kennedy (19 years, 28 days; Jan. 9, 1945 vs. NYR) and Sabres forward John Tucker (19 years, 185 days; April 1, 1984 vs. TOR).
* Bennett became the first Flames player to register a four-goal game since Jarome Iginla did so on Feb. 23, 2003 at PHX. He also became the third rookie in franchise history to notch a four-goal game. The others: Joe Nieuwendyk (2x; Nov. 19, 1987 vs. QUE and Dec. 13, 1987 at BUF) and Jiri Hrdina (Nov. 7, 1988 vs. HFD).
* Bennett became the first rookie to post a four-goal game for any team since Sharks forward Tomas Hertl did so on Oct. 8, 2013 vs. NYR.
* Bennett became the youngest player in Flames history to collect a hat trick. Jim Peplinski previously held that record, doing so at 21 years, 24 days on Nov. 17, 1981 vs. WPG.
* Bennett became the first player from any team to score three goals in the first period of a game since Lightning forward Martin St. Louis did so on Jan. 18, 2014 vs. SJS. Only three other players have accomplished that feat for the Flames: Paul Reinhart (Nov. 24, 1986 vs. EDM), Brian MacLellan (Jan. 14, 1990 at CHI) and Nieuwendyk (Dec. 14, 1993 vs. VAN).

DID YOU KNOW?

Sam Bennett became the fifth rookie to record a hat trick this season – and the third to do so in the past week. The others: Coyotes forward Anthony Duclair (Oct. 14 at ANA), Bruins forward Frank Vatrano (Dec. 18 at PIT), Sabres forward Sam Reinhart (Jan. 10 at WPG) and Coyotes forward Max Domi (Jan. 12 vs. EDM).

FLYERS, DUCKS INCH CLOSER TO PLAYOFF SPOTS

Both the Flyers and Ducks picked up wins to inch closer to playoff spots in their respective conferences:

* Jakub Voracek (1-2—3) and Claude Giroux (0-3—3) both collected three points to propel the Flyers to their fourth consecutive victory overall as well as their sixth straight win at Wells Fargo Center. At 19-15-7 (45 points), Philadelphia moved within two points of Boston (21-16-5, 47 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, where teams Nos. 3-13 are separated by just six points.
* The Ducks scored three unanswered goals in the final five minutes of regulation – including the tiebreaker by Shea Theodore (his first NHL goal) – to pick up points for the eighth time in their last 10 games (6-2-2). At 18-17-7 (43 points), Anaheim moved within one point of San Jose (21-18-2, 44 points) for third place in the Pacific Division and within two points of Nashville (19-17-7, 45 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Flyers defenseman Nick Schultz played in his 1,000th NHL game. Ducks forward Chris Stewart (500) also played in a milestone game.
* Defenseman Seth Jones (0-1—1) recorded his first point with the Blue Jackets (4 GP).

LOOSE PUCKS

Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo made a career-high 41 saves, including 31 over the final two periods, to help the Blue Jackets snap a four-game skid (0-3-1) . . . Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller stopped all 15 shots he faced to record a shutout in his first appearance since Dec. 12 . . . Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner (1-1—2) scored his 15th goal of the season (45 GP), one shy of equaling his career high established in 2013-14 (72 GP) . . . Flames captain Mark Giordano (0-1—1) extended his point streak to six games (1-6—7), including assists in five straight contests . . . The Department of Player Safety suspended Devils forward Bobby Farnham for four games for interference against Blues forward Dmitrij Jaskin . . . The Department of Player Safety also fined Jets defenseman Tyler Myers $5,000 for cross-checking Sharks forward Tommy Wingels . . . ICYMI: Gary Bettman, Bill Daly and Willie O’Ree attended the U.S. premiere of Soul on Ice: Past, Present & Future in support of the NHL’s Hockey Is for Everyone initiative.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 13, 2016

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

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
NY ISLANDERS 5, Columbus 2
CAROLINA 3, Pittsburgh 2 (OT)
ST. LOUIS 5, New Jersey 2
Buffalo 3, MINNESOTA 2
San Jose 4, WINNIPEG 1
CHICAGO 3, Nashville 2
Tampa Bay 4, COLORADO 0
ARIZONA 4, Edmonton 3 (OT)

MILESTONE WINS HELP TEAMS CLIMB CENTRAL DIVISION STANDINGS

Both the Blackhawks (28-13-4, 60 points) and Blues (25-14-7, 57 points) earned milestone wins for their head coaches to inch closer to the idle Stars (29-11-4, 62 points) atop the Central Division:

