NHL Scores: Blackhawks snap losing streak, referee admits to even up call on hot mic against Predators, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There were only five games last nigh on the docket, but one glaring controversy for the NHL to deal with. It occurred in the Predators 2-0 win over the Red Wings, when one of the two referees was caught on a hot mic admitting he wanted to make an even up call.
NHL Scores: Referees under investigation in Predators win
Details are scarce since there was no comments from the referees about the call or the hot mic incident. Apparently the Predators were up 1-0 in the game thanks to Mikael Granlund’s first period goal when the ref admitted he wanted to get a penalty on Nashville early in the second.
“It wasn’t much, but I wanted to get a (expletive) penalty against Nashville early in the,” the unidentified official was heard saying before his microphone was cut off after Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson was called for a tripping penalty at 4:56 of the second period.
AP
The actual hot mic incident was caught on replay during the broadcast and posted by several people on social media. It was later determined that the ref was Tim Peel on the mic. The NHL’s Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell says they are investigating the incident.
Note: The clip below is NSFW
NHL Scores: Patrick Kane helps Blackhawks snap skid
The Blackhawks snapped a four game losing streak thanks Patrick Kane’s two assists. They defeated the Panthers by holding them off 3-2. It also helpful that Aleksander Barkov was a late scratch who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The victory gives Chicago sole possession of 4th place over Columbus by 2 points.
“Big win for the team [after] obviously losing four in a row, so [it’s] nice to get rid of that streak,” Kane said. “I thought we’ve been playing all right the last few games.”
NHL.com
Andrei Vasilevskiy set a franchise record with his 12 straight win. He stopped 16 of 17 shots as the Lightning beat the Stars 2-1. Tampa has now won 5 straight and holds first place by 5 points over the Hurricanes. They also have a 4 point lead over the Islanders for the Presidents Trophy awarded to the best team in the NHL.
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NHL Scores: Flyers slumping, Avalanche win streak stopped
The Flyers are in a serious free fall this season as they lost to the Devils 4-3. Travis Zajac led the charge with a goal and an assist and handed Philadelphia their sixth loss in their last eight games. Alain Vigneault is going to get tired of making excuses pretty soon.
“We didn’t look like we had a lot of jump at the start of that game,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. “Their speed and skill level showed. It didn’t seem like we had a lot in the tank. We had a push at the end there, but it didn’t seem like we had a lot there.”
NHL.com
Finally, the Colorado Avalanche picked up a valuable point but lost to the Coyotes 5-4 in a shootout. They are now two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first in the West.