LUNDQVIST BACKS RANGERS TO TOP OF NHL STANDINGS
Henrik Lundqvist made 22 saves through 65 minutes and denied two of three shooters in the shootout as the Rangers edged Ottawa, extending their winning streak to eight games and their point streak to 12 (10-0-2). Topping the League's overall standings at 13-2-2 (28 points), the Rangers are off to their best 17-game start to a season – in terms of wins – in the franchise’s 89-year history. Their 28 points also equal a club record at this stage of the season, set in 1971-72 (12-1-4).
Lundqvist won his sixth consecutive game and improved to 10-2-2 on the season with a 1.69 goals-against average, a .947 save percentage and one shutout. His active point streak of nine games (7-0-2 dating to Oct. 18 vs. NJD) is a career high.
Lundqvist registered his 51st career shootout win, second on the all-time list to Vancouver's Ryan Miller (53). Lundqvist has posted a 0.45 goals-against average and a .986 save percentage when the Rangers have either been tied or held a one-goal lead in the third period this season (73 saves on 74 shots in 130:27).
KLINGBERG A BREAKOUT STAR AS DALLAS EXTENDS LEAD IN WEST
Defenseman John Klingberg (1-2—3) scored at 3:18 of overtime to help the Stars improve to 14-4-0 (28 points), extending their lead atop the Western Conference to five points. Dallas is off to its best 18-game start to a season – in terms of wins and points – in its 48-year franchise history.
Klingberg upped his season scoring line to 4-16—20, leading all NHL blueliners in assists and points. The 23-year-old Gothenburg, Sweden native is playing in his second NHL season, having earned All-Rookie honors in 2014-15 with 11-29—40 in 65 games.
Reigning Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn also notched a goal and two assists for the Stars. Benn ranks third in the League scoring race with 12-13—25, one point behind teammate Tyler Seguin (9-17—26) and Chicago's Patrick Kane (12-14—26).
Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (22 saves) earned his fifth consecutive win and improved to 8-1-0 (2.38 GAA, .921 SV%) on the season.
KANE POINT STREAK AT 12 GAMES FOLLOWING WIN AT ST. LOUIS
The Blackhawks overcame a 2-1 deficit via three unanswered goals – including the game-winner by Patrick Kane with 1:05 left in the middle stanza – to snap their three-game winless streak against St. Louis. Kane extended his point streak to 12 games (9-11—20) and his goal streak to a career-high six contests.
Kane’s point streak is the longest in the NHL this season and two shy of his career high, set Nov. 30 – Dec. 28, 2013 (8-17—25 in 14 GP). He has five multi-point performances during the 12-game run. His goal streak also is the longest in the NHL this season. Recording points in 15 of his first 17 appearances, Kane (12-14—26) shares first place in the NHL in goals (w/ Dallas' Jamie Benn) and points (w/ Dallas' Tyler Seguin).
NHL TEAMS PAY TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS OF PARIS ATTACKS
Each of the 13 arenas that hosted an NHL game on Saturday honored victims of the recent Paris tragedy with a pregame moment of silence. Some also played the French national anthem “La Marseillaise” prior to puck-drop, including at Bell Centre, where the Canadiens hosted the Avalanche.
SATURDAY’S NHL RESULTS (Home Team in Caps)
NY Rangers 2, OTTAWA 1 (SO)
BOSTON 3, Detroit 1
San Jose 2, BUFFALO 1 (OT)
TORONTO 4, Vancouver 2
Colorado 6, MONTREAL 1
Florida 5, TAMPA BAY 4 (SO)
NEW JERSEY 4, Pittsburgh 0
Philadelphia 3, CAROLINA 2 (OT)
COLUMBUS 5, Arizona 2
NASHVILLE 7, Winnipeg 0
Chicago 4, ST. LOUIS 2
DALLAS 3, Minnesota 2 (OT)
LOS ANGELES 4, Edmonton 3
SUNDAY'S NHL ACTION (All Times Eastern)
Toronto @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., NHL-US, TVAS, SN, MSG
Calgary @ Chicago, 8:30 p.m., SN1, CSN-CH
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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