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Top-5: Jacob Trouba takes a dangerous swing at Trent Frederic’s head
There were eight games on the program yesterday in the National Hockey League, and we were treated to many highlights and surprises.

Here’s a rundown of the day’s hockey action.

1. Jacob Trouba mistook Trent Frederic for a baseball

Last night, the top two teams in the Eastern Hockey Association (and the entire NHL, for that matter) locked horns, as the Boston Bruins paid a visit to the New York Rangers.

The Bruins, fresh from losing only their second game in regulation on Friday to the Red Wings, dropped a second straight game for the first time this season.

The Bruins were defeated 7-4 by the New York Rangers.

In the win, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider both scored three points each.

With this huge win, the Rangers now sit atop the overall NHL standings with 31 points and a record of 15-3-1, giving them a points percentage of .816, the only one above .800 in the NHL.

Unfortunately, it’s not just the Rangers’ big win in this titanic duel that stands out.

The fact that Rangers captain Jacob Trouba used Bruins forward Trent Frederic’s head as a baseball in the wrong sport cannot go unmentioned.

Yes, I’ve noticed it too, it’s quite a violent and dangerous move, thank you.

But, the NHL has decided not to suspend Trouba and simply fine him $5,000, so I’ll leave you with another angle on this stick move below.

In short, it’s a very dangerous hit that isn’t even punished when you consider how much the fine means to the Rangers captain.

2. Coyotes surprise and shut out Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights got off to a crazy start this season, looking like an unbeatable team with an 11-0-1 record after 12 games.

Since then, however, things have really quieted down for the Knights, who have lost six of their last nine games, including yesterday’s loss to the surprising Arizona Coyotes.

Last night, the Coyotes won 2-0 over the Golden Knights thanks to a shutout by Connor Ingram.

The Coyotes, who managed just 18 shots on goal, can really thank their goalie and his second career shutout.

In short, André Tourigny’s troupe continues its surprisingly fine season right now, when as of today, the Coyotes are in the 8ᵉ and final playoff-accessible spot in the West based on points percentage.

3. Sharks win their fourth game of the season

While the Golden Knights were being stunned by the Coyotes, another Pacific Division powerhouse was being stunned, this time by the pitiful San Jose Sharks.

Last night, the Sharks won their fourth game of the season, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-3.

Things aren’t going so well for the Canucks right now, who have lost four of their last six games. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, however, extended his point streak to 11 games.

In the Sharks victory, defenseman Ty Emberson scored his first NHL goal.

It’s also worth noting that Mike Hoffman scored his sixth goal of the season (which would be good for first among CH scorers, tied with four players), but more importantly his fifth in his last five games.

He’s scored a goal in each of his last three games.

4. A quiet evening at the office for Vitek Vanecek

Back to the East now, as the New Jersey Devils upset the Buffalo Sabres 7-2.

What stood out in this game was that the Sabres only took 12 shots on net, giving Devils goalie Vitek Vanecek a 10-save victory.

It was a quiet night for the Czech goalie.

Devils captain Nico Hischier scored a goal on his return to action.

It’s a great win for the Devils, who really aren’t as good as we thought so far this season, on the contrary.

They’re barely above .500 with their 9-9-1 record.

Jack Hughes’ return to action has yet to have the desired effect.

5. Ilya Sorokin can’t do it all for the Islanders

For several seasons now, the New York Islanders have been known not to be the most offensive team, on the contrary.

They don’t score many goals, and often rely on the performances of their goaltenders to win games.

However, they do need to score at least one goal to minimally help their goaltender.

Well, last night, the Islanders failed to score even one goal to support Ilya Sorokin, who turned aside all 40 shots he faced in a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Yes, yes, Sorokin technically earned a shutout as the Flyers won in a shootout thanks to a goal by Tyson Foerster.

This is the second season in a row that Sorokin has lost a game despite allowing no goals in shootouts.

In short, a frustrating night’s work for Sorokin, who must be starting to find the time long sometimes on Long Island.


Extension

– A third this season for Jonathan Drouin.

– Here are all the results from the previous day.

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Today’s NHL schedule: five games.

(Credit: Google/NHL)

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