The Edmonton Oilers actually won a game, Sergei Bobrovsky didn’t do well in his first start since signing a huge contract extension, the Devils continue to struggle and a referee broke a rib.
Here are five more things we learned Friday in the NHL.
Forget Tony Stark, Phil the Thrill is the real Iron Man
Phil Kessel is a consistent lightning rod for controversy in Toronto and consistently provides memorable sound bites for fans and media to digest. He’s also consistent in another area. Kessel suited up for his 406th consecutive game in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey Friday, leapfrogging Sid Smith for the second-longest ironman streak in franchise history. Kessel needs to play 80 more consecutive games to catch Leafs great Tim Horton who holds the franchise record at 486 games.
Kessel had a goal and assist in a 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets, his 14th multi-point game of the season. He hasn’t missed a game since the start of the 2010-11 season and currently owns the fifth-longest ironman streak among active players.
For all the (often unwarranted) flak the sniper receives, Kessel has been one of the most consistent stars in the league during his time with the Leafs.
Islanders off to best start in three decades
With their 3-2 overtime win over the Devils, the Islanders now have 55 points at the halfway point of the season and currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division. The last time this franchise had 55 points through 41 games was in the 1981-82 season. Having 55 points through 41 games is not only an impressive feat, but it might be a good omen considering that ’81-82 team ended up winning the Stanley Cup.
Poor goaltending makes things fun
We’re not saying low-scoring games can’t be entertaining – some of the best NHL games of all-time have been tight-checking, defensive battles – but everyone loves a shootout. That’s what fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome were treated to Friday as the Flames lost 6-5 to the Panthers in a crazy contest. Panthers goalie Al Montoya and Flames netminder Jonas Hiller won’t be happy with their performances, but the fans got their money’s worth.
Great goaltending takes your breath (and goals) away
While Hiller and Montoya couldn’t seem to stop a beach ball in the Flames-Panthers game, Buffalo Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth was solid in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and stopped Brett Connolly with a Save of the Year candidate.
Tyler Myers might be suspended, mostly because he’s tall
The NHL will have to determine whether or not Tyler Myers is guilty of targeting the head of an opponent or just guilty of being tall following a hit on Lightning forward Cedric Paquette. Myers would be considered a repeat offender because he was suspended three games last season for an illegal hit to the head of Dainius Zubrus.
VOTE HERE to have your say on whether or not you think the NHL should discipline Myers.