* Andrew Shaw (2-0—2) posted his seventh career multi-goal performance and Brent Seabrook scored what stood as the game-winning goal to lift the Blackhawks to their eighth consecutive victory, their longest such run since Nov. 26 – Dec. 11, 2014 (also 8-0-0). Chicago also won its fifth straight game at United Center, where it is 19-5-1 (39 points) this season – the most home wins and home points of any team in the NHL.
* Hours after agreeing to a three-year contract extension, Joel Quenneville picked up his 782nd career victory to tie Al Arbour for the second-most wins by a head coach in NHL history. Only Scotty Bowman (1,244) has more career victories behind an NHL bench.
* The Blues scored four unanswered goals to overcome an early 2-1 deficit and extend their point streak to five games (2-0-3). Patrik Berglund (2-0—2), who missed the team’s first 40 games of the season, notched his 10th career multi-goal performance and first since April 3, 2015 at DAL (2-0—2). He also recorded his 15th career game-winning goal and first since March 15, 2014 at NSH (2-0—2).
* Ken Hitchcock, who ranks fourth in NHL history with 733 career victories, became the second head coach in Blues history to win 200 games, joining Quenneville (307). Elias adds that Hitchcock, who posted 277 victories w/ DAL, became the sixth head coach in NHL history to record 200 wins with multiple teams.

Most Wins by a Head Coach, NHL History
1. Scotty Bowman: 1,422
t-2. Al Arbour: 782
t-2. Joel Quenneville: 782^
4. Ken Hitchcock: 733^
5. Dick Irvin: 692
^ Active

FIRST CAREER HAT TRICKS POWER COYOTES, ISLANDERS

Max Domi (3-0—3) and Brock Nelson (3-1—4) both recorded their first career hat tricks to power the Coyotes and Islanders, respectively, to wins:

* Domi scored three times in regulation – including twice in the third period to erase a two-goal deficit – and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (1-3—4) provided the winning tally with 8.9 seconds remaining in overtime to help the Coyotes pick up their fourth consecutive victory and improve to 5-0-1 in their last six outings. Arizona also extended its point streak against Edmonton to 21 games dating to March 17, 2011 (17-0-4), the longest active point streak against one opponent in the NHL.
* Domi, who snapped a 15-game drought with his first goals since Dec. 4 at BUF (2-0—2), shares third among rookies with 13 goals this season. Ekman-Larsson, who established a career high for points in one contest, posted his sixth game-winning goal of 2015-16 to move within one of the League lead (Joe Pavelski: 7). He paces the NHL with six overtime goals since the start of the 2013-14 season.
* Nelson also scored three times, including the game-winning goal, to help the Islanders improve to 8-3-0 in their last 11 games at Barclays Center. At 23-15-5 (51 points), the Islanders tied the rival Rangers (23-14-5, 51 points) – in terms of points – for second place in the Metropolitan Division; the Rangers, however, have played one fewer game and own the ROW tiebreaker (NYR: 22, NYI: 20). These teams will face off three more times this season, including Thursday at Barclays Center.
* Nelson equaled a career high for points in one game, also achieved on Oct. 10, 2014 at CAR (2-2—4). He paces the team with 17 goals this season (43 GP), three shy of his career high established in 2014-15 (82 GP).

AROUND THE RINKS

* Steven Stamkos scored twice to reach the 20-goal milestone for the eighth time in as many NHL seasons and propel the Lightning to their third consecutive victory. Via Elias, Stamkos became the third player in franchise history to record eight straight 20-goal seasons, joining Vincent Lecavalier (12; 1999-11) and Martin St. Louis (9; 2002-11).
* The Penguins erased a two-goal deficit, but Jeff Skinner scored at 3:02 of overtime to lift the Hurricanes to their third consecutive win overall as well as a 4-0-1 record in their past five games at PNC Arena. Skinner posted his 20th career game-winning goal (and fifth this season) as well as his second in overtime (also Jan. 2, 2014 at WSH).
* The Sharks scored three unanswered goals, including the tiebreaker by Joe Thornton, to earn their third straight victory overall and improve to 5-1-1 in their last seven games as visitors. At 15-6-2 (32 points), they rank second in the NHL in both road wins and road points. Thornton collected at least one point for the 11th time in his past 12 games (5-11—16).
* The Sabres raced to a 3-0 lead in the first period – aided by two goals in 20 seconds from Rasmus Ristolainen (17:30) and Brian Gionta (17:50) – to pick up their second consecutive win on the heels of a six-game skid. Linus Ullmark, who equaled a career high with 42 saves on Sunday at WPG, turned aside 28 shots to improve to 7-10-2.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Goaltender Ben Bishop (21 SV) earned his 12th shutout with the Lightning – and 14th overall – to tie Daren Puppa for second place in franchise history, behind Nikolai Khabibulin (14).
* Blues forward Ty Rattie, a second-round selection (32nd overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft, scored his first career goal (19 GP).

