The St. Louis Blues booked a trip to the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season despite losing to the lowly Avs, the Chicago Blackhawks hit 50 wins for the second time in their history, John Tavares appeared to suffer a significant injury, and Ryan Miller had a respectable effort for the Canucks but ended up losing his 10th consecutive home start.
Here are four more things we learned in the NHL Friday:
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Flames clinch
The Calgary Flames leaned on Brian Elliott to pick up a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks to mathematically secure a trip to the post-season.
After missing the playoffs and finishing with the fifth-worst record in the league in 2015-16, there were plenty of question marks surrounding this team heading into the season. And even at the turn of the calendar, the playoffs seemed out of reach.
“Those guys, they pushed themselves there,” Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan said following the game. “I’ve never been more proud of a group. From the adversity that we had early on and just sticking with it. In my 17, 18 years coaching, just a fantastic group of guys and very proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
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Iginla ties Sakic on all-time goals list
It has been quite the week for Jarome Iginla. He picked up a memorable Gordie Howe hat trick against the Flames in what was possibly his final game at the Saddledome, the arena he spent the majority of his playing career. On Friday against the Canucks, the 39-year-old continued impressing by scoring his 625th career regular-season goal.
That ties him with his former Olympic teammate Joe Sakic for 15th on the NHL’s all-time goals list. It also marked his 101st career game-winning goal, which ranks seventh in NHL history.
And he wasn’t named one of the top 100 players in NHL history? Pfft.
Crosby leapfrogs Jagr
With an assist against the Rangers, Sidney Crosby moved ahead of Jaromir Jagr for sole possession of second place on the Pittsburgh Penguins all-time assists list. Crosby, who also scored a goal in regulation and netted the shootout clincher against the Rangers, now has 641 career assists. He still has a bit of work to do before he catches up to Mario Lemieux, who is atop the list with 1,033 helpers.
Jost makes NHL debut and makes his grandpa got misty-eyed
Tyson Jost made his NHL debut for the Colorado Avalanche in a 2-1 shootout win over the Blues. The 10th-overall pick from the 2016 NHL Draft had 13:25 of ice-time, two shots on goal, one hit, one blocked shot, one takeaway and was even given an opportunity in the shootout.
The best part about his debut, however, was the fact his grandfather was in the building to witness it and…and…hey, is someone chopping onions?
This is what it’s all about, folks.
DiPietro might be the next ‘Grapes’
Rick DiPietro made some flashy saves during his playing career and he’s making some extremely flashy fashion statements during his broadcasting career. This is the get-up DiPietro flaunted during the Islanders-Devils game Friday.
Don Cherry would be proud.
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