About 15 games remain this NHL season. The Western Conference is its usual boring self. The only drama is the last wild card spot contested by four teams. But it's primarily only between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames because it's been that way the whole season. They don't play each other anymore, which is a bummer.
In the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers had created a little cushion for the top Atlantic spot until they blew two third-period leads. More on those later. The Ottawa Senators have won six straight, cementing their lead for the top wildcard spot. They even have a chance to slide past the New Jersey Devils for third in the metro. The New York Rangers and red-hot Montreal Canadiens are in the driver's seat for the last wildcard. The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings are cold and have tumbled down the standings. The Rangers and Canadiens don't play each other, which sucks.
Things I like
1.The Calgary Flames have been looking for a number-one goalie since Miikka Kiprusoff left over a decade ago. Seventh-round pick Dustin Wolf seems to be the answer. Wolf had a great game against the Carolina Hurricanes two weeks ago and a shutout against the Montreal Canadiens a few days later. He was stellar in an overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. This is Wolf's first season as a starter. Next season is when the sophomore slump usually occurs and will determine his future.
2.Jack Eichel has become the single-season points leader in Vegas Golden Knights history, but he did so with only 79 points. Granted, the Golden Knights have only been around since 2017, but that's not a high number, and they've had some good players. Eichel's career high is only 82. He should finally surpass that this season. I've been waiting for Eichel to have a breakout season.
Things I don't
1.The New Jersey Devils have only one win, winning trailing after two periods, tied for last. Defending champion Florida Panthers also have one, which is interesting. Although it's not official since they came into the third period tied with the Edmonton Oilers, the Devils ended up falling behind before winning. The Devils score the seventh most goals in the third period, making the trailing state more puzzling. The Oilers score the fewest third-period goals. But if the Devils hope to do anything in the playoffs, they must improve.
Fights of the Week
Special thanks to hockeyfights.com for making this section a little easier to do.
Jason Dickinson vs Barclay Goodrow
This was more of a grapplefest, but they put in the effort.
Goats of the Week
Dmitry Kulikov - Florida Panthers
With chaos in the Panther's end, Kulikov tried to clear it hastily, but it was toward the middle with no Panthers in sight. However, Mason Lohrei was there, and he made the Panthers pay. That was the game-tying goal. This was a great game. Down 2-0 in the third period, the Bruins showed heart and determination and beat a Panthers team that's more talented. A few days later, the Panthers took a two-goal lead into the third period and then lost 4-2 to the New York Islanders. They gave up two goals within 17 seconds. Not the hockey you want to be playing now.
Alexandar Georgiev - San Jose Sharks
In part 5678 of goalies doing stupid things, Georgiev tries to, well, I don't know what he was doing. Maybe just stay in your net. Kieffer Bellows scores the game-winning goal for the Nashville Predators.
Stat Line of the Week
3/12/25 Seattle 5 vs.Montreal 4
| Skater | TOI | G | A | +/- | SOG | GWG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Montour | 23:46 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
The Seattle Kraken might not have much to play for but don't tell them that. Brandon Montour had two goals and two assists, including the game-winner scored four seconds into overtime, the quickest overtime goal in NHL history. Montour is having his best season besides his ridiculously great 2022-23 year.
Numbers, Numbers
424 – Wins for Sergei Bobrovsky passing Tony Esposito for 10th all-time in NHL history
1.97 – GAA for Connor Hellebuyck, the only goalie under 2
8 – Goals away that Alex Ovechkin is from breaking Wayne Gretzky's record
6 – Year 37.5 million extension for former journeyman goalie Adin Hill. The Vegas Golden Knights don't have the best goalie track record, some are their fault, so we'll see how long this lasts.
20 – Seconds between goals in the third period by the Dallas Stars to force overtime against the Colorado Avalanche before Cale Makar scored
18 – Game point streak for Leon Draisaitl
Rankings
The rankings are based on how the teams are currently playing.
Top 5
- Carolina
- Ottawa
- Colorado
- Dallas
- Montreal
Bottom 5
- San Jose
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Minnesota
- Boston