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The Buzzer: Rantanen continues to run roughshod on NHL

Colorado Avalanche v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 07: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on October 7, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Three Stars

1. Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche

Rantanen wasn’t about to let Matt Duchene come into his house and run roughshod on his old team. So when the Avs fell behind 3-1, Rantanen and rest of the Avalanche knew what they needed to do.

Rantanen started the come back by pulling the Avs to 3-2 and then assisted on three of the next four goals to help put Colorado ahead. Rantanen now leads the NHL in points with 20.

2. Matt Duchene, Ottawa Senators

Duchene made his return to Colorado nearly a year after he forced his way out on Friday and made sure he stuck it to his old club one more time. Duchene scored twice in the game, including immediately after the Avs paid tribute to their former star. The Avs got their revenge, too, scoring five unanswered to win the game.

3. Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings

Say what you want about this team this season, but Howard did everything in his power on Friday to give his team a chance. The problem is his team didn’t give him one.

Howard made 38 saves in a 2-1 loss against the Winnipeg Jets. He faced 40 shots, many more shot attempts and a Winnipeg assault in the second period where the Red Wings were outshot 21-4. A performance like Howard’s deserves better.

Highlights of the Night

A home win by the Hurricanes means a new celebration. What do you even call this?

Sometimes assists don’t get the credit they deserve.

Jimmy Howard deserved better on Friday:

Factoids

Scores

Lightning 3, Golden Knights 2

Jets 2, Red Wings 1

Hurricanes 4, Sharks 3 (SO)

Avalanche 6, Senators 3

MORE: Your 2018-19 NHL on NBC TV schedule


Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck