The Canucks honoured the late Pat Quinn with a touching tribute, Oilers fans are fed up and the Senators battled back in a game full of crowded creases.
Here are five things we learned from Tuesday’s NHL action.
Avalanche should consider giving Martin Brodeur a call
With Semyon Varlamov dealing with a groin injury and Reto Berra seemingly unable to stop a beach ball lately, the Colorado Avalanche are in serious trouble.
Berra was pulled early in Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes after giving up three goals on seven shots, while the team as a whole allows 3.1 goals per game — that’s the fifth worst in the league. Though third-stringer Calvin Pickard did an admirable job in relief of Berra in the Avalanche’s 4-3 come-from-behind win, the team could use a steady veteran presence in the crease.
If Varlamov, a Vezina Trophy nominee last season, has setbacks with his injury the Avalanche will need to make a move in net if they have any hope of getting back into the playoff hunt.
They recently passed on Josh Harding, whom the Minnesota Wild waived and sent down to the AHL, but why not give Martin Brodeur a chance?
The future Hall of Famer has delayed any decision on announcing his retirement, so an NHL return is still within the realm of possibility.
Just imagine Brodeur on the Avalanche working with his old peer Patrick Roy. If nothing else it would be a fascinating dynamic to observe.
Paul Maurice deserves credit
Heading into the season, nobody gave the Jets a chance — but don’t tell that to Paul Maurice and his group.
The Jets continue to exceed expectations and they were able to snap a two-game losing streak Tuesday as they doubled up the Blue Jackets 4-2.
You can argue that they’ve been undisciplined at times this season, but they’re an aggressive, hard-hitting team that doesn’t get intimidated. Their defence and goaltending have been solid this season as well, allowing only 2.22 goals per game.
John Klingberg made Russ Tyler proud tonight. (If you knew who Russ Tyler was without Googling it, you’re awesome.)
There have been many embarrassing moments for the Oilers this season, but allowing this goal one day after firing their goaltending coach may take the top spot.
They do things differently in Nashville
Seeing an octopus on the ice before a playoff game in Detroit is commonplace, but it seems Predators fans prefer a different type of aquatic mascot.
You need to watch The Defector
If you haven’t already seen it, take some to watch this fascinating story.