The form of some of the leading sides in the NHL is beginning to stutter, while others are putting together some excellent results to put pressure on the teams currently holding a place in the playoffs. The Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Winnipeg Jets as they looked for a fifth straight win, while the Detroit Red Wings were looking to overcome their miserable recent form against the Colorado Avalanche.
Blackhawks Secure Big NHL Win
The Chicago Blackhawks had won their last four ahead of the visit of the Winnipeg Jets, and last night it seemed that nothing would get in their way of recording another victory. The home side were in excellent form as they started quicker than their opponents by scoring twice in the opening period.
The Jets pulled one back in the second, but Chicago pressed home their advantage in the final period by scoring three more goals to secure a 5-2 victory. Erik Gustafsson, Alexander Nylander, David Kampf, Dominik Kubalik and Brandon Saad got the goals for the Blackhawks. Meanwhile, Robin Lehner made 38 saves in the victory.
Winnipeg’s goals were scored by Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele. The struggling Jets also got 32 saves from Connor Hellebuyck. They have now lost their last two. The Blackhawks travel to the Panthers on Tuesday night in the NHL.
Red Wings Lose Again
It was more misery for the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night, as their late offensive flourish came too late in the day to get them back into contention against the Colorado Avalanche. Detroit eventually ran out 6-3 losers in Colorado.
The Red Wings started well and took the lead in the opening period. However, that advantage was quickly overturned by two goals from the Avalanche in the second. Colorado scored four more in the final period, while the Red Wings could only score twice. The defeat marks a fifth in a row for the rock-bottom Eastern Conference side.
The Avalanche goals were scored by Ryan Graves and Matt Nieto. Meanwhile, there was two goals apiece for Nazem Kadri and Nathan MacKinnon. Pavel Francouz made 25 saves in the victory. Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi scored the goals for the Red Wings. Jimmy Howard made 45 saves on a very busy night for the Detroit keeper. Colorado will be looking for a fourth win in a row when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday evening.
Panthers Win Thrilling Encounter
The game of the night on Monday came in Minnesota where the Florida Panthers eventually reigned supreme with a 5-4 success. The teams were well matched throughout the opening two periods, as they both scored once in both frames. However, the Panthers eventually ran away with the win by outscoring the Wild 3-2 in the final period.
Keith Yandle, Aleksander Barkov Jr, Noel Acciari, Evgenii Dadonov and Vincent Trocheck scored the goals for the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Wild goals were scored by Jared Spurgeon and Zach Parise, while Luke Kunin scored a brace. The Panthers can make it six wins in a row with a victory against the Blackhawks on Tuesday nights action in the NHL.
