Three stars
1. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Arguably, Thomas Greiss could be in this spot, but Vasilevskiy made every save he needed to in the game, compiling 36 in regulation and overtime and then stopping all three shots he faced in the shootout.
Vasilevskiy was at his best, which always includes a save that could be considered one of the best of the season. Friday night was no exception as he stoned Valtteri Filppula on a shot he had no business saving.
But hey, that’s Vasilevskiy for ya.
2. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Two goals, two assists and his 900th point on a night that the Blackhawks smashed the Buffalo Sabres 7-3? Yeah, that’s deserving of some recognition.
Kane now has 31 goals and 75 points in 51 games this season and is just four points back of Nikita Kucherov for the league lead.
The thread below shows all the feats Kane reached on Friday.
Patrick Kane became the fifth U.S.-born player in NHL history to reach the 900-point milestone prior to their 900th contest: Pat LaFontaine (752 GP), Joe Mullen (821 GP), Jeremy Roenick (860 GP) and Mike Modano (868 GP). #NHLStats #CHIvsBUF https://t.co/bgbKyMT57I
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2019
3. Thomas Greiss, New York Islanders.
Greiss was the other participant in the goaltending duel that was Friday’s game between the red-hot Islanders and the Lightning. Greiss only allowed on puck past him, a Victor Hedman shot in the first attempt the Lightning had in the shootout.
Otherwise, Greiss was perfect, stopping 41 shots in regulation and overtime to make sure the Islanders point streak extended to seven games. The Islanders are atop the Metropolitan Division.
Highlights of the night
Mesmerizing:
.@SebastianAho is out here breaking ankles! pic.twitter.com/E6yGUza0kJ
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 2, 2019
Red raised to where he belongs:
To the rafters! ⭐️4️⃣🏆 pic.twitter.com/9czCljNjOz
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 2, 2019
Talk about uncorking one for your first NHL goal:
Hard to tell this is Teddy Blueger's first NHL goal.
— NHL (@NHL) February 2, 2019
That shot, though. #NHLFirsts pic.twitter.com/fSA5bBFo1g
Factoids
Nino Niederreiter became the third player in @NHLCanes / Whalers franchise history to score at least five goals in his first five team games with the club. The others: John Anderson (1985-86) and Radim Vrbata (2002-03). #NHLStats #VGKvsCAR pic.twitter.com/dUtb6OvhWu
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2019
Jonathan Huberdeau (49 GP) became the fourth player in @FlaPanthers franchise history to collect his 50th point prior to his 50th team game:
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2019
Pavel Bure (42 GP in 1999-00), Scott Mellanby (47 GP in 1995-96) and Olli Jokinen (47 GP in 2006-07). #NHLStats #NSHvsFLA pic.twitter.com/8I0M7agkrh
Sidney Crosby reached the 60-point mark prior his 50th personal game for the seventh time in his career. Only Mario Lemieux (12) and Jaromir Jagr (8) have accomplished the feat on more occasions in @penguins franchise history. #NHLStats #OTTvsPIT pic.twitter.com/dsXxwrzsm3
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2019
Scores
Blackhawks 7, Sabres 3
Predators 4, Panthers 1
Lightning 1, Islanders 0 (SO)
Penguins 5, Senators 3
Capitals 4, Flames 3
Hurricanes 5, Golden Knights 2
Stars 3, Wild 1
Red Wings 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
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