NHL Weekly Recap: November 22

Story posted November 22, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Meghan Strange

Another thrilling week has passed as the NHL season continues. The strong are beginning to separate themselves from the weak as winning streaks continue.

The Florida Panthers have become a staple when talking about leading teams in the league.  The Panthers currently hold a mere three game win streak, but impressive 10 straight wins at home.

Florida continues to lead the league with 29 points. However, Carolina is not far behind with 28.

The Carolina Hurricanes actually have more wins than Florida. With a rising four game win streak, the Canes could pass the Panthers for the top spot.

Goaltender Frederik Andersen continues to be pivotal between the pipes for Carolina. Andersen has won three of his last five games and kept his goals against average under two.

The Hurricanes still lead the Metropolitan Division with the Capitals close behind.

Alex Ovechkin is a key player for Washington. Ovechkin is among the top goal scorers and point keepers in the NHL.  With him stand multiple Oilers centers.

Edmonton and Washington are neck and neck in the top five standings.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still lead the Oilers and the NHL in goals.  McDavid is crucial on the ice.  He has an ongoing point streak of 17 after their win over the Blackhawks.

The Oilers lead the Pacific Division with a three win margin over the Flames.

Do not count the Flames out yet. They are in fifth place overall and goaltender Jacob Markstrom is a reason for their success. Markstrom averages a 1.71 GAA and .942 save percentage, third amongst all goalies.

Over in the Central Division, the Wild and Jets are tied with 22 points. Minnesota does have two wins over Winnipeg, but Jets’ Kyle Connor is a rising star that could help them push for the lead.

In the Atlantic, the Panthers still remain on top, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are not to be overlooked.

The Leafs are among the top ten teams despite being shut out by the Penguins. The Leafs are one win out from the reach of Florida in the division.

Jack Campbell is cause for success in Toronto.  Campbell has the second most wins and second best GAA and save percentage among goaltenders.

On the other hand, Pittsburgh has had two consecutive shutout wins. This is impressive despite their second to last place spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Among other headlines this week, Tampa Bay had its nine-point streak snapped by New Jersey.  These two teams remain in the middle of the pack, but the Devils appear to steadily climb.

Lastly, the Anaheim Ducks have recently reached the top ten. After Carolina snapped the Ducks’ 11-game win streak, they look to bounce back in upcoming divisional games.

With new games each week, different victors will be crowned as other teams fall in the heart of the NHL season.


Meghan Strange is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mgs5649@psu.edu.