LOOSE PUCKS

Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made a season-high 41 saves to extend his winning streak to six games, his longest such run since a career-high eight-game stretch from Feb. 20 – March 5, 2011 . . .Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue denied 25 shots to improve to 7-0-2 in nine starts this season, including four consecutive victories . . . Lightning forward Ondrej Palat (1-2—3), Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (0-3—3) and Hurricanes forward Elias Lindholm (0-3—3) all registered three points . . . Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected two assists, giving him 6-8—14 in his last 11 outings . . . Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (0-1—1) extended his point streak to a career-high eight games (6-6—12). He ranks second among defensemen with 18-22—40 overall this season . . . Wild defenseman Ryan Suter (1-1—2) scored his second career shorthanded goal – and first since Oct. 13, 2011 vs. PHX (w/ NSH) . . . Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa celebrated his 37th birthday with a pair of assists . . . The Lightning snapped a six-game drought with their first win in Colorado since March 1, 2004 (0-4-2) . . . ICYMI: Cedar Rapids RoughRiders forward Ross Colton posted 3-2—5 to lift Team East to a 6-2 victory over Team West in the 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Columbus @ Toronto, 7:00 p.m., SN, FS-O
Boston @ Philadelphia, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN, TVAS
Florida @ Calgary, 9:30 p.m., SN1, FS-F
Ottawa @ Anaheim, 10:00 p.m., TSN5, RDS, FS-W

BRUINS VISIT FLYERS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIVALRY

Two teams on the playoff bubble face off when the Bruins (21-15-5, 47 points) visit the Flyers (18-15-7, 43 points) at Wells Fargo Center on NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Rivalry. Boston currently occupies the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but is trailed by five teams – including Philadelphia – within four points of its position.

This marks the second of three meetings between the Bruins and Flyers in 2015-16; Philadelphia scored three unanswered goals, including the overtime winner by Claude Giroux (2-0—2), to post a 5-4 win in their first matchup on Oct. 21 at TD Garden. These teams will play for a third and final time on Jan. 25, also at Wells Fargo Center.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 12, 2016

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 RANGERS 2, Boston 1
San Jose 5, CALGARY 4
VANCOUVER 3, Florida 2 (OT)
LOS ANGELES 4, Detroit 2

D. SEDIN MATCHES RECORD, HELPS CANUCKS END PANTHERS’ STREAKS

Daniel Sedin scored twice, including the winning goal at 2:21 of overtime, to help the Canucks snap the Panthers’ franchise-record winning streaks at 12 games overall and six contests on the road.

* D. Sedin, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, posted his 345th and 346th goals to tie Markus Naslund for the most in franchise history. D. Sedin also ranks second in team history with 921 points, behind his brother Henrik Sedin (220-731—951).
* D. Sedin extended another club record with his 14th career overtime goal (and first of the season). He paces the Canucks in goals (19), points (40) and game-winning goals (5) in 2015-16.
* Jake Virtanen added the game-tying goal with 2:38 remaining in regulation. Virtanen, the sixth overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, has 2-3—5 through his first 21 outings.
* The Canucks have collected points eight of their last 10 games overall (6-2-2). They also are 6-2-1 in their past nine home games after beginning the season 3-6-3 at Rogers Arena.

KOPITAR (AGAIN) POSTS FOUR POINTS TO POWER KINGS

The Kings scored three unanswered goals, powered by 1-3—4 from Anze Kopitar, to improve to 7-1-1 in their last nine games and snap the Red Wings’ winning streak at four contests.

