WHAT DA PUCK WEEKLY RECAP
2022-12-19 · 4 min read · NHL/Hockey
Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire and Claus Andersen via Getty Images
Welcome back to this weeks What Da Puck lets get into it.
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1. Mitch Marner’s impressive point streak came to an end Thursday of this past week as the Leafs lost 3-1 to the New York Rangers, a streak which lasted a splendid 23 games. During his run Marner piled up 11 goals and 32 points in establishing the third longest point-game streak of the salary cap era, behind only Patrick Kane (26 games) and Sidney Crosby (25 games).
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Marner, who now has the 12th longest point streak in NHL history, was very humble about his historic run coming to an end. After the game Marner said “It's a cool accomplishment to have your name with some great legends, it wouldn't have been possible without the guys in this room, so a lot of love goes out to them.” Despite some solid attempts Marner couldn't break through to extend the streak even with three shots on net and 22:38 of ice time Thursday. Even with the streak over Marner is sure to be proud of breaking the previous Leafs point streak record co-held by Daryl Sittler and Eddie Olczyk at 18 games. Interestingly Marner's streak was the longest by a player not selected first in their draft since Brett Hull put together a 25 gamer 30 years ago.
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While we are talking about NHL point streaks did you know only three players have put together 30 game runs? They are Mario Lemieux, Mats Sundin, and Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky has the longest run at a monstrous 51 games, The Great One hit 30 games with three separate point streaks; Lemieux (who got to 46 games in his) and Sundin only hit 30 once.
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2. Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat is widely thought to be on the trade block and multiple reports say the Canucks are looking to deal him sooner rather than later. The Ontario native has spent his whole career with the Canucks since they drafted him 9th overall in 2013, and Horvat is in the final year of a 6 year 33 million dollar deal he signed in 2017. Multiple reports say the Canucks and Horvat are far apart on a possible extension, as Horvat seems likely to net a significant raise on his current 5.5 million dollar cap hit.
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Some reports are saying instead of prospects or draft picks the Canucks want a “hockey deal” for Horvat, ideally in the form of a young high upside centre and a top four defenseman. Sources say that everybody on the Canucks except star Elias Pettersson could be available if the price is right, including the established yet steadily improving defenseman Quinn Hughes. The 27-year-old centre made a statement this week regarding the rumours, and when asked about a possible trade gave a classic hockey response saying, “I am focused on this season and playing for the Vancouver Canucks, helping the team in any way I can.” The impending unrestricted free agent even added “I will not have any further comments this year about my future.”
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Speaking of trade rumours the Edmonton Oilers are apparently getting aggressive in their pursuit of a defenseman, as they have reportedly had conversations with the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes of late. Edmonton reportedly hopes to include Jesse Puljujarvi, who has long been thought to be on the block, in a deal.
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3. Alexander Ovechkin made history this past week becoming just the third player to ever score 800 NHL goals, with a hat trick in a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Great Eight is now just one goal back of the Legendary “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe for second on the NHL’s all time goal list. The Washington Capitals legend has seven shots and an assist in two games since the hitting 800 Tuesday but has yet to find twine since, but know with Ovie that won't last long.
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When he passes Gordie Howe for the second place spot it will be another milestone in a truly outstanding career. The list of Ovechkin's accolades is far from short. During his 18 seasons, all for the Washington Capitals, he won the Calder Trophy his rookie year, he's a three-time Hart Trophy winner, and has won the Rocket Richard as the season's leading goal scorer a staggering nine times. Ovie also won an art ross back in his third season leading the league with 112 points on the 07-08 season. The Russian native also is a three time Ted Lindsay award winner as the most outstanding player as voted by his peers. He also led his Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2018 where they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games and Ovie was given the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP.
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Overall Ovechkin has clearly earned his reputation as one of the best goal scorers in NHL history and as a bona fide generational talent, one we are lucky to watch. The Great Eight clearly has his mind on the future though as he has recently trademarked the Gr8 chase as he eyes Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals. It is certainly the time to make sure you are tuning into Washington Capitals games when you can. As any day now Ovie is going to make another piece of hockey history when he moves into second all time on the NHL's goals list.
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Quick Wristers
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- The NHL salary cap is expected to rise to $83.5 million next season, a $1 million increase, this is as current revenue projections indicate the players will have a remaining escrow debt owed to the owners after this season, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday. Bettman went on to say if the remaining debt of an estimated $70 million is paid off this season the salary cap would then rise slightly above $86 million next season. The NHL estimates revenues will be around $5.7 billion this season, up from approximately $5.4 billion last season. Bettman said the revenue projection would have to increase another $140 to $150 million for the escrow debt to be paid in full this season.
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- Alex Pietrangelo returned to the Vegas Golden Knights lineup this past weekend after the defenseman missed nine games because of an illness in the family. Pietrangelo's 4-year-old daughter caught a flu that developed into a brain lesion last month, resulting in an unfortunate loss of all motor functions, including her ability to walk and talk. Pietrangelo notified the Golden Knights after it happened, requesting to step away from the team. He was provided the time needed to be with his family. Good news arose as the lesion disappeared a week later, which was faster than the original diagnosis. Then on Tuesday, his daughter began walking. Pietrangelo, who last played Nov. 26, has 21 points (three goals) in 23 games this season. He leads Vegas in time on ice per game (23:29), resulting in the Golden Knights (22-9-1) pacing the Pacific Division. Pietrangelo said it was refreshing to be out of the hospital and back on the ice with his teammates. Here's wishing the best to him, his daughter, and their whole family.
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- Kraken forward Shane Wright was named captain of Canada’s WJC squad. Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro (Chicago Blackhawks), and forwards Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim Ducks), Dylan Guenther (Arizona Coyotes) and Logan Stankovan (Dallas Stars) were named alternate captains. The 18-year-old, who was selected by the Kraken with the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has two points (one goal, one assist) in eight NHL games this season. Of the honour Wright said "I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada on home ice at the World Juniors, and it is a true honour to be named captain on a team with so many great players and leaders,”
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Highlights of the week
For this week thought I would this week highlights and Ovechkin highlights, hope you enjoy.
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Ovie scoring his 800th
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By: Chase Howard
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