NHL Scores: Avalanche point streak hits 13; Canucks shutdown by COVID could be prolonged; and more
Anthony Scultore
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The Vancouver Canucks were already shut down due to positive COVID cases until April 8th. Last night more news broke that additional tests came back positive; including at least one with a variant strain. The total number of Canucks on the list is now at eight.
Defensemen Alexander Edler and Quinn Hughes, forwards Zack MacEwen and Antoine Roussel, and goalie Braden Holtby were added to the protocol list, joining forward Adam Gaudette and defenseman Travis Hamonic. The coach has not been publicly identified.
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NHL News: Canucks may be forced to shutdown past April 8th
Vancouver’s next game is scheduled against the Flames on April 8th. There is concern that the postponement will have to be prolonged. Several teams with multiple cases have had to shut down for almost two weeks and that could be the situation here.
The NHL has a cut off date for the season of May 11th. That’s why some insiders like Pierre LeBrun remind hockey fans to also pay attention to a team’s point percentage as maybe the final barometer of what the standings may look like.
More on this story as it develops.
NHL Scores: Avalanche streak now at 13 games and looks unstoppable
We have a new team in sole possession of first place in the West. The Colorado Avalanche extended their point streak to 13 games and have also won three in row by beating the St. Louis Blues 3-2. Nathan MacKinnon fresh off his $5000 fine picked up two goals (11,12) to give his team the victory.
“I thought we had a little bit of a slow start,” MacKinnon said. “We held the lead throughout the game, which is important. Obviously, it’s a really good team, they’re desperate. But it’s great to see [Johansson] get his first win with the Avs, and he looked great tonight.”
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In other West action the San Jose Sharks shutout the L.A. Kings 3-0 with Martin Jones making 30 saves. The Arizona Coyotes also won their contest 4-2 against the Anaheim Ducks. Phil Kessel added his 15th of the season to propel the Yotes over the Blues in the standings and claim the last playoff spot. The Sharks are just three points behind them. A great playoff race in the West as the trade deadline approaches.
NHL Scores: Jack Campbell wins again for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Journeyman goalie Jack Campbell is now a perfect 8-0-0 on the season as the Maple Leafs edge the Jets in a shootout 2-1. He picked up 31 saves and is opening some eyes around the league. The 29 year-old net-minder is on his third team in six NHL seasons and looks to have found a home. His goaltending has sparked Toronto who are once again in sole possession of first in the North division. They lead Edmonton and Winnipeg by four points.
“It’s been pretty fun and the team’s winning, so that’s always No. 1,” Campbell said. “Just trying to keep it going and just keep getting better every game.”
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The Oilers got a power play goal by Connor McDavid to break a tie in the third period and pick up a 3-2 win over the Flames. They and the Jets are tied with 47 points each.
Finally the Washington Capitals needed OT to beat the Devils by a 2-1 score and reclaim sole possession of first place in the East division. Dmitry Orlov netted the winner for the Caps.