* At 27-12-3 (57 points), the Kings have recorded their most wins through the opening 42 games of a season in the franchise’s 49-year history.
* Kopitar posted his second four-point game of the season, also Dec. 28 at VAN (0-4—4). Per Elias, only two other players have notched multiple four-point games in 2015-16: Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (Nov. 10 at CBJ: 1-3—4 and Nov. 21 vs. CHI: 3-1—4) and Stars forward Tyler Seguin (Oct. 17 at FLA: 2-2—4 and Dec. 8 vs. CAR: 1-3—4).
* Overall, Kopitar paces the Kings with 23 assists and 35 points this season, including 3-12—15 in his last nine outings. His +17 rating ranks second on the team (behind League-leader Tyler Toffoli: +23) and shares seventh place in the NHL.
* Jonathan Quick, who ranks second in the League with 24 wins this season, made 25 saves to extend his personal point streak to eight games (7-0-1, 1.55 GAA, .950 SV%, 1 SO).

BURNS, THORNTON LIFT SHARKS OVER FLAMES

Brent Burns and Joe Thornton both collected 1-1—2 to propel the Sharks to their second straight win overall as well as a 4-1-1 record in their last six road contests.

* The Sharks improved to 14-6-2 (30 points) as visitors this season. Their 14 road wins and 30 road points rank second in the NHL, behind the Capitals (16-4-2, 34 points).
* Burns extended his point streak to a career-high seven games (6-5—11). His 18 total goals pace all defensemen in 2015-16, while his 39 points rank second among blueliners.
* Via Elias, Burns became the first defenseman to score 18 or more goals in his team’s opening 40 games of a season since 1990-91, when Al MacInnis posted an equal number with the Flames.
* Thornton, who ranks third on the team with 8-23—31 in 2015-16, has recorded at least one point in 10 of his past 11 games (4-11—15).

RANGERS RALLY PAST BRUINS, AIDED BY LUNDQVIST

Jesper Fast scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:42 remaining in regulation to help the Rangers overcome a 1-0 deficit entering the third period and improve to 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

* The Rangers improved to 16-5-2 (34 points) at Madison Square Garden this season. Their 34 home points are tied for second in the NHL (w/ DAL), while their 16 home wins share third overall (w/ WSH).
* MUST-SEE: Henrik Lundqvist (32 SV) made a scorpion save against Max Talbot to preserve a 1-1 tie in the third period. Lundqvist improved to 19-11-4 overall this season (2.49 GAA, .920 SV%, 2 SO).
* Fast posted his seventh goal of the season (40 GP) to surpass his rookie total of six in 2014-15 (58 GP). He also collected his second game-winning goal of the campaign (other Nov. 10 vs. CAR).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr (0-1—1), who extended his point streak to five games (4-2—6), moved within three assists of becoming the sixth player in NHL history to record 1,100 in his career.
* Sharks forward Patrick Marleau played in his 500th consecutive regular-season game dating to April 9, 2009.
* Alain Vigneault (NYR) coached his 1,012th career game to move into a tie with Terry Murray for 20th place on the NHL’s all-time games coached list.

LOOSE PUCKS

Despite suffering the overtime loss, the Panthers extended their overall point streak to 13 games (12-0-1) and road point streak to seven contests (6-0-1) . . . Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (27 SV) saw his career-high and franchise-record winning streak end at nine games . . . The Flames scored two power-play goals in 15 seconds. Via Elias, it marked the fastest pair of power-play goals by the Flames since Dec. 14, 1993 vs. VAN (0:11) . . . Bruins forward Jimmy Hayes registered his fifth goal in his past six games (5-1—6), equaling his total from his first 33 outings of the season (5-10—15) . . . Red Wings defenseman Alexey Marchenko posted his second career goal (50 GP) and first since Feb. 28, 2015 at NSH . . . Flames captain Mark Giordano (1-5—6) and Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov (1-4—5) both extended their point streaks to five games . . . The Department of Player Safety suspended Oilers forward Matt Hendricks for three games for boarding Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad . . . Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek and Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie were named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 10 . . . Defenseman Robyn Regehr officially announced his retirement from the NHL . . . ICYMI: Various celebrities, including Jerry Bruckheimer and John McEnroe, attended the Red Wings-Kings game . . . The Flames wore camouflage jerseys during pregame warm-ups as part of their Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night.

