The National Hockey League (NHL) had a plethora of games on Thursday night, with many of the league’s top teams in action. A look back at what occurred in a couple of the games.
The Detroit Red Wings, currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL, quickly returned to winning ways as they topped the Florida Panthers 5-2. It took them almost nine minutes to open the scoring as Jonatan Berggren capitalized on a power play to give them the lead. Anton Lundell responded for the Panthers a few minutes later, which is how the first period would end.
Detroit, who had just 27 shots in the game, reclaimed the lead through another man advantage. This time, it was Dylan Larkin who put the Red Wings in front. It would barely last 40 seconds though, as the Panthers again equalized as Evan Rodrigues tied things up.
There would be no stopping the Red Wings tonight, as Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper scored within two minutes of each other later on in the period to put their team up 4-2. Larkin added an empty netter with 1:22 left regulation to wrap up the game and give the guests their 21st win of the season.
More work still needs to be done for the Red Wings as they are three points out of the playoff spots. For the Panthers, they remain in fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, losing for the third time in their last four outings.
The Toronto Maple Leafs showed incredible grit as they came from behind thrice to get past the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in over time. Jack Hughes opened the scoring for the visitors 2:21 into the first period. That was the only goal of the opening frame as the hosts had their work cut out for them.
-It would take six minutes in the second period for the Leafs to get on the scoreboard through William Nylander, though Nico Hischier responded two minutes later to keep the Devils in the lead. In the third period, Toronto again leveled the score, as Auston Matthews converted on a power play. Just as was the case in the previous period, New Jersey scored two minutes later, as Hischier got his second of the game.
Nevertheless, the Devils could not hold onto their lead, as Matthews grabbed his second with 4:13 left in regulation. With the Leafs outshooting their opponents 55-35, the pressure really told in this one. Overtime was required, though it would only take 70 seconds into the extra frame before Nylander nabbed his second of the night to give the Leafs a big win.
The result saw Toronto jump ahead of New Jersey for second spot in the East, with both teams tied on 58 points. The victory ended a series of three straight defeats for the Leafs, while the Devils lost for the third time in their last four games.
Be sure to follow all of the NHL action on Flashscore.
Related News :