NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 25, 2021

by | Nov 25, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 25, 2021

​The Panthers tied a winning-streak record, McDavid and Draisaitl reach scoring milestones, Alex Ovechkin tallies his most assists through 20 games, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers picked up their 11th straight home win to start the season as they downed the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Aaron Ekblad tallied in overtime as the Panthers tied the 1963-64 Chicago Blackhawks for the longest season-opening home win streak at 11-0-0. The victory also propelled them into first overall with 31 points.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each scored two goals and collected two assists to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes. Zack Kassian also chipped in a goal and two assists while the Coyotes Clayton Keller had a three-point performance. Draisaitl has a league-leading 20 goals and 40 points, joining Wayne Gretzky as the only Oiler to score 20 goals in less than 20 games. McDavid, meanwhile, netted his 400th career assist. Earlier in the day, the Coyotes placed goaltender Carter Hutton in COVID protocol.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl maintains a four-point lead over McDavid in the NHL scoring race.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin collected three assists in a 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Ovechkin (33 points) has 18 assists in 20 games, exceeding his previous best (17) in 2008-09. He joins Mario Lemieux, Johnny Bucyk, Gordie Howe and Martin St. Louis as the only players’ age 36 or older to reach at least 18 assists in their first 20 games of the season. Capitals defenseman Justin Schultz left the game with an upper-body injury. Canadiens rookie Cole Caufield potted his first goal of the season.

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri had two points to extend his points streak to 10 games to help his club beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2. Kadri has netted 21 points during that streak. Sonny Milano scored both goals for the Ducks. Earlier in the day, the Ducks listed Adam Henrique as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs netted four goals in the second period on route to a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Auston Matthews and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist while Rasmus Sandin chipped in three helpers. The Leafs have won seven of their last eight. Earlier in the day, the Kings placed forward Andreas Athanasiou in COVID protocol.

A four-goal first period powered the Boston Bruins over the Buffalo Sabres 5-1. David Pastrnak, Charlie Coyle and Nick Foligno each collected two points for the Bruins, handing the Sabres their fourth straight loss. Bruins netminder (and former Sabre) Linus Ullmark didn’t start as he’s nursing a minor undisclosed injury but served as a backup in this contest.

Minnesota Wild winger Kevin Fiala scored in the shootout as his club nipped the New Jersey Devils 3-2. Wild goalie Cam Talbot made 40 saves in regulation and overtime and was perfect in the shootout. The Devils overcame a 2-0 deficit on goals by Pavel Zacha and Yegor Sherangovich with Nico Hischier assisting on both.

A 36-save performance by Tristan Jarry carried the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks 4-1. The Penguins have won four straight while the Canucks have dropped seven of their last eight contests.

Elvis Merzlikins kicked out 36 shots for his first shutout of the season as the Columbus Blue Jackets blanked the Winnipeg Jets 3-0, spoiling Pierre-Luc Dubois’ return to Columbus for the first time since getting traded to Winnipeg in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ usually reliable offense has dried up of late, managing just four goals in their last four games. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets continue to exceed expectations, winning seven of their last 10 contests.

The Detroit Red Wings got 35 saves from Alex Nedeljkovic to snap a four-game losing streak by doubling up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Adam Erne broke a 2-2 tie while Robby Fabbri had a goal and an assist. Blues center Brayden Schenn returned to action after missing nine games with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Wings placed defenseman Danny DeKeyser in COVID protocol.

Chris Kreider and Kevin Rooney each scored twice to lead the New York Rangers to a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders, who had seven players in COVID protocol. The Isles have lost seven straight games. Adding to their misery, defenseman Noah Dobson is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple shot down a rumor claiming Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello asked the league for a postponement. NHL sources said they didn’t believe any such request came from Lamoriello. The league continues to monitor the Isles’ situation closely. Yesterday was the first time in a week the club had no new COVID cases.

Max Pacioretty collected an assist as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2. Pacioretty missed 17 games with a fractured foot. Filip Forsberg scored both Predators’ goals as he returned from a nine-game absence with an upper-body injury.

The Seattle Kraken got 35 saves from Philipp Grubauer and a late goal in the third period by Marcus Johansson to upset the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. Jared McCann tallied the tying goal on a power play in the second period for the Kraken (6-12-1), giving them their second straight win. The Hurricanes (14-3-1) sit two points behind the first-overall Panthers.

