Glad Wednesday, Razzball devoted!
We had an 8-game schedule to dip into on Tuesday night time, and none had a much bigger asterisk within the report books than the New Jersey Devils’ go to to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning.
Coming into Tuesday night time’s recreation, famous person Lightning ahead Nikita Kucherov: 1 G (9), 1 A (9), 2 PIM, 2 SOG, 1 PPA, 1 GWG, 1 HIT – sat tied for third place on the all-time Tampa Bay goal-scoring record with 365 targets.
It was solely a matter of time earlier than Kucherov blew previous an previous legend, and present Montreal bench boss, Martin St. Louis. The excellent news is it didn’t take Tampa’s lively star RW very lengthy to snap #366 previous the Devils’ big netminder, Jakob Markstrom, on their strategy to a 5-1 win.
Should you can guess which two gamers sit above Kuch on the All-Time Lightning Lamp-Lighting Listing, throw it within the feedback under. I messaged Viz final night time and stated I actually wished it had been Brian Bradley. Alas, he’s 14th (111 targets) and nestled between Vaclav Prospal (127!) and Brandon “Cream Cheese” Hagel (102).
As for the precise recreation, the dub moved Tampa additional away from the Atlantic basement (sorry, Buffalo), and handed the surging Devils their fifth regulation loss in 19 video games.
And our proficient goal-scorer? Properly, you’ve heard the previous cliche: “It’s higher to be Kucherov than Kucheron”.
Full disclosure, I didn’t run that one via Google Translate, however I’m nearly sure that’s the official Russian-to-English translation.
Anyway…
Right here’s what else I noticed in Tuesday night time’s NHL motion…
Andrei Vasilevskiy – 31 saves on 32 photographs in a 5-1 win vs New Jersey. Final Wednesday, Vasilevskiy received pulled after giving up 5 targets on 13 photographs to the Rangers. He was fast to proper the ship in Florida three days later (22 saves on 23 photographs), and carried that momentum in final night time’s much more spectacular displaying. He’s 7-5-2 with a 2.64 GAA and .906 SV% and never slowing down in any respect.
Jake Guentzel – 3 G (11), +2, 7 SOG, 2 PPG, and 18:09 of ice time. Properly, somebody wasn’t snug with Kucherov getting all of the accolades final night time. Guentzel opened the scoring final night time on the 11:40 mark of the primary, then scored Tampa’s third of the night time simply over the halfway mark of the second interval. After all, J-Guenz wasn’t performed there. He introduced the hailstorm of hats down on the 7:48 mark of the third interval. I’m no math-magician, however with 11 targets in 20 video games, he’s nicely on his strategy to hitting the 40-goal mark for the fourth time in his profession, and can possible surpass his single-season report of 41 (final yr).
Darren Raddysh – 1 G (2), 2 A (7), 2 PIM, 2 SOG, 2 PPA, 1 BLK, and 24:13 of ice time. I’ll exit on a limb and say that rostering Raddysh whereas a handful of Lightning D-men are out is an efficient strategy to fill in an harm hole. Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh aren’t anticipated to be sidelined for for much longer, although, so be prepared to chop bait shortly in the event that they’re cleared to return this weekend.
Jacob Markstrom – 24 saves on 29 photographs within the 5-1 loss at Tampa. I watched this one final night time and wasn’t stunned to see that each Vasilevskiy and Markstrom had been among the many High 5 goalies with probably the most video games performed over the earlier 9 years. Connor Hellebuyck leads the best way at 500 video games. Tampa’s backstop has suited up for 463 video games. Markstrom is 4th with 433 video games performed. Throw your guesses within the chat under if you happen to assume you’ll be able to title the opposite two within the prime 5. As for Markstrom, he’s allowed 14 targets in his final 4 video games with an .849 SV%. That’s not excellent news for a staff that simply misplaced an enormous offensive piece to a hand harm (Jack Hughes). He must tighten up.
Nico Hischier – 1 G (4), 4 SOG, 4 H, 1 BLK. For the report, Vasilevskiy didn’t surrender a aim to any Devils participant final night time. However this one was credited to Hischier after JJ Moser misplaced his stability and slid into the online, booting the puck behind his goalie within the course of. Generally it’s important to be fortunate to be good. I’m positive New Jersey’s captain would gladly commerce his unearned aim for a win, although.
