The NHL week featured notable moments including John Tortorella’s viral meltdown, Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s impressive goal, Marc-Andre Fleury’s crucial save, Minnesota Wild’s bold overtime strategy, and Connor McDavid reaching 100 points for the fourth consecutive season, alongside previews of key upcoming games with playoff implications.
Another week of NHL action has flown by. Honestly, there was almost too much hockey to digest. But don’t worry, the weekly NHL Rewind is here to catch you up on all the can’t-miss moments from the past seven days.
Let’s talk about Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella. This Saturday, he was the center of attention – even by his standards. Tortorella got ejected for giving the officials a piece of his mind. But, he wouldn’t just leave the bench. This defiance earned him a suspension and created a viral moment this season.
Over in Minnesota, Wild coach John Hynes took a daring risk in overtime. It was all to keep his team’s playoff dreams alive. And guess what? It paid off. Plus, Connor McDavid joined some elite company by hitting 100 points for the fourth consecutive season.
Now, onto the best bits. Goal of the week goes to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, he scored from a tough angle. Early in the third, with the game tied, he didn’t pass up the blue line. Instead, he took a shot that became one of his career’s best. It was a stunner that helped the Hurricanes keep rolling.
Marc-Andre Fleury, though, stole the show with a save. In the second period against Nashville, he made a kick save that was pure magic. It kept Minnesota in the game, which they eventually won in overtime. Fleury, a living legend, is doing everything to keep his team in the playoff hunt.
Back to Tortorella. Before his blow-up, he had been quite restrained this season. But that changed during Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay. After the Lightning scored their fourth goal, Tortorella lost it. Despite being ejected, he refused to leave, creating quite the spectacle. Sadly, the Flyers lost 7-0, and Tortorella faced a two-game suspension.
The Wild’s playoff hopes are still alive, thanks to a bold move in OT by coach Hynes. Pulling the goalie for a 4-on-3 advantage paid off when Matt Boldy scored the winning goal. It’s a risky strategy we might see more of as teams fight for playoff spots.
Connor McDavid is in the spotlight again. He’s hit 100 points for the fourth consecutive season. His latest point wasn’t his prettiest, but it counts all the same. McDavid is now in the company of legends like Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman.
Looking ahead, there are some key matchups. Rangers at Hurricanes on Tuesday is one to watch, with playoff implications. Avalanche at Canucks on Wednesday could preview a playoff battle. Panthers at Hurricanes on Thursday will be a test for Florida’s playoff ambitions. Wild at Blues on Saturday is crucial for the wild card race. And Islanders at Rangers on Sunday is vital for the East’s wild card battle.
So, another thrilling week awaits in the NHL. With playoff races heating up, every game is starting to count even more.
