Masters of creation: how Panarin set the Rangers record, and Kucherov scored points in 11 games in a row

Duel of Panarin and Varlamov

One of the central matches of the day was held in New York, where the Rangers and Islanders sorted out the relationship in the derby.

And although Artemy Panarin and company were in the status of hosts, their less popular neighbors were considered favorites.

In the last eight meetings, Lane Lambert's wards suffered only one defeat from a great start to Detroit and were among the leaders of the Eastern Conference.

What could not be said about their rivals, who lost twice in a row.

True, the opposition was also appropriate - the same unstoppable "Red Wings" and "Boston".

The Rangers failed to take over this time, although they were very close to this.

Having conceded already in the sixth minute, they turned the tide of the match and by the middle of the second period they were already leading with a difference of two goals.

And in many respects the reason for this was the inspired game of Panarin in the majority.

The Russian himself landed in the frame and could not replenish the sniper account, but twice assisted the partners.

First, he cut a perfect pass to Chris Kreider, and then helped Vincent Trochek to break a dry streak.

Semyon Varlamov coped with a compatriot's long-range shot, but the American did a great job finishing off.

Thus, Panarin not only caught up with Nathan McKinnon, Jason Robertson and Erik Karlsson, who shared fifth place in the scorers race (all with 19 points each), but once again entered his name in the history of the club.

In 200 first meetings for the Rangers, he scored 268 points.

Previously, the achievement belonged to the legendary Mark Messier, who scored 255 in the same number of matches, while Jaromir Jagr scored 244.

However, the success of the Rangers ended there.

The replacement of Ilya Sorokin caught the courage and no longer allowed the nominal owners to take him by surprise.

In total, Varlamov saved 37 shots and set a personal season record for the number of saves, thereby becoming one of the creators of an impressive comeback.

In less than 15 minutes of the third period, the Islanders upset Igor Shesterkin three times and pulled out a victory - 4:3.

For the current owner of the Vezina Trophy, this segment turned out to be extremely unsuccessful.

The Russian scored only five saves and lost the second championship meeting in a row.

And in each he missed four goals.

Kucherov series

The Tampa Bay hockey players also failed to achieve another victory.

Unlike the Rangers, in the course of the confrontation with Edmonton, they turned out to be exclusively in the role of catching up and, as a result, could not keep up with the team of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Moreover, the leaders of the Oilers decided its outcome.

The Canadian chalked up a goal and an assist, and the German became the author of the winning goal - 3:2.

Kucherov once again showed his organizational skills.

In the middle of the first period, he took part in the hosts' lightning-fast counterattack and assisted Brandon Hagel, and very elegantly.

Having received a pass from Braden Point, he withstood a spectacular pause and only after that sent it to his partner.

Tom had to get into the near corner.

Thus, Kucherov was marked by productive actions in the 11th match in a row, which this season was only possible for New Jersey forward Jesper Bratt.

In the scorer race, he overtook David Pastrnak and, with 21 points (6 + 15), was in third place.

Only the same Draisaitl (9 + 17) and McDavid (14 + 15) are ahead.

Removal of Kaprizov and a spectacular goal by Mikheev

The leader of Minnesota also extended his streak, however, unsuccessful.

Kirill Kaprizov not only failed to score points in the second match in a row, but was also sent off before the end of the game.

In one of the episodes, the Russian striker lost his temper and hit Los Angeles defender Drew Doughty in the face with a club.

Without him, the Wild were unable to upset Jonathan Quick at least once and were beaten - 0:1.

But Ilya Mikheev showed himself great.

The striker scored again and helped Vancouver on the road to break the resistance of Ottawa (6:4).

And the goal turned out to be a feast for the eyes.

Quinn Hughes chic transfer through the half of the site found a partner at the boards, he turned around great, broke through to the gate at speed and left Cam Talbot out of work.

His compatriots were not so successful.

Andrei Kuzmenko and Vasily Podkolzin failed to distinguish themselves, and the second one also earned four penalty minutes.

True, this did not prevent him from leaving the ice with one of the best indicators of utility among partners (“+2”).

It was surpassed only by the author of two programs Conor Garland ("+3").

Ivan Provorov scored the sixth point of the season.

The Philadelphia defender began the rout of the distressed St. Louis by acting as a shot carrier on Wade Ellison's goal.

Subsequently, the hosts forced Thomas Greiss to capitulate four more times, while they themselves missed only once.

In this case, the Russians were also involved.

Ivan Barbashev brought Ryan O'Reilly to the shock position.