DailyFaceoff Morning Report — 02/10/22
The DailyFaceoff Morning Report will be released on weekdays, recapping the key news and events from the day before.
We will highlight injuries that will affect today’s games, hot streaks, cold streaks, and anything relevant for everyone from the casual hockey fan to the Fantasy Hockey grinder.
Flyers lose again, Larkin shines for Red Wings
Carter Hart allowed five goals in a 6-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Philadelphia Flyers have lost 14 of their last 16 games (2-11-3). Despite their miserable season, it was only the sixth time in 29 starts that Hart has allowed more than three goals in a game. The Flyers are tied for the fourth-fewest goals scored in the league this season with 116.
Dylan Larkin continued his excellent season for the Red Wings, recording two points (1G / 1A) and bringing his season total to 46 (24G / 22A) in 43 games. Larkin is on pace to finish the season with 82 points. His previous career-best was in 2018-19 when he had 73 points in 76 games.
Stars defeat Predators 4-3
John Klingberg had two primary assists on both powerplay goals scored by Jason Robertson. Klingberg had a very slow start to the season, scoring only three points (3A) in his first 12 games, but has since racked up 22 points (1G / 21A) in his last 26 games, including 14 points on the powerplay. With the win on Wednesday, the Stars were able to stay within four points of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Oilers goal-scoring woes continue
Connor McDavid had an assist on the Oilers’ lone goal in the 4-1 loss to the Blackhawks. McDavid now has 16 points (7G / 9A) in his last 18 games, numbers that would be excellent for most players but seem oddly low for the most talented player in the NHL.
Mike Smith surprisingly got the start in the net after returning from injury and playing only his fourth game in nearly four months the previous night. Smith saved 26 of 30 shots, allowing four goals in back-to-back games.
Flames control game vs. Knights
Jacob Markstrom recorded his league-leading eighth shutout in a commanding 6-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Markstrom now has three shutouts in his last six games. His first five shutouts were recorded over an equally impressive 11 game span earlier in the season. Including backup goalie Dan Vladar, the Calgary Flames have 10 shutouts in 43 games this season.
Mikael Backlund led the way offensively for the Flames with four points (1G / 3A). Matthew Tkachuk had three points (1G / 2A), including a highlight-reel between-the-legs goal in the third period. Tkachuk now has 26 points (10G / 16A) in his last 16 games played.
OH NO HE DIDN'T. 😱
We see you Matthew Tkachuk (@TKACHUKycheese_). pic.twitter.com/hsRejS15wb
Robin Lehner allowed all six goals in the loss, continuing his perplexing season and ending an impressive four-game streak (3-1-0) where he recorded a shutout and stopped 119 of 125 shots.
Kessel scores in win over Kraken
Phil Kessel scored his sixth goal of the season, his first goal in 17 games. During that goalless drought, he still managed to put up a respectable 12 assists and 36 shots on goal. Kessel added an assist in the third period as the Coyotes beat the Kraken 5-2.
Other News and Notes from around the league
- Tukka Rask officially announced his retirement after having a setback in his return from hip surgery
- Brad Marchand was suspended six games for a hit on Tristan Jarry
- Martin St. Louis was hired as the interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens