This post includes two goals in one clip, so here are two different thoughts that might slip a bit under the radar:
1. The Eric Staal signing is looking like a smash success for the Minnesota Wild.
2. Things are not going well for Carey Price lately, even as the Montreal Canadiens are often finding ways to win anyway.
Staal scored his 14th goal of 2016-17 and second point of the night when he beat Price for the 2-0 goal. Just 39 seconds later, Jordan Schroeder made it 3-0.
The second period ended with a late Nino Niederreiter tally, making it 4-0 for Minnesota and making one wonder if the Habs will decide to take Price out of the contest.
Again, this continues a rare trend of shaky play by the all-world goalie:
To put this in context, Carey Price allowed three or more goals in five of his first 24 starts this season. https://t.co/hdZjwT55DV
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) January 13, 2017
Meanwhile, the elder Staal is on fire.
He has a period to add to tonight’s totals, but even if he doesn’t, he now has three goals and four assists for seven points during a four-game point streak. He now has 37 points in 40 games.
Not bad for a guy many questioned could even be a viable top center in the NHL any longer.