NHL scores 2017: Only the Stars and Rangers could make 13 goals seem ugly

Everything that made the Penguins-Capitals game sensational on Monday was mirrored imperfectly at Madison Square Garden just 24 hours later.

We should’ve seen this mess coming. In his last four appearances in net, New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist allowed 13 goals. The Dallas Stars, meanwhile, came in having allowed at least four goals in five of their last seven games. They’d pulled their starting goalie in five consecutive games!

So what happened next was fairly predictable, in hindsight.

This was Peak Stars and Peak Rangers colliding like two dying suns wandering into each other’s orbit.

For the third straight game, the first shot of the game went into the Stars’ net. Scores were settled. And then the guy (Cody Eakin) who got the score settled on him pulled off a Gordie Howe hat trick. Rangers fans booed Henrik Lundqvist off the ice. Lundqvist! And then the Stars almost blew a 7-3 lead.

And by almost, I really mean almost:

That’s the third time in eleven games that the Rangers have given up seven goals. The Stars hung on for two points, but I’m honestly wondering if they shouldn’t just hand them back. Nobody really came out of this game feeling good about themselves or the direction they’re heading in.

Stars 7, Rangers 6
Blue Jackets 4, Hurricanes 1
Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 3
Senators 6, Blues 4
Devils 4, Wild 3
Blackhawks 6, Avalanche 4
Flames 5, Panthers 2
Ducks 1, Lightning 1
Predators 1, Canucks 1

The Calgary Flames quietly hold a firm grip on the first wild card spot in the Western Conference. With a 4-2 win over the Panthers at home on Tuesday, Calgary keeps rising.

And Tkachuk is a big reason why. With two assists against Florida, Tkachuk is third on the Flames with 27 points. That’s just one point less than Johnny Gaudreau! His biggest improvement (staying out of the penalty box) is a nice sign, as well.

Corey Crawford did not have a great evening in Denver. His .886 save percentage this month is concerning, along with the fact that Colorado (the league’s worst team this season) led the Blackhawks 4-3 with 20 minutes remaining.

But the rookies rallied. Vinnie Hinostroza (who has looked tantalizingly good the past few games) scored twice and Tanner Hero put the game away to let Chicago escape embarrassment.

At this point, the Tampa Bay Lightning winger pulls off at least one play a night that makes your jaw drop. Monday night it was this cross-ice saucer pass on the money that led to a scoring chance.

It’s entirely possible (probable?) that Chris Kreider is going to face a suspension or fine for using Cody Eakin’s helmet as a weapon during their fight.

THIS GOAL IS MAGICAL.