Top-3: Nikita Kucherov returns to the top of the NHL scoring charts

Last night, there were only three games on the schedule.

First, the Leafs hosted the Stars and the Lightning visited MSG. Then, at the end of the night, the Blackhawks took on the Wild.

Here are the results and highlights:

1. Nikita Kucherov back on top of the scoring charts

Say what you will about Nikita Kucherov (his behavior at the All-Star event left much to be desired), but he remains one of the league’s best.

Yesterday, he and his team lost 3-1 to the New York Rangers.

On his team’s only goal, he picked up an assist and regained the NHL’s scoring lead. He has 86 points.

It’s going to be a tight race.

In a game in which the story was the nasty injury to Mikhail Sergachev, Andrei Vasilevskiy tried everything to keep his team in the game.

He robbed Alexis Lafrenière of the mitten.

Vasy said absolutely NOT pic.twitter.com/OBz5u3G61f

– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 8, 2024

The Russian was foiled, however, by Jimmy Vesey’s beautiful goal.

HANK WAS ON THE CALL FOR THE RANGERS GOAL @HLundqvist pic.twitter.com/KWDWdqwMbt

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 8, 2024

2. One goal each for the Foligno brothers

In the late-night duel, brothers Marcus and Nick Foligno faced off.

They had a pre-game interview together and confessed that their wife was more beautiful than Taylor Swift.

“Travis is dating Taylor Swift but our wives are hotter

The Foligno brothers won’t follow directly in the footsteps of the Kelce bros pic.twitter.com/y3l5zAHq1z

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 8, 2024

Best of all: both scored in this match.

First Nick Foligno tied the game.

Worth another look. https://t.co/u6JEnohinI pic.twitter.com/7TxpMuhQSY

– NHL (@NHL) February 8, 2024

And Marcus scored the winning goal a little later.

BOTH FOLIGNO BROTHERS HAVE A GOAL NOW

WILD LEAD COURTESY OF MARCUS pic.twitter.com/lyz8JLx0H9

– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 8, 2024

He even allowed himself a little dance with a tough guy: Jarred Tinordi.

2-1 Wild victory.

Vinni Lettieri picked up two assists in the win.

A perfect pass from Vinni Lettieri(@19Lettieri95) gives him two assists on the night in his first game back! #NHLStats: https://t.co/va7dsE1Gdw

: @NHL_on_TNT & @SportsonMax https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO pic.twitter.com/S2iYSnFVN7

– NHL (@NHL) February 8, 2024

3. And 41 for Auston Matthews

The Leafs and Stars played out an offensive duel last night.

Nine goals were scored in a game won by Toronto (5-4).

In the victory, Auston Matthews scored a lucky goal, his 41st of the season.

Goal 41 on the season for Auston Matthews. pic.twitter.com/xBYAXp0loe

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 8, 2024

William Nylander and John Tavares were the heroes of the game. They each collected three points.

Nylander scored the game’s first goal.

The @MapleLeafs open the scoring with a power-play marker from William Nylander!

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/sEijvXhbA1 pic.twitter.com/sZjjLOG3jk

– NHL (@NHL) February 8, 2024

And Tavares made quite a play on his teammate’s second goal.

THE BUDS ARE BUZZIN’ pic.twitter.com/Dbnu6vXimS

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 8, 2024

Former Canadian Evgenii Dadonov also shone.

He finished the game with two goals, including this fine first-period net.

Good old Evgenii Dadonov makes himself happy with a beautiful goal against the #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/wA2ZejShde

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 8, 2024

Extension

– A true warrior.

– What a player!

Marner’s puck control is not fair pic.twitter.com/tE36shuU3j

– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 8, 2024

– The Leafs’ two stars lead the charge.

– A little more action tonight.