Three Stars
1) Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers
After recording two assists in the first half of the Panthers’ 6-5 win against the Montreal Canadiens, Huberdeau added two goals of his own in a 35-second span in the second period. The 26-year-old forward benefitted from a fortuitous bounce when his cross-ice pass attempt deflected off a Canadiens player into the back of the net. Moments later, Huberdeau wired a wrist shot to extend Florida’s lead to 5-3 at the time. Huberdeau is currently the Panthers’ leading scorer and is well on his way to matching or surpassing his 92-point total from last season.
2) Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils
When selected at the top of the draft, you are expected to be one of the players leading the way for that organization. Sunday, Hughes recorded his first NHL overtime-winning goal and helped lead the Devils to a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. The 18-year-old forward showed a lot of maturity during his breakaway attempt, wisely keeping the puck out of reach from the chasing Senators skater. The simple, yet effective move to the forehand allowed Hughes to lift the puck over Craig Anderson’s glove. Hughes also recorded an assist earlier in the game giving him his third multi-point game of the season.
3) Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
In their final game before the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, the Stars erased a two-goal third-period deficit in a 4-2 win over the Coyotes. Benn had a nifty goal and added an assist during the comeback. The Stars captain showed off his net-front skills as he collected a loose puck in front of the crease then cleverly kicked it over to his backhand to help jumpstart the rally and get Dallas on the scoreboard early in the third period.
Other notable performances from Sunday
John Tortorella – The Blue Jackets were the recipient of some bad fortune, and Tortorella let everyone know the facts of the situation in a clear, concise message after the game. More on the referee’s costly mistake here
Jaden Schwartz – The undersized forward scored two goals Sunday as the Blues captured their eighth straight victory.
David Pastrnak – The NHL’s leading goal-scorer picked up his 29th goal and 29th assist in the Boston Bruins’ 3-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres.
Tyler Myers – The defenseman had two goals early in the first period to help Vancouver start with a 2-0 lead against the Calgary Flames.
Highlights of the Night
Jake DeBrusk – Two power-play goals in 18 seconds helped the Bruins extend their point streak to seven games.
Jakub Voracek – The Flyers forward had two assists but his pass to set up Kevin Hayes’ overtime-winning goal was a thing of beauty. From the top of the left circle in the defensive zone, Voracek fired a pass up ice to Hayes as Anaheim made a poor line change. The Flyers improved to 5-1-0 in their last six games.
Kevin Hayes (@KevinPHayes12) coming for the @EASPORTSNHL OT winner and the beauty celly. 😂 pic.twitter.com/6iioTUpKQI
— NHL (@NHL) December 30, 2019
Andrej Sekera’s blind pass from behind the net set up Alexander Radulov’s game-tying goal.
Brayden Point found the smallest of openings when he scored the go-ahead goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 victory against Detroit.
Tonight’s @sonnysbbq goal of the game: Pointer from a ridiculous angle! #DETvsTBL pic.twitter.com/AFBrtuUjpJ
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 30, 2019
Stats of the Night
The @TBLightning improved to 16-0-0 in their last 16 regular-season games versus Detroit dating to Feb. 3, 2016 (DET: 0-14-2), tied for the third-longest win streak by a team against one opponent in NHL history. https://t.co/fBmXFFbBir #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/0ANSEgGm4O
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 30, 2019
Jonathan Huberdeau is the second player in @FlaPanthers history to reach the 50-point mark in 38 games or less. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/rcQuFVM6X3
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 30, 2019
Tyler Myers
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 30, 2019
First #Canucks defenceman with 2 goals in the first period since Ed Jovanovski on December 21, 2000 vs Chicago
NHL Scores
St. Louis Blues 4, Winnipeg Jets 1
New Jersey Devils 4, Ottawa Senators 3 (OT)
Chicago Blackhawks 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2 (SO)
New York Islanders 3, Minnesota Wild 1
Boston Bruins 3, Buffalo Sabres 2
Tampa Bay Lightning 2, Detroit Red Wings 1
Florida Panthers 6, Montreal Canadiens 5
Dallas Stars 4, Arizona Coyotes 2
Philadelphia Flyers 2, Anaheim Ducks 1 (OT)
Vancouver Canucks 5, Calgary Flames 2