Three Stars
1) Jake Allen, St. Louis Blues
Allen lost his starting job to Jordan Binnington last season, but the backup goaltender has become a critical position as load management continues to be a hot topic. Binnington took over the starting role in January and has never gone through the rigors of a full NHL season. Allen made 35 saves Wednesday as the Blues defeated the Oilers 2-1 and picked up their fourth straight victory.
2) Pavel Francouz, Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are the hottest team in the NHL and might have a goalie controversy on their hands. Francouz has been stellar between the pipes while Grubauer missed a few games with a lower-body injury. The Czech netminder made 31 saves as the Avalanche rebounded from their first regulation loss in 10 games earlier this week. With a 9-1-1 record in the past 11 games, the Avalanche appear to be ready to fight the Blues for the Central Division title.
3) Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils
With Taylor Hall gone, Palmieri has risen to the top of the Devils depth chart as their go-to scoring forward. He might be a prime chip at this year’s trade deadline with another year remaining at a manageable $4.65 million AAV. Cam Fowler refused to challenge Palmieri before the alternate captain wired a wrist shot to give the Devils a one-goal lead in their 3-1 victory over the Ducks.
Highlights of the Night
MacKinnon had two must-see moments on one goal in the second period against the Blackhawks. The way he collected the puck just outside the blueline, and then the wicked wrister that bounced off the cross-bar and in.
Nathan MacKinnon is a cheat code. 😳@Mackinnon9 | @Avalanche | #COLvsCHI pic.twitter.com/R4IFujZkCj
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) December 19, 2019
Brayden Schenn didn’t waste much time on this breakaway
Give Brayden Schenn (@Bschenn_10) the breakaway pass.
— NHL (@NHL) December 19, 2019
He'll do the rest. pic.twitter.com/gEMOrjFTH4
Stat of the Night
Fewest games to 50 standings points in @StLouisBlues franchise history:
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 19, 2019
2000-01: 31 GP
2013-14: 34 GP
2019-20: 36 GP
#NHLStats pic.twitter.com/1kyps1RfaH
Scores
New Jersey Devils 3, Anaheim Ducks 1
Colorado Avalanche 3, Chicago Blackhawks 1
St. Louis Blues 2, Edmonton Oilers 1