• Marner, JVR continue a trend
• Flames, Senators extend streaks
• Karlsson matches Lidstrom
Mitch Marner and James van Riemsdyk scored in a win again, the Senators and Flames cannot be stopped, plus Erik Karlsson had another incredible night.
Here are four things we learned in the NHL on Saturday.
Marner, JVR goals prove crucial
Morgan Rielly‘s first goal since Feb. 18 clinched a massive 3-2 overtime win for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Marner opened the scoring in the victory, which seems like a minor footnote, but the rookie has been following a unique trend this season.
His goals are usually a strong indicator as to whether the Leafs will win or lose. The team is 10-2-3 when Marner scores compared to 19-18-9 when he doesn’t.
James van Riemsdyk is also on a similar pattern as Marner. Toronto has now won six straight games when van Riemsdyk has a goal, so if either player is on the scoresheet, it’s a good bet that the Leafs will win.
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Flames, Senators still streaking
The Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators are two of the NHL’s hottest teams these days.
Calgary had won eight straight games coming into the weekend, while Ottawa had five in a row. Both extended their respective streaks in dominant fashion.
The Flames crushed the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 to earn their ninth consecutive victory, and have moved ahead of the Edmonton Oilers for third place in the Pacific Division.
As for the Senators, they won 4-2 to move level with the Montreal Canadiens atop the Atlantic Division. Both sides play one another next Saturday in the first of three meetings in a seven-day span. Buckle up, folks.
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Karlsson on Lidstrom-like run
What a night for Erik Karlsson.
The Senators defenceman had two goals and three points in Saturday’s win. He has 17 points since Feb. 11, but that’s not the most jaw-dropping stat.
The Swede recorded his 50th assist of the season, which is the fourth time he has done it in his career. The last defenceman to accomplish that feat was his countryman Nicklas Lidstrom. Karlsson is also just two assists behind Connor McDavid for the league lead.
It’s easy to forget that Karlsson is still just 26 years old, but he is only entering the prime years of his career. If this season is an indicator of what the future will bring, Senators fans will be giddy.
Stafford making an impact in Boston
Drew Stafford‘s (really) late game-winning goal stole the show in Boston, but he’s been making headlines for all the right reasons since he was acquired from the Jets at the deadline.
Stafford has two goals and four points with the Bruins since he was acquired. He had just four goals and 13 points with the Jets in 40 games this season.
The Bruins, who remain in third place with 78 points in the Atlantic Division, have also won three of their last four games. Stafford has recorded a point in each victory and went pointless in the loss to the New Jersey Devils.