It seems as though every other night we’re “learning” more about Patrick Kane‘s point streak and Friday was no different.
Kane extended his streak to 25 games with a goal, tying him with Sidney Crosby for the longest streak among active players.
The Blackhawks downed the Winnipeg Jets 2-0 with Corey Crawford picking up his third shutout of the season.
Here are five more things we learned in the NHL:
1. Tootoo many men
It’s already a tad gauche that Jordin Tootoo wears number 22 for the New Jersey Devils. Hard to believe he got to choose that number during the Lou Lamoriello era.
But in the Devils’ game against the Detroit Red Wings, Tootoo was responsible for a too many men penalty. And it would normally sound cringe-inducing were it not for the hilarious way in which it transpired.
On a serious note, Tootoo saw a few shifts on the Devils’ power play and picked up two assists with one coming with the man advantage. A legitimate man advantage.
2. Kings-Pens brawl sparks furious finish
Some players are better left asleep and unprovoked.
Though the Los Angeles Kings won a barn burner 3-2 after a shootout, it was a Jeff Carter slash on Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin that upped the testosterone of this game.
Just look at who’s involved in that ruckus. Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Carter while even the goaltenders were inching towards the scene of the crime.
The incident made the rest of the game very entertaining and Malkin tied the game late before a thrilling overtime and shootout (OT was better, of course.)
The Kings and Pens combined for 76 (!) hits in a game where teamwork was a premium.
3. Benn first to 20 goals
With an empty net goal late in the third period, Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn became the first skater in the NHL this season to reach 20 goals.
Amazingly, it didn’t come on the power play where the Stars have been lights out with a 25.6 per cent success rate, good for second in the NHL. Dallas was handed six power plays in the game, including four in the second period — but were held scoreless. Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth made 41 saves in a 3-1 loss.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has scored a power-play goal in seven of their last 10 games, and did so Friday when Shayne Gostisbehere scored his fourth of the season. Of those four goals, the rookie defenceman has three with the man advantage and two are game winners.
Benn’s 20 goals are one better than Patrick Kane while his teammate Tyler Seguin sits fourth with 15.
4. Men behaving badly
A couple of incidents Friday outside of the Kings-Penguins brawl could get some attention from the Department of Player Safety.
Jordan Nolan of the Kings blatantly shoved a linesman after an altercation with the aforementioned Malkin. No penalty was called.
In Anaheim, Ducks centre Nate Thompson drilled Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Justin Faulk with a high hit. It appeared Thompson made initial contact with Faulk’s head. Thompson received a five-minute major and a game misconduct.
5. Oilers shine for Sather
The mighty New York Rangers were in Edmonton Friday and legendary general manager and coach Glen Sather was honoured for his many Oilers accomplishments.
With the win, the Oilers did something they haven’t done since … Glen Sather’s time!
Edmonton poured in the pucks on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist with Taylor Hall, Leon Draisaitl, Lauri Korpikoski and Teddy Purcell all recording multi-point games in a 7-5 win. Korpikoski recorded his first career hat trick while Lundqvist was pulled after five goals allowed.
The Rangers tied the game with 1:46 remaining in the third before Hall scored 13 seconds later to confirm the win.
Just like the old days.
