Calgary Flames

NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Miller’s Shootout Goal, Canucks, Flames & Leafs

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Jan 3), McMann scores two and Leafs win, Miller scores in shootout for Canucks, Flames lose to Utah

by
Old Prof
January 3, 2025

Welcome to today’s NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (January 3). 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. Today, the Canucks nail-biting win is the big story, but here are today’s three key roundup topics.

McMann’s Late Power-Play Goal Lifts Maple Leafs Over Islanders

Bobby McMann’s second goal, a power-play tally with 2:59 remaining, won a 2-1 game for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New York Islanders on the road. McMann’s game-winner came on a rebound following an Oliver Ekman-Larsson shot, marking his first power-play goal. Joseph Woll was great in the net, stopping 32 shots to help Toronto win three of their last four games.

The Islanders have now dropped three straight. They worked hard but could not capitalize on their chances, including a missed opportunity from Bo Horvat and a close call from Anders Lee in the game’s final seconds. Goalie Ilya Sorokin made 29 saves. Despite the Islanders’ work ethic, Toronto’s defense and Woll’s saves proved too much in this hard-fought game.

Miller’s Shootout Goal Pushes Canucks to Win Over Kraken

J.T. Miller scored the decisive goal in a shootout, lifting the Vancouver Canucks over a late Seattle rally to a 4-3 victory over the Kraken on the road. Vince Dunn had forced overtime for Seattle with a wrist shot from the point with 53 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at 3-3. Despite a strong push from the Kraken, Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen stepped up in relief. He made 13 saves, including three in the shootout to steal the win.

J.T. Miller Vancouver Canucks spoke with media — J.T. Miller Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver’s starting goalie, Thatcher Demko, left the game midway through the second period with back spasms. But Lankinen’s steady play helped the Canucks bounce back from their two-game losing streak. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet noted that Demko’s injury might keep him sidelined for a day or two.

Crouse’s Two Goals Lead Utah to Comeback Vs. Flames

Lawson Crouse scored twice, including a key go-ahead goal early in the third period, to lead the Utah Hockey Club to a 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. The win snapped Utah’s five-game losing streak, with Clayton Keller adding a goal and an assist. Logan Cooley also scored. Karel Vejmelka made 23 saves.

Calgary held a 3-2 lead entering the final period but faltered in the third. They gave up two quick goals early in the period to Utah, and defensive lapses and turnovers allowed Utah to capitalize. Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson pointed to a sloppy third period as the key reason for their loss.