The NHL treated fans to a thrilling night filled with milestones, standout performances, and anticipation for international play. Here’s your comprehensive breakdown of the latest highlights and what’s on the horizon:
Barkov Leads Finnish Showcase in Global Series
Aleksander Barkov shined in front of his hometown crowd in Tampere, leading the Florida Panthers with an impressive four-point night (1 goal, 3 assists) in a high-scoring 6-5 win against the Dallas Stars. This marked a historic game with four out of seven Finnish-born players making their mark on the scoresheet. For Barkov, it was more than just another game—it was a triumphant homecoming that had the Finnish crowd roaring with pride.
Ehlers’ Hat Trick Propels Jets to Milestone Win
Nikolaj Ehlers put on a show for Winnipeg, notching his fifth career hat trick as the Jets secured a commanding 6-2 victory over the Predators. The win marked Winnipeg’s 10th of the season, making them the first team in the league to reach this milestone in 2024-25. Ehlers’ standout performance also set a new franchise record, surpassing Mikkel Boedker to become the top Danish-born player in NHL history for career hat tricks.
Carolina’s Goal Surge Continues
The Hurricanes unleashed an offensive storm, scoring eight goals to notch their fifth straight victory. Leading the charge were Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas, who orchestrated a rapid-fire scoring sequence of three goals in under a minute. This season has seen an unprecedented number of eight-goal games, a statistic unmatched since the early 90s.
Draisaitl’s Dominance Over Nashville Continues
Leon Draisaitl continued his torrid pace against the Predators, contributing three points (2 goals, 1 assist) to the Oilers’ 5-2 win. Draisaitl’s record against Nashville is remarkable—41 points in just 16 games, including multiple hat tricks and five-point performances.
Finnish Pride on Display
The 2024 NHL Global Series in Finland is more than just hockey—it’s a celebration of the sport’s deep roots in Finnish culture. Players like Barkov, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen are representing their home country, bringing pride and excitement to fans in Tampere and beyond. With more action slated for Saturday, this series highlights the NHL’s commitment to showcasing the game on a global scale.
What’s Next?
Hockey Night in Canada promises an electrifying lineup as the Maple Leafs, Canucks, Senators, and Canadiens hit the ice as part of an 11-game Saturday slate. Meanwhile, look for standout matchups featuring Cole Caufield and Sidney Crosby as the Canadiens visit the Penguins. Fans will also be watching to see if Quinn Hughes reaches his 300-assist milestone for the Canucks.
Quick Hits
- Sharks rookie Will Smith scored his first two career goals, becoming the youngest U.S.-born player to do so for the franchise.
- The Panthers’ pre-game nod to Finnish culture with team-branded bathrobes added a lighthearted touch to their Tampere experience.
- Saturday’s action includes a showdown between the Kraken and the Senators, both of whom are riding the momentum of recent eight-goal victories.
Stay tuned for more updates and join Ferda Sports for your next Ice Breaker. Whether it’s goals, drama, or international flair, hockey continues to deliver thrills night after night.
