There were only four games last night in the National Hockey League, and here are the highlights.
1. Valeri Nichushkin scores the overtime winner
After spending nearly two months in the NHL’s assistance program, Valeri Nichushkin was back in action last night, as the Colorado Avalanche took on the Minnesota Wild.
And for his return to action, Nichushkin celebrated in style, scoring the overtime winner in a 2-1 Avalanche victory.
đī¸ AVS WIN đī¸
Valeri Nichushkin nets the @Energizer overtime winner for the @Avalanche! pic.twitter.com/YavVjjAOGI
– NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2024
It’s a great moment for the Russian forward, who is enjoying an excellent season with 43 points (23 goals and 20 assists) in 41 games.
It’s also important to note that with two assists in this game, Nathan MacKinnon extended his home game streak with at least one point to 32 games.
MacKinnon has now scored at least one point in each of his home games this season, and needs just nine more to complete the season.
Nathan MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 32 games – a feat that hasn’t been seen in 35 years.#NHLStats: https://t.co/S0xoe0rC8f pic.twitter.com/fQCWq6XTxd
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2024
The Avalanche forward is currently on fire with ten points in his last three games.
He sits atop the NHL standings with 111 points (40 goals, 71 assists).
He has a five-point lead over Nikita Kucherov (106 points) and an 11-point lead over Connor McDavid (100 points).
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2. Coyotes celebrate the return of Patrick Kane
The Arizona Coyotes’ social media always like to do their comedy, despite all the shameful things surrounding the team.
Well, last night, the Coyotes celebrated Patrick Kane’s return to Arizona, while the Detroit Red Wings were at Mullett Arena.
His time in the desert didn’t last long.
But during Patrick Kane’s return to Mullett Arena tonight, we pause to recognize the Yotes legend. pic.twitter.com/zOQDl0qFuI
– Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 9, 2024
Doesn’t Patrick Kane with the Coyotes ring a bell?
It should, because Patrick Kane has never played for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes simply made a joke of the fact that they withheld 25% of his salary last season, when he was traded to the New York Rangers.
Real comedians.
Anyway, as for the game itself, the Coyotes blanked the Red Wings 4-0.
Matias Maccelli âĄī¸ Logan Cooley
What a pass! What a rip! pic.twitter.com/etiPEnHjqv
– NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2024
With this shutout, Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram joined Tristan Jarry at the top of the NHL with six shutouts this season.
Connor Ingram(@CBIngram1) was perfect once again on Friday night, tying the League lead with his sixth @pepsi shutout of the season! đ pic.twitter.com/BHeOjBEWOo
– NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2024
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3. First Dallas Stars goal for Chris Tanev
As the Dallas Stars took on the Anaheim Ducks last night, Chris Tanev played his second game with the Stars since being traded from the Calgary Flames.
Tanev was acquired in large part for his defensive skills and rugged play, but that didn’t stop the defenseman from already scoring his first goal(of many) in his new uniform last night.
Tanev scored his second goal of the season to open the scoring against the Ducks.
WELCOME TO THE DALLAS STARS, CHRIS TANEV! #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/KZmX497lMV
– Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 9, 2024
Tanev started the ball rolling, as the Stars won 6-2.
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4. Jets hurt Seattle Kraken’s playoff chances
With the playoff race getting slimmer and slimmer in the Western Conference, there’s no room for error for lagging teams.
But unfortunately for the Seattle Kraken, the Winnipeg Jets were simply too good last night.
The Jets won 3-0.
The @NHLJets extend their lead to two! đŠī¸ pic.twitter.com/LRew3Rl1Cz
– NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2024
The Kraken now find themselves six points out of a playoff spot, with the same number of games played as the Vegas Golden Knights.
Overtime
– Here are the results of yesterday’s duels, all by Central Division teams.
All four winners Friday were Central Division clubs, as the race for first between the @DallasStars, @Avalanche and @NHLJets remains tight.#NHLStats: https://t.co/S0xoe0rC8f pic.twitter.com/iKFLBhwPBP
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2024
– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.
– Today’s NHL schedule: 13 games.