NHL Early Season Takeaways
Phil Kessel Set to Break the Ironman Streak
Vegas loves Kessel 3000.
On Oct. 24, Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel tied the Ironman streak, which is the streak of the most consecutive games played in NHL history.
The Ironman has been previously held by defenseman Keith Yandle. Currently, the record stands at 989.
Before Vegas, Kessel played with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins (where he was a two-time Stanley Cup winner) and Arizona Coyotes.
He will most likely break the record on Oct. 25 when the Golden Knights play the San Jose Sharks. This will also mark Kessel’s 990th career game.
Vegas Golden Knights (5-2, 1st place in Pacific Division)
In addition to acquiring Kessel in the offseason, the Golden Knights also brought in Bruce Cassidy to fill the head coach position.
Besides that, the team had a quiet offseason. Forward Max Pacioretty and defenseman Dylan Coghlan were traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations.
Jack Eichel leads the team in points with seven points in seven games. Jonathan Marchessault, another center, leads the team in goals with five.
Dahlin, Tkachuk and Blackwood named Stars of the Week
The first stars of the 2022-23 season have been born.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was named First Star of the Week.
In five games, Dahlin scored eight points with three assists and five goals (two of them on power plays).
Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk was named Second Star of the Week.
Tkachuk scored eight points in five games with four goals and assists.
On Oct. 22, Tkachuk scored his 200th career point on a breakaway goal against the Arizona Coyotes.
Finally, New Jersey Devils goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was named Third Star of the Week.
In five games, he’s saved 88 out of 111 shots on goals.
Daniil Tarasov Earns First NHL Win
Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Daniil Tarasov earned his first NHL win over the New York Rangers on Oct. 23.
Tarasov saved 30-of-31 shots against him, allowing the one goal to Artemi Panarin.
The rookie started off to a hot year, allowing nine goals on 82 shots against the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Tarasov received the game puck in the locker room after the game.
Columbus (3-4, 7th place in Metropolitan Division)
Columbus made a splash this offseason by signing former Calgary Flames left wing, Johnny Gaudreau, to a seven-year deal. He currently leads the teams in points and goals.
However, they just lost right winger Justin Danforth so he can undergo surgery for a torn labrum. He will be out for at least six months.
New York Rangers’ Filip Chytil Out With a Head Injury
Rangers’ center Filip Chytil exited October 23’s game after colliding into Cole Sillinger’s shoulder.
Though the Rangers just think it’s a concussion, he will be out for a minimum of four games.
While the Rangers have other talented centers (Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck), Chytil had a bounce-back start to his season after injury: three points in six games.
New York (3-2, 5th in Metropolitan Division)
The Rangers are looking for playoff success after losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
Igor Shesterkin is arguably one of the best goalies in the league and is backed up with Chris Kreider, Zibanejad, and Kaapo Kakko on the line.
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact her, please contact amg7989@psu.edu.
