NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 10, 2015

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

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Boston 3, MONTREAL 1
EDMONTON 4, San Jose 3 (OT)
Pittsburgh 4, COLORADO 2
VANCOUVER 2, NY Rangers 1

NEVER SAY NEVER
hree of Wednesday’s four games saw teams overcome third-period deficits en route to victories. Overall, there have been 159 comeback wins through 420 games played this season, including 66 in the third period.

BRUINS RALLY PAST CANADIENS IN FINAL WINTER CLASSIC TUNE-UP

The Bruins scored three unanswered goals in the third period, including a pair in 42 seconds that erased a 1-0 deficit, to defeat the Canadiens in their final meeting before the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on New Year’s Day.

* The Bruins and Canadiens met for the 732nd time in the regular season, the most of any two teams in NHL history (BOS: 272-348-112, MTL: 357-265-110). They also have faced off more than any two clubs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (177 GP).
* Despite that history, Elias notes that the Bruins overcame a third-period deficit to defeat the Canadiens in Montreal for just the fifth time in the regular season (366 GP) and second time since League expansion in 1967-68. The other instance: Feb. 6, 2013, when Tyler Seguin and David Krejci scored less than two minutes apart to rally the team to a 2-1 win.
* The Bruins snapped a seven-game skid in the head-to-head series with their first regular-season win against the Canadiens since March 12, 2014 (0-6-1). They had lost the last six in regulation following Montreal’s seven-game victory in the Second Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
* The Bruins improved to 7-1-2 in their past 10 contests overall and 5-0-2 in their last seven games as visitors. At 10-2-2 (22 points), they rank second in the NHL in both road wins (tied w/ SJS) and road points this season.
* Tuukka Rask made 32 saves, including 25 through the opening two periods, to extend his personal point streak to seven games (5-0-2, 1.61 GAA, .946 SV%, 2 SO). He also picked up his fourth victory in 22 career regular-season appearances vs. MTL, all of which have come at Bell Centre (11 GP).

HALL LIFTS OILERS IN McLELLAN’S FIRST GAME AGAINST SHARKS

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1-1—2) evened the game with 4:37 remaining in regulation and Taylor Hall (1-1—2) scored with 1:01 left in overtime to lift the Oilers over the Sharks in head coach Todd McLellan’s first game against his former team.

* McLellan, who became the 14th head coach in Oilers history on May 19, 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 their season-high fourth consecutive victory overall and fifth straight win at Rexall Place, their longest such run since Feb. 4 – March 2, 2008 (7-0-0).
* Hall recorded his 20th career game-winning goal and fifth in overtime (all w/ EDM). Via Elias, Hall’s five overtime goals are tied for second place in Oilers history (w/ Ryan Smyth) and are just two behind franchise leader Jari Kurri (7).
* Hall, who has scored in each of his past three outings (3-2—5), paces the team and shares sixth in the NHL with 12-18—30 this season (29 GP).

BENNETT POWERS PENGUINS IN ROAD TRIP FINALE

The Penguins scored three unanswered goals in the third period, including a pair by Beau Bennett, to overcome a 2-1 deficit and finish their four-game road trip with a 2-2-0 record.

* Bennett (2-0—2) registered his first career multi-goal performance (118 GP). He also set a career high with his fifth goal of the season (5-5—10 in 22 GP).
* Patric Hornqvist (1-1—2) and Olli Maatta (0-2—2) added multi-point games. Hornqvist picked up his 28th career game-winning goal and third in 24 meetings with the Avalanche (both others in 2009-10 w/ NSH).
* The Penguins improved to 8-2-0 in their last 10 meetings with the Avalanche dating to Dec. 3, 2009 (COL: 2-5-3).

SEDINS (AGAIN) TEAM UP TO LEAD CANUCKS

The Rangers evened the game on a penalty shot midway through the third period, but Daniel Sedin (1-1—2) scored 30 seconds later to lead the Canucks to their second consecutive win on the heels of a five-game losing streak (0-3-2).

* D. Sedin added to his franchise record with his 75th career game-winning goal. He also moved into fourth place in the NHL with 13-20—33 this season (30 GP).
* Henrik Sedin collected 0-2—2 for his fifth multi-point performance of the season. He places ninth in the League with 9-20—29 overall (30 GP).
* D. Sedin and H. Sedin have recorded 10-14—24 and 7-16—23, respectively, in 19 games since Nov. 1 – that ranks second and third among all players in that span.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (214-361—576) registered his 576th career point (all w/ BOS) to move past Milt Schmidt (229-346—575) and into sole possession of 11th place on the franchise’s all-time points list.
* Canucks forward Jannik Hansen played in his 500th NHL game.

