Top Scorer of the Week
Russian forward Kirill Kaprizov continues to prove that he didn’t get the biggest contract in NHL history by accident. Last week, the Minnesota forward dazzled with three goals and six assists, making him the league’s top points-getter for the week.
He picked up two assists each against Toronto and Montreal, then put on a three-point show in a win over Detroit (2+1), scoring the game-winner just 45 seconds into overtime for a 4-3 victory. He added two more points in a 3-4 overtime loss to Florida (1+1).
Overall, Kaprizov has 28 goals and 36 assists, leading the Wild in scoring and sitting tied for sixth in the entire NHL.
Goalie of the Week
The clear goaltending star of last week was Lukas Dostal, who won all four games he started for Anaheim.
He gave up three goals to the NY Rangers but still celebrated a 5-3 win. Then he shone with 40 saves against Colorado, where the Ducks pulled off a 2-1 road win. In Seattle, he allowed two goals, and in his last outing in Calgary, he let in three.
He posted a save percentage above 90% in three straight games, including a stellar 97.6% against the Avalanche. Anaheim are in great form, riding a seven-game winning streak, with Dostal starting six of those games. Czech fans have a lot to look forward to at the Olympics.
Story of the Week
Jonathan Toews of Winnipeg had an emotional return to the ice in Chicago. On Monday night, he played there for the first time as an opponent, having previously become a Blackhawks icon and leading them to three Stanley Cups. The crowd greeted the forward with a thunderous ovation, and the veteran centre soaked up the long applause.
"Honestly, it got to me," he admitted after raising his stick to thank the thousands of fans. Both his current and former teammates watched as the crowd showed deep respect for the club legend. The Blackhawks played a tribute video, which sparked even more applause and cheers.
The ceremony lasted nearly five minutes, causing an unplanned break in the game. "To get that kind of reception from the fans is incredible. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. It felt like the ovation would never end. After a while, I didn’t even know what to do," Toews told NHL.com after a 2-0 loss.
For the 37-year-old Canadian, it was his first game in Chicago since returning to the NHL. The Blackhawks drafted him third overall in 2006, and he played for the organisation until the end of the 2022/2023 season. Except for his rookie year, he always wore the captain’s "C" on his jersey.
Stat of the Week
San Jose continue to impress after a rough start to the season, beating the NY Rangers 3-1, with the team’s star once again in the spotlight.
Macklin Celebrini scored twice, reaching the 50-goal mark in the NHL. He did it at 19 years and 224 days old. Among active players, only Sidney Crosby reached that milestone at a younger age - 104 days sooner.
Social Media Highlight
Toronto lost at home to a red-hot Colorado team 4-1 on Sunday, with injuries taking a toll. The injured players were in the stands, and when the camera caught them with the score at 3-0, William Nylander lost his cool and flipped the middle finger. He later apologised for his behaviour, but the moment quickly drew criticism and attention on social media.
Photo of the Week
One of the most anticipated moments of the NHL regular season was Mitch Marner’s first game in Toronto since his summer move to Vegas. At Scotiabank Arena, he was met with boos, jeers, sarcastic applause, but also some respectful cheers and a tribute video.
"It was strange. I’m glad it’s over and I don’t have to talk about it anymore," he said.
He played nine seasons for the Maple Leafs, becoming one of the team’s leaders and making his mark in the club’s all-time scoring charts. With 520 assists, he ranks fourth, and his 741 points put him sixth.
In his first game back at the Maple Leafs’ arena, he didn’t register a point, but he did celebrate a 6-3 win.