If close hockey games are your thing, you didn’t have much fun on Sunday.
NHL Scores: Rangers hit new low, Blackhawks end skid in style
Sunday was a good day for blowouts.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Three games were decided by three goals or more. Injuries and more (yes, more) dangerous hits took away from what was a pretty dominant performance by the Bruins in Toronto. Henrik Lundqvist nearly pulled every muscle in his body trying to save the Rangers in a losing effort. And the Blackhawks basically slept their way through a big rout of the Panthers.
Hey, not every day can be Saturday.
All the NHL Scores
Wild 3, Sharks 1
Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 2
Capitals 4, Rangers 1
Blackhawks 6, Panthers 2
Canucks 3, Avalanche 1
Five Questions
On Sunday we asked you five burning questions about the day’s games. These are your cool, soothing answers.
1. How do the Bruins respond after an emotional Saturday night?
Pretty well, considering they continued to get decimated with injuries. Both Dougie Hamilton and rookie call-up Kevan Miller were hurt during the game, but it was Miller's first career goal late in the second period that gave the Bruins a two-goal lead and all the momentum.
2. Do the Rangers bounce back?
Not at all. Their response after Saturday's loss to New Jersey was mediocre at best. The effort against the Capitals just wasn't there, while Washington's finally got some depth from the likes of Jason Chimera and Steve Oleksy.
3. Can the Sharks get back to earning points?
Not only did the Sharks not gain any points on Sunday, but at one point they were in danger of being shut out for the first time all season. San Jose didn't play terribly, but Josh Harding put on one heck of a performance in net for Minnesota with 37 saves on 38 shots.
4. Will Colorado finish their Western Canada road swing on a high note?
There's something about playing in Vancouver that just makes the Avalanche's guns go silent. Such was the case again on Sunday, as Colorado played a listless game at both ends of the ice. Jean-Sebastian Giguere had a tough night in goal, just stopping 18 of 21 shots.
5. Are the Panthers just what Chicago needs?
Oh, yes. The Blackhawks snapped their three-game losing streak in a huge way on Sunday, feasting on the hapless Panthers in front of a big home crowd. The night belonged to Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane, who combined for a goal and five assists. But the loss of Corey Crawford looms.
Impact Moment
The one play or moment from Sunday that is going to be making headlines over the next couple of days.
It happened with just minutes remaining in the game, but Dion Phaneuf’s blatant boarding on Kevan Miller will be replayed over and over again tomorrow by Bruins fans. It’s an egregious play for two reasons. Obviously, the fact Phaneuf would run an unsuspecting rookie from behind is unfortunate. But the fact the referees completely missed calling a clear penalty is completely surprising.
Predictable Tweet Of The Night
Stay classy, Sean Avery.
Just saw the chicken shit moves by Orpik and Neal......maybe lying on the ice knocked out will make u think twice....#16
— Sean Avery (@imseanavery) December 9, 2013 Post to Post
- Corey Crawford left with an injury.
- Josh Harding honored Grant Fuhr.
- Chris Kreider should keep his stick to himself.
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