The ice hockey league’s nine-match round of the NHL saw several Finnish successes.
The Florida Panthers caused the New York Rangers’ first regular time loss of the NHL hockey season. Three of the Panthers’ Finnish players scored points when Florida celebrated a 3-1 away win at Madison Square Garden.
Anton Lundell did not delay, but scored the opening goal of the match after only 44 seconds of play. The hit was recorded as the second pitcher Eetu Luostarinen. The goal was Lundell’s fifth of the season.
Florida’s third goal came in the second period when Sam Bennett directed Niko Mikkolan shot on goal. No more goals were seen in the match.
Florida Captain Alexander Barkov was still on the sidelines. Barkov was injured two weeks ago and hasn’t played since. The club has said that the Finnish star’s return to the rink is close and he may return to games at the weekend.
Heiskanen opened his points account
In the nine-game NHL round of the night, among the Finns, New Jersey also managed to score Erik Haulaof Dallas Roope Hintzof Colorado Joel Kiviranta and San Jose Mikael Granlund.
The Dallas Stars beat the Boston Bruins on the away court. Roope Hintz completed the final score 5–2 two minutes before the end. Defender Miro Heiskanen in turn assisted Dallas’ 2–1 goal in the second period and opened his scoring account for the season.
New Jersey Devils Erik Haula’s 2-2 equalizing goal in the second period was a thin consolation, as the home team Detroit Red Wings escaped to a 5-3 victory in the final period.
The rookie team from Utah was not at home against the Colorado Avalanche, who won 5–1. Mikko Rantanen grabbed the assist for Colorado’s first two goals and Joel Kiviranta sealed the final score in the final set. The goal was Kiviranta’s fourth in the last three matches.
Keeper Justus Annunen made 24 saves in Colorado’s goal and helped his team to its fourth straight victory. Even the draw was close, but Utah’s Lawson Crouse managed to get the puck behind Annus’ back Matias Maccellin about five minutes before the end.