The Washington Capitals became the first team to clinch a post-season berth, Erik Karlsson registered his 22nd three-point game since the start of the 2009-10 season, Jaromir Jagr continued his domination of the Canadiens (he now has 90 points in 81 career games against Montreal), Brent Burns tied a Sharks record for goals by a defenceman and Anthony Mantha made his NHL debut, becoming the first Quebec-born player to suit up for the Red Wings since Mathieu Dandenault.
Here are five more things we learned in the NHL Tuesday.
Ovechkin closing in on Jagr
It wasn’t a flashy goal but they all look the same on the scoresheet. Alex Ovechkin netted the overtime winner and moved into second place all time for OT goals. (Watch the goal in the video above.)
No player has more goals than Ovi since he broke into the NHL in 2005. He’s likely to break Jagr’s record at some point next season and he’s perhaps the only active player that could realistically catch Jagr in goals. He is currently 228 goals behind No. 68.
Crosby on another impressive point streak
Sidney Crosby recorded an assist against the New York Islanders to extend his point streak to nine games. He has 14 points during his current streak but it’s not even the longest one he’s had this season. Earlier this year, Crosby had 12 goals and 22 points during an 11-game streak.
With Patrick Kane and his 89 points sitting well ahead of the pack, the Art Ross Trophy is out of reach at this point for Crosby. But the fact the Penguins captain sits fourth in the league in scoring – two points behind Tyler Seguin and seven behind Jamie Benn – is remarkable considering he had just three points in his first nine games of the season.
Beware the Flyers
The Red Wings and Flyers went head-to-head Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center and they’ll be battling it out in the standings for the remainder of the season as well. Philadelphia held on to win 4-3 and continued their climb to a playoff spot. The Red Wings still hold a one-point lead over the Flyers for the final wild card spot in the East, but Philly has two games in hand and are coming on strong. Detroit has dropped five of seven while the Flyers are 7-1-1 in their last nine. If the Red Wings can’t get back on the winning track, they run the risk of not qualifying for the post-season for the first time in a quarter century.
Shayne Gostisbehere scored the eventual game winner. Crazily enough it was his first goal of the season that didn’t result in a lead change.
Pair of Leafs notch first goals with team
At this point in the season, it’s all about moral victories for the players on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two of the newest Leafs, defenceman Connor Carrick and forward Ben Smith, registered their first goals as members of the Leafs in a 4-1 upset of the Lightning.
Carrick was acquired from the Capitals last month in the Daniel Winnik trade while Smith was included in the deal that sent James Reimer to the San Jose Sharks.
Almost as impressive as the Leafs’ win was the fact they held Steven Stamkos pointless. Prior to Tuesday, Stamkos had registered 32 points in 28 career games against the Maple Leafs.
Trio hits impressive milestones
Stars head coach Lindy Ruff, Kings centre Vincent Lecavalier and Penguins winger Chris Kunitz each hit impressive milestones Tuesday.
Lecavalier (1200 games played) registered an assist as his Kings beat Ruff’s Stars in the coach’s 1,400th game while Kunitz (800 games played) scored his team’s lone goal in a shootout win.
Stick tap to those three gentlemen.