5 standout performances from a loaded Thursday night
Eleven games were played around the NHL on Thursday, and there was no shortage of scoring.
Plenty of teams benefited from big-time performances, while only one goalie was able to completely flummox the opposition.
Here are five standout performances, some individual and others of a multi-player nature.
Kucherov, Stamkos still rolling
There's been no better duo in the NHL this season than Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.
In a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings, Kucherov scored his league-leading 12th goal and recorded the primary assist on Stamkos' fourth as both players extended their season-opening point streaks to 11 games.
Stamkos and Kucherov rank first and second in total points among all players, and life is good for head coach Jon Cooper.
Cooper with a laugh when asked about having 86 and 91: “What’s it like? It’s a huge benefit. They’re exceptional players.” #DETvsTBL
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 27, 2017
Quick saves
Appearing in his 500th career game, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick was in top form, stopping all 40 shots that the Montreal Canadiens fired his way.
The shutout was the 46th of Quick's career, and one of several that featured that many saves.
Appearing in his 500th NHL game with @LAKings, Jonathan Quick recorded the sixth 40-save performance for a shutout in his career. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/KDFe5LcaV1
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 27, 2017
Purring Panthers
It's difficult to pinpoint a single standout in an 8-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks, but here are four Florida Panthers who did more than the rest.
| Player | Goals | Assists | Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radim Vrbata | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Evgenii Dadonov | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Alexander Barkov | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Vincent Trochek | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Radim Vrbata has proven to be an exceptional scorer over the course of his career, but these games remain special.
“You don’t forget your hat tricks.” -Radim Vrbata pic.twitter.com/YX7PA2IyUf
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 27, 2017
It was Vrbata's seventh career hat trick, by the way.
Kessel's heroics
For the second game in a row, Phil Kessel ended the festivities.
The Pittsburgh Penguins winger fired nine shots on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, making the last one count by burying a breakaway in overtime.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Kessel did the exact same thing against Edmonton on Oct. 24, and the latest happened to be a milestone:
Phil Kessel is the 18th American-born player to record 300 career goals and only one of two active Americans with 300 goals.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 27, 2017
"I've played a decent amount of games in the NHL (843) and its nice to get 300," Kessel said. "I’m just happy to help my team win."
Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins making things happen
The Edmonton Oilers are desperately in need of a scoring boost, and Leon Draisaitl is providing just that since returning from a concussion.
The young forward registered three assists in a big 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars, including the primary helper on defenseman Matt Benning's late third-period game-winner.
Connor McDavid did score in this one, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded a pair of goals en route to first-star honors.
Honorable mention:
Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi recorded two goals, one assist, and four shots in a surprising and lopsided win over the Washington Capitals.