A three-point effort by Timo Meier (one goal, two assists) gave the San Jose Sharks a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Sharks forward Nick Bonino also scored in what was his 700th career game. Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist for the Senators.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2021

by | Nov 24, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2021

​The Flames expand their lead in the Western Conference, Connor McDavid’s point streak comes to an end, Steven Stamkos reaches a milestone and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames (29 points) opened a three-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers atop the Western Conference by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. Matthew Tkachuk broke a 2-2 tie in the third period while Trevor Lewis and Johnny Gaudreau put the game out of reach. The Flames have won four straight.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Speaking of the Oilers, they were beaten 4-1 by the Dallas Stars, snapping Connor McDavid’s point streak at 17 games. Stars defenseman John Klingberg collected three assists while teammate Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist. Oilers defenseman Duncan Keith left the game midway through the second period with an upper-body injury.

Andrei Vasilevskiy had a 34-save shutout and Steven Stamkos scored a goal and set up two others as the Tampa Bay Lightning blanked the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0. Stamkos became the seventh active player to tally at least three points in a game 80 times in their career.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning center Brayden Point will be sidelined for four to six weeks with an upper-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders have seven players in COVID protocol as Zdeno Chara became the latest to receive a positive test. Chara joins Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Ross Johnston, Adam Pelech, Andy Greene and Kieffer Bellows.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the third team to suffer a COVID-19 outbreak since late October. The San Jose Sharks also had seven players and a coach sidelined while the Ottawa Senators had three games postponed last week with 10 players and a coach waylaid by the coronavirus. All the players were fully vaccinated.

The Sharks didn’t have any games postponed and there’s no indication yet if the Isles’ schedule will require any changes. This will also stoke concern over the possibility of the NHL pulling out of participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The league has until Jan. 10, 2022, to make that decision.

The Islanders got additional bad news yesterday when they announced leading scorer Brock Nelson will be out two to four weeks with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon is listed as week-to-week following a lower-body injury suffered during a recent game against the Florida Panthers.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens defenseman Brett Kulak will miss the club’s upcoming three-game road trip with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Injuries will keep Red Wings defenseman Troy Stecher (wrist) and center Mitchell Stephens (lower body) on the shelf until after the February Olympic break.

NORTHJERSEY.COM: The New Jersey Devils officially unveiled their third jersey yesterday. Designed by former Devils great Martin Brodeur, it is a black jersey with the “Jersey” on the front.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The unveiling was spoiled when photos of the third jersey were leaked the day prior. The reaction seemed mixed on social media with some folks liking it, some hating it and some amused by the name on the front, sparking a good-natured reply from the Devils.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME: Mike Gartner takes over as chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee while Cammi Granato joins the 18-member committee. Gartner replaces John Davidson, who is retiring from the position on Dec. 31.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 14, 2021

by | Nov 14, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 14, 2021

​Check out the recaps from Saturday’s action in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi had a hand in all of his club’s goals in a 4-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes. Josi scored two goals and assisted on two others. The Coyotes have lost 14 of their first 15 games of this season. Before the game, Coyotes winger Andrew Ladd entered COVID-19 protocol.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi (NHL Images).

A four-point performance by Drake Batherson (two goals, two assists) powered the depleted Ottawa Senators over the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3. Evan Rodrigues scored twice for the Penguins. Nikita Zaitsev was placed on COVID protocol before game time after coming off the list early Saturday. The Senators have nine players on the list. They also lost center Shane Pinto as he left the game during the second period with a possible shoulder surgery.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard scored a goal and set up three others in a 6-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Nazem Kadri had a goal and two assists for the Avs. Erik Karlsson and Timo Meier were among seven Sharks players to return to the lineup from COVID protocols. Earlier in the day, the Avs claimed forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Rookie Rem Pitlick netted a natural hat trick as the Minnesota Wild doubled up the Seattle Kraken 4-2, handing the latter their fourth straight loss. Ryan Hartman collected assists on each of Pitlick’s goals.

Brad Marchand scored twice as the Boston Bruins downed the New Jersey Devils 5-2 to snap the latter’s four-game points streak. Charlie McAvoy collected three assists while Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak each had two points for the Bruins.

The New York Rangers scored three goals in 62 seconds in the second period to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider each scored twice. Blueshirts goalie Igor Shesterkin left in the third period following a collision with Blue Jackets forward Alexandre Texier but got a clean bill of health after the game. Earlier in the day, the Rangers placed center Filip Chytil on injured reserve with an upper-body injury retroactive to Nov. 6.

