Boston Bruins

NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Knies Hat Trick, Ovechkin Stays Hot

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Jan 5), Maple Leafs first line dominates, Ovechkin gets closer, Flames lose to Predators

by
Old Prof
January 5, 2025

Welcome to today’s NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (January 5). Each morning, we will bring you three key NHL stories. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. With Auston Matthews’s return, the Maple Leafs’ dominating first line is this morning’s big story. However, it’s only one of today’s three key roundup topics.

Matthews Knies Marner Maple Leafs — Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs returned, while Knies and Marner each had five points

Knies’ Hat Trick Powers Maple Leafs Past Bruins, 6-4

Matthew Knies recorded his first NHL hat trick and added two assists as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 6-4. Auston Matthews returned from injury with a goal and two assists, while Mitch Marner contributed a goal and four assists. The win pushed Toronto’s streak to three wins, and Joseph Woll made 27 saves in net.

David Pastrnak scored twice for Boston. However, the Bruins struggled with defensive coverage and have lost three straight games. In the face of adversity, Toronto’s balanced attack pushed them to the win.

Ovechkin Scores Goal No. 872, Closing in on Gretzky’s Record

Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd career goal on Saturday against the New York Rangers, moving within 23 goals of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894. Ovechkin’s latest goal came off a backhander past Jonathan Quick to give the Capitals a 5-3 lead. The milestone goal is part of his ongoing pursuit of Gretzky’s legendary mark, with every goal being tracked alongside the corresponding one from Gretzky’s career.

O’Reilly’s Hat Trick Leads Predators to 4-1 Win Over Flames

In our final roundup, Ryan O’Reilly scored a hat trick to push the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames. O’Reilly scored twice on the power play and added an empty-netter to cap the night. Predators goalie Justus Annunen made 31 saves on the net. The win was Nashville’s second straight following a three-game losing streak.

The Flames struggled on special teams, failing to capitalize on power-play chances and allowing O’Reilly’s two power-play goals. With this loss, the Flames have dropped three of their last four games.