It was another busy Sunday in the NHL. There were six games on the schedule full of returns, debuts, goals, great saves, etc. Everything that we have come to expect out of the National Hockey League on a regular basis.
Grosenick Debuts for Sharks With Shutout Over Canes
Troy Grosenick made his NHL debut for the San Jose Sharks and was brilliant. The Carolina Hurricanes tested the 25-year old goalie with a flurry of shots, but Grosenick was up to the challenge turning all 45 away, earning his first win and first shutout. Big Joe Thornton and Tomas Hertl scored for the Sharks who are trying to keep the pace in the Pacific. Carolina has dropped three straight and four out of their last five.
It is always something special when a player debuts and has instant success. [Fear the Fin]
Our very own Mark Shiver was in attendance Sunday and here is his take. [The Hockey Writers]
Special moment for @TGrose1 family who were on hand for the big night. #SJSharks #SJSvsCAR pic.twitter.com/BZ7LuBr3KK
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) November 17, 2014
Coach Peters on this weekend’s back-to-back games: “Our last two starts have been good. We played hard. We’ve got to find a way to score.” — Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) November 17, 2014
Parise Returns and Helps Wild Past Jets
Zach Parise returned to the Minnesota Wild lineup after missing the last five games, and made his presence felt as he scored two goals. Minnesota scored three goals in the first period and would hold a 3-0 all the way into the third. Winnipeg would bounce back to tie the game at three forcing an extra period. Not to be denied, the Wild’s Marco Scandella scored the game-winning goal early in overtime.
The Minnesota Wild have now won three straight games, while the Jets are now losers of two in a row. Minnesota is now off until Thursday when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers. The Winnipeg Jets return home to face the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
- Here is a closer look into the Wild giving up a three-goal lead to the Jets. [Star Tribune]
- Jets comeback falls short. [Arctic Ice Hockey]
Habs Beat Red Wings, 4-1
Don’t look now but the Montreal Canadiens are the best team in the NHL. Now I am not sure if they snuck up on me or I just wasn’t paying as close attention to the standings as I usually do, but Montreal now has a record of 14-4-1 after the win against Detroit. Four different Habs scored with eight total making their way onto the scoresheet.
Montreal has rattled off six wins in a row after dropping three straight to end October and start November. Detroit has lost five out of seven to this month, and now is about to embark on a brief three-game road trip.
- Montreal was a bit concerned with the possibility of a dull effort which never happened. [NHL.com]
- George Sipple looks into how the Red Wings weren’t able to cool off Habs. [Detroit Free Press]
- “Perfect” road game extends Montreal’s win streak. [Eyes on the Prize]
Late Rally Lifts Hawks Past Stars
The Chicago Blackhaws scored five unanswered goals on Sunday enroute to a 6-2 win over the Dallas Stars. After scoring the first goal of the game, the Blackhawks surrendered two goals in a row by the Stars, but would stop the bleeding with Brent Seabrook’s goal that tied the game at two in the first. Chicago would score four more goals in the third to secure the win.
It is always fun to look at a game from the winner’s perspective and also from the loser’s. [Chicago – Second City Hockey], [Dallas – Defending Big D]
Bjugstad Carries Panthers Over Ducks
Nick Bjugstad had a great night in Anaheim as he scored two goals and added two helpers lifting the Panthers past the Ducks 6-2. Florida was also the benefactor of a four-goal second period essentially putting the game out of reach. The loss was Anaheim’s second in a row which narrows their lead in the Pacific to just two points. Florida has now won two out of three as they try to climb from the basement in the Atlantic.
ICYMI– It was a Bjug night for the Cats. #FlaPanthers 6, #NHLDucks 2. Recap: http://t.co/O4dkBAXPwz Highlights: http://t.co/Bz28rTdzLv
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) November 17, 2014
Coyotes Defeat Oilers 2-1
The Arizona Coyotes are starting a little win streak picking up their second in a row against the Edmonton Oilers. Unfortunately for Edmonton, their streak is going in a different direction as they now have dropped three straight.
Coyotes defensemen Brandon Gormley scored his first career NHL goal on the powerplay in the first period. Mikkel Boedker scored his seventh which proved to be the game winner. Taylor Hall would score the lone goal for Edmonton with six minutes remaining in the game. The goal was also Hall’s seventh this season.
NHL News, Injuries, Suspensions, Etc
- NHL great Gordie Howe takes a turn for the worse. [Detroit Free Press]
- A closer look into the career of one of the most famous mustache’s in hockey, Mike McCreary. [NHL.com]
- Jordan Leopold was traded over the weekend to the Columbus Blue Jackets. [Puck Daddy]
- Anaheim recalled Kyle Palmieri from Norfolk of the AHL
- The Chicago Blackhawks have demoted Antti Raanta and called up Scott Darling. [NHL.com]
Only one game on the NHL schedule for Monday, as former New York Ranger Ryan Callahan makes his return to Madison Square Garden to face former team.
