Alex Ovechkin further cemented himself as this generation’s greatest goal-scorer, Nolan Patrick got a chance to don “The Helmet,” the Blackhawks struggled to keep the puck out of their own net (again) and the Blues finally put together a win streak.
Here are four things we learned in the NHL on Monday.
[snippet id=4269767]
Ovechkin passes Shanahan on all-time power-play goals list
Another day, another goal-scoring achievement for The Great Eight.
With a power-play goal in the first period against the St. Louis Blues — his league-leading 33rd of the season — the Washington Capitals superstar passed Brendan Shanahan for sixth all-time in career goals scored on the man advantage with his 238th.
Ovechkin could realistically pass three more names on the career power-play goals list by season’s end. He’s just eight goals away from Phil Esposito (246) and nine from tying Luc Robitaille (247). The 33-year-old needs 18 more goals after tonight to pass Teemu Selanne (255) for third all-time.
By the time the Russian hangs up his skates, Dave Andreychuk’s all-time mark of 274 power-play goals will almost surely be shattered.
His goal also marked the 640th of his career, which coincidentally brought him into a tie with Andreychuk for 14th all-time on the league’s career goals list, according to NHL Public Relations.
The Flyers have a unique post-game trophy
Midway through his second season, Nolan Patrick hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations of a second-overall pick, recording 14 points through 39 games this season. It’s important to remember, though, the 20-year-old is far from a finished product.
Despite his struggles, it’s clear the Philadelphia Flyers‘ youngster possesses immense talent, which he showcased on Monday.
— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2019
Patrick added another goal and an assist to finish the evening with three points. Efforts of this calibre provide a brief glimpse into what Patrick could become if he’s able to realize his potential with the help of added NHL experience.
After his strong showing, Patrick was awarded with ‘The Helmet’.
Awarded to the Flyers’ standout player after each win, the somewhat odd-looking post-game trophy originated back in training camp when the team went out to ride some four-wheelers.
Flyers’ forward Scott Laughton ended up being stuck with a vintage helmet after all the others were taken. Teammates got a kick out of how the helmet looked on Laughton, which sparked a running joke that’s lasted all season.
You can read about the story behind the helmet’s origin in further detail here.
Chicago’s defence is a mess
The Chicago Blackhawks winning three Stanley Cups over a five-year span feels like a distant memory at this point.
Chicago’s defence has been atrocious this season. The team has allowed the second-most goals in the league, trailing only the Ottawa Senators.
Things didn’t get any better on that front against New Jersey, with the Blackhawks allowing a whopping eight goals against en route to their fourth consecutive loss.
The Blackhawks’ latest defeat marks the fifth time the team has allowed seven or more goals against this season, according to NHL.com.
At one point during the second period, Chicago allowed five unanswered goals. After that abysmal period, goaltender Cam Ward was understandably irate.
The Blues are finally on a win streak
Considering the Blues put together seven separate winning streaks spanning at least four games last season, the fact the club hadn’t won three in a row through 44 games of the 2018-19 campaign was rather shocking.
Sure, this team’s production has dropped off this season, but you’d think stringing together three victories would have been accomplished at this point.
Luckily for St. Louis’ faithful, the team finally changed its fortunes on Monday.
David Perron extended his point streak to 11 games, helping the Blues pick up a win over the Capitals for their third consecutive victory.
Better late than never. Right, Blues fans?
[relatedlinks]
