The NHL schedule gave us just three games on Thursday night, but it was still a pretty fun night of hockey.
NHL scores: Lundqvist blanks Sabres; Coyotes rally past Predators
There were only three games in the NHL on Thursday night, but it was still an entertaining night of hockey.
Paul Bereswill
The Bruins forced overtime late in the third period and earned a shootout win over Anaheim, Henrik Lundqvist returned to the lineup and was stellar, while the Coyotes and Predators played a surprisingly wild back-and-forth game out in the desert.
All the NHL Scores
Bruins 3, Ducks 2
Rangers 2, Sabres 0
Coyotes 5, Predators 4
Five Questions
On Thursday we asked you five burning questions about the day’s games. These are your cool, soothing answers.
1. How will Henrik Lundqvist perform against the Buffalo Sabres?
He recorded his second shutout of the season in what was a terribly one-sided game against a terrible Buffalo team. His biggest highlight on the night was using his head to deflect a shot into the stands.
2. How will the Rangers fare in their second home game of the season?
Don’t let the 2-0 score fool you. This game wasn’t even close, as the Rangers picked up their first win on home ice this season. Chris Kreider (with a bank shot off of Sabres goalie Ryan Miller) and Derick Brassard provided the offense.
3. Will Matt Moulson build off his impressive debut?
Other than Ryan Miller, who did everything he could to keep this game close, nobody was really impressive for the Sabres. Moulson followed up his two-goal debut by playing 19:14 and being held completely off the stat sheet offensively, recording no points and failing to register a single shot on goal.
4. Will Boston bounce back from their loss to the Penguins?
They needed a shootout, but yes. The Bruins tied Anaheim late in the third period on a Zdeno Chara goal and then won it in a shootout thanks to Jarome Iginla’s wicked wrist shot over Jonas Hiller’s glove. The first period wasn’t pretty for the Bruins as they trailed 1-0 (thanks to a rare bad goal against Tuukka Rask) and managed just one shot on goal, but they quickly regrouped to pick up the win.
5. Will Phoenix stay on fire?
Oh yes, and what a way to do it, too. The Coyotes overcame a 3-0 first period deficit (and a 4-2 third period deficit) to rally for a 5-4 shootout win over the Nashville Predators. The real turning point in this game might have been the second period goal from Jordan Szwarz that somehow snuck in under Carter Hutton’s glove.
Impact Moment
The one play or moment from Thursday’s games that will be making headlines around the league over the next couple of days.
Perhaps just the fact that Henrik Lundqvist looked like ... well, Henrik Lundqvist. He entered Thursday’s game with an .895 save percentage in his first eight games this season which isn’t anything close to what he’s capable of and what the Rangers are used to. Perhaps a shutout on Thursday (even if it was Buffalo) is what he needs to get back in the right direction
Stat of the Night
The Buffalo Sabres have been outscored 43-23 this season, and that’s bad. Even worse? They’ve been outscored 20-2 in the first period. That’s called not even giving yourself a chance.
Post to Post
- The Philadelphia Flyers are bringing Steve Downie back after acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche for Max Talbot.
- For some reason, a lot of Pittsburgh media members had a comment on that trade.
- The Montreal Canadiens re-signed Alexei Emelin to a four-year contract extension.
- And just how big of a gamble is that contract for the Canadiens?
- Buffalo Sabres forward John Scott was suspended seven games for his hit on Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson. He has already served three games of the suspension and will miss four more.
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