Player of the Night: Linus Ullmark, Buffalo Sabres
Quite a way for Ullmark to make his first start of 2017-18.
The 24-year-old set a new career-high with 44 saves against the Columbus Blue Jackets, helping Buffalo steal a 3-1 win. Only Artemi Panarin’s beautiful goal beat Ullmark (or at least Ullmark and his post) during this game.
One wonders if Ullmark, 24, deserves a longer look with Buffalo or elsewhere. He generated an outstanding .928 save percentage in 26 AHL games this season, and while his NHL work has been sporadic, he’s been solid when called upon. What else does Buffalo have to lose, other than better draft lottery odds?
Highlight of the Night: Speaking of that Panarin goal ...
Runner-up goes to Mark Jankowski, who poured it on for the Flames against the Lightning:
Dance Party!
Team East wins Women's All-Star Game: https://t.co/Junt2rZ5Vf
— KHL (@khl_eng) January 11, 2018
And they showed some moves performed to Kazakh music. pic.twitter.com/gUoBgSTqgj
Lowlight of the Night: Although, maybe a highlight because Kyle Okposo deserves some luck after last season’s health scares.
Factoid
The Hurricanes ended the Capitals’ home dominance, continuing their rise in the process:
The @NHLCanes beat the #Capitals 3-1 tonight. Carolina snaps WSH's 10-game home win streak & improves to 9-4-1 since December 12
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 12, 2018
Scores
Sabres 3, Blue Jackets 1
Hurricanes 3, Capitals 1
Flames 5, Lightning 1
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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.