There were six NHL games played on Sunday. Of the six, half would need overtime with two going to the shootout. Chicago and Dallas, Anaheim and Nashville and finally Boston and Carolina all needed extra time to settle things.
Chicago and Dallas were able to settle things in the overtime as Patrick Sharp notched the overtime winner for the Blackhawks at 1:17. The game was sent to overtime as Brad Richards tied the game at 16:03 of the third.
Anaheim and Nashville needed the shootout to decide things. Like Chicago, Anaheim needed some late game heorics to force the overtime. Francois Beauchimintied the game for the ducks with just 2:17 left in the third.
The overtime was not enough. The teams then proceeded to the skills competition where Ryan Kessler netted the deciding goal to give Anaheim a 4-3 victory.
Carolina has now won back to back games as Eric Staal gave the Hurricanes a 2-1 shootout victory Sunday against the Boston Bruins. The Hurricanes capatain does not usually take part in the shootout but when he does, it's a good thing for Carolina.
In his career, Staal has five goals on 20 attempts. four of the five goals have been the game winners.
WJC Gold Medal Game
For those interested in getting a good look at the probable number pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, tune into the WJC gold medal game tonight. They game will feature Russia versus Canada.
Canada forward Connor McDavid has been the consensus number one pick for this draft class. He is just one of many Canadien players who have already been or will be drafted. Game time is 8:00 on the NHL Network.
Stuart Scott
The sports world lost a great broadcaster yesterday. Stuart Scott of ESPN passed away at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer. Scott had been with ESPN for over 20 years. Scott was an energetic and charismatic personality.
Like one of his signature sayings, Scott was as cool as the other side of the pillow. You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Scott family.
League Leaders through 1/4/15
Goals – Seguin (26)
Assists – Voracek (33)
Points – Voracek (48)
Plus/Minus – T. Johnson (+26)
Wins – Rinne (25)
Shutouts – Fleury (6)
Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on twitter @wtfd103074