LOOSE PUCKS

Avalanche forward Matt Duchene scored his 15th goal of the season to move into a share of fourth place in the NHL. He has scored a League-high 14 of those goals in 19 games since Nov. 1 (14-10—24) after registering just one goal in his first 10 outings (1-1—2) . . . Sharks defenseman Justin Braun snapped a 67-game drought with his first goal since Dec. 6, 2014 at CGY . . . Defenseman Dan Boyle became the first Rangers player to convert a penalty shot since Jan. 26, 2014, when forward Derek Stepan beat Devils goaltender Cory Schneider in the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium. Overall, shooters improved to 6-for-26 (23.1%) on penalty shots this season . . . Oilers goaltender Anders Nilsson made 25 saves to extend his personal winning streak to four games. He owns a 9-7-1 record in 17 appearances this season (2.51 GAA, .921 SV%) . . . ICYMI: Sportsnet and RDS announced their broadcast schedules for Road to the NHL Winter Classic, a four-part series chronicling the Bruins and Canadiens as they prepare to face off in the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. The series premieres next Wednesday, Dec. 16.

SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Montreal @ Detroit, 7:30 p.m., CITYM, RDS, FS-D
Ottawa @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m., TSN5, RDS2, SUN
Washington @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., CSN-DC, FS-F
Philadelphia @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., CSN-PH, FS-MW
Chicago @ Nashville, 8:00 p.m., CSN-CH, FS-TN
Columbus @ Winnipeg, 8:00 p.m., FS-O, TSN3
Buffalo @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., SN360, MSG-B

STREAKING TEAMS LOOK TO STAY HOT, CLIMB STANDINGS

A pair of streaking teams look to extend their runs when drop the puck on Thursday. The Red Wings – who have points in 11 straight overall (7-0-4) and eight in a row at Joe Louis Arena (5-0-3) – face an Original Six rival in the Canadiens, while the Capitals – who have points in eight straight overall (7-0-1) and 14 in a row vs. FLA (12-0-2) – visit the Panthers. Both clubs are vying to catch Montreal (19-7-3, 41 points) atop the Eastern Conference; Washington (19-5-2) ranks second in the conference with 40 points, while Detroit (15-8-5) places fifth with 35 points.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 9, 2015

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 4, PHILADELPHIA 3 (SO)
Los Angeles 3, COLUMBUS 2 (OT)
WASHINGTON 3, Detroit 2 (SO)
TORONTO 3, New Jersey 2 (SO)
Ottawa 4, FLORIDA 2
ST. LOUIS 4, Arizona 1
CHICAGO 4, Nashville 1
DALLAS 6, Carolina 5
CALGARY 4, San Jose 2

STARS OVERCOME HURRICANES’ THIRD-PERIOD RALLY

The Hurricanes erased a four-goal deficit in the third period, but Patrick Sharp scored the tiebreaker with 18.5 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Stars extend their point streak to six games (4-0-2).

* At 21-5-2 (44 points), the League-leading Stars continued their best start to a season in the franchise’s 48-year history. Dallas, who lost in overtime on Friday at EDM, has yet to suffer consecutive losses of any kind this season.
* Five Stars players recorded multi-point performances: Jamie Benn (1-3—4), Tyler Seguin (1-3—4), Valeri Nichushkin (1-2—3), John Klingberg (0-3—3) and Johnny Oduya (1-1—2). Per Elias, Benn and Seguin became the first set of Dallas teammates to record four or more points in the same contest since Oct. 18, 2014 vs. PHI (Jason Spezza: 1-3—4, Seguin: 0-4—4).
* Benn scored his League-leading 19th goal of the season; he (19-20—39) and Seguin (15-24—39) share second in the NHL with 39 points apiece. Klingberg, who set a career high for assists in one game, ranks second among defensemen with 5-25—30.

DOWN TO THE WIRE

Stars forward Patrick Sharp registered the sixth tiebreaking goal in the final minute of regulation this season (all of which have stood as GWG):

Tiebreaking Goals in Final Minute of Regulation, 2015-16
19:51 – Michael Frolik (CGY) on Oct. 31 at EDM
19:43 – Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF) on Nov. 7 vs. VAN
19:43 – Justin Faulk (CAR) on Dec. 6 vs. ARI
19:41 – Patrick Sharp (DAL) on Dec. 8 vs. CAR
19:39 – Aaron Ekblad (FLA) on Nov. 16 vs. TBL
19:06 – Mats Zuccarello (NYR) on Nov. 15 vs. TOR

KANE EXTENDS STREAK, REACHES MILESTONE IN BLACKHAWKS’ WIN

Patrick Kane scored an empty-net goal with 1:36 remaining in regulation to extend his franchise-record point streak to 23 games (14-23—37), pick up his 600th NHL point (222-378—600 in 604 GP) and lead the Blackhawks to a win in the first half of their home-and-home series with the Predators.

