Craig Smith tied the game at 19:45 of the third period and Jani Hakanpää scored a go-ahead goal 11 seconds later as the @DallasStars stunned Nashville at Bridgestone Arena.#NHLStats: https://t.co/6LHXm7S69b pic.twitter.com/VkUE3pfRzQ
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 23, 2023
It was the last day of hockey before the three-day holiday break in the National Hockey League, and let’s just say we were spoiled.
With no games on the 24th, 25th and 26th, here’s what we learned from the last day of hockey before Christmas.
1. Trevor Zegras scores Michigan’s first comeback goal
After missing the Anaheim Ducks’ last 20 games with a lower-body injury, Trevor Zegras was finally back in action last night, and let’s just say he wasted no time in making his mark.
ZEGRAS RETURNS TO THE LINEUP AND HITS THE MICHIGAN! pic.twitter.com/3cqQyxwGTm
– NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2023
Zegras refreshed everyone’s memory of his undeniable talent.
It’s the first time in NHL history that two Michigan goals have been scored on the same night.
Two Michigan goals in one night. A gift to you, hockey fans. pic.twitter.com/4dFhhg3s5h
– NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2023
The greatest hockey player of all time was also quick to praise Bedard’s goal, one he wouldn’t have been able to achieve himself.
The Great One applauding greatness. @WayneGretzky was in attendance for Connor Bedard’s Michigan goal tonight! pic.twitter.com/vA3OfL8Ak9
– NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2023
Usually, when a team leads by a goal with 15 seconds left in the game, they’re reassured that, in the worst-case scenario, they’ll get a point if the opposing team manages to equalize.
MAYHEM IN NASHVILLE
The @DallasStars score twice with 15 seconds left in regulation to come back and win! pic.twitter.com/T0LU51MAVK
– NHL (@NHL) December 23, 2023
It’s a dramatic end to a game we rarely get to see.
3. Jacques Martin’s first win at the helm of the Ottawa Senators since 2004
It’s Jacques Martin’s first win at the Senators’ helm in 7204 days, and therefore since April 3, 2004.
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Yes, it’s been a long time.
On this occasion, it was the Panthers who hosted the Golden Knights, and let’s just say it was quite a game, as a big rivalry clearly developed between the two teams.
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Here’s Carter Verhaeghe’s winning goal.
Carter Verhaeghe puts the Panthers ahead with the drag and snipe! pic.twitter.com/dSjbIjYHt6
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 23, 2023
Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho scored the first goal of the game (his first of the season, by the way), while Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho scored the fifth goal of the game, his 13ᵉ of the season.
End-to-end action results in Sebastian Aho’s (Islanders version) first of the year pic.twitter.com/XyRaGaweLx
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 24, 2023
Sebastian Aho (Carolina’s version) converts on the power play! pic.twitter.com/R85rNfVgMp
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 24, 2023
It’s a rather unusual situation, one that’s been mixing poolers for years, and one that makes for some pretty funny moments when someone accidentally catches Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho.
Prolongation
– Evgeny Kuznetsov’s slow-motion classic strikes again in the shootout.
Evgeny Kuznetsov is a cheat code in the shootout pic.twitter.com/4lB8zZyT2w
– Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 24, 2023
– The St. Louis Blues score five goals in the third period to run away with the win.
A FIVE-GOAL THIRD PERIOD
The @StLouisBlues overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period tonight! pic.twitter.com/SyYBrl3DFl
– NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2023
– Two more goals for Auston Matthews, who now has 28 in 30 games.
Mitch Marner passes the sauce across to Auston Matthews for his second of the night! pic.twitter.com/cUSpEYLjKg
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 24, 2023
Auston Matthews (28 in 30 GP) became the first player with 27+ goals through his first 30 games of a season since Jaromir Jagr in 1996-97 (30 in 30 GP w/ PIT).#NHLStats: https://t.co/6LHXm7S69b pic.twitter.com/Of5eYrDyMl
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 24, 2023
– Our thoughts are with Sean Kuraly, whose condition is stable at last report.
Paramedics are called for Sean Kuraly after taking a hit.
The first period has ended in Columbus. The remaining time will be added to the second period. pic.twitter.com/rjpgoeKTHz
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 24, 2023
– Here are yesterday’s results.
Lacrosse-style goals, a first-of-its-kind win as well as Sebastian Aho and Sebastian Aho each finding the back of the net at PNC Arena.
The final slate of games before the NHL’s three-day holiday break had a little bit of everything. #NHLStats: https://t.co/6LHXm7S69b pic.twitter.com/ncmEZWnwI1
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 24, 2023
– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.
– On the agenda today: Christmas Eve!