There was a lot to process about last night’s Dallas Stars authentically thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, so our friend Mike Heika got straight to it.
Heika singles out some great performances, including this one:
Save of the Game
After a John Klingberg turnover, Kari Lehtonen came up with a big glove save on Ryan Callahan to protect a 5-3 lead in the third period.
He also throws out a discussion point for readers:
Discuss
With Patrick Eaves and Curtis McKenzie both out with lower body injuries, would you put Val Nichushkin back in or insert a call-up a forward from the AHL?
Relive and ruminate at Heika’s Dallas Morning News blog. [SportsDayDFW]
*****
Should the Lightning’s Nikita Nesterov be suspended for the hit that left Curtis McKenzie hospitalized last night? Sportsnet is asking. [Sportsnet]
Kerry Fraser says Connor McDavid should have gotten a major for his hit on Johnny Oduya. [TSN]
Elsewhere, New Jersey Devils forward Jordin Tootoo has gotten the maximum fine for a “dangerous trip” on Nashville Predators defenseman Seth Jones during Tuesday’s game. [NHL]
On a lighter note, a trenchant observation from another sports writer:
Dallas Stars: Making hockey look all kinds of fun since 2013.
— Ian McLaren (@iancmclaren) October 16, 2015
Jaromir Jagr is setting new records with every Florida Panthers game this season, but here are the ones that matter: He is scoring a goal per game, and the Panthers are off to a 3-1-0 start. [Sun-Sentinel]
That being said, this stat is pretty remarkable.
#586: @FlaPanthers‘ Jaromir Jagr moves to 4th all-time in power-play points. #BUFvsFLA pic.twitter.com/UEJUcaSVqM
— NHL (@NHL) October 16, 2015
In the same game, Evander Kane checked Erik Gudbrandson hard enough to break the boards. It’s nice (and a little amazing) that both of these guys skated away.
The Pittsburgh Penguins finally notched their first win of the season, but Sidney Crosby is still riding the longest scoreless stretch of his career. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens have existed for more than 100 years and won 24 championships, but they’ve never started the season with a 5-0 record until now. [theScore]
The Avalanche have officially unveiled their new, Colorado-themed third jersey, and Chris Smith of Icethetics weighs in.
The @Avalanche *officially* unveiled their new 3rd jersey! What do you think? BLOG: http://t.co/eWU4rX5Oiy // pic.twitter.com/7IsufTxfCi
— Icethetics (@icethetics) October 9, 2015
Another reason to visit Icethetics: the just-posted 2015-16 NHL jersey gallery.
Check out our #NHL jersey gallery for the 2015-16 season! GALLERY: http://t.co/zaYnF3hhUC // pic.twitter.com/AKUgnVKDkf
— Icethetics (@icethetics) October 12, 2015
Logan Couture was injured during practice yesterday morning and left Prudential Center on crutches. This is not good for the San Jose Sharks. [Sports Illustrated]
Finally: Now this is how you celebrate a 103rd birthday. Congratulations, Marion Clark.
RT to with a Happy Birthday to our 103-year-old fan and Top Dog of the game Marion Clark! pic.twitter.com/xkcfViVwbB
— #MINvsARI (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 16, 2015