The Flames stayed in the playoff hunt by becoming the third Western Conference team to register 20 road wins this season, Johnny Gaudreau moved into a tie for the league lead in assists, Brett beat brother Nick in the Ritchie Bowl as the Stars topped the Ducks and Rickard Rakell skated in 300th NHL game.
It was a quiet Friday night in the NHL, but here are three things we learned.
Jones making case he should be in Norris conversation
The Columbus Blue Jackets are not a marquee NHL franchise so it’s little surprise star defenceman Seth Jones hasn’t been mentioned too often in the Norris Trophy race even though his play clearly warrants it.
Jones was incredible Friday against the Detroit Red Wings, scoring his 12th and 13th goals of the season including the game-winner. His 13 goals and 46 points through 69 games are both career highs. James Wisniewski holds the Blue Jackets franchise record for points in a season when he had 51 in 75 games back in 2013-14, but Jones is on pace to break that.
Friday marked the second time in as many nights the rangy, smooth-skating blueliner netted the winner. The 23-year-old scored in overtime, added two assists and had seven shots on goal Thursday against the Avalanche.
As it stands right now, Victor Hedman and 2013 winner P.K. Subban are the likely frontrunners for the Norris with John Klingberg, Drew Doughty and Brent Burns among the others likely to garner some votes. If Jones continues to play the way he has been lately, however, it will be difficult for voters to ignore him at the end of the regular season.
For what it’s worth, Blue Jackets fans agree.
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Getzlaf sets new Ducks franchise record
Ryan Getzlaf opened the scoring for the Anaheim Ducks against the Dallas Stars with a nice shot past Kari Lehtonen. It was the captain’s 50th point of the season and the 11th time he has hit the half-century point plateau in his 13-year NHL career.
He’s now the only player in Ducks history to boast 11 seasons with 50 points or more.
Perhaps what’s most impressive about this season’s accomplishment is the fact Getzlaf recorded his 50th point in just his 44th game. He is 10th in the league in points per game and key reason the Ducks currently occupy a playoff spot.
Stajan, Lazar end scoring slumps
Matt Stajan and Curtis Lazar aren’t counted on to put up big numbers for the Calgary Flames, so it’s a bonus anytime either’s name hits the scoresheet. The two players had combined for just 16 points in 109 games heading into Friday but they came together to score what ended up being the game-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators.
Stajan tallied his fourth of the season midway through the third period and in doing so snapped a 16-game goalless drought. Lazar recorded the primary assist on the goal thanks to a nifty pass. It was Lazar’s first point in nine games and his first assist in 20.
