Updated on 09.48 | Published on 09.44
New York. In tonight’s NHL sweep, we note, among other things, that Nashville’s GM got an unofficial assist — and that a Swede new to the Rockies scored his first goal for the mighty Avalanche.
Night material
When Luke Evangelista scored the final 5-1 score in Nashville’s home game against San Jose, materials manager Pete Rogers unexpectedly emerged.
The previous moment, Evangelista’s wand had broken off, after which he went to the cabin and got a new one – from Rogers.
Just a few seconds later he broke free and tricked the puck behind Mackenzie Blackwood.
At the same moment, the happy Predators players in the booth, led by Filip Forsberg, threw themselves at “offensive player” Pete Rogers.
“Pete pass, best in the league,” Forsberg later raved in an Instagram Story.
In the same game, Samuel Fajemo – who was placed on waivers from Los Angeles just before the season – scored his first goal for the Predators, and Gustav Nyquist responded with two assists.
Night “Oh no, not again”
Andre Burakovsky has had bad luck with injuries in recent years, and now, unfortunately, it looks like it’s time for another extended spell in the stands.
He was forced to pause the generally buzzy matchup between Seattle and the New York Rangers after the rise of Jacob Trouba — and coach Dave Hakstol doesn’t look optimistic after that.
“I can’t give a clear announcement until tomorrow, but I don’t think it’s a matter of short-term absence,” he sighs.
The game — which was postponed due to lighting issues at Climate Pledge — was won by the Rangers 4-1 after a much stronger performance than theirs against Nashville at home in Manhattan on Thursday.
Artemi Panarin scored two goals and removed Jonathan Quick, temporary substitute for Igor Systyorkin, and acted balanced inside the penalty area.
Swedish night in the rocky mountains
There has been a lack of brilliance in the blue and yellow in Denver since Gabriel Landeskog’s extended injury absence and Andre Burakovsky’s trade to Seattle, but in the Avalanche’s heavyweight matchup against Carolina at home at Ball Arena, a new Swede introduced himself in earnest.
Frederik Olofsson – formerly of Dallas – scored his first goal for the new club when he burst forward on the right wing midway through the second half and scored 3-3.
– The first goal for a new team is always special, notes the 27-year-old.
With this goal also went the famous Colorado Avalanche, as the former champions surged ahead, scoring three straight goals and winning 6-4.
Thus, they opened this year’s season impressively with five straight wins.
The second rising star of the night
Connor Bedard will naturally get most of the attention, but the NHL is packed with talented rookies this year.
As Columbus won an away drama against Minnesota 5-4 overnight, after an overtime goal by Jack Roslovic, Adam Fantelli – the third pick in the summer draft – also broke a clean sheet.
– Everyone dreams of their first goal in the NHL, so of course it was great, he says.
Marcus Johansson and Jonas Brodin each scored for the Wild, and Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek were both noted for providing assists – while Filip Gustafsson stopped a massive 49 shots.
The worsening crisis of the night
Washington, which started the season on a hot streak, overcame a 2-0 deficit in Montreal last night, aided by two Dylan Strome goals in the third period — but then overtime didn’t even have time to start until Cole Caufield decided to play. Canadiens.
– We have a very difficult time with finishes, but I still think we took a few steps forward tonight, says new coach Spencer Carberry.
Return of the night
The Philadelphia Flyers refuse to live up to the image of themselves as punching bags.
In tonight’s tough away match against the top team Dallas, they ended up losing 2-0 and 4-2, but they came back stubbornly and equalised.
Then, of course, there was the loss in overtime, after old Joe Pavelski’s goal, but still.
– Yes, I really liked the way the team behaved in this match, says satisfied coach John Tortorella.
Swede Samuel Ersson guarded the Flyers’ box and stopped 20 shots.
Anniversary night
Anze Kopitar played his 1,297th game for the LA Kings, breaking the club record.
– Very big, of course, says the Slovenian.
Who, however, was unable to celebrate any victory. Boston, looking almost as strong as last year, won 4-2 after two goals by Brad Marchand and a goal and two assists by David Pastrnak.
Carl Grundstrom scored a consolation goal for the home team in the end.
Other results from the night
Buffalo beat the New York Islanders 3-1 after a goal by Mattias Samuelsson and an assist from Rasmus Dahlen, St. Louis beat a lackluster Pittsburgh 4-2 and Oskar Sundqvist scored a goal with an assist – and in Edmonton Winnipeg turned it around 2-0 – falling to a 3-0 win 2 which Mark Scheifele secured in extra time.
Swedes of the night
William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs – Shined again in the shift against Tampa, scoring goals and assists, among other things.
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks – Tied for first in league points after another goal and another assist.
Filip Gustafsson, Minnesota Wild – It was already a loss to Columbus, but 49 saves is 49 saves.
Frederik Olofsson, Colorado Avalanche – The first goal for the new club was truly impressive.
Samuel Fagimo, Nashville Predators – Carefully delivered the Predators’ first blow
Nashville Predators’ Gustav Nyquist was revived in the Music City, as he again had two assists last night.
Marcus Johansson, Minnesota Wild – Goal and assist in loss to Blue Jackets
Jonas Johansson, Tampa Bay Lightning – Toronto would have won by much greater numbers if not for JJ.