You might have heard that the IIHF World Junior Championships are going on in Canada right now. One of hockey’s great tournaments, the WJC features the best of the best in amateur hockey. Many of the players involved will become prizes for teams lucky (or unlucky?) enough to fall into the NHL Entry Draft lottery.
NHL scores 2014: Sabres mount comeback against Islanders, Nyquist stuns Senators
Saturday was a night full of hockey surprises.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
And the Buffalo Sabres couldn't care less.
At least, that’s the vibe we’re getting from them lately. Remember when the Sabres were the go-to punch line in hockey a few months ago? Remember when they were adorably incompetent and seemingly tanking for the chance to draft Connor McDavid?
Yeah, we don't remember that either. Buffalo added another surprising win on Saturday, erasing a three-goal deficit late to rally for a 4-3 shootout win over the rising Eastern Conference power Islanders. . Rising force and All-Star Game ballot darling Zemgus Girgensons led the way and goalie Jhonas Enroth remained solid between the pipes in the win.
Now, it’s not like the Sabres have become world-beaters. Their victory on Saturday ended a four-game skid, and they still reside in the basement of the league with 31 points. But Ted Nolan and his staff have found a way to at least right the ship. Buffalo has essentially gone .500 over its last 20 games after a 3-10-2 start to the year.
The Sabres have found a happy medium: they’re just bad enough to remain in the hunt for top young draft talent and just good enough to show signs of growth and competitiveness to their fanbase. Whether it continues will be interesting to watch as the season progresses.
All the NHL Scores
Blue Jackets 6, Bruins 2
Lightning 2, Hurricanes 1
Sabres 4, Islanders 3 (SO)
Blackhawks 5, Avalanche 2
Three things we learned
1. Derek Stepan is proving doubters wrong. Some Rangers fans are fond of calling him Derek "Not A First-Line Center" Stepan, mocking the fanbase's sentiment that Stepan isn't capable of shouldering that load. So far Stepan has proven otherwise. The center scored a hat trick against the Devils on Saturday, in what was the culmination of a hot start to the year. Since his season debut on November 8, Stepan has 21 points in 20 games and is on his way to a career season.
2. The Calder Trophy race keeps heating up. For most of the season, Predators winger Filip Forsberg has been the shoo-in candidate for the award given to the NHL's best rookie. Forsberg contributed to Nashville's big win with a goal and an assist on Saturday to bring his season total to 33 points and 14 goals. But Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau remains hot on his heels after scoring two goals against the Oilers. Johnny Hockey is up to 27 points and is closing in on Forsberg quickly. Forsberg's case for the Calder isn't the slam-dunk it once was.
3. Milan Lucic got his "revenge". The Bruins bruiser was irked a few weeks ago when Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout allegedly sucker-punched him during a fight. Lucic made it clear in the media following the incident that he would seek revenge the next time they met. It didn't take long for the two to drop the gloves again.
The Bruins lost by four goals, sit outside the Wild Card race and Lucic is on pace for his worst season in years. With that in mind, you have to wonder where Lucic’s head is at when he prioritizes fighting and revenge.
Impact Moment
Gustav. Freaking. Nyquist.
Stat of the Night
There are only 4 NHL teams that have less than double the number of wins the #Oilers have. Yes. 25/30 teams have at least double the wins.
— Alan Hull (@alanhull) December 28, 2014 The Oilers are going to get one of Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel and there’s a good chance they squander their career. That’s a depressing thought.
Post to Post
- We didn't think it was possible, but Niklas Kronwall managed to "Kronwall" himself.
- Shane Doan's shootout winner was basically a magic trick.
- Finally, you need to listen to Jack Edwards freak out about officials. It's a giggle.
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