Around the NHL: Jan. 14
The NHL has reached the midway point in the season with the All-Star Game coming up soon.
Here’s a look at everything that’s happened in the NHL:
All-Star Game Selections
The first round of All-Star Game rosters came out on January 6 with the fan vote pushed until Jan. 17.
In the Metro Division, Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, who has already made headlines passing the 800th goal mark, was named to his eighth All Star Game, while Columbus’s Johnny Gaudreau was named to his seventh. The young guns of the Metro came out heavy, with Igor Shesterkin, Brock Nelson and Andrei Svechnikov all being named to their first All Star Game.
Both Tkachuk brothers made the cut in the Atlantic Division. Nikita Kucherov was named to his fourth All Star Game, and Mitchell Marner earned the nod after setting a point streak earlier in the season. Boston goalie Linus Ullmark was named to his first All Star Game after leading the Bruins to the best record in the league as of January.
In the Central Division, Vladimir Tarasenko earned his fourth All Star Game nod, while Dallas’s Jason Robertson was named to his first after leading the Stars in goals, assists and points this season.
Matty Beniers made the cut after helping Seattle turn around its season from its inaugural year in the league while veteran Connor McDavid will play in his sixth.
Fans can vote for their favorite players on Twitter by retweeting from their team’s accounts or by tweeting players’ names with #NHLAllStarGame.
Steven Stamkos Close to 500 Goals
Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos scored his 499th NHL goal during the Lighting and the Canucks game on Jan. 12.
Stamkos’ goal came on a power play in the third period, and he also contributed with an assist.
Stamkos has had two 50-goal seasons and five 40+ goal seasons and is currently sitting at 18 almost-midway through the season.
Stamkos could reach 500 when the Lightning play the St. Louis Blues on January 14.
Clayton Keller Fined for Cross-Check
Arizona’s Clayton Keller has been fined $5,000 (the maximum amount) for cross-checking Erik Brannstrom in the neck during the Arizona/Senators game on Jan. 12.
The $5,000 is the maximum fine under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the money will go toward the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Mikhail Sergachev Fined for Roughing
Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev has been fined $5000 for roughing Vancouver’s Conor Garland during the Lightning/Canucks game on Jan. 12. Sergachev sucker-punched Garland (who wasn’t wearing a helmet) in the face in a huddle by the Tampa Bay net.
Like Keller’s fine, the money will go toward the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.
