Three stars
1. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Even before the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Edmonton Oilers, Price’s 27-save shutout of the New York Islanders was huge, helping them at least keep pace if Columbus was to win.
Instead, the Edmonton Oilers did the Canadiens a solid, beating Columbus to allow the Habs to leapfrog the Blue Jackets into the second and final wildcard in the Eastern Conference.
Price has been solid over his past five starts, allowing just six goals across that span.
Most regular-season shutouts, @CanadiensMTL franchise history:
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 22, 2019
75 – George Hainsworth
58 – Jacques Plante
46 – Ken Dryden
44 – @CP0031 #NHLStats #NYIvsMTL pic.twitter.com/1RI0dLih2w
2. Ivan Barnashev, St. Louis Blues
Barbashev had exactly one goal in his previous 18 games heading into Thursday’s action against the Detroit Red Wings. He now has four in his past 19.
Barbashev recorded his first career hat trick in a 5-2 win as the Blues strengthened their hold on third place in the Central Division. With the Dallas Stars losing on Thursday, the Blues moved four points clear of Dallas.
Barbashev netted the game-winner in the second period.
With family in the crowd, @Barbashev2295 picked up his first career @Enterprise hatty. pic.twitter.com/A9Ykah66Ev
— NHL (@NHL) March 22, 2019
3. Malcolm Subban, Vegas Golden Knights
Subban never had a shutout heading into a game against the Winnipeg Jets. It’s doubtful even he thought it might come against the Central Division leaders.
But after 60 minutes and 20 shots against, Subban drew his first donut on the scoresheet.
Subban was solid, if not spectacular in a game the Jets didn’t show up to. But when called upon, he was up to the test. The Golden Knights played a solid team game, allowing just one shot on goal during two Winnipeg power plays.
Subban has started three straight now with Marc-Andre Fleury out. He’s doing just fine.
Malcolm Subban just robbed Patrik Laine. pic.twitter.com/FjMSFv5hdB
— Knights On Ice (@knightsonice) March 22, 2019
Highlights of the night
Here’s a double tap from Ben Bishop:
Marchand --> Pastrnak
Flossin':
The game within the game. Great fun between @BradyTkachuk71 and a little fan.#MoreThan60 with @HondaCanada pic.twitter.com/D45rv3NIHZ
— NHL (@NHL) March 22, 2019
The Price wasn’t wrong on this save:
This is what Carey Price does to people. Volume up. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/vRH1VWuNH2
— John (@TheEagleDares) March 22, 2019
Factoids
Father-son duos to each tally 600+ career regular-season points, NHL history:
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 22, 2019
Thomas (817) and @Steener20 (600)
Gordie (1,850) and Mark Howe (742)
Bobby (1,170) and Brett Hull (1,391)
Peter (1,239) and Paul Stastny (676) #NHLStats #DETvsSTL pic.twitter.com/5WPRIepKzk
Only three teams in NHL history have recorded more wins in a single season than the @TBLightning in 2018-19. #NHLStats #TBLvsCAR pic.twitter.com/dCJT1LlbtR
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 22, 2019
Patrice Bergeron became the fourth player to record at least three 30-goal seasons for the @NHLBruins after age 30, joining Johnny Bucyk (7x), Phil Esposito (4x) and Rick Middleton (3x). #NHLStats #BOSvsNJD pic.twitter.com/lBxfWZSMGa
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 22, 2019
Scores
Panthers 4, Coyotes 2
Bruins 5, Devils 1
Lightning 6, Hurricanes 3
Canadiens 4, Islanders 0
Blues 5, Red Wings 2
Penguins 2, Predators 1 (SO)
Flyers 3, Blackhawks 1
Avalanche 3, Stars 1
Flames 5, Senators 1
Oilers 4, Blue Jackets 1
Golden Knights 5, Jets 0
Kings 4, Sharks 2
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