Joseph Woll – 28 saves on 29 photographs in a 3-2 OT win vs STL, and an enormous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let’s take a minute to examine in on these poor Leaf followers. Throughout final yr’s playoffs, “Leafs Nation” was blaming the staff’s early exit on an Anthony Stolarz harm and telling anybody who would pay attention that they would have gained in the event that they didn’t have Joseph Woll in web. Quick ahead to final week, and those self same followers had been complaining that their staff wouldn’t be combating with Buffalo for the underside spot within the division if Woll was wholesome and taking part in as an alternative of Stolarz. Such is the life cycle of a TML fan. Rinse and repeat.
There isn’t a lot laughter in Leaf-Land, however I’m positive Mitch Marner is smiling whereas he anonymously strolls down that Las Vegas strip. For now, Toronto followers can rejoice that the 5-game shedding skid is over. Nevertheless, the expectation is that modifications will happen sooner slightly than later.
Jake McCabe – 1 G (3), +1, 4 PIM, 2 SOG, 2 H, 3 BLK, and 21:06 of ice time. With Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev shelved, the Leafs are leaning on McCabe much more than they already had been. He’s a +6 on the yr.
William Nylander – 1 G (9), 3 SOG, GWG, and 21:09 of ice time. Talking of stepping up within the absence of others, Nylander goes to need to shoulder much more of a burden now that Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews are out of the lineup. With 27 factors in 17 video games and a 14-game level streak, Willy has been a one-man wrecking crew.
Jacob Quillan – I’m sorry? Did you say, J-Quillan…?
Uh…do you imply Jacob?
Jordan Binnington – 26 saves on 29 photographs and the third loss in his final 4 begins. The Blues are aptly named this yr.
Nathan Walker – 1 G (3), +1, 4 H. Walker? I hardly even know her! Zing! And if you happen to’re not a St. Louis fan, you most likely don’t know him both. He’s a 31-year-old winger who hasn’t scored greater than 16 PTS in a season. You already know it’s unhealthy when it’s important to search for a random winger as a result of he scored half of his staff’s targets on the night time. The opposite one was from Dalibor Dvorsky – severely. That’s not a made-up title both.
Cam Talbot – 20 saves on 22 photographs and the 4-2 win vs SEA. Don’t look now, however Cam Talbot is 8-2-0! I stated DON’T LOOK! Particularly if you happen to’re an Oilers fan. Ouch.
Lucas Raymond – 1 G (6), 1 A (16), +2, 3 SOG, 1 H, and 19:53 of ice time. That’s 10 PTS in his final 5 GP. I can assure it’s not simply Purple Wings followers who’re proud of this. You already know why? It’s as a result of Everyone Loves Raymond.
Nate Danielson – 1 G, 1 A, +1, 2 SOG, 1 PPA, 2 H, and his first two factors as an NHL’er. The 21-year-old child (ninth general within the 2023 draft) received the decision in Grand Rapids lower than two weeks in the past and recorded his first two factors in his fifth NHL recreation. He’s averaged round 11:30 in ice time, however has an uphill climb if he’s seeking to push anybody off the PP1 record.
Alex DeBrincat – 2 A (14), +2, 3 SOG, 2 H. 8 factors in his final 4 video games. This man will all the time remind me of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo. I used to be there with a buddy (Sabres fan), and I booed the Bruins’ decide of Charlie McAvoy as a result of I needed them to take Jakob Chychrun as an alternative. Ouch. Nevertheless, I used to be equally aggravated when the Bruins chosen Trent Frederic on the twenty ninth general decide as an alternative of going with the rather more offensively proficient Alex DeBrincat. The Cat was spectacular within the World Junior tourney the winter earlier than that draft, and as flawed as I used to be about Jakob Chychrun, I’d prefer to assume I used to be proper about DeBrincat.
Moritz Seider – 1 A (10), +1, 2 SOG, 2 H, 3 BLK. 6 PTS in his final 4 GP. This man brings the hits, blocked photographs, AND is known as after a pleasant alcoholic beer different on a chilly winter night time? Signal me up.
Joey Daccord – 23 saves on 26 photographs and his 2nd consecutive loss. Daccord has allowed 8 targets in his final two video games and, on the threat of creating a French joke that goes over like a lead-filled balloon, Daccord has not been “all proper”. He’ll look to bounce again Thursday in Chicago.
Jordan Eberle – 1 G (8), 2 SOG, 1 PPG, 3 H, 1 BLK, and 19:32 of ice time. Not a lot to see right here. Simply Eberle doing what Eberle does: Scoring targets at a medium tempo and chipping in with modest numbers in different classes on the identical time.