Vegas Golden Knights forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Evgenii Dadonov both scored twice as their club rolled to a 7-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Vegas captain Mark Stone picked up an assist as he returned to action after several weeks on injured reserve. The Golden Knights have won three straight. Canucks forward Nils Hoglander scored twice and collected an assist.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin scored twice, including the winner in overtime to down the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Canadiens goalie Jake Allen left the game with a concussion following a first-period collision with Larkin after the latter was shoved from behind by Habs defenseman Jeff Petry. Following the game, the Canadiens called up netminder Cayden Primeau from their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Mark Scheifele’s first goal of the season came in overtime in the Winnipeg Jets’ 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings, ending the latter’s seven-game win streak. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 27 saves for the win.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll made 23 saves to win his NHL debut 5-4 over the Buffalo Sabres. Morgan Rielly tallied the winning goal with 12 seconds remaining in the game. Rielly and John Tavares each had a goal and an assist. Jeff Skinner scored twice for the Sabres.

Brayden Point’s overtime tally lifted the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers, extending the latter’s winless skid to four games. The Panthers overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra frame. The Lightning’s point streak is now at seven games.

A late goal by Brendan Smith gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Tony DeAngelo each collected two points for the Hurricanes while Robert Thomas had two assists for the Blues.

The Dallas Stars picked up their first regulation victory of the season by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Roope Hintz and Luke Glendening each had a goal and an assist for the Stars while Anton Khudobin kicked out 31 shots for the win. Kevin Hayes and Ryan Ellis returned to the Flyers lineup after injuries sidelined them for several weeks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2021

by | Nov 10, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 10, 2021

​Carey Price reveals treatment for substance abuse while Ducks GM Bob Murray is placed on administrative leave for improper professional conduct. Details and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

HEADLINES

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens goaltender Carey Price broke his silence yesterday regarding the reasons why he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program last month. In a statement released on his Instagram account, Price said he sought treatment for substance abuse after years of neglecting his mental health. He admitted it could take some time before he returns to action. The 34-year-old goaltender also expressed appreciation for the support and well wishes he’s received.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Price didn’t owe the public an explanation for seeking help but it was brave of him to do so. He’s dealt with an unimaginable burden of pressure as a superstar in one of hockey’s most demanding markets. Success and millions of dollars does not make a person immune from struggling with mental health issues. Best wishes to Price and his family in his ongoing recovery.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Anaheim Ducks placed general manager Bob Murray on administrative leave following the initial findings of an internal investigation into allegations of “improper professional conduct”.

Frank Seravalli reported sources claimed Murray allegedly created a toxic workplace atmosphere through repeated verbal abuse and harassment of Ducks players, coaches and personnel. His intimidation tactics and temper tantrums fostered a climate of fear throughout the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli indicated the Ducks GM was with his team in Vancouver yesterday when the news was delivered. He was ordered to leave the team immediately and return to Anaheim on his own. Murray’s fate could be decided once the team receives additional findings from the investigation.

This news comes less the two weeks following the release of the report into allegations by Kyle Beach that he was sexually assaulted by former Chicago Blackhawks video coach Bradley Alrich in 2010. That report cost Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman his job over his handling of the allegations.

TSN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have settled a lawsuit filed by a former minor-league assistant and his wife. Jarrod and Erin Skalde accused the team of negligently retaining a coach who sexually assaulted and harassed Erin and threatened retaliation against Jarrod for reporting the incident.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hey, NHL teams, here’s a thought: stop hiring and protecting abusive scumbags and sexual predators.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils overcame a 3-2 deficit to thump the Florida Panthers 7-3, handing the latter their second straight regulation defeat after going 10-0-1. Mackenzie Blackwood made 35 saves, Ty Smith had a goal and two assists and Andreas Johnsson scored twice.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladislav Namestnikov tallied two goals and Alex Nedeljkovic kicked out 31 shots in a 4-2 upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Connor McDavid and Jesse Puljujarvi replied for the Oilers after the Wings opened a 3-0 lead. Moritz Seider put the game away with an empty-net goal. Detroit extends its record to 7-5-2.

A 37-save effort by Adin Hill carried the San Jose Sharks over the Calgary Flames 4-1. Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and Jonathan Dahlen netted three unanswered third-period goals for the Sharks, who now sit 7-4-1 on the season.

The Los Angeles Kings extended their winning streak to six games by nipping the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on an overtime goal by Adrian Kempe. Cal Petersen made 33 saves for the win as the Kings’ record sits at 7-5-1. Canadiens winger Jonathan Drouin missed his third straight game as he still feels lingering effects from a recent head injury.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson made 41 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Winger Troy Terry netted the game-winner to extend his points streak to 12 games as the Ducks (7-4-2) have won five straight games. Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes each had two assists in a losing cause.

The Carolina Hurricanes (10-1-0) downed the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on an OT goal by Martin Necas. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos opened the scoring but Teuvo Teravainen tied in the third period. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy made 29 saves. Before the game, the Hurricanes placed winger Nino Niederreiter (lower body) on injured reserve.

