The NHL landscape on March 6, 2024, is bustling with significant trades, milestone achievements, and standout performances. Here’s a comprehensive summary of today’s top NHL news, featuring star players and key highlights:
Dallas Stars’ Wyatt Johnston Shines with Five-Point Night Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston delivered a remarkable performance, securing his first career NHL hat trick and adding two assists in a thrilling 7-6 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Stars overcame a 6-3 deficit with three unanswered third-period goals, two of which were scored by Johnston. Jamie Benn and rookie Logan Stankovan each contributed four points, pushing the Stars ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the Central Division with 85 points.
Golden Knights Acquire Anthony Mantha The Vegas Golden Knights bolstered their roster by acquiring winger Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Capitals retained half of Mantha’s $5.7 million cap hit. Mantha, who reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time since the 2018-19 season, is expected to be a valuable rental scorer for the Golden Knights.
Ottawa Senators Trade Vladimir Tarasenko to Florida Panthers The Ottawa Senators traded Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder, which becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retained 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit, indicating his trade value wasn’t as high as rumored.
Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl Scores Crucial Goals Leon Draisaitl scored the tying and winning goals in a 2-1 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins, with Oilers captain Connor McDavid assisting on both goals. This win marks the Oilers’ fifth consecutive victory, placing them second in the Pacific Division with 78 points. McDavid, with 99 points, is just six points behind the league leaders in the scoring race.
Florida Panthers Extend Winning Streak The league-leading Florida Panthers secured their sixth consecutive win by defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Sam Reinhart scored his 45th goal of the season, and Nick Cousins scored twice. Aaron Ekblad collected an assist, becoming the all-time assist leader among Panthers defensemen.
Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki Clinches Overtime Win Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored in overtime to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-3, ending the Predators’ eight-game win streak. Suzuki and linemate Cole Caufield each had two points, showcasing their critical roles in the team’s success.
New York Islanders Continue Winning Streak The New York Islanders secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson were among the key contributors, with Nelson and Adam Pelech each collecting two assists.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Reilly Smith Leads Victory Winger Reilly Smith had a goal and two assists in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, highlighting his importance to the team’s offensive efforts.
This summary encapsulates the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the NHL, spotlighting the achievements of star players and the strategic moves made by teams as they vie for supremacy in the league.
