Three Stars
1. Jack Roslovic
Saturday almost makes you wonder if Randy Carlyle will be sadly muttering “Roslovic” in his sleep.
The young forward played a big role in the Jets humiliating the Ducks 9-3, as Roslovic generated his first hat trick while also adding an assist for four points. You could probably put some other Winnipeg players as 1B, as ... you know, there were obviously a lot of goals to go around.
2. Vladimir Tarasenko
There were some other players who generated big nights, even ones who don’t play for Winnipeg. Ryan Pulock’s a nice example, as he generated three assists to help the Islanders stay surprisingly hot.
Tarasenko’s three points came via one goal and two assists, so consider that a slight boost compared to others.
It’s been a tough season for Tarasenko - at least by his lofty standards - but the deadly sniper has been heating up. This three-point game extends his point streak to four games (three goals, three assists for six points). Tarasenko also fired five shots on goal and generated a +2 rating.
The Blues face an uphill battle to make the playoffs, although they’re improving their chances with strong recent play. This also really hurt Columbus, as the Blue Jackets’ losing streak stretched to five games.
3. Jonathan Bernier
There were some other strong goaltending performances on Saturday, but Bernier comes out ahead because a) he nabbed a shutout and b) had to make 35 saves to do so.
Bernier generated his first shutout as a member of the Red Wings, and his first victory since December. He’s not playing that much behind Jimmy Howard - and in all honesty, it’s probably better for Detroit that he struggles, at least for draft lottery purposes - but this had to be big for Bernier’s confidence.
Speaking of the Blue Jackets
While Nick Foligno believe that the Blue Jackets aren’t far from getting back on track despite losing five in a row for the first time in a long time, John Tortorella isn’t so easily convinced. He seemed pretty glum after the loss.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reports that the Blue Jackets have a team meeting coming soon. There might be yelling.
Highlights
Lightning - Rangers had some great moments. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov made great music together. Mika Zibanejad’s pass on Kevin Hayes’ goal was saucy, and Henrik Lundqvist sent Zibanejad with a great pass of his goalie-own. Lundqvist’s save on Ryan Callahan was gorgeous. So just enjoy the full highlights.
Video evidence of Roslovic’s rollicking night.
This is a hectic one. First, Tomas Hertl makes a nice play (it’s tempting to call him Tomas Hurdle, even if that’s a stretch), then Brent Burns makes some great moves to score the OT-winner.
Ridiculous goal by Connor McDavid, part bajillion.
Mad at silly geese
The next evolution of Carolina Hurricanes celebrations is “Duck-Duck-Goose,” and it’s wonderfully goofy.
But there are plenty of hockey people who do not approve of players go the way of the silly goose.
As you’d probably expect, Brian Burke remains displeased with the Hurricanes’ antics, deeming that “bush league.” (You can see his rant in the final 30-45 seconds of this Sportsnet video.)
There seems to be disapproval from younger onlookers, too, though:
Obviously it changes nothing. And it’s FUN. I just can’t imagine, personally, being a player with serious designs on a Cup, sitting in a team meeting where a guy suggests we do a duck-duck-goose celebration if we win the hockey match and being like, “YES, we are on track.”
— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) February 3, 2019
Factoids
- That Burns goal was his 13th in overtime, tying him with Scott Niedermayer for most among defensemen in NHL history.
- Nikita Kucherov is the first player this season to hit 80 points, and his team (the Lightning) became the first to hit 80 standings points in that same game. More on that win here.
- In dunking on the Ducks, the Jets set a new franchise record for goals in one period with six, and tied one for goals in a full game with nine.
- Carter Hart continues to climb the ranks with his sixth consecutive win (click here to read about the Flyers’ winning ways). Jocelyn Thibault’s eight consecutive wins before age 21 stands as the all-time record, so Hart is closing in on more history.
Scores
PHI 5, EDM 4 (OT)
NJD 3, MTL 2 (OT)
WIN 9, ANA 3
TOR 3, PIT 2
DET 2, OTT 0
FLA 3, VGK 1
NYI 4, LAK 2
STL 4, CBJ 2
TBL 3, NYR 2
DAL 3, NSH 1
CHI 4, MIN 3 (OT)
VAN 5, COL 1
SJS 3, ARI 2 (OT)
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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.