SNEAK PEEK AT TUESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Columbus @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m., FS-O, MSG+
Pittsburgh @ Carolina, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, ROOT, FS-CR
New Jersey @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., MSG+ 2, FS-MW
Buffalo @ Minnesota, 8:00 p.m., MSG-B, BELL TV, FS-N+
San Jose @ Winnipeg, 8:00 p.m., CSN-CA, TSN3
Nashville @ Chicago, 8:30 p.m., SNE, SNO, SNP, FS-TN, CSN-CH+
Tampa Bay @ Colorado, 9:00 p.m., NBCSN
Edmonton @ Arizona, 9:00 p.m., SNW, FS-A+

2016 USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME

The 2016 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game takes place tonight at Ralston Arena in Omaha, Neb. (8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT). All 40 players scheduled to participate in the game are eligible for selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, including 27 who are in their first year of eligibility.
Click here for the full rosters.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – JAN. 11, 2016

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
Buffalo 4, WINNIPEG 2
WASHINGTON 7, Ottawa 1
CHICAGO 6, Colorado 3
New Jersey 2, MINNESOTA 1
Detroit 2, ANAHEIM 1
Florida 2, EDMONTON

OVECHKIN ECLIPSES 500-GOAL MILESTONE IN CAPITALS’ WIN

Alex Ovechkin scored twice, including his 500th and 501st career goals, to become the fifth-fastest player in NHL history to reach the milestone and lift the Capitals to their fourth consecutive victory.

* At 32-7-3 (67 points), the League-leading Capitals continued their best start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 41-year history. They improved to 20-2-2 in their last 24 games dating to Nov. 21, including 10 straight wins at Verizon Center.
* Ovechkin became the 43rd player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone, doing so in his 801st career game (501-433—934). Only four players have achieved the milestone in fewer contests: Wayne Gretzky (575), Mario Lemieux (605), Mike Bossy (647) and Brett Hull (693).
* Since entering the NHL in 2005-06, Ovechkin (501) has 184 more goals than the next-closest player (Patrick Marleau: 317). Ovechkin (934) also has 50 more points than anyone else in that span (Sidney Crosby: 884).
* Overall, Ovechkin’s average of 0.625 goals per game ranks fourth in NHL history among players with a minimum of 300 games played, behind Bossy (0.762), Cy Denneny (0.755) and Lemieux (0.754).
* Ovechkin, who registered his second multi-goal game in as many days (also Saturday at NYR: 2-0—2), has scored in three consecutive outings (5-0—5) to move into first place in the NHL with 26 goals this season.
* “It is a special moment,” Ovechkin said. “It is nice to be in that category. It is really hard to score in this league right now, system-wise . . . Without my teammates’ help, without the system, how we play, it is very hard to do.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 10: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses with the puck commemorating his 500th career NHL goal that he scored in the second period during an NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center on January 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)

MONTOYA, PANTHERS PUSH RECORD WINNING STREAK TO 12 GAMES . . .

Al Montoya made 24 saves, including 21 over the final two periods, to help the Panthers extend their franchise-record winning streak to 12 games and establish another club record with their sixth consecutive road victory.

* At 26-12-4 (56 points), the Panthers maintained a five-point cushion atop the Atlantic Division. The team ranked sixth in the division and was 11 points out of first place when its streak began on Dec. 15.
* The Panthers improved to 13-6-2 (28 points) as visitors this season. Their 13 road wins and 28 road points rank second in the NHL, behind only the Capitals (16-4-2, 34 points).
* Montoya earned his career-high fifth consecutive victory to improve to 7-1-1 this season (1.62 GAA, .940 SV%). That includes a 5-1-0 record on the road (1.65 GAA, .935 SV%).
* Jaromir Jagr scored 3:22 after the opening face-off, his team-leading 15th goal of the season and fourth in his past four games (4-1—5). With 737 career goals, Jagr is four shy of tying Brett Hull (741) for third place in NHL history.
* ICYMI: The Panthers’ neighbors, the NBA’s Miami Heat, celebrated the team’s 12th straight win with a special tweet:

. . . KANE, HOSSA POWER BLACKHAWKS TO SEVENTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa each scored twice to power the Blackhawks to their seventh consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since Nov. 26 – Dec. 11, 2014 (8-0-0).

