Before the start of the 2015-16 season, you might have circled Friday night's game against the Penguins and the Lightning as a potential playoff matchup for the upcoming postseason. They might still get there now, but the fact that there's uncertainty from hockey clubs in Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay over making the playoffs is still one of the most astounding facts of the season.
NHL scores 2016: Namestnikov, Lightning ground Penguins with OT victory
Multi-goal games all around!
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
To be fair, Friday night’s game did have the feel of a playoff match. Whether it was from the extreme star power the game possessed or the desperation for a win in such a critical time spurred the intensity, it’s hard to say. But, it was most certainly there in Tampa Bay’s 5-4 win in overtime.
The stars were out in full force for both teams. Steven Stamkos had himself a two-point evening, Kris Letang posted one goal and one assist, and youngster Vladislav Namestnikov potted his first hat trick of 90-plus game career. Tampa Bay almost squandered a two-goal lead, allowing the Penguins back in the game after the Lightning pulled away to a 3-1 lead on consecutive power play goals in the second.
The biggest reason why they didn't? Anton Stralman did his best Sidney Crosby impression, and he succeeded!
For those that don't know, Stralman is a defenseman and he made a move that is on par with Crosby or Evgeni Malkin levels of talent.
Not to be buried under Stralman’s brilliance, Tampa Bay owes their win to Namestnikov and his three goals, which book-ended and split the game very nicely. Better luck next time, Pittsburgh.
Scores
Vancouver Canucks 3, Carolina Hurricanes 2 (OT)
Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 4 (OT)
3 things we learned
1. Blackhawks second line did the heavy lifting against Maple Leafs
In one of the more surprising statistics, it took Patrick Kane eight seasons to record his first career regular season hat trick. Kane's three goals were three quarters of the Blackhawks final tally on Friday, with linemate Artemi Panarin picking up Chicago's third goal of the evening. The Blackhawks rolled over the Maple Leafs 4-1 thanks to the Blackhawks second line, which has dominated the league throughout much of the season.
2. Brett Connolly broke his 19-game goalless drought with empty netter
It's not the most conventional way to break a scoreless drought, but it'll have to do for Boston's Brett Connolly. The last time Connolly found the net, it was just after Thanksgiving. But, it's a new year and even the tiniest of sparks can help break a scoring drought. The Bruins didn't need the insurance empty net goal so late in their game, but Connolly most certainly did.
3. Bo Horvat's pair the difference for Vancouver
It was the Bo Horvat show for the Canucks on Friday. Horvat tallied two goals in the Canucks' 3-2 overtime win over the Hurricanes, both long range shots that beat netminder Cam Ward high glove side.
Horvat goal pic.twitter.com/53GyFRzU2C
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Horvat OT winner pic.twitter.com/PYCB0G9GEN
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Lots of guys getting in on the multi-goal night, it seems.
Impact Moment
In a complete role reversal, the Anaheim Ducks netted four -- yes four -- goals on the Dallas Stars in just one period of play on Friday. If you want to allow an impact moment to be an impact period, than do we have a show for you.
Silfverberg goal pic.twitter.com/X57B12Iyxw
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Vatanen goal pic.twitter.com/yWeymRTNXC
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Lindholm goal pic.twitter.com/CBswf0lOvg
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Perry goal pic.twitter.com/M8k8wa5JiY
— Stephanie (@myregularface) January 16, 2016 Clearly, someone replaced the Ducks with an imposter because I cannot figure this box score out for the life of me.
Who are you and what have you done with the real Anaheim Ducks? pic.twitter.com/nI6ZNjV29T
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) January 16, 2016 Stat of the Night
#NHLJets Connor Hellebuyck: Last 4 road starts Record: 3-0-1 GAA: 0.73 Save %: .975
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 16, 2016 The Jets shutout the lackluster Wild 1-0 on the back of netminder Connor Hellebuyck and his 24-save shutout.
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