There were eight games on the program yesterday in the National Hockey League, and we were treated to many highlights and surprises.
Here’s a rundown of the day’s hockey action.
1. Jacob Trouba mistook Trent Frederic for a baseball
Last night, the top two teams in the Eastern Hockey Association (and the entire NHL, for that matter) locked horns, as the Boston Bruins paid a visit to the New York Rangers.
The Bruins, fresh from losing only their second game in regulation on Friday to the Red Wings, dropped a second straight game for the first time this season.
The Bruins were defeated 7-4 by the New York Rangers.
In the win, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider both scored three points each.
With this huge win, the Rangers now sit atop the overall NHL standings with 31 points and a record of 15-3-1, giving them a points percentage of .816, the only one above .800 in the NHL.
Unfortunately, it’s not just the Rangers’ big win in this titanic duel that stands out.
The fact that Rangers captain Jacob Trouba used Bruins forward Trent Frederic’s head as a baseball in the wrong sport cannot go unmentioned.
You can’t even defense how BAD of a look this is for #NYR Jacob Trouba and the fact he doesn’t get a SUSPENSION is an absolute disgrace pic.twitter.com/xzevOeAINF
– Shukri Wrights (@ShukriWrights) November 26, 2023
Yes, I’ve noticed it too, it’s quite a violent and dangerous move, thank you.
But, the NHL has decided not to suspend Trouba and simply fine him $5,000, so I’ll leave you with another angle on this stick move below.
Trouba has been fined $5,000 dollars for this high-stick on Trent Frederic pic.twitter.com/6PTndZapuV
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 26, 2023
In short, it’s a very dangerous hit that isn’t even punished when you consider how much the fine means to the Rangers captain.
Jacob Trouba is making $8 million this season. This is the equivalent of a $37.50 fine for someone making the national average of $60,000. This has to be addressed in the next CBA. These fines are toothless and useless. https://t.co/UVNsWpDh9x
– Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 26, 2023
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2. Coyotes surprise and shut out Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights got off to a crazy start this season, looking like an unbeatable team with an 11-0-1 record after 12 games.
Since then, however, things have really quieted down for the Knights, who have lost six of their last nine games, including yesterday’s loss to the surprising Arizona Coyotes.
Last night, the Coyotes won 2-0 over the Golden Knights thanks to a shutout by Connor Ingram.
Connor Ingram(@CBIngram1) turns aside 34 for this second career @pepsi shutout! ❌ pic.twitter.com/Zb9C8n4n5k
– NHL (@NHL) November 26, 2023
The Coyotes, who managed just 18 shots on goal, can really thank their goalie and his second career shutout.
In short, André Tourigny’s troupe continues its surprisingly fine season right now, when as of today, the Coyotes are in the 8ᵉ and final playoff-accessible spot in the West based on points percentage.
Clayton Keller breaks the ice for Arizona midway through the third period!#Yotes pic.twitter.com/CQrkRJh6uN
– Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 26, 2023
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3. Sharks win their fourth game of the season
While the Golden Knights were being stunned by the Coyotes, another Pacific Division powerhouse was being stunned, this time by the pitiful San Jose Sharks.
Last night, the Sharks won their fourth game of the season, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-3.
🦈 MIKAEL GRANLUND GOES END-TO-END 🦈
📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/zODAK8LUXn
– NHL (@NHL) November 26, 2023
Things aren’t going so well for the Canucks right now, who have lost four of their last six games. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, however, extended his point streak to 11 games.
In the Sharks victory, defenseman Ty Emberson scored his first NHL goal.
THE FIRST NHL GOAL FOR TY EMBERSON 👏 pic.twitter.com/ld3OhHqc1r
– Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) November 26, 2023
It’s also worth noting that Mike Hoffman scored his sixth goal of the season (which would be good for first among CH scorers, tied with four players), but more importantly his fifth in his last five games.
HOFFMAN SCORES THE SHARKS’ FOURTH GOAL 😳 pic.twitter.com/fNpNTlLy8H
– Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) November 26, 2023
He’s scored a goal in each of his last three games.
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4. A quiet evening at the office for Vitek Vanecek
Back to the East now, as the New Jersey Devils upset the Buffalo Sabres 7-2.
What stood out in this game was that the Sabres only took 12 shots on net, giving Devils goalie Vitek Vanecek a 10-save victory.
It was a quiet night for the Czech goalie.
Devils captain Nico Hischier scored a goal on his return to action.
Nico Hischier follows up and finishes off Palat’s rebound for the third New Jersey goal of the first period! #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/JKQPwn2ld5
– Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 26, 2023
It’s a great win for the Devils, who really aren’t as good as we thought so far this season, on the contrary.
They’re barely above .500 with their 9-9-1 record.
Jack Hughes’ return to action has yet to have the desired effect.
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5. Ilya Sorokin can’t do it all for the Islanders
For several seasons now, the New York Islanders have been known not to be the most offensive team, on the contrary.
They don’t score many goals, and often rely on the performances of their goaltenders to win games.
However, they do need to score at least one goal to minimally help their goaltender.
Well, last night, the Islanders failed to score even one goal to support Ilya Sorokin, who turned aside all 40 shots he faced in a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Yes, yes, Sorokin technically earned a shutout as the Flyers won in a shootout thanks to a goal by Tyson Foerster.
FOERSTER FINDS THE GAME WINNER. #PHIvsNYI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/UdRFiX98hO
– Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 26, 2023
This is the second season in a row that Sorokin has lost a game despite allowing no goals in shootouts.
In short, a frustrating night’s work for Sorokin, who must be starting to find the time long sometimes on Long Island.
Extension
– A third this season for Jonathan Drouin.
Jonathan Drouin seems to be getting comfortable again 🤩 pic.twitter.com/phEVk3HZYK
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 26, 2023
– Here are all the results from the previous day.
Four goaltenders claimed a shutout Saturday, but only three in a winning effort as the @LAKings, @NHLFlyers and @ArizonaCoyotes were led to victory by a perfect performance from their netminder.
Details via #NHLStats: https://t.co/KInqWYxvMX pic.twitter.com/Au81PksXkC
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 26, 2023
– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.
– Today’s NHL schedule: five games.