* At 27-13-4 (58 points), the Blackhawks climbed within four points of the idle Stars (29-11-4, 62 points) for first place in the Central Division. The team ranked fourth in the division and was 13 points out of first place when its streak began on Dec. 29.
* Via Elias, Kane and Hossa became the first set of Blackhawks teammates to each score twice in the same game since March 17, 2015 vs. NYI (Hossa: 2-0—2, Jonathan Toews: 2-2—4).
* Kane registered his second multi-goal game of the season (also Oct. 9 at NYI: 2-0—2) to maintain a share of second place in the NHL with 25 goals overall (w/ Jamie Benn). He has posted at least one point in 38 of 44 outings, pacing the League in assists (37) and points (62).
* Hossa notched his first multi-goal game since March 17, 2015 vs. NYI (2-0—2). He has 7-12—19 overall in 2015-16 (39 GP).
* Toews added 1-2—3 for his second three-point game of the season (also Dec. 17 vs. EDM: 1-2—3). He has 5-5—10 in his past eight outings.

AROUND THE RINKS

* Sam Reinhart recorded his first career hat trick to help the Sabres snap a six-game losing streak (0-6-0). Per Elias, Reinhart became the first Sabres rookie to post a hat trick since Jan. 14, 2006 vs. LAK (Jason Pominville: 3-0—3). At 20 years, 65 days, he also became the fifth-youngest player in franchise history to collect a hat trick.
* Riley Sheahan scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:44 remaining in regulation to propel the Red Wings to their fourth consecutive win (all on the road). Petr Mrazek, who has been in net for all four games during the streak, made 30 saves to improve to 15-8-3 in 28 appearances this season (2.16 GAA, .930 SV%, 2 SO).
* Jon Merrill recorded the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period – his first goal since Dec. 13, 2014 at DAL – to help the Devils snap a three-game skid (0-3-0). Merrill has tallied five goals in his NHL career (151 GP), three of which have stood as game-winners (also Feb. 7, 2014 vs. EDM and March 23, 2014 vs. TOR).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith played in his 800th NHL game.
* Forward Zach Sill scored his first goal with the Capitals (5 GP) – and second goal in 88 career NHL appearances (also Jan. 21, 2015 w/ PIT vs. CHI).

LOOSE PUCKS

Avalanche forward Matt Duchene (2-1—3) recorded his fourth three-point game of the season. He shares sixth in the NHL with 21 goals in 2015-16 (w/ Joe Pavelski) . . . Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom collected three assists to extend his point streak to six games (3-6—9) . . . Teammate Jason Chimera also posted three assists, equaling a career high for the second time this season (also Nov. 21 vs. COL: 0-3—3) . . . Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin registered one assist to extend his point streak to five games (1-4—5). He ranks second among rookies with 14-15—29 overall . . . Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford (34 SV) earned his fifth consecutive victory. He shares second in the NHL with 23 wins this season (w/ Jonathan Quick) . . . Sabres forward Evander Kane collected one assist in his return to Winnipeg. Kane, the fourth overall selection by the Thrashers in the 2009 NHL Draft, totaled 109-113—222 over six seasons with the Jets/Thrashers (361 GP) . . . Teammate Zach Bogosian logged 23:23 in his return to Winnipeg. Bogosian, the third overall selection by the Thrashers in the 2008 NHL Draft, totaled 40-87—127 over seven seasons with the Jets/Thrashers (393 GP) . . . Wild forward Zach Parise registered his first goal against his former team, the Devils. Parise, who compiled 194-216—410 over seven seasons with New Jersey (502 GP), now has scored against every NHL team.

SNEAK PEEK AT MONDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Boston @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., NHLN-US, SN, TVAS, NESN, MSG
San Jose @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., CSN-CA, SNW
Florida @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., FS-F, SNP
Detroit @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m., SNE, SNO, SNP, FS-D, FS-W

PANTHERS AIM FOR 13TH STRAIGHT WIN AGAINST CANUCKS

The Panthers (26-12-4, 56 points), who have won a franchise-record 12 consecutive games overall as well as six straight on the road, look to extend those marks when they visit the Canucks (16-16-10, 42 points) at Rogers Arena.

Florida’s 12-game winning streak equals the longest such run in the NHL since the 2013-14 season, when Boston also went 12-0-0 from March 2-22. No team has won 13 straight since the 2012-13 campaign, when the Penguins reeled off 15 consecutive victories from March 2-30 to match the 1981-82 Islanders for the second-longest winning streak in NHL history.

Roberto Luongo, who compiled a 252-137-50 record over eight seasons with the Canucks (448 GP), is expected to get the start for the Panthers. Luongo has won a career-high and franchise-record nine consecutive games dating to Dec. 15 (1.31 GAA, .954 SV%, 2 SO), the longest such run in the NHL this season.

With 420 career victories, he also is three wins shy of tying Tony Esposito (423) for seventh place in League history.

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