* Kane, who also continued his point streak with an assist in the final two minutes of regulation on Sunday vs. WPG, leads all players with 17-26—43 overall this season. That includes at least one point in 26 of 28 appearances.
* Kane became the second player since the 1992-93 season to register a point streak of 23 or more games. The other: Sidney Crosby, who posted a 25-game point streak from Nov. 5 – Dec. 28, 2010 (26-24—50).
* Kane, the first overall selection in the 2007 NHL Draft, also became the first member of his draft class to reach the 600-point milestone. Jamie Benn, a fifth-round pick (129th overall) by the Stars that year, ranks second with 170-228—398 (454 GP).

FAMILIAR HERO POWERS KINGS IN OVERTIME . . .

Alec Martinez (1-1—2) scored with 26.5 seconds remaining in overtime to power the Kings to their fifth consecutive victory, their second such run of the season (also Oct. 16-31: 7-0-0).

* Martinez recorded his first overtime goal in the regular season (286 GP). In the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Martinez became the third player in NHL history to score two series-clinching overtime goals in one postseason, doing so in Game 7 of the Western Conference Final at CHI (5:47) and Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final vs. NYR (34:43).
* Jeff Carter, who played 39 games with the Blue Jackets in 2011-12 (15-10—25), evened the game with 1:27 remaining in regulation. He has 2-5—7 during a seven-game point streak.

. . . HIGHLIGHT-REEL GOALS LIFT TEAMS IN SHOOTOUTS

A trio of teams picked up shootout wins courtesy of highlight-reel goals:

* Kyle Okposo scored the lone goal in the shootout to help the Islanders extend their point streak to eight games (6-0-2), their longest such run since April 1-23, 2013 (8-0-3). Okposo registered his eighth career game-deciding goal and second in the past week (also Dec. 2 vs. NYR).
* T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov both converted in the shootout to also help the Capitals extend their point streak to eight games (7-0-1), their longest such run since Dec. 27, 2014 – Jan. 14 (7-0-2). At 19-5-2 (40 points), Washington is off to its best start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in the franchise’s 41-year history.
* Nazem Kadri scored in the fifth round of the shootout to power the Maple Leafs to their second straight win. Garret Sparks made 25 saves through overtime and denied four of five shootout attempts to improve to 3-1-0 in his first four NHL appearances (2.20 GAA, .921 SV%).

AROUND THE RINKS

* The Senators registered three unanswered goals in the third period – including the tiebreaker by Mike Hoffman with 5:37 remaining in regulation – to overcome a 2-1 deficit and pick up their third victory in their past four contests. Hoffman, who shares fourth in the NHL with 15 goals this season, has 11-4—15 in his last 11 outings.
* Michael Frolik scored the go-ahead goal early in the second period to snap a 2-2 tie and lead the Flames to their third consecutive win. Calgary also earned its seventh straight victory at Scotiabank Saddledome – its longest such run since Feb. 23 – March 27, 2013 (8-0-0) – following a 1-5-0 start to the season on home ice.
* The Blues notched four unanswered goals, powered by 1-1—2 from both Kevin Shattenkirk and Alexander Steen, to snap a three-game skid (0-2-1). St. Louis also improved to 9-0-1 in its last 10 meetings with Arizona/Phoenix dating to March 7, 2013, including six consecutive wins (ARI/PHX: 1-8-1).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (19 SV) played in his 887th career game to move past Tony Esposito (886 GP) and into sole possession of seventh place on the NHL’s all-time games played list among goaltenders.
* Capitals head coach Barry Trotz earned his 621st career victory to move past Bryan Murray (620 W) and into sole possession of 10th place on the NHL’s all-time wins list among head coaches.
* Hurricanes forward Phillip Di Giuseppe (3 GP) and defenseman Jaccob Slavin (9 GP) both scored their first NHL goals. Via Elias, they became the first set of Hurricanes teammates to pick up their first NHL goals in the same game since Tomas Kurka and Mike Zigomanis did so on Feb. 26, 2003 at PHX.

* Blackhawks forward Dennis Rasmussen scored in his NHL debut. Panthers forward Logan Shaw (7 GP) also recorded his first NHL goal.
* Capitals forward Justin Williams (1-0—1) registered his 600th NHL point (235-365—600).
* Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk (900), Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom (600) and Hurricanes forward Kris Versteeg (500) all played in milestone games.
* Defenseman Zbynek Michalek played in his 565th career game with the Coyotes to move past Randy Carlyle (564 GP) and into sole possession of second place in franchise history among defensemen. Teppo Numminen leads that list with 1,098 career games played for the Coyotes/Jets.
* Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (21 SV) played in his 200th NHL game (all w/ WSH) to become the third goaltender in franchise history to reach the milestone. The others: Olie Kolzig (711 GP) and Don Beaupre (269 GP).

