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NHL 3 Stars: Keeping the streaks alive

David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
Ilya Sorokin
2021-03-23, 04:47

Each night, EP Rinkside typically writes about the night’s top performances but this is a little different. Instead of taking a look at individual production on the ice, I