A shootout goal by Ryan O’Reilly gave the St. Louis Blues a 3-2 win against the Winnipeg Jets. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made 39 stops while teammates Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou each had a goal and an assist. The Blues’ record sits at 8-2-1.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Reilly Smith scored twice in a 46-second span in the third period as his club doubled up the Seattle Kraken by a score of 4-2. Vegas defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore each had a goal and an assist. The Kraken (4-8-1) have dropped four of their last five contests.

Patrice Bergeron tallied the game-winner late in the third period as the Boston Bruins beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy picked up his 200th career NHL victory. The Senators (3-8-1) have lost five straight games. Bruins forward Trent Frederic left the game after being hit in the second period by Senators defenseman Josh Brown. Earlier in the day, Senators defenseman Victor Mete became the sixth member of the team placed on COVID protocol.

The Chicago Blackhawks overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Marc-Andre Fleury made 42 saves while shootout goals by Jonathan Toews and Alex DeBrincat completed the comeback. The Blackhawks (3-9-2) have won two straight games under interim head coach Derek Kings. Jeff Carter scored two goals for the Penguins. Earlier in the day, the Blackhawks placed winger Mackenzie Entwistle (ankle injury) on IR. He’s expected to miss four-to-six weeks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NBC SPORTS: Tuukka Rask returned to the Boston Bruins practice facility in full goalie gear working out with the club’s goaltending coach Bob Essensa. The 34-year-old Rask underwent hip surgery three months ago and remains an unrestricted free agent. Whether he returns with the Bruins or signs with another NHL club remains to be seen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rask has already indicated he’s open to returning to the Bruins on an inexpensive one-year deal. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back in the lineup at some point in the New Year.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon missed practice yesterday with a lower-body injury.

CBS SPORTS: The Nashville Predators placed Filip Forsberg (upper body) on injured reserve.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 8, 2021

by | Nov 8, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 8, 2021

​The Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane reaches a milestone, the Ducks’ Troy Terry’s point streak reaches 11 games, the Red Wings’ Lucas Raymond regains the rookie goals lead, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Alex DeBrincat lifted the Chicago Blackhawks (2-9-2) over the Nashville Predators 2-1 to give interim head coach Derek King his first NHL win behind the bench. Patrick Kane set up DeBrincat’s goal to earn his 1,100th career NHL point, becoming the third player in Blackhawks history and the fourth American-born NHL player to reach that plateau. Brandon Hagel also scored for the Hawks while Alexandre Carrier replied for the Predators.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry scored the game-winning goal in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Terry has a team-leading 14 points in 12 games and extended his points streak to 11 games. Benoit-Olivier Groulx had a goal and an assist while John Gibson picked up the win with 35 saves.

The Detroit Red Wings (6-5-2) picked up their second straight win by beating the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Winger Lucas Raymond scored his sixth goal of the season to regain the rookie goal-scoring lead, Thomas Greiss kicked out 38 shots and Tyler Bertuzzi and Pius Suter each had a goal and an assist. Wings captain Dylan Larkin returned to action after missing three games for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raymond also leads the rookie points race with 14 points and sits one back of Bertuzzi for the lead among Red Wings scorers. He and teammate Moritz Seider (10 points) are emerging as the early favorites for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

Four unanswered third-period goals by Ryan Hartman, Brandon Duhaime, Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba rallied the Minnesota Wild over the New York Islander 5-2. Anders Lee scored both Islanders’ goals while Semyon Varlamov gave up three goals on 37 shots in his season debut for the Isles.

J.T. Miller scored twice while Elias Pettersson and Bo Horvat each had a goal and two assists to give the Vancouver Canucks (5-6-1) a 6-2 win over the Dallas Stars (4-5-2). Quinn Hughes picked up three assists and Brock Boeser collected two points for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars are the only NHL team without a regulation win thus far this season.

HEADLINES

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender Petr Mrazek on injured reserve with a groin injury retroactive to Nov. 4. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will rely heavily on starter Jack Campbell during that period as they lack a decent third goalie within their system. They’ll be in deep trouble if Campbell should become sidelined.

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers forward Derick Brassard was fined $2,000.00 for unsportsmanlike conduct during Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators will be without Austin Watson, Nick Holden and associate coach Jack Capuano. They were placed on the COVID protocol list over the weekend. They’ve also reassigned goaltender Filip Gustavsson to their AHL affiliate in Belleville.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers forward Devin Shore will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower-body injury.

