Vancouver Canucks center Dakota Joshua and Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone battled for control of the puck during the second period of their NHL matchup on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The game took place on February 22, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The Toronto Maple Leafs delivered an electrifying performance Saturday night, securing a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. The game was marked by a milestone moment for Alex Steeves, who netted his first-ever NHL goal. The 25-year-old also contributed an assist, making his presence felt in just his 12th game at the top level.
Pontus Holmberg shined for Toronto with two goals and an assist, while John Tavares added a goal and an assist. David Kampf and Auston Matthews also found the back of the net. The Hurricanes closed the gap to 4-3 in the third period, but Holmberg and Matthews sealed the deal with empty-netters. Holmberg’s first goal came unusually, as Carolina’s captain, Jordan Staal, accidentally deflected the puck into his own net. Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz held strong with 31 saves.
For the Hurricanes, Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrei Svechnikov each tallied a goal and an assist, while Jaccob Slavin added another. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov managed 17 saves but couldn’t hold off Toronto’s offensive onslaught.
Flyers Outplay Oilers in 6-3 Win
The Philadelphia Flyers took advantage of Edmonton’s defensive lapses, cruising to a 6-3 victory. Matvei Michkov and Sean Couturier led the charge with a goal and two assists each, while Owen Tippett struck twice. Michkov dazzled with two pinpoint assists in the second period, setting up Couturier and Tippett with no-look passes.
Edmonton’s goaltender, Stuart Skinner, made 26 saves but couldn’t keep the Flyers at bay.
Wild Rally to Overtime Victory Over Red Wings
Minnesota Wild staged an impressive comeback, edging past the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in overtime. Marco Rossi emerged as the hero, netting the game-winner just moments after exiting the penalty box. Minnesota trailed 3-1 in the third but clawed back with goals from Matt Boldy, Marcus Foligno, and Vinnie Hinostroza.
Capitals Crush Penguins 8-3
Washington erupted in the second period, overwhelming Pittsburgh with a dominant 8-3 win. Jakob Chychrun scored twice in quick succession, breaking a tie and sparking a scoring spree. Though Alexander Ovechkin remained goalless, the Capitals didn’t miss a beat, extending their hot streak to 13-1-6 in their last 20 games.
Sidney Crosby briefly tied the game with a highlight-reel backhander, marking his 610th career goal, tying him with Bobby Hull for 18th all-time.
Sabres Steamroll Rangers 8-2
Buffalo exploded in the first period with five goals, steamrolling the New York Rangers 8-2. Rasmus Dahlin led the way with two goals and an assist, while Tage Thompson and Ryan McLeod also netted two each. The Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin endured a rough night, getting pulled after surrendering five goals in the opening frame.