LOOSE PUCKS

Despite suffering a shootout loss, the Red Wings extended their point streak to 11 games (7-0-4), their longest such sun since March 11 – April 3, 2010 (10-0-2). Nine of 11 contests during the streak have required overtime . . . Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored his 16th goal of the season, third in the NHL behind Jamie Benn (19) and Patrick Kane (17) . . . Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk (2-0—2) notched his second career multi-goal performance, both in the past month (also Nov. 22 vs. LAK: 2-0—2). Faulk, who paces all defensemen with 11 goals this season, also leads the entire NHL with 11 goals via the power play. Elias notes that only Risto Siltanen has scored more power-play goals for the Hurricanes/Whalers in one season (12 PPG in 1983-84) . . . Islanders forward Frans Nielsen (2-0—2) recorded his 10th career multi-goal game and third of the season . . . Senators forward Mark Stone (0-3—3) equaled career highs for assists and points in one game . . . Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom (2-5—7) and Predators defenseman Roman Josi (3-4—7) extended their point streaks to six and five games, respectively . . . Flyers captain Claude Giroux (1-1—2) has 13-27—40 in 35 career games vs. NYI, including 8-14—22 in 17 meetings at Wells Fargo Center . . . Sharks forward Logan Couture collected one assist in his return from a 23-game absence . . . Red Wings defenseman Mike Green, who played his first 10 NHL seasons with the Capitals (113-247—360 in 575 GP), made his first visit to Washington.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Boston @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN, SN, RDS
San Jose @ Edmonton, 9:30 p.m., CSN-CA, SNOL
Pittsburgh @ Colorado, 10:00 p.m., NBCSN, ROOT
NY Rangers @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., SN, MSG+

BRUINS VISIT CANADIENS IN FINAL WINTER CLASSIC TUNE-UP

The Bruins and Canadiens face off for the final time before the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic when they meet at Bell Centre as part of a national broadcast in both the U.S. and Canada.

This marks the third of five head-to-head matchups in 2015-16 between these Original Six rivals, who have faced off more than any two teams in NHL history – 731 times during the regular season and 177 times in the playoffs. Montreal has won each of their first two meetings this season, both by 4-2 scores – that includes a third-period rally in their most contest on Nov. 7.

Overall, the Canadiens (19-6-3, 41 points) lead the Bruins (14-9-3, 31 points) by 10 points for first place in the Atlantic Division. Montreal is coming off consecutive regulation losses for the second time this season (also Oct. 27-29), while Boston saw its eight-game point streak (6-0-2) end on Monday vs. NSH (3-2 L).

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NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 8, 2015

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
NY Islanders @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, MSG+, CSN-PH
Los Angeles @ Columbus, 7:00 p.m., FS-W, FS-O
Detroit @ Washington, 7:30 p.m., NBCSN, SNE, SNO, SNP
New Jersey @ Toronto, 7:30 p.m., MSG, TSN4
Ottawa @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., TSN5, RDS, FS-F
Arizona @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., FS-A, FS-MW
Nashville @ Chicago, 8:30 p.m., FS-TN, CSN-CH
Carolina @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m., FS-CR, FS-SW
San Jose @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., CSN-CA, SNW

KANE LOOKS TO EXTEND RUN AS BLACKHAWKS OPEN HOME-AND-HOME

Forward Patrick Kane, who has points in a franchise-record 22 consecutive games (13-23—36), looks to continue that run when the Blackhawks welcome the Predators to United Center in the first half of a home-and-home series.

This marks the first of five meetings this season between Chicago and Nashville, who last faced off in the First Round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs – a six-game win by the Blackhawks that featured a pair of overtime contests, both of which extended into multiple periods.

Kane has 17-19—36 in 43 career regular-season appearances vs. NSH, but was limited to one assist in four head-to-head games last season. He also has recorded 6-8—14 in 12 career playoff matchups with the Predators, including 2-5—7 in last season’s six-game victory.

STREAKING TEAMS MEET ON NBCSN

Two teams riding lengthy point streaks meet when the Red Wings face the Capitals at Verizon Center. Detroit has picked up points in each of its past 10 games (7-0-3), its longest such run since March 11 – April 3, 2010 (10-0-2). Washington, meanwhile, has points in seven straight (6-0-1), but suffered a 2-1 overtime loss in its most recent outing on Saturday at WPG.

This marks the third and final meeting of the season between these Eastern Conference foes, who have split their past two matchups – each by one goal (1-0 W by DET on Nov. 10 and 2-1 OT W by WSH on Nov. 18).

Overall, six of the last eight games between these clubs have been decided by one goal dating to the start of the 2013-14 season, including four that went into overtime (WSH: 5-2-1, DET: 3-2-3).

LAMORIELLO FACES DEVILS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE JOINING MAPLE LEAFS

Longtime New Jersey general manager and executive Lou Lamoriello faces his old team for the first time when the Devils visit the Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Lamoriello left New Jersey in July after spending 28 years with the franchise, highlighted by three Stanley Cups, five conference titles, nine division championships and 21 postseason berths.

The Devils compiled a 1,093-779-268 regular-season record and 136-116 playoff clip under the direction of Lamoriello, who finished his run as the longest-serving general manager of one team in NHL history.

