Right now, the Florida Panthers are playing absolutely downright fun hockey. Twice in two games the Panthers have put up five goals on their opponents, both against teams in the top half of the Metropolitan Division no less. The goals have been coming fast and they have been coming furiously for Florida these days, who have put up 15 goals in the last four games alone.
NHL scores 2015: Panthers score 5 again, Flames roll in 7th straight win
Florida put up their second five-spot on a Metropolitan Division team in as many games and Calgary kept on rolling after another decisive victory over Dallas.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Lineup changes were just the start for the Panthers, who have gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games since the end of November. Goals have been coming not from their top line of Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr -- who have two of the team's last 10 tallies -- but their second and third lines instead.
A balanced scoring attack on a team without the largest depth pool has done wonders for Florida, but their goaltending has also stepped up its game. Both netminders in Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya have stood tall, though Montoya faced just 16 shots in the Panthers 5-1 victory over New Jersey. It's a good mix happening right now for the Panthers, who are desperately trying to claw their way up the tight Atlantic Division standings.
Speaking of climbing, the Calgary Flames continue to impress and now have sole possession of the third spot in the Pacific Division, just one point behind the Sharks. Three straight goals helped the Flames to a 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars, who have been on a bit rockier ground as of late.
A late goal by underperforming defenseman Dougie Hamilton in the first period gave the Flames a one-goal lead that they did not relinquish despite furious Stars pressure, who outshot Calgary 17-6 in the third period alone.
The comeback mentality of the Flames has helped them to their best position in their division this season, keeping with their nickname they so rightfully earned last year. With a logjam in the middle of the Pacific, the Flames can distance themselves if they keep up their latest comeback streak.
Scores
Florida Panthers 5, New Jersey Devils 1
San Jose Sharks 5, Toronto Maple Leafs 4 (OT)
Calgary Flames 3, Dallas Stars 1
3 things we learned
1. Columbus, Arizona combine for 12 goals in barnburner
These two teams might want to save some goals for a later date. On a wacky night in Arizona, the Coyotes and the Blue Jackets traded 12 goals apiece en route to Columbus' 12th win of the season. The lead changed at least three times and the second period saw five goals in the span of over five minutes. The game saw just one goaltending switch on Arizona's side and Brandon Saad's first three-point night for Columbus in his career with the Blue Jackets.
Brandon Saad with his first three-point game w #CBJ, and there's a period to go.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 18, 2015 2. Steve Mason returned to form with 36-save shutout
It's been a long time since we've heard much from Steve Mason. The Flyers goaltender just hasn't looked the same this season like he did all last year where he was one of the team's only reliable pieces. A rocky year for sure, but Mason finally looked like his old self once again against the Canucks Thursday, shutting out Vancouver for just his second blank slate of the season. Saves like this one on Alexander Edler might just be what Mason needs to get back on the horse.
Mason robs Edler @davegisaac pic.twitter.com/MNNURmdw2r
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 18, 2015 3. Vladimir Tarasenko tied Jamie Benn with 20 goals on the year
It seems way too early still to be talking about 20 goal scorers, yet here we are. Jamie Benn has held the mantle since Dec. 11 as the first player to hit it, but Tarasenko's four-game goal streak has catapulted him to the top of the league in goals aside the Dallas Stars captain. The power play tally from the Blues biggest star also helped put St. Louis over the Predators 2-1 late in the third period.
Impact Moment
It was a weird night for goaltenders, who took a beating in between the pipes. First, it was Toronto’s Garret Sparks, who suffered an apparent long-term lower body injury on this San Jose goal.
Sparks left the game after the 2nd goal. Not suer what the injury is pic.twitter.com/yEyVfoLi3T
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 18, 2015 Not long after, Antti Raanta took a slap shot to the noggin and did not return.
Raanta was down for a long time and has now left the game after taking a Scandella slapshot straight on the forehead pic.twitter.com/5IbzpDovSF
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 18, 2015 Then later, Curtis McElhinney found himself run into by Max Domi and stayed down for a good minute. Third time's the charm, however, and he remained in the game to finish the night for Columbus.
McElhinney hits his head on the ice after he and Domi collide, but apparently he's staying in the game pic.twitter.com/TOKoEOkCuR
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 18, 2015 Stat of the Night
Jonathan Bernier drops to 0-8-3 this season. Eight months and counting since last NHL win.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 18, 2015 More goalie woes, as Bernier is still winless after Toronto’s overtime loss to the Sharks.
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