On December 29, 2024, the NHL delivered a series of thrilling games and notable player achievements, captivating hockey fans across the league.
NHL Game Highlights and Notable Performances
In Detroit, Patrick Kane reached a significant career milestone by recording his 1,300th point, contributing a goal and an assist in the Red Wings’ 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. This win also marked Todd McLellan’s first as Detroit’s new head coach, ending the team’s four-game losing streak.
The Vegas Golden Knights continued their impressive form, securing a 3-0 win against the Calgary Flames. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov earned his first shutout with the team, stopping 31 shots and extending Vegas’s winning streak to six games.
In Chicago, the Dallas Stars overcame an early deficit to dominate the Blackhawks with a 5-1 victory. Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn each tallied a goal and two assists, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 24 saves. The Stars capitalized on a major penalty against Tyler Bertuzzi, scoring a power-play goal that shifted the game’s momentum.
The Montreal Canadiens showcased a strong performance, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres secured a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, and the Ottawa Senators triumphed 3-1 against the Minnesota Wild. The Los Angeles Kings edged out the Philadelphia Flyers in a high-scoring affair, finishing 5-4.
Off the ice, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews shared insights into his battle with chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long COVID. Toews discussed his transformative five-week Ayurvedic healing retreat in India, which has significantly aided his recovery. While he remains uncertain about returning to the NHL, Toews is committed to his healing journey and open to the possibility of playing hockey again.
NHL Game Scores and Notes from December 29, 2024
| Home Team | Score | Away Team | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Red Wings | 4-2 | Washington Capitals | Patrick Kane’s 1,300th career point; Todd McLellan’s first win as head coach. |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 3-0 | Calgary Flames | Ilya Samsonov’s first shutout with Vegas; sixth consecutive win for the Golden Knights. |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1-5 | Dallas Stars | Stars scored five unanswered goals; power-play goal ended 0-for-21 drought. |
| Montreal Canadiens | 5-2 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Strong offensive performance by Canadiens. |
| Buffalo Sabres | 4-2 | St. Louis Blues | Sabres secured victory with solid play. |
| Ottawa Senators | 3-1 | Minnesota Wild | Senators continued strong form with win over Wild. |
| Los Angeles Kings | 5-4 | Philadelphia Flyers | Kings edged out Flyers in a high-scoring game. |
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