Top-4: John Tavares collects his 1000th point in New York

Last night, four NHL games were played.

Here are the results and highlights:

1. John Tavares’ 1000th point where it all began

Since he’s been in Toronto, every time John Tavares returns to New York, he’s not welcomed back.

Yesterday’s Leafs game against the Islanders was no exception.

Tavares gets his usual greeting during his first shift

(via @BR_OpenIce)

pic.twitter.com/TPtKfEiigg

– BarDown (@BarDown) December 12, 2023

Before the match, he was at 998 career points and could reach the prestigious 1,000 plateau in New York, where it all began.

And that’s exactly what happened. He first came within one point of the 1000 plateau with a goal.

Boos won’t stop Captain JT from getting one back pic.twitter.com/9mEmcBlVbf

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 12, 2023

And with just seconds left in the game, the captain earned an assist on the tying goal.

His father was very proud of his son.

Despite the loss, John Tavares’ dad was the happiest person to get to watch him tally point 1,000 in person pic.twitter.com/ktBYqj3NnP

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 12, 2023

The Islanders spoiled the party, however.

Bo Horvat gave his team the win in overtime.

4-3 victory for the home team.

2. Finally a first goal for Tomas Tatar in Colorado

The Avalanche and Flames battled it out in a crazy game last night.

Colorado came out on top 6-5.

In the victory, Nathan MacKinnon shone, collecting two points, including the winning goal. He now has 12 games with at least one point.

AND THEY TAKE THE LATE LEAD. WHO ELSE BUT NATE?!

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/RyW4RkX57a

– NHL (@NHL) December 12, 2023

And the moment we’d all been waiting for finally arrived.

Tomas Tatar scored his first goal in an Avalanche uniform.

Tatar FINALLY scores his first goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/zsgJ7JYMUp

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 12, 2023

He found the back of the net in his 26th game of the campaign.

So far, he has nine points.

Mikko Rantanen was also in the news, but for his post-game interview.

3. First NHL goal for Michael Kesselring

The Sabres hosted the Coyotes last night at KeyBank Center.

The home side won 5-2, spoiling Michael Kesselring’s first NHL goal in the process.

FIRST NHL GOAL

Michael Kesselring buries off the rush and has a new souvenir. pic.twitter.com/cN2KGbcQsX

– NHL (@NHL) December 12, 2023

The 23-year-old is doing well this season. In 11 games, he has collected one goal and five assists.

He was drafted by the Oilers in 2018 and traded to the Coyotes earlier in the year.

It was a tough night for reporter Rob Ray, who received a puck directly in the face. He still stayed in the game, but the puck left its mark.

4. 500th pass for Jamie Benn

In the Stars-Red Wings game, Jamie Benn was watching from the stands.

Never mind, he’s just his twin brother.

He’s not wrong pic.twitter.com/32B8OxdtNm

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 12, 2023

As for the match, Dallas won by a score of 6-3.

But Detroit broke the ice in the opening minutes.

Robby Fabbri flips it to Daniel Sprong for the early lead pic.twitter.com/NQJCxLvJZl

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 12, 2023

Dallas fought back, however, and before the end of the period, Esa Lindell gave his team the lead.

Esa Lindell puts the Stars in front at the buzzer! pic.twitter.com/e8jQMqdVna

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 12, 2023

In the victory, Miro Heiskanen shone, collecting three points.

On one of the defenseman’s goals, Benn picked up his 500th NHL assist.

Heiskanen ties it up as Benn gets his 500th career assist pic.twitter.com/VAb3hvGO4i

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 12, 2023

Extension

– The race for Rocket-Richard is tight.

19 and counting for Auston Matthews(@AM34)…

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/WXjM4s9pEq

– NHL (@NHL) December 12, 2023

– Five three-pointers.

– 20 teams in action tonight.