NHL scores 2016: No one can hold a lead

Thursday night was the night of the multi-goal comeback across the NHL. A 12-game slate featured a multitude of games that saw comebacks to varying degrees of success after the trailing teams looked dead in the water.

For the Flyers, it was much of the same. A better start for Philadelphia was derailed when Michal Neuvirth, on the second game of a back-to-back, allowed a soft five-hole goal that gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead in the mid-stages of the third. Yet another late tying goal forced the game to an eventual shootout, where captain Claude Giroux dazzled once again on the winner.

The other comeback teams, however, weren’t so successful. The Panthers did waste away a familiar 3-1 lead, but pulled themselves back together enough to take advantage of a late overtime goal. Boston got too comfortable with their 3-1 lead and too lax on the penalty kill, which allowed the Lightning back into the game with a pair of power play goals. The Bruins outlasted the Lightning in the shootout, but gave away a critical point to their Atlantic Division rivals.

And the Jets, once again, stormed back from a three-goal deficit to give the normally stalwart Capitals a scare. Sadly, Patrik Laine was held off the scoresheet and Alex Ovechkin did what he often does best to secure the Capitals’ seventh win of the season.

Most everyone had their chance at a comeback moment. The Sabres would have had one if not for the sensational netminding of Frederik Andersen. St. Louis made it a bit uncomfortable for Dallas late but a disallowed goal halted any chance to tie the game. The Coyotes got themselves a two-game point streak thanks to Anthony Duclair’s goal that got Arizona into a shootout victory. San Jose came back from a two goal deficit but couldn’t beat the young Flames late.

Everyone had their moments except Colorado and Vancouver, who got blanked. Sorry guys.

Maple Leafs 2, Sabres 1
Rangers 5, Oilers 3
Capitals 4, Jets 3 (OT)
Flyers 3, Islanders 2 (SO)
Panthers 4, Devils 3 (OT)
Bruins 4, Lightning 3 (SO)
Senators 1, Canucks 0
Stars 6, Blues 2
Blackhawks 4, Avalanche 0
Coyotes 3, Predators 2 (SO)
Kings 3, Penguins 2 (OT)
Flames 3, Sharks 2

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1. If Connor McDavid’s hockey career doesn’t work out, soccer is an option

McDavid’s kick pass was a bright spot in the Oilers 5-3 loss to the Rangers. Honestly, what can’t this kid do?

2. The Blackhawks penalty kill is better, but still not great

Chicago now has killed 12 straight penalties, but thanks to their abysmal start they’re still bringing up the rear of the NHL by a wide margin.

3. The Canucks are spiraling

After opening the season on a franchise-best 4-0-0 record, Vancouver has gone downhill and fast. The goaltending tandem of Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom have a .934 and .920 save percentage respectfully, but have gotten no help on offense. The addition of Loui Eriksson hasn’t added much to the Canucks firepower and they sit last in the league with just 16 goals for on the season.

Tyler Seguin tied a career high with four assists in the Stars’ 6-2 win over the Blues. With three of those coming as the primary assist, the Stars lead might have been a bit tighter at the end of the night.

Frederik Andersen has really done a 180 these last few games. Not only did he steal the show in Buffalo, Andersen is as hot as they come.