Stamkos, Kane Set Milestones

This week, two former first-overall picks reached amazing career milestones. Lightning center Steven Stamkos andBlackhawks winger Patrick Kane have had impressive careers so far and these milestones are just the latest in a long line of accomplishments for both players.

On December 1st, the Lightning matched up against Philadelphia and played a pretty perfect game. At 12:05 in the second period, Stamkos received a pass below the goal line from Alex Killorn. After taking a hit to make the play, Stamkos found Ian Cole in the slot who took a shot that was tipped into the net by Nick Paul. On that play, the 2009 first-overall pick notched his 1,000th career point.  Through 946 career games, Stamkos has 494 goals, 507 assists, and 1001 points, all with Tampa Bay.

Later this week on December 4th, the Chicago Blackhawks matched up with the New York Rangers in a strange game where no team seemed to take control. Nobody except for Patrick “Showtime” Kane. The 34-year-old scored a goal and had 2 assists in the 5-2 win over New York. That goal, scored on the power play, was Kane’s 1,200th career point in the NHL. Kane, often credited with being the best American-born player in NHL history, has spent his entire 15-year career with Chicago.

Boston Bruins Extend Record

The Boston Bruins (20-3-0) have not lost a home game to start the 2022-2023 season. After beating Colorado at home on December 4th, the Bruins have extended their home winning streak to 14 games. On their incredible run, the Bruins are averaging 4.08 goals scored per game and 2.13 goals against per game. There has not been a more dominant team this season than Boston.

The only concern with this win streak is that it is an at-home win streak. Boston can’t play every game at home. Now, they are a very solid 6-3 on the road so far this season, but that isn’t nearly as impressive as their numbers at home. Down the stretch, the Bruins will have to play a lot of games on the road, considering they already have 14 home games compared to 9 road games. But, right now if I’m a Bruins fan, I’m just enjoying the show.

Robertson is the First to Break 20 goals

Dallas Stars’ center Jason Robertson scored his 3rd career hat trick on December 1st against Anaheim. Those goals were his 19th, 20th, and 21st of the season. As the first player to reach 20 goals the season, he has a 3-goal lead on Connor McDavid of the Oilers.

Since his debut, Robertson has found a way to score goals. On Thursday, Robertson joined the likes of Auston Matthews, Alex Ovechkin, and Mario Lemieux as the only players to score at least 80 goals by their 152nd game. 

Jason Robertson, a Filipino-American from California, is leading the NHL in goals.  Imagine how great that is for Asian American kids to see someone like them tearing up the league in Robertson. He’s certainly a role model and a great player everyone can admire.

Awards Updates as of December 5th (According to The Athletic): 

Hart (MVP): 

1. Jason Robertson, Center (Dallas Stars)
2. Adam Fox, Defenseman (New York Rangers)
3. Matthew Tkachuk, Right Winger (Florida Panthers)
4. Jack Eichel, Center (Vegas Golden Knights)
5. Jack Hughes, Center (New Jersey Devils)

Norris (Best Defenseman): 

1. Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
2. Jonas Seigenthaler (New Jersey Devils)
3. Dougie Hamilton (New Jersey Devils)
4. Hampus Lindholm (Boston Bruins)
5. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche

Selke (Forward Who Excels at Defense):

1. Patrice Bergeron, Center (Boston Bruins)
2. Mark Stone, Right Winger (Vegas Golden Knights)
3. Mikael Backlund, Center (Calgary Flames)
4. Sam Reinhart, Center/Right Winger (Florida Panthers)
5. Nico Hischier, Center (New Jersey Devils)

Calder (Rookie of the Year)

1. Matty Beniers, Center (Seattle Kraken)
2. Fabian Zetterland, Left Winger (New Jersey Devils)
3. Owen Power, Defenseman (Buffalo Sabres)
4. Jack Quinn, Right Winger (Buffalo Sabres)
5. Jake Sanderson, Defenseman (Ottawa Senators)

Vezina (Best Goaltender)

1. Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders)
2. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
3. Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers)
4. Karel Vejmelka (Arizona Coyotes)
5. Linus Ullmark (Boston Bruins)