Anaheim Ducks

Utah Shocks Canucks: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup: Dec. 19

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 19), Canucks lose in overtime, Matvei Michkov is leading rookie scorer, Jets fall on the road.

by
Old Prof
December 19, 2024

Welcome to the December 19 NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup. We will bring you three key NHL stories in brief each morning. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here are today’s key topics.

Utah Stuns Vancouver with Comeback Overtime Win

The Utah Hockey Club pulled off a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Utah on Wednesday. Trailing 2-0 early in the third period, Utah began their comeback when Clayton Keller scored off a rebound at 9:02, followed by Dylan Guenther’s power-play goal at 15:30 to tie the game. In overtime, Mikhail Sergachev netted the game-winner on a 2-on-1 rush, assisted by Logan Cooley. The win ended Utah’s five-game home losing streak.

Vancouver, despite goals from Danton Heinen and Dakota Joshua, couldn’t hold their 2-0 lead. Quinn Hughes added two assists, continuing his dominant season. However, the Canucks faltered in the final frame. Thatcher Demko made 28 saves in the loss, while Utah’s Karel Vejmelka stopped 24 shots.

Matvei Michkov Is NHL’s Point Leader for Rookies

As of today, the top four rookie points leaders in the NHL are Matvei Michkov, Macklin Celebrini, Lane Hutson, and Maxim Tsyplakov. Michkov, playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, leads the pack with 27 points, including 11 goals and 16 assists, while averaging 17:08 of ice time per game. Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks follows closely with 22 points, with 11 goals and 11 assists, and a solid point-a-game average in 22 games.

Hutson, the Montreal Canadiens defenseman, has put ip 22 points from the blue line, with a goal and 21 assists in 31 games, despite a challenging -14 plus-minus. Tsyplakov of the New York Islanders rounds out the top four with 18 points, including six goals and 12 assists, and a plus-9 rating, averaging 16:30 of ice time. These rookies are showing impressive skill early in their careers.

Terry’s Late Goal Lifts Ducks Over Jets 3-2

Troy Terry’s game-winning goal with 26 seconds left gave the Anaheim Ducks a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in California. After Frank Vatrano forced a turnover in the Jets’ zone, Terry pounced on the puck and beat goalie Eric Comrie for the win. Anaheim had trailed 2-1 before Vatrano’s slap shot through traffic tied the game at 4:46 of the third period. Radko Gudas had two assists, and Lukas Dostal made 21 saves for the Ducks (12-14-4), who earned their first win in four games.

The Jets (23-10-1) had taken a 2-1 lead earlier in the period on Mark Scheifele’s goal, assisted by Kyle Connor. Gabriel Vilardi also scored for the Jets, who were coming off a win over the Sharks. Despite Winnipeg’s slow start, the Ducks capitalized on their opportunities, with Vatrano’s two-goal performance and Terry’s clutch finish securing the win.