STLTODAY.COM: The NHL will not be providing salary-cap relief for teams dealing with COVID-related absences. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said it is no different than dealing with players sidelined by short-term injuries. The St. Louis Blues were among the clubs hit hard with COVID-related absences this season with as many as six players at one point on the protocol list.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 7, 2021

by | Nov 7, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 7, 2021

​The Panthers snap the Hurricanes’ winning streak, the Coyotes finally get a win, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello reaches a milestone, the Blackhawks fire coach Jeremy Colliton and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes’ season-opening win streak ended at nine games as they fell to the Florida Panthers 5-2. Anthony Duclair led the way with two goals and two assists while Spencer Knight made 29 saves for the win. The Panthers played without captain Aleksander Barkov, who’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen was pulled after giving up four goals on 15 shots in the first period but returned in the second after backup Antti Raanta suffered an upper-body injury following a collision with Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg. The Panthers are now the only team unbeaten in regulation (10-0-1) this season.

Florida Panthers winger Anthony Duclair (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lomberg received a five-minute major and a game misconduct but I felt he shouldn’t have been penalized. He was in a puck race with Hurricanes defenseman Tony DeAngelo when Raanta came out of his net between the faceoff circles to play the puck. Lomberg had nowhere to go and inadvertently crashed into Raanta. I don’t feel there was a deliberate attempt to injure on his part.

The Arizona Coyotes overcame a 3-1 deficit to pick up their first win of the season (1-10-1) with a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Lawson Crouse scored the winning goal just 13 seconds after the Kraken’s Mark Giordano tied the game late in the third period. Crouse had two goals on the night while teammate Shayne Gostisbehere collected three assists. Scott Wedgewood (27 saves) picked up the win replacing Karel Vejmelka after the latter gave up two goals on two shots within the first minute of the opening period.

A 24-save shutout by Ilya Sorokin carried the New York Islanders over the Winnipeg Jets 2-0. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson were the goal scorers. It was the 1, 500th career win for Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, moving him just six wins behind Glen Sather for second place on the all-time list. Nashville Predators GM David Poile is the leader with 1, 558 wins.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 22 saves to pick up his league-leading fourth shutout of the season in a 6-0 rout of the New York Rangers. The Flames (7-1-3) have points in 10 consecutive games. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and three assists while Johnny Gaudreau scored twice and set up another goal.

Mitch Marner collected four points (one goal, three assists), Auston Matthews and John Tavares each scored two goals and Jack Campbell kicked out 42 shots to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak replied for the Bruins. The Leafs have won five straight games.

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 4-2 deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on a shootout goal by Nick Bjugstad. Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Hartman tallied for the Wild to tie the game with the latter’s goal coming with just 2.2 seconds remaining. Kasperi Kapanen netted a hat trick for the Penguins while Bryan Rust add two assists in his first game since missing seven games to injury.

Three-point performances by Brayden Point (three assists) and Ondrej Palat (one goal, two assists) powered the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Ottawa Senators 5-3. Brady Tkachuk scored in his first game as the Senators’ new captain. After a slow start to the season, the Lightning are 6-3-2.

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their record to 7-3-0 by doubling up the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on three unanswered third-period goals by Alexandre Texier, Cole Sillinger and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Andre Burakovsky scored twice for the Avalanche, whose record drops to 4-5-1.

Martin Jones made 31 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers held off the Washington Capitals 2-1. Derick Brassard and Sean Couturier scored in the second period for the Flyers while Brett Leason netted the Capitals’ only goal. The Flyers are 6-2-2 in their opening 10 games.

Robin Lehner made 36 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights overcame a 2-0 deficit to down the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. Chandler Stephenson and Alex Pietrangelo each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights. The Canadiens are now 3-10-0 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadens dominated Vegas in the first period, outshooting them 20-1. If not for Lehner this could’ve been a blowout win for the Habs. Instead, they came out of that period with a 2-0 lead and collapsed in the second after the Golden Knights got their first goal.

The Detroit Red Wings snapped a four-game losing skid with a 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres. Rookie defenseman Moritz Seider got the winner, netting his first career NHL goal. Tyler Bertuzzi scored twice and added two helpers while rookie winger Lucas Raymond had three assists.

A shootout goal by Damon Severson gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, giving them their first win in four games. Devils goalie Jonathan Bernier made 25 saves for the win.

The Chicago Blackhawks yesterday fired head coach Jeremy Colliton after the club lurched to a 1-9-2 start to this season. Rockford IceHogs coach Derek King was named as Colliton’s replacement on an interim basis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks had to do something to try and shake things up following this dreadful start to the season. Their poor performance is not entirely Colliton’s fault. As The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus observed, Colliton was the fall guy for management’s poor roster planning and shifting priorities. This is ultimately on former general manager Stan Bowman.