Welcome back to the NHL week in review! This week there was lots of action, and with each passing day, we get closer to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We’ve also introduced a new Trivia section to the article but switched to providing more in-depth insight on one single game of the week. Let us know your thoughts on the new format or any other feedback in the comments below!
Game of the Week
I made a good prediction in last week's installment, as this game was must-see TV! The first period was slower, but Matthew Tkachuk opened the scoring just shy of halfway through the first period with a tip-in goal in front of the net. The second period saw the Panthers extend the lead to 2-0 early on, but the Rangers stormed back with two quick goals to enter the third period tied at a score of 2-2. After nearly 15 minutes of play in the third, Carter Verhaeghe got on the board with what looked like it could be the game-winning goal, but just 40 seconds later, Artemi Panarin scored his second goal of the contest to tie the game right back up with three and a half minutes left in regulation. Overtime had some chances at both ends, but good goaltending led to a shootout. Mika Zibanejad scored a gorgeous goal (a goal of the week) to open the shootout with a one-handed tuck move to give New York the early lead. Sam Reinhart answered back to tie the shootout with a glove-side snapshot, but Artemi Panarin was back again with a beautiful pump fake that led to a goal to give the Rangers the shootout lead right back. The rest of the shootout was all saves, and the Rangers squeaked out the win 4-3!
Trivia Question of the Week
What center had a career from 2001-2016 and was nicknamed “The Magic Man” for his smooth skating and outstanding stickhandling?
Stump Stars of the Week
1st Star - Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, 4 Games, 7 Goals, 1 Assist
2nd Star - Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars, 3 Games, 3 Wins, .919 Save %
3rd Star - Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers, 3 Games, 5 Goals, Shootout GWG
Goals of the Week
Guess who? - it’s the best in the business, Connor McDavid with the goal of the week this week. In the Oiler’s Tuesday night matchup with the Montreal Canadiens, McDavid created MAGIC off a steal in the offensive zone. He stole the puck just above the left faceoff circle, sliced into the slot, toe dragged an oncoming defender to create space, and swiftly cut from backhand to forehand, tucking the puck home. Give it a watch above, it was a thing of beauty!
In a hard-fought duel between two Eastern Conference powerhouses, Mika Zibanejad did not disappoint in the shootout. He was feeling confident, pulling off a one handed tuck move that Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg made popular in the past. He entered the zone on the left, faked right and tucked the puck in with a nifty one handed backhand tap. Watch his goal along with the whole Panthers vs. Rangers shootout above!
First of all, what a crazy high scoring back and forth battle in Washington on Friday! Sonny Milano had himself a GAME. If any of you remember Milano’s tenure with the Anaheim Ducks, you’ll remember Milano scored one of the greatest goals we’ve ever seen on an alley-oop pass from Trevor Zegras (that highlight is linked here). It’s clear that Milano is a master of hand-eye coordination, and it once again showed on this goal Friday night. He picked up a loose puck off the faceoff, chipped it up into the air, and tapped it once more with precision to beat the goaltender.
Playoff Race Check-in
Eastern Conference
The wild card race is as hot as ever as we come down the stretch in the regular season! Tampa Bay and Washington are holding tightly onto the last two spots. Tampa is in a safer spot, six points clear of the Caps in second place. The Capitals are only one point ahead of the Red Wings for the last wild card spot, but they’re also just two points behind the Flyers for the last Metro division playoff spot. Who knows, after being in playoff position all year, we could see a late change that could cause the Flyers to miss out on the postseason.
At the top of the conference, the Panthers, Hurricanes, and Bruins are all one point behind the conference-leading Rangers. With most squads having 10 or 11 games remaining, who knows what playoff matchups could shake up to look like, but I know it’ll be interesting to watch!
Western Conference
I seem to mention this every week, but this team deserves it. The Nashville Predators are on a HEATER! They haven’t lost a game in regulation since FEBRUARY 15! They have a 15-0-2 record in their last 17 games, and they hold the top wild card spot in the West. They’re 3 points clear of Vegas, who holds the second spot, and 8 and 11 points ahead of St. Louis and Minnesota respectively. The Blues in Wild are far from eliminated, but they’ll need some stellar performances down the stretch if they want to make the playoffs!
Per usual, there’s a logjam at the top of the Western Conference standings. The Canucks lead the way with 98 points, but the Avalanche and Stars are tailing closely with 97. The Jets had been challenging the top contenders for the past few weeks, but a three game losing streak has them 4 points out of first in the Central with 93 points. Again, lots of potential for many different playoff matchups and excitement in the West!
Matchups to Watch
All of our key matchups this week come on Thursday, be sure to wind the week down with some top tier NHL hockey!
Thursday - Golden Knights @ Jets
Two heavy hitters in the west clashing in Winnipeg. The Jets are looking to right the ship after dropping five of their last ten, and the Knights are looking to build momentum going into the playoffs with a squad that added lots of strong pieces at the trade deadline.
Thursday - Rangers @ Avalanche
If you’re looking for top end talent, look no further. Two stacked rosters leading their divisions will duke it out in Colorado. Superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar for the Avs, and Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox for the Blueshirts will have their skills on full display in a pivotal game for both teams in the standings.
Thursday - Stars @ Canucks
Another high-quality western conference matchup with President’s Trophy implications! Dallas is riding a four game win streak and has won eight of their last ten games, but a late season trip to Vancouver won’t make for an easy game. The Canucks dropped their last contest, but have won seven of their last ten games. When these two clash, the top spot in the NHL may be on the line, so it’s sure to be a fun one!
Trivia Answer
Pavel Datsyuk - One of the most exciting players to watch during his time in the show, his shootout highlights will leave you stunned! Let us know how you did on this week’s trivia in the comments below!
Thanks for reading another installment of our Stomping Ground Sports NHL Week in Review! Enjoy an exciting week of NHL (and March Madness) action, and we hope to see you back next week for more.
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