On December 14, 2024, the NHL delivered an action-packed day of hockey, featuring significant victories, standout performances, and notable transactions.
In Newark, the New Jersey Devils mounted a remarkable third-period comeback to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1. Dawson Mercer initiated the rally, followed by quick goals from Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom contributed with 17 saves, while Chicago’s rookie goalie, Drew Commesso, made 20 saves in his NHL debut.
The Minnesota Wild rebounded from a previous loss by securing a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Saint Paul. Kirill Kaprizov led the offense with two goals, including a highlight-reel score in the first period and an empty-netter to seal the win. Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi also scored, while veteran goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury earned his 567th career victory with 20 saves.
In Edmonton, the Oilers extended their winning streak to five games by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 6-3. Leon Draisaitl was instrumental, scoring his 22nd goal of the season and adding two assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor Brown each contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Oilers establish a commanding 5-0 lead before withstanding a late push from Vegas.
The Ottawa Senators edged the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in overtime, with Brady Tkachuk netting the decisive goal. In Dallas, the Stars secured a 2-1 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues, courtesy of Matt Duchene’s game-winner. Additionally, the Anaheim Ducks overcame the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime, highlighted by Alex Killorn’s clutch goal.
In other action, the Los Angeles Kings dominated the New York Rangers with a 5-1 victory, showcasing a strong offensive performance. The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2, capitalizing on home-ice advantage. The Winnipeg Jets reclaimed first place in the Central Division by doubling up the Montreal Canadiens 4-2, with Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor each recording a goal and an assist.
The Washington Capitals continued their strong form with a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres, marking their fourth consecutive victory. Dylan Strome scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, and Tom Wilson added two goals to secure the win.
In Calgary, the Flames blanked the Florida Panthers 3-0, with Nazem Kadri scoring a goal for the third straight game and goaltender Dustin Wolf earning a 32-save shutout.
The Boston Bruins triumphed over the Vancouver Canucks with a 5-1 victory, driven by significant contributions from David Pastrnak, who reached a milestone by becoming the 11th player in Bruins history to achieve 400 career assists.
The Tampa Bay Lightning secured a 5-1 win against the Seattle Kraken, with Jake Guentzel extending his scoring streak to six games by contributing a goal and an assist.
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2, with Mackenzie Blackwood making 37 saves in his team debut to secure the victory.
The Utah Hockey Club edged the San Jose Sharks 4-3, continuing their impressive form this season.
Off the ice, the St. Louis Blues made a significant move by acquiring veteran defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks. In exchange, the Ducks received a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka. Anaheim retained 38.5% of Fowler’s contract, which carries an average annual value of $6.5 million and extends through the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights secured forward Keegan Kolesar with a three-year contract extension worth $7.5 million, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2027-28 season. Kolesar, 27, has been a consistent contributor over six seasons with Vegas, leading the team in hits this season with 90 and tallying 11 points in 29 games.
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