“If you don’t have feelings, there’s something wrong with you,” Lamoriello told The Record. “There’s certainly a nostalgia involved that will never leave, should never leave . . . If you’ve had positive feelings and positive memories, why wouldn’t you [keep them]?”

MONDAY’S RESULTS

Home Team in Caps
Nashville 3, BOSTON 2
COLORADO 2, Minnesota 1 (OT)
VANCOUVER 5, Buffalo 2

MITCHELL POWERS AVALANCHE TO SPLIT OF HOME-AND-HOME

The Wild tied the game with 6:09 remaining in regulation, but John Mitchell scored at 3:35 of overtime to power the Avalanche to a split of their home-and-home series.

* Mitchell registered his eighth career game-winning goal and first in overtime (429 GP). He has recorded one other such goal this season, on Oct. 10 vs. DAL (1-0—1).
* Matt Duchene collected the primary assist on Mitchell’s winner, giving him 13-20—23 since the start of November (18 GP). Duchene totaled 1-1—2 in his first 10 outings of the season.

* ICYMI: The Avalanche honored their 20th Anniversary Team – including captains Adam Foote, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Gabriel Landeskog – prior to puck drop.

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 7: Former captains Adam Foote, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and current captain Gabriel Landeskog #92 hold ceremonial glass platers at the announcment ceremony of the 20th anniversary team at the Pepsi Center on December 7, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)

PREDATORS RALLY TO END DROUGHT IN BOSTON

Viktor Arvidsson scored the tiebreaking goal with 4:56 remaining in regulation to help the Predators overcome a pair of one-goal deficits en route to their first win in Boston since Nov. 28, 2003 (0-3-2).

* Arvidsson, a fourth-round selection (112th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft, scored his third career goal (15 GP) and second in as many games. Two of his three goals have been game-winners (also Oct. 8 vs. CAR).
* Defenseman Roman Josi registered a pair of power-play goals for his fifth career multi-goal performance and second of the season (also Oct. 13 at NJD: 2-0—2).
* On Saturday, Shea Weber became the first defenseman in Predators history to record a hat trick when he scored three times via the man-advantage. Elias notes that the Predators became the first team to receive multiple power-play goals from defensemen in consecutive games since Feb. 10-11, 1996, when Christer Olsson (2 PPG) and Al MacInnis (2 PPG) achieved that feat with the Blues at DAL and at FLA, respectively.

VRBATA, CANUCKS TRICK SABRES TO HALT SKID

Radim Vrbata registered his sixth career hat trick, sealing the performance with 5:32 remaining in regulation, to help the Canucks snap a five-game skid (0-3-2).

* Vrbata posted his first hat trick in a Canucks uniform (106 GP) and first overall since Oct. 3, 2013 vs. NYR (3-0—3 w/ PHX). He shares second on the team with nine goals this season.
* Daniel (0-2—2) and Henrik Sedin (1-0—1) also filled the scoresheet. Daniel paces with the club with 12-19—31, while Henrik ranks second with 9-18—27 this season.
* The Canucks improved to 8-1-1 in their last 10 home games against the Sabres dating to March 16, 2000 (BUF: 1-8-1).

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (214-361—575) registered his 575th career point (all w/ BOS) to tie Milt Schmidt (229-346—575) for 11th place on the franchise’s all-time points list.
* Goaltender Semyon Varlamov (19 SV) appeared in his 225th career game with the Avalanche to tie Dan Bouchard for third place on the franchise’s all-time games played list among goaltenders.
* Forward Brandon Prust (1-1—2) scored his first goal with the Canucks (18 GP).

LOOSE PUCKS

The Bruins saw their point streak end at eight games (6-0-2) . . . Wild forward Zach Parise snapped a nine-game drought with his first goal since Oct. 25 at WPG. He has 11-15—26 in 24 career regular-season appearances vs. COL, including 10-11—21 in 17 games since joining the Wild . . . Sabres forward Sam Reinhart scored for the fourth time in his past five outings. He shares sixth among rookies with eight goals overall . . . Predators captain Shea Weber (0-2—2) extended his point streak vs. BOS to seven games (3-6—9) . . . Sabres forward Jamie McGinn stretched his point streak to a career-high six games (2-5—7), while teammate Ryan O’Reilly upped his point streak to five contests (2-4—6) . . . Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller made 32 saves to defeat the Sabres, his former team, for the second time in three opportunities (2.34 GAA, .910 SV%) . . . ICYMI: Ducks goaltender John Gibson, Predators captain Shea Weber and Devils forward Mike Cammalleri were named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Dec. 6 . . . The Canucks honored former players Brendan Morrison, Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi – a trio nicknamed ‘The West Coast Express’ – prior to puck drop at Rogers Arena.

VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 7: Former Vancouver Canuck players (L-R) Brendan Morrison, Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi drop the puck for Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks and Brian Gionta #12 of the Buffalo Sabres before the NHL game at Rogers Arena December 7, 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

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NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 7, 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
CAROLINA 5, Arizona 4
CHICAGO 3, Winnipeg 1
NEW JERSEY 4, Florida 2
NY RANGERS 4, Ottawa 1
EDMONTON 4, Buffalo 2
ANAHEIM 2, Pittsburgh 1
LOS ANGELES 3, Tampa Bay 1

KANE EXTENDS STREAK, SETS CLUB RECORD IN BLACKHAWKS’ WIN

Patrick Kane earned the primary assist on Artemi Panarin’s empty-net goal with 1:46 remaining in regulation to extend his point streak to 22 games (13-23—36) and lead the Blackhawks to a 3-1-2 record in their past six outings.

* Kane, who already owned the longest point streak by a U.S.-born player in NHL history, surpassed Bobby Hull’s record for the longest point streak in Blackhawks history, set from Dec. 5, 1971 – Jan. 23, 1972 (23-12—35 in 21 GP).
* “It’s not your usual point, I guess, but I think the exciting part was just how into it the crowd was when the announcement was made [about the record] and hearing how excited they were,” Kane explained. “That was a fun little feeling there.”
* “I just hope he breaks the record and then goes on and chases [Wayne] Gretzky,” said Hull, who was in attendance at United Center. “It’s only 30 [more games]. It’s not a big deal. He can get 30 more, I’m sure.”
* Kane also became the third player from any team to register a point streak of 22 or more games since the 1992-93 season:

Point Streaks of 22+ Games, Since 1992-93
25 – Sidney Crosby, PIT: Nov. 5 – Dec. 28, 2010 (26-24—50)
22 – Dany Heatley, OTT: Oct. 5 – Nov. 29, 2005 (17-21—38)
22 – Patrick Kane, CHI: Oct. 17 – Dec. 6, 2015 (13-23—36)^
^ Active

* Kane, who has collected more points during his streak than any other player has all season, paces the NHL with 16-26—42 overall. That includes at least one point in 25 of 27 games.
* ICYMI: Click here to take a closer look at Kane’s record-setting streak.

RANGERS, KINGS CONTINUE DOMINANCE ON HOME ICE

Both the Rangers and Kings won on Sunday to continue their dominance this season on home ice. New York leads the NHL with 12 wins and 25 points at Madison Square Garden, while Los Angeles ranks second with 11 wins and 22 points (tied w/ MTL and NYI) at STAPLES Center.

* Ryan McDonagh (1-2—3, +2) and Derick Brassard (2-0—2) both registered multiple points to power the Rangers to an 11-3-0 record in their last 14 home games. McDonagh posted his second career three-point performance in the regular season (also March 24, 2014 vs. PHX: 1-2—3); he paces all defensemen and is tied for fifth in the NHL with a +13 rating this season. Brassard, who grew up just outside of Ottawa in Hull, Que., has 4-3—7 in 11 career games against his hometown club.
* The Lightning tied the game early in the second period, but Brayden McNabb (1-1—2) scored the go-ahead goal 12 seconds later to propel the Kings to a sweep of their four-game homestand as well as their sixth consecutive victory overall at STAPLES Center. The Kings last won six straight at home from Oct. 12-26, 2014, when they swept a six-game homestand for the first time in franchise history. McNabb picked up his fourth career goal (133 GP) and second game-winner (also April 11 vs. SJS).

FAULK’S LATE GOAL LIFTS HURRICANES OVER COYOTES

Ron Hainsey evened the game at 15:38 of the third period and Justin Faulk scored the tiebreaking goal with 17.0 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Hurricanes to their second straight win as well as a 4-1-0 record in their past five outings at PNC Arena.

* Per Elias, Faulk became the third defenseman in Hurricanes/Whalers history to post a go-ahead goal in the final minute of regulation, joining Joel Quenneville (Oct. 11, 1986 vs. CGY, 19:40) and Glen Wesley (Jan. 14, 1999 vs. FLA, 19:18). He also scored the second-latest tiebreaking goal for the Hurricanes since the franchise relocated to Carolina in 1997-98; Ray Whitney recorded a buzzer-beater at 19:59 of the third period in 4-3 victory on Oct. 13, 2006 at ATL.
* Faulk picked up his ninth power-play goal of the season (27 GP), tied for first among all players (w/ Patrick Kane). Only one other defenseman has recorded nine power-play goals in a season for the Hurricanes since the franchise relocated to Carolina in 1997-98: Anton Babchuk (72 GP in 2008-09).

THIS AND THAT

* Pittsburgh native John Gibson turned aside 23 of 24 shots to backstop the Ducks past his hometown team and to a 3-1-1 start on their six-game homestand. Gibson, who owns a 4-2-1 record in seven outings this season (1.47 GAA, .944 SV%, 2 SO), has allowed just three goals while winning three of his past four appearances (0.76 GAA, .968 SV%, 2 SO).
* Three players – Adam Henrique (1-2—3), Mike Cammalleri (1-1—2) and Damon Severson (0-2—2) – collected multiple points to help the Devils extend their point streak to three games (2-0-1) and halt the Panthers’ road winning streak at five contests. Cammalleri posted his third straight multi-point game (4-3—7); he ranks fifth in the NHL with 11-19—30 overall.
* Taylor Hall and Teddy Purcell both registered 1-1—2 to help the Oilers overcome an early 1-0 deficit en route to their third consecutive victory, their second such run of the season (also Oct. 17-21: 3-0-0). Hall paces the team and ranks seventh in the NHL with 11-17—28 overall (28 GP), including 7-11—18 at Rexall Place (13 GP).

DID YOU KNOW?

Home teams swept Sunday’s seven-game slate of games. Overall, home clubs own a 213-143-48 record (.587 points percentage) through 404 games in the 2015-16 season.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (14 SV) played in his 886th career game to tie Tony Esposito for seventh place on the NHL’s all-time games played list among goaltenders.
* Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr collected two assists to move within eight of becoming the sixth player in NHL history to record 1,100 assists.
* Kings forward Anze Kopitar registered his 400th NHL assist (all w/ LAK) to become the sixth player in franchise history to reach the milestone.
* Defenseman Zbynek Michalek played in his 564th career game with the Coyotes to tie Randy Carlyle for second place in franchise history among defensemen. Teppo Numminen leads that list with 1,098 career games played for the Coyotes/Jets.

LOOSE PUCKS

Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen notched the tiebreaking goal 21 seconds into the third period. Three of his five goals this season have been game-winners . . . Sabres forward Jack Eichel scored his ninth goal of the season, tied for fourth among rookies . . . Coyotes defenseman Stefan Elliott (1-1—2) registered his second career multi-point game and first since March 4, 2012 at MIN (0-2—2 w/ COL) . . . Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2-6—8) and Kings forward Jeff Carter (1-5—6) both extended their point streaks to six games . . . Sabres forward Jamie McGinn collected one assist to stretch his point streak to five games (2-4—6) . . . Rangers forward Dominic Moore went 12-for-13 (92.3%) in the face-off circle . . . ICYMI: The Department of Player Safety fined Canucks forward Brandon Prust for spearing Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

SNEAK PEEK AT MONDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Nashville @ Boston, 7:00 p.m., NHLN-US, SN, TVAS, FS-TN, NESN
Minnesota @ Colorado, 9:00 p.m., FS-N+, ALT
Buffalo @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., MSG-B, BELL TV, SNP

AVALANCHE HONOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM

The Avalanche will honor their 20th Anniversary Team, as selected by the fans, when they return Pepsi Center to face the Wild in the second half of a home-and-home series. The night will include a special pregame ceremony as well as a memorable ‘Jerseys Off Our Backs’ presentation, headlined by Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy, Ray Bourque, Adam Foote, Rob Blake, Sandis Ozolinsh, Valeri Kamensky and Milan Hejduk, among others.

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NHL MORNING SKATE – DEC. 5, 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
BUFFALO 5, Arizona 2
Philadelphia 4, NEW JERSEY 3 (OT)
Florida 2, COLUMBUS 1 (SO)
NY ISLANDERS 2, St. Louis 1 (SO)
CALGARY 5, Boston 4 (OT)
EDMONTON 2, Dallas 1 (OT)
ANAHEIM 1, San Jose 0

DOWN TO THE WIRE

All seven games contested Friday were tied or within one goal during the third period, with five extending to overtime. Two saw a team overcome a third-period deficit to win (NYI-STL, CGY-BOS).

GAUDREAU, HUDLER POWER FLAMES’ DRAMATIC LATE WIN

Johnny Gaudreau (3-1—4) completed the hat trick at 3:20 of overtime after Jiri Hudler (1-1—2) tied the game with 1.2 seconds left in regulation to lead the Flames to their sixth consecutive win at Scotiabank Saddledome.

* Hudler scored the third game-tying goal in the final five seconds of regulation in the NHL this season. The others, both on Nov. 7: Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom (19:59, TOR 2 at WSH 3) and Carolina’s Jeff Skinner (19:56, OTT 2 at CAR 3).
* The Flames recorded their League-leading sixth win in 3-on-3 overtime this season (6 W, 2 SO, 1 OTL). Gaudreau leads the NHL with three overtime goals.
* Gaudreau added an assist to record a career-high four points in addition to his second career hat trick. The other: Dec. 22, 2014 at LAK (3-0—3).
* Gaudreau has recorded points in nine consecutive games at Scotiabank Saddledome (7-10—17).

PANTHERS TIE FRANCHISE ROAD WIN MARK

Al Montoya made 22 saves through 65 minutes and denied three of four shooters in the shootout to backstop the Panthers to a fourth consecutive victory on their five-game road trip and their fifth straight win overall. The Panthers have won five consecutive road games dating to Nov. 14, equaling the franchise record from Nov. 30 – Dec. 12, 2008.

