It was a busy day of hockey yesterday, with 26 teams in action in the National Hockey League.
Here are the highlights that caught the eye.
1. Penguins humiliated by Leafs as Kyle Dubas returns to Toronto
Last night, the Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Maple Leafs in Toronto for the first time this season.
This meant that former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was back in Toronto for the first time since taking over as GM with the Penguins.
And despite the absence of Auston Matthews (due to illness), the Maple Leafs showed no mercy to their former GM.
They completely picked up the Penguins by a score of 7-0.
๐ณ MATTHEW KNIES ๐ณ
๐บ: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ โก๏ธ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/UAFK7VTa4Q
– NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2023
It was a tough night to watch for Kyler Dubas and even for Jason Spezza, who followed Dubas to Pittsburgh.
Tough night for Penguins GM Kyle Dubas in his first game back in Toronto ๐ฌ pic.twitter.com/Ct0ObChZei
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 17, 2023
Leafs fans weren’t shy about chanting Dubas’s name around the amphitheater, as the Leafs were up 6-0.
AND HERE COME THE DUBAS CHANTS pic.twitter.com/toQxbAZUqi
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 17, 2023
In short, a night to forget completely for Dubas and the Penguins.
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2. Jordan Kyrou receives rapturous applause from Blues fans
Thursday night, St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou was booed by his own fans in a game against the Ottawa Senators.
The booing was prompted by Kyrou’s decision not to comment on the firing of head coach Craig Berube.
After the game, Kyrou was very emotional in front of the media, crying and explaining how difficult it was to be booed by his own fans.
Well, things have changed, as last night, when Kyrou was awarded the game’s first star with three goals, including one, he was warmly applauded during his post-game interview.
What a rollercoaster couple days for Jordan Kyrou ๐ข pic.twitter.com/CSXmVHUpva
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 17, 2023
The Blues forward explained how he loved playing in St. Louis and how much he loved the amphitheater.
Here’s Kyrou’s goal in the Blues’ 4-3 overtime win over the Dallas Stars.
It’s a tie game thanks to @JordanKyrou! ๐ถ pic.twitter.com/ItG28n2gSJ
– NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2023
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3. Hat trick for Jack Hughes
After a crazy start to the season, an injury put the brakes on Jack Hughes.
The New Jersey Devils obviously struggled during Hughes’ absence, and even after his return to action, the Devils had trouble finding consistency.
But in recent games, the Devils have been quietly climbing back up the standings, thanks to important victories like last night’s by Jack Hughes.
The Devils forward scored his second career hat trick to help his team to a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The second hat trick of Jack Hughes’(@jhugh86) career helps lift the @NJDevils to victory on Saturday night! ๐
Hat Trick Challenge presented by @AstraZenecaUS pic.twitter.com/NFum33QsNW
– NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2023
Hughes now has 37 points (14 goals and 23 assists) in 23 games. He ranks 12แต among the NHL’s top scorers.
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4. Jonathan Drouin scores his fourth goal of the season
It wasn’t an easy night last night for the Colorado Avalanche, who were roughed up by the Winnipeg Jets.
The latter won 6-2.
In defeat, however, Jonathan Drouin scored his fourth goal of the season.
A fourth goal this season for Jonathan Drouin! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/UOvaQ7vyhG
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 17, 2023
He scored this goal on the power play. He now has ten points in 28 games.
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5. Rangers win Eastern Conference summit duel
It was a huge game last night between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, as the Metropolitan Division leaders, the New York Rangers, visited the Atlantic Division leaders, the Boston Bruins.
It was a tight, low-scoring game won by the visitors, as the Rangers prevailed 2-1 in overtime.
HAVE A NIGHT TROCHECK! ๐ฝ
The Rangers pick up two points in Boston thanks to Vincent Trocheck’s @SUBWAYCanada OT winner. pic.twitter.com/Ugu8MoKaH6
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 17, 2023
Bruins star forward David Pastrnak received a game misconduct late in the second period.
Let’s see if he gets suspended.
Both teams now have the same number of points, 43, having played the same number of games, 29.
Overtime
– Second shutout in two nights for the Coyotes.
The @ArizonaCoyotes pick up their second straight @pepsi shutout thanks to @vejmelkarl‘s perfect game! ๐ pic.twitter.com/HwwGAT2aqb
– NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2023
– Here are yesterday’s results.
Saturday’s 13-game slate ended with three shutouts from Martin Jones(@MapleLeafs), Samuel Ersson(@NHLFlyers) and Karel Vejmelka(@ArizonaCoyotes).#NHLStats: https://t.co/sZtdUxFjGz pic.twitter.com/LgjpuZG0bE
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 17, 2023
– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.
– Today’s program: five games.