The NHL put on a spooktacular show this Halloween, with veteran legends dazzling fans and teams racking up goals in thrilling fashion. Let’s break down the standout moments and look ahead to what’s next.
Vintage Showings from Crosby and Ovechkin
Halloween night belonged to NHL icons Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, who reminded fans why they’re among the greatest. Crosby was the hero for Pittsburgh, scoring twice and securing a jaw-dropping overtime winner—his 22nd career OT goal, second only to Ovechkin’s record of 26. Crosby’s stellar night also saw him surpass Wayne Gretzky’s record, tying Marcel Dionne with 215 go-ahead goals and moving past Joe Sakic for multi-point game totals.
Ovechkin was equally captivating, racking up three points for his first time since February. His strong start to the season, with 10 points in nine games, echoes his legendary 2021-22 campaign where he notched 90 points.
Hurricanes Bring the Storm
The Carolina Hurricanes continued their impressive streak, unleashing eight goals against their opponents with a rapid-fire trio scored in just 52 seconds. Leading the charge were Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas, with Necas entering rare company as only the third player in Hurricanes/Whalers history to collect 15 points before the 10th game of a season.
Draisaitl’s Nashville Masterclass
Leon Draisaitl further solidified his reputation as a Predator-killer, posting another three-point night. His stats against Nashville are eye-popping: 41 points in 16 games, featuring multiple five-point outings and a four-goal spectacle. Talk about having their number.
NHL Global Series: Finland Takes Center Ice
Excitement heads to Tampere, Finland, where the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars will clash in the NHL Global Series. This series is special for the Finnish crowd, with homegrown talent like Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov set to shine on home ice. Roope Hintz of the Stars, hailing from nearby Nokia, adds another layer of pride for the locals. Other Finnish stars in the mix include Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola.
Both teams are in excellent form, with the Panthers (7-3-1) leading the Atlantic Division and the Stars (7-2-0) showcasing their Western Conference strength. These games will be a testament to Finnish hockey talent and a celebration of the sport’s global reach.
Looking Ahead: Key Matchups
Friday night promises more excitement with a five-game lineup in North America. The league-leading Winnipeg Jets (9-1-0) will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the night wraps up with the New Jersey Devils taking on the Calgary Flames.
Rising Star Alert
Sharks rookie Will Smith made headlines by scoring his first two NHL goals, setting a record as the youngest U.S.-born player to score for the franchise. Living with Sharks legend Patrick Marleau, Smith’s debut season is already off to an unforgettable start.
The 2024-25 NHL season keeps delivering thrills, with veterans and rookies alike making waves. As the Global Series kicks off in Finland, fans have more reasons than ever to stay glued to the action.
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