Top Performer of the Week
Buffalo’s excellent form is reflected in individual performances as well. The top point scorer of the week was American sharpshooter Tage Thompson, who netted three goals and added six assists in four games. His highlight came against Montreal (5-3), where he was involved in every goal thanks to a hat-trick and two assists. He also scored the game-winner.
If you want to keep track of Thompson’s performances, add him to your favourite players in our app. Here's how to do it.
Goaltender of the Week
The most wins in the league, 23 in total, belong to Czech goalie Karel Vejmelka of Utah, who added three more against Toronto, Dallas, and Seattle. He’s now three wins ahead of his closest rival. This week, he stopped 63 shots, allowed five goals, and posted a save percentage of 92.6%.
He also contributed his second assist of the season and fifth in his NHL career in the 6-3 win over the Kraken. Utah clearly relies on him for victories - the last time they won with another goalie in net was October 26th against Winnipeg.
Highlight of the Week
Although he played for four NHL teams, Russian forward Sergei Fedorov left his biggest mark in Detroit. He spent 13 seasons with the Michigan club, racked up 954 points, and collected plenty of trophies.
He won the Stanley Cup three times, twice took home the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward, and also claimed the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s best player, as voted by journalists and fellow players. On top of that, he became the first Russian ever to surpass 1,000 NHL points.
Fedorov had been waiting for a ceremonial night in Detroit since 2003, when he last wore the Red Wings jersey. But he finally got his moment.
"Leaving Detroit was a huge mistake at the time, and I take full responsibility," he won back the fans during his speech.
"Detroit is home for me. It always was and always will be," continued the three-time world champion, who left for Anaheim before the 2003/04 season.
His jersey was raised to the rafters of Little Caesars Arena alongside other club legends. Previous honorees include Terry Sawchuk (1), Red Kelly (4), Nicklas Lidstrom (5), Ted Lindsay (7), Gordie Howe (9), Alex Delvecchio (10), Sid Abel (12), and Steve Yzerman (19).
"His unique blend of skill, speed, and strength made him one of the most versatile players in the history of the game," said Yzerman, who attended the ceremony.
Stat of the Week
Defending champions Florida are going through a rough patch, collecting more losses than wins. The Panthers suffered a particularly ugly defeat against Carolina, losing 9-1 and conceding five goals between the 52nd and 59th minutes.
But they made history in another way: Florida’s only goal was scored by Latvian defenseman Uvis Balinskis, assisted (with his first NHL point) by forward Sandis Vilmanis. For the first time ever, two Latvian players combined on a goal in NHL history.
From Social Media
And one more look at Fedorov’s big night. As a child, Patrick Kane, who now plays for Detroit, was a huge fan of the hockey magician. He even wore a Red Wings jersey - number 91 - when he was a boy, posing with the Stanley Cup.
Photo of the Week
This photographer really nailed it, capturing all the Hughes brothers in one shot. That’s Quinn from Minnesota, and Jack and Luke from New Jersey. The Devils won the head-to-head matchup 5:2, and Jack was the only brother to record a point, picking up an assist.