On December 17, 2024, the NHL featured a series of compelling matchups, highlighted by standout individual performances and significant team milestones.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres
Patrik Laine led the Montreal Canadiens to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, netting a hat trick with three power-play goals. This achievement marked Laine’s 11th career hat trick, placing him third among Finnish-born players in NHL history. Additional goals from Juraj Slafkovsky, Joel Armia, and Josh Anderson contributed to the Canadiens’ dominant performance.
Nashville Predators vs. New York Rangers
The Nashville Predators secured a 2-0 win against the New York Rangers, with goaltender Juuse Saros making 25 saves to earn his third shutout of the season. Goals from Jonathan Marchessault and Adam Wilsby, who scored his first NHL goal, propelled the Predators to victory. This loss marked the Rangers’ third consecutive defeat, bringing their record to 15-15-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders
The Carolina Hurricanes blanked the New York Islanders with a 4-0 victory. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov recorded 32 saves, achieving his first shutout of the season. Goals from Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Jordan Martinook, and Tyson Jost highlighted the Hurricanes’ offensive prowess. The Islanders, now at 12-14-7, have not been above .500 since October 25, indicating ongoing struggles.
Dallas Stars vs. Washington Capitals
Roope Hintz’s two-goal performance led the Dallas Stars to a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, ending the Capitals’ franchise-record 10-game road winning streak. Lian Bichsel also scored for the Stars, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 25 saves. The Capitals’ lone goal came from Dylan Strome.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Colorado Avalanche
Kiefer Sherwood’s natural hat trick powered the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche. This marked Sherwood’s first hat trick in his seven NHL seasons. Goaltender Thatcher Demko contributed significantly with 30 saves, allowing only a late goal by Valeri Nichushkin.
NHL Scores and Notes from December 17, 2024
| Game | Result | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens | 1-6 | Patrik Laine’s hat trick with three power-play goals. |
| Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | 3-5 | Jake Guentzel scored in his seventh consecutive game. |
| Los Angeles Kings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | 2-3 (OT) | Penguins secured the win in overtime. |
| New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes | 0-4 | Pyotr Kochetkov’s 32-save shutout. |
| New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators | 0-2 | Juuse Saros’ third shutout of the season. |
| New Jersey Devils vs. St. Louis Blues | 4-1 | Devils’ strong offensive performance. |
| Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks | 2-3 | Blackhawks edged out the Capitals. |
| Boston Bruins vs. Calgary Flames | 4-3 (OT) | Bruins rallied from behind to win in overtime. |
| Ottawa Senators vs. Seattle Kraken | 3-0 | Linus Ullmark’s 30-save shutout extended his winning streak. |
| Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks | 4-3 | Jets secured a comeback victory. |
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