Leafs lead by three versus Avalanche

For the second and final time of the season, all NHL teams were in action yesterday, with 16 games scheduled.

Below are the highlights of this very busy day.

1. The Leafs lead by three

The Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the Colorado Avalanche last night.

Things started off well for the Leafs, as they took a 3-0 lead after one period.

On the other hand, you know the Leafs, like me, are never safe from a comeback, and that's exactly what happened, as the Avalanche scored five unanswered goals to win 5 to 3.

Former Montreal Canadiens Jonathan Drouin enjoyed a goal (his 10th of the season) and an assist.

His power play goal came in a very strange sequence, as we see TJ Brodie avoiding touching/intercepting the puck to avoid a 5-on-3 being whistled right away.

However, by letting the ball pass, it ended up on the stick of Ross Colton, who passed it to Drouin in the slot for the goal.

In short, things are still going well for Drouin, who is currently in Colorado, while he has 16 points in his last 15 games.

Here's Nathan MacKinnon's winning goal, with Drouin getting the assist.

In short, things are looking up for Drouin, who now has 24 points (ten goals and 14 assists) in 41 games.

2. Christopher Tanev saves a certain goal against the Golden Knights

The Calgary Flames are facing a somewhat complicated season, as they struggle to stay in the playoff race in the Western Conference.

They had a bad start to the season, and they never knew how to have an impressive streak to bring themselves back like the Edmonton Oilers.

The fact remains that the Flames are not giving up, while every point in the standings is essential.

They also won a big game last night by a score of 3 to 1 against a tough Vegas Golden Knights team.

Even with a two-goal lead, Chris Tanev excelled to secure the two points for his team.

Chris Tanev made a clutch goal-line save in the final seconds 👏 pic.twitter.com/AFJBXvCx9n

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 14, 2024

Andrew Mangiapane earned the 200th point of his career in the win.

200 points in Andrew Mangiapane's career with his assist on Mikael Backlund's goal! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/1EVuQwlYwU

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 14, 2024

3. Nick Bijstad hit a hat-trick at home in Minnesota

Coming back to play in your hometown is always special for a hockey player, especially one who has already played for this team.

It is a special moment to play at home while in the opponent's camp, when we want to distort the score sheet as much as possible.

Last night, Nick Bjugstad faced the Wild in Minnesota, and thus in his hometown, and let's just say he didn't hesitate to stand out.

He scored a hat-trick in the Arizona Coyotes' 6-0 win.

There's triple logging, and then there's triple logging in your city. 😁

Hat Trick Challenge presented by @AstraZenecaUS pic.twitter.com/s3tcr6T6uM

– National Hockey League (@NHL) January 14, 2024

Note that this shutout was the fifth of the season for Connor Ingram, who leads the NHL in shutouts this season.

🐺Perfect again 🐺

Connor Ingram (@CBIngram1) He takes the lead in the league with his fifth score @Pepsi Season closed! pic.twitter.com/QuOKFBF9Fc

– National Hockey League (@NHL) January 14, 2024

4. A very big win for the Flyers over the Jets with the signing of Samuel Ersson

The Philadelphia Flyers are having a truly amazing season, as they remain not only in the playoffs, but also in the top three in the Metropolitan Division since the start of the season.

Few people expected the Flyers to be one of the best teams in the NHL this season.

You have to give credit to the players, but also especially to the head coach, John Tortorella, who has done a really great job with this team.

In short, the Flyers stay in the playoffs, largely due to big wins against good teams.

Yesterday, Tortorella's team got a big win over the Winnipeg Jets, who finished first in the NHL yesterday.

The Flyers won 2-0 thanks to a very strong performance from 24-year-old goaltender, Samuel Ersson.

Samuel Erson pays @NHLFlyers To win his third @Pepsi Close the season. 👏 pic.twitter.com/9g6k1i7GeN

– National Hockey League (@NHL) January 14, 2024

In short, the Flyers hold on to third place in the Capital Division after defeating the very powerful Jets.

5. Antti Raanta made good saves against the Penguins

A match between two rival teams from the same division always gives us a good spectacle.

Yesterday, we had an exciting and very close game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

One of the best moments of the match was Antti Raanta's amazing save on Sidney Crosby's shot.

Oh my God, you are Ranta!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/tuJg3kV8iG

– National Hockey League (@NHL) January 14, 2024

This game was finally decided in overtime, with Brett Pesce giving the Hurricanes the 3 to 2 win.

🌀Brett Pesce 🌀

tea @cane Put away @energizer Winner in overtime and capture the extra point! pic.twitter.com/Y9fUJzixxU

– National Hockey League (@NHL) January 14, 2024

extension

– Patrick Kane scores a goal that only he knows the secret of.

– Here are the results of the previous day.

– Here are the top scorers from the previous day.

– On today's program in the National Hockey League: two games.