The win lifted the Panthers (13-9-4, 30 points) into the second Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference.

AROUND THE RINKS

* Frans Nielsen scored the decisive marker in the shootout as the Islanders extended their overall point streak to six games (5-0-1), including four consecutive victories. Nielsen notched his 41st career shootout goal, moving past Chicago’s Jonathan Toews (40) into first place on the NHL’s all-time list. He also ranks first on the all-time list for game-deciding goals (17).
* Anders Nilsson made 42 saves and Jordan Eberle scored 45 seconds into overtime as the Oilers defeated the NHL-leading Stars and improved to 3-1-1 in their last five outings. Nilsson has made 90 saves in his two starts against the Stars this season (48 saves on Oct. 13 in a 4-2 loss at DAL).
* Evander Kane scored twice and 12 other Buffalo skaters registered a point as the Sabres extended their overall point streak to four games (3-0-1). Kane scored his first shorthanded goal of the season and has recorded three consecutive multi-point games (4-2—6). The Sabres improved to 9-1-1 in their last 11 games vs. ARI/PHX dating to Jan. 31, 2009.
* John Gibson turned aside all 23 shots he faced and Mike Santorelli scored the only goal of the contest at 2:49 of the third period as the Ducks snapped San Jose’s road winning streak at seven games. Gibson recorded his second shutout this week, following a 25-save performance in Monday’s 4-0 win over Vancouver, and improved to 3-2-1 overall (1.55 GAA, .942 SV%).
* After New Jersey’s Mike Cammalleri (1-1—2) tied the score with a minute left in regulation, Matt Read scored his first career overtime goal at 3:24 of the extra frame to lead Philadelphia to its fourth consecutive victory and fifth in the past six. Claude Giroux (1-1—2) and Jakub Voracek (0-2—2) supplied the offense for the Flyers, who have outscored opponents 14-7 during their win streak.

MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS

* Devils forward Mike Cammalleri (1-1—2) scored his 100th career power-play goal.
* Flames forward Matt Stajan (800 GP) and Sabres forward Matt Moulson (500 GP) skated in milestone games.

LOOSE PUCKS

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (0-1—1) has 3-10—13 in his last 13 outings after recording 1-4—5 in his first 13 games of the season… Coyotes forward Max Domi (2-0—2) has 2-5—7 in his last six outings and is tied for the lead among NHL rookies with 10 goals… Blue Jackets forward Michael Chaput scored in his season debut… Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (1-0—1) has 3-8—11 in his last 10 outings… Despite suffering the shootout loss, the Bruins extended their overall point streak to seven contests (5-0-2) and their point streak against the Flames to eight games dating to March 27, 2010 (5-0-3)… Bruins forward Brad Marchand (2-0—2) converted on a third-period penalty shot attempt, which stood as his third shorthanded goal of the season. Marchand leads the NHL with 18 shorthanded goals since he began his career in 2009-10… Despite suffering the overtime loss, the Stars extended their overall point streak to five contests (3-0-2) and their road point streak to nine games (7-0-2)… The Tampa Bay Lightning signed head coach Jon Cooper to a multi-year contract extension. Cooper was named the eighth head coach in franchise history on March 25, 2013… ICYMI: USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean announced that Buffalo will host the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will include an outdoor game for the first time in tournament history. Click here for more information.

SNEAK PEEK AT SATURDAY’S ACTION

All Times Eastern
Washington @ Winnipeg, 3:00 p.m., SN, CSN-DC
Pittsburgh @ Los Angeles, 4:00 p.m., ROOT, FS-W
NY Islanders @ Ottawa, 7:00 p.m., CITY, MSG+
Nashville @ Detroit, 7:00 p.m., NHLN-US, FS-TN, FS-D
Montreal @ Carolina, 7:00 p.m., TVAS, SN, FS-CR
Toronto @ St. Louis, 7:00 p.m., CBC, FS-MW
Columbus @ Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., FS-O, CSN-PH
Colorado @ Minnesota, 8:00 p.m., ALT, FS-N
Boston @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., CBC, SN, NESN
Tampa Bay @ San Jose, 10:30 p.m., SUN, CSN-CA

A LOOK AHEAD

* The Capitals put the League’s longest active win streak on the line against the Jets. The Capitals’ six consecutive wins have lifted them to first place in the Metropolitan Division, while the Jets are just four points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
* The Canadiens, who trail Dallas by one point in the NHL standings, have an opportunity to leapfrog the Stars into first place overall when they visit Carolina.
* The Islanders (5-0-1 in their past six games) will have to contend with the League’s hottest goal-scorer in Ottawa’s Mike Hoffman, who has tallied eight times in his past six contests.
* The Kings play host to the Penguins and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who blanked Los Angeles twice last season in stopping all 67 shots he faced.

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