NHL News and Notes: February 24, 2019

The NHL trade deadline is coming up fast, as teams are deciding whether to buy or sell. But there are plenty of stories and game recaps around the league, as well as a few pre-deadline trades, so here’s the latest going on in the hockey world.

Overtime in the Outdoors

In front of a sellout crowd at the NHL Stadium Series at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Claude Giroux scored 1:59 into overtime to give the Flyers a 4-3 win over the Penguins. Giroux’s goal completed the Philly comeback after James van Riemsdyk and Jakub Voracek scored late in the third period to tie the game for the Flyers. It was the first win in four outdoor games for the Flyers, who were previously 0-2-1. They are now seven points behind the Hurricanes for the final Wild Card spot, while Pittsburgh falls into a tie with the Hurricanes.

Blues’ Blais Beats Bruins

Sammy Blais’ sixth-round goal in the shootout was the game-winner for the Blues, who beat the Bruins 2-1 on Saturday. The loss for Boston ends their winning streak at seven but extends their point streak to 13 games (9-0-4). Meanwhile, the Blues have won 12 of their last 13 games, including six in a row at home. Alexander Steen and Chris Wagner scored the lone goals during regulation for the Blues and Bruins, respectively.

Duchene Earns His Stripes

Making his home debut, Matt Duchene scored a goal and assist as the Blue Jackets shut out the Sharks 4-0 on Saturday. Duchene was acquired from the Senators on Friday, and made his Columbus debut in Ottawa against the Sens later that night, failing to register a point. Sergei Bobrovsky earned his second straight shutout, while Boone Jenner, Cam Atkinson, and Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the other goals for Columbus, who have now won seven of their last 10 games.

Maple Leaf Madness

Once down 3-0, the Maple Leafs rallied for six unanswered goals to complete the comeback against the Canadiens 6-3. After William Nylander tied the game at 3 in the third period, Zach Hyman scored his first of two goals with 1:50 remaining to put Toronto ahead for good. Frederik Andersen also made 32 saves for the Leafs, who snapped a three-game losing streak and are now within three points of the Bruins for second place in the Atlantic Division.

Zuc Trades Blue for Green

Longtime Ranger Mats Zuccarello was traded to the Stars on Saturday in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2019 draft and a conditional third-round pick in the 2020 draft. Zuccarello, 31, has 37 points in 46 games this season and has led the Rangers in scoring in each of the past three seasons. He is in the final year of a four-year contract and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Columbus and Ottawa Link Up (again)

After acquiring Matt Duchene from the Senators on Friday, the Blue Jackets called Ottawa once again for another trade. Forward Ryan Dzingel, along with a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft, was traded to Columbus in exchange for Anthony Duclair and a second-round pick in 2020 and 2021. Dzingel is a potential rental just like Duchene, who can become a free agent on July 1st. The 28-year old has 44 points in 57 games this season.

Dallas Ain’t Done

Several hours before acquiring Mats Zuccarello from the Rangers, the Stars made another trade with a New York-area team. Dallas acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Devils in exchange for fellow D-man Connor Carrick and a third-round pick in the 2019 draft. Lovejoy, 35, is in the final year of his three-year deal and can become a free agent at season’s end. He is a former Cup winner with Pittsburgh from the 2015-16 season and has seven points in 51 games this year with New Jersey.