The NHL Season Has Been Complete Chaos (Part 2)

Summary

The 2024 NHL season has featured constant chaos, from fights to storylines to bizarre plays. Highlights include a wild Panthers-Avalanche game with back-to-back fights, Sidney Crosby scoring despite the Penguins' struggles, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon battling for the MVP, and the Canucks' offensive juggernaut rolling behind consistent play. Off ice, the Hockey Canada scandal may soon see clarity, women's hockey is thriving in the PWHL, and NHL expansion talks continue. Overall, it's been a ridiculous and entertaining NHL season so far.

Takeaways

• 😲 The 2024 NHL season has been complete chaos with lots of fights, storylines and wild sequences
• 😡 The Panthers-Oilers game kicked off with back-to-back fights due to bad blood over the Nick Cousins incident
• 🥅 A comical own goal by the Penguins summed up their miserable season so far despite Crosby's efforts
• 😤 Golden Knights coach called out his team's 'beer league' effort after a bad loss to the Devils
• 😨 A brutal elbow to the head by Bryan Gallagher led to a controversial 5 game suspension
• 🔥 The Oilers are on an astonishing 16 game win streak that could break the 1993 Penguins' record of 17
• 🏒 The Canucks have been extremely consistent this year and have not had a bad stretch of losses yet
• 😠 Maple Leafs struggled early but Samsonov has been fantastic since returning from a reset in minors
• 😫 The Kings continue to free fall despite early success, blowing leads and worrying about individuals
• 😍 Women's PHWL hockey is buzzing - 8 players from the new league will represent at NHL All-Star weekend

Q & A

What was the main storyline during the first 5 minutes of the Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders game?

There were two back-to-back fights at the start of the game due to bad blood from a previous incident where Nick Cousins took a run at a defenseless Panthers player and was stapled by Jason Zucker.

How did the Pittsburgh Penguins accidentally score in their own empty net against the Coyotes?

Chris Letang tried to drop the puck back to Jeff Petry but he mishandled it and it went into their own empty net.

Why did Bruce Cassidy call out the Golden Knights' effort after their loss to the Devils?

He called their effort a "beer league" effort, criticizing them for not playing up to their normal standard during the 6-5 loss.

What controversial NHL incident from 2018 is finally getting more clarity?

Five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior team have been told to surrender to police regarding a scandal from that tournament.

How has Ilya Samsonov played since being sent down and recalled by the Maple Leafs?

Since being recalled, Samsonov has been fantastic for the Leafs, including a strong performance in a 1-0 shutout win over the Jets.

What milestone did Auston Matthews reach in the game against Winnipeg?

He scored his 40th goal of the season, becoming the first player to reach 40 goals.

How did the Kings continue their freefall?

The Kings blew a 3-1 lead to the Senators, dropping their 14th loss in their last 27 games. Drew Doughty called out players caring too much about themselves.

How did Nathan MacKinnon continue his hot streak?

He scored another hat trick against Washington, showing he's in an MVP battle with Connor McDavid this season.

What news came out about NHL expansion?

The owners of the Utah Jazz have asked the NHL to start an expansion process, which could lead to more teams.

What is the current standings look like?

The Avalanche and Bruins lead their conferences. The Sharks and Blackhawks are at the bottom. McDavid and MacKinnon lead in scoring.