Zach Werenski stayed hot to begin the 2017-18 NHL season, while his teammate Artemi Panarin really loves playing against the New York Rangers.
Here are three things we learned in the NHL on Friday.
No dreaded ‘sophomore slump’ for Werenski
Zach Werenski might have been one of the most unheralded rookies in recent memory.
The Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman was a Calder Trophy candidate last season, but because of Auston Matthews’ and Patrik Laine’s stellar campaigns, Werenski finished a distant third in the voting.
He seems to be using that as motivation because he’s been on a tear to start the year. His goal in the 2-0 win over the New York Rangers was his sixth of the season and his 12th point in 20 games.
Werenski began his rookie year with 12 points in his first 13 games, but the fact he’s kept up a relatively similar pace in Year 2 can only be a positive for the remainder of the regular season.
Panarin keeps scoring on the Rangers
If there is one team Artemi Panarin loves to play, it’s the Rangers.
The Blue Jackets forward scored in Friday’s win, which was his seventh career goal against New York.
Panarin has scored more goals versus the Rangers than any other team in the NHL. That is shocking considering he began his career in the Western Conference with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Glendening proves clutch yet again
The Detroit Red Wings now have a simple formula to determine if their team is going to win.
When Luke Glendening scores, the Red Wings are victorious.
That was the case again on Friday, as Glendening opened the scoring in Detroit’s 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. He now has five goals on the year, all of which have come in wins for the Red Wings.
It’s unlikely that Glendening will keep this feat alive throughout the season, but for now, Detroit is benefitting.
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