Tuesday was a pretty wild night in the NHL. From dirty hits to milestones to impressive comebacks, here are five things we learned Tuesday:
It’s Always Insanity in Philadelphia
Wow. Where to begin with this one? We’ve seen some intense encounters between the Penguins and Flyers in the past, but the latest installment of the battle of Pennsylvania had some extra vinegar. The Flyers ended up winning the game 3-2 in overtime, but the final score won’t be what people remember about this game.
It all began when Zac Rinaldo was ejected for drilling Kris Letang from behind late in the first period. It was a dirty play by all accounts and Rinaldo will undoubtedly be suspended.
VOTE: How many games should the NHL give Rinaldo?
Rinaldo’s hit was just the tip of the iceberg, however, as there ended up being a total of 93 penalty minutes in the game. There were four fights and 66 PIMs in the second period alone, including this tilt between Luke Schenn and Steve Downie.
Oilers wish they could only play Washington
There hasn’t been much to cheer about in Edmonton this season, but that’s not the case whenever they play the Capitals. The Oilers pulled off an impressive comeback – down 3-1 after the first period, but climbed back to win 5-4 in a shootout – to sweep the season series. The Oilers also beat the Caps 3-2 back when they met in October.
You can’t slow down Ovechkin
Although his team won’t be happy with the loss to the Oilers, they can take some solace in the fact that their superstar is absolutely on fire of late. Alex Ovechkin potted two goals Tuesday bringing his season total to 27, just one behind Tyler Seguin and Rick Nash for the league lead. When the Capitals hired Barry Trotz, who brings with him a defensively responsible game plan, some worried that it would impact Ovi’s ability to produce monster numbers. Well, the Great 8 has improved his defensive play under Trotz, but it clearly hasn’t affected Ovechkin in the offensive zone. Ovechkin has 13 goals in his last 15 games and should be in the thick of the The Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy race for the remainder of the season.
Subban sets a new record for being clutch
When the game is on the line, you want P.K. Subban on the ice. Subban scored the OT winner Tuesday against the Nashville Predators in a game in which both he and teammate Carey Price stood out. Price stopped 36 of 37 shots and Subban’s goal set a new Canadiens record.
How is this guy not an all-star!? In the wise words of one Jeremy Roenick: “NHL, wake up.”
Kane steals the show on Toews bobblehead night
It was Jonathan Toews bobblehead night in Chicago and while the captain did manage to open the scoring and snap an 11-game goalless drought, it was Patrick Kane who stole the show. Kane had three points in a 6-1 win over the Coyotes and registered his 200th career goal in the process. Kane is in the Hart Trophy discussion and one reason is because performances like this are a common occurrence.