If you want to nominate a theme for Tuesday, how about big “momentum swings,” or failing that, leads being remarkably unsafe?
The most obvious example was the Carolina Hurricanes’ bizarre comeback and eventual 8-6 win against the Vancouver Canucks. You can read more about that here. But it wasn’t the only example of significant surges, sometimes from teams trailing by significant margins.
Stars 6, Ducks 2
It’s pretty stunning to realize that Corey Perry gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead about a minute into the third period.
All of a sudden, these struggling Stars looked more like that super-explosive 2015-16 unit, rattling off five goals in the final frame. Jamie Benn was probably the biggest catalyst, scoring a goal and two assist in this big win for Dallas.
RC: "It takes 60 minutes to win a hockey game in the NHL, and we didn't play 60 minutes. We played 40." #DALvsANA
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 14, 2016
At 12-13-6, the Stars have a long way to go, but perhaps a game like this may help to rebuild that swagger.
Predators 6, Blues 3
For a while there, things were looking pretty glum for Nashville.
They lost to the Stars 5-2, the Coyotes 4-1 and then fell behind 3-0 to the Blues early on in the second period.
With two goals in the second and four in the third, the Predators went on a tear that reminded the hockey world of the, well, Stars-like hype they carried into 2016-17.
Now, do you credit the Predators’ star players for the turnaround or ... other forces?
So @DollyParton gave a shoutout to the @PredsNHL during her telethon and then they had a 5 goal explosion. Coincidence?
— Fang Fingers by So Nashville (@FangFingersTN) December 14, 2016
Sharks 3, Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
OK, this game wasn’t as dramatic, especially since Toronto earned a “charity point.” Still, it gives us an excuse to share Auston Matthews’ drought-breaking goal.
Really, you can group quite a few of these games together, especially if you don’t make “blowing a big lead” a big requirement.
- The Washington Capitals won their fifth in a row by beating the New York Islanders 4-2 even though the Isles scored the first goal.
- The Sabres were down 2-0, only to win 6-3 against the Kings. More on that there.
- Maybe the Wild’s 5-1 win against the Panthers sort of applies?
- And, yeah, that Carolina - Vancouver game was bonkers.
So, yeah, seems like a semi-decent theme for Tuesday. It’s also a nice sign for people who want exciting hockey: look away and you might miss a wave of goals.