Eeli Tolvanen – 2 A (8), -2, 4 SOG, 1 PPA, 1 H, 1 BLK, and 4 PTS in his final 3 GP. Not unhealthy for a man who appears like he was named after an electrified snake that PeeWee Herman stored within the playhouse aquarium.
Elvis Merzlikins – 25 saves on 30 photographs and the 5-2 loss at WPG. Oh no. Elvis is wanting “all shook up” with 3 straight losses and 12 GA in his final 3 begins. Jet Greaves continues to spice up that beginning job away from the king, and Elvis isn’t doing a lot to cease him.
Zach Werenski – 1 G (6), -1, 2 SOG, 1 H, 1 BLK, and a 4-game level streak. Should you picked up Werenski as certainly one of your prime D-men, you’ll be able to’t complain about 16 PTS in 20 GP. He’s not wanting like he’ll decelerate anytime quickly and ought to be a prime possibility on the US blueline when Olympic rosters are introduced.
Eric Comrie – 20 saves on 22 photographs and his 4th win in 5 begins. Eric Comrie: As a result of Connor Hellebuyck can’t begin all 82 video games. That ought to be on a shirt on the Jets’ merch stand.
Kyle Connor – 1 G (11), 1 A (13), +1, 3 SOG, and 17:45 in ice time. Viz’s 3-point problem decide! Connor didn’t fairly hit the 3-point mark, however if you happen to roster him, you’re possible ecstatic with the 24 PTS in 19 video games. The ice time final night time was a little bit of a priority, although. It was his lowest whole of the yr. Twitter/X didn’t have any information, and if this clip is any indication, he’s simply superb.
Josh Morrissey – 1 G (4), 1 A (17), +1, 1 SOG, 3 BLK. He’s received factors in 11 of his final 12 video games and is producing at greater than a point-a-game tempo. Hitch your wagon and benefit from the trip. He may blow previous his profession excessive in factors (76) this yr.
Neal Pionk – 1 G (1), 1 A (4), 2 SOG, 1 PPG, GWG, 2 H.
Mark Scheifele – 3 A (16), +2, 1 SOG, and 17:41 of ice time. 7 PTS in his final 5 video games, and 27 factors in 19 GP. He’s elite, but it surely won’t price you an elite participant in a commerce supply to amass him.
David Rittich – 22 saves on 24 photographs and a 3-2 win over DAL. One more backup with a good report (5-2). The craziest a part of this one was the game-tying, last-second aim scored by Dallas when Rittich received steamrolled in his crease. The official name was goalie interference and a disallowed aim, however that didn’t cease coach Patrick Roy from blowing a gasket anyway. This was after Alex Romanov received run into the boards by Mikko Rantanen earlier within the recreation, too.
Kyle Palmieri – 1 G (6), 1 A (10), +1, 3 SOG, SHG, GWG. A shorty for the sport winner?! YES!
Bo Horvat – 1 G (13), +1, 14 PIM, 2 SOG, 2 H, 1 BLK, and 14:35 of ice time. Talking of snakes (see Eeli Tolvanen above), it seems like somebody went a bit “snakey” final night time within the win over the Stars. Horvat gave us a little bit of every little thing yesterday, however if you happen to’re in a league that counts penalty minutes, you’ll be glad to see the 4-minute high-sticking name and the next 10-minute misconduct within the third.
Jake Oettinger – 19 saves on 22 photographs and the loss. This one broke a 3-game (private) win streak for Oettinger. At 8-4-2, he’s nonetheless a top-tier possibility.
Jason Robertson – 2 G, +1, 2 PIM, 5 SOG, and 22:59 of ice time. There isn’t anybody hotter than J-Rob proper now. He’s received 8 G and 4 A in his final 5 video games. Dallas is an absolute behemoth, and to make issues worse for opponents, they welcomed again their captain (Jamie Benn) final night time. Benn gained’t be scoring many factors, however that locker room increase ought to make an excellent staff even higher.
Arvid Soderblom – 19 saves on 21 photographs and the 5-2 win over CGY. It wasn’t fairly the 45 save outing that Soderblom turned in in opposition to DET per week and a half in the past, but it surely was ok for the Blackhawks’ backup’s 2nd consecutive win.
Connor Bedard – 3 G (13), +2, 2 PIM, 6 SOG, GWG, 1 H, and 20:01 of ice time. It’s straightforward to overlook this child is simply 20 years previous. With 29 factors in 19 video games, I don’t assume many Hawks followers care how previous he’s, simply that he retains carrying this staff to victory night time after night time.
Dustin Wolf – 18 saves on 22 photographs and the 4th loss in his final 5 video games. Getting turned inside out by Connor Bedard is nothing to be ashamed of, however this large unhealthy wolf is wanting extra like Little Purple’s grandma as of late.
Matt Coronato – It was a lot of the identical final night time for Matty C from Cal-gar-ee. I stated it in final week’s round-up, which you’ll be able to take a look at right here. In case your clicking finger is sore, I’ll prevent the ache: “In case your league counts photographs on aim, this can be a man to check out. In case your league additionally counts +/-? Possibly cross. (He’s a -12).” The excellent news? Coronato is “up” to a minus 11 now. Oof.
Rasmus Andersson – 1 G (4), 1 A (5), -1, 2 SOG, PPA, 1 H, 3 BLK. Rasmus retains constructing his Resume within the hopes that he can escape Calgary earlier than the fireplace will get too sizzling and the staff falls too low within the standings.
Igor Shersterkin – 23 saves on 26 photographs and the 3-2 loss at VGS. One other goalie who had a 3-game win streak snapped final night time. A lot for that 6-game NYR street successful streak, too. This one places the Rangers one recreation above .500.
Artemi Panarin – 1 A (14), +1, 2 PIM, 1 SOG, and 20:21 of ice time. The breadman is averaging 20+ minutes a recreation and has a quiet point-per-game tempo, however he wants some extra assist if NYR goes to claw its means out of the underside of the division.
Vincent Trocheck – 1 G (3), +1, 2 SOG, 5 H. He missed a month of motion, so we will forgive him for the low level whole. 6 PTS in 7 GP is an efficient tempo, and the Rangers want his secondary scoring.
Akira Schmid – 17 saves on 19 photographs and his seventh win. This man is meant to be a 3rd goalie at greatest behind Adin Hill and the soon-to-be activated Carter Hart. With a 7-1-2 report, he’s definitely not taking part in like one, although.
Mitch Marner – 1 A (17), +1, 1 PPA, 3 BLK. Marner retains doing what Marner does greatest. Meting out apples and piling up factors within the common season. We’ll have to attend till springtime to see if he can stick with it within the playoffs.
Tomas Hertl – 2 A (9), +1, 2 SOG, 1 PPA, 4 H, 1 BLK, and 15:01 of ice time.
Braeden Bowman – Just like what I stated above about Nate Danielson, right here’s one other child who is instantly producing after a current call-up from the minors. The Kitchener child had 7 targets and 12 factors in 12 video games with Henderson (AHL) earlier than the promotion. Being a finisher and having somebody like Mitch Marner feeding you excellent passes whenever you get to the large present? And seeing time on PP1 as well? Ya, that’ll play.
Vitek Vanecek – 20 saves on 23 photographs and the 3-2 loss. Vanecek is a clear-cut backup behind Karel Vejmelka, and his .874 SV% in 6 begins isn’t going to vary anybody’s minds so far as rising his taking part in time is worried.
J.J. Peterka – 2 G (8), +2, 2 PIM, 2 SOG. Sabres followers are proud of Josh Doan, however I can’t assist however assume they’ll really feel a bit aggravated/disenchanted if he scores 30 for the Mammoth this yr. That 21.1% taking pictures proportion is elite.
Yaroslav Askarov – 25 saves on 27 photographs and his fifth win in 12 begins. Askarov has allowed two or fewer targets in every of his final 6 video games. The 5-5-2 report is underwhelming, however I’d be attempting to lock this man in on a dynasty roster as quickly as I may, then simply sit again and watch the child develop into one thing particular.
Macklin Celebrini – 3 G (13), +1, 2 PIM, 4 SOG, 1 PPG, GWG, 1 BLK, and 19:41 of ice time. This child simply retains getting higher and higher every week. I don’t know what number of children I’d slightly have as a constructing block in a keeper league. Assuming Connor Bedard is the highest decide, is there anybody else you’d take over Celebrini?
Will Smith – Not a nasty begin for the 20-year-old sophomore. Simply maintain his spouse’s title out of your mouth, please.
I hope you loved it. When you’ve got any questions or feedback, go away them under and I’ll get again to you as quickly as I can!
Glad Wednesday, and I’ll see you subsequent week!
Observe me @marmosdad on Twitter/X and Bluesky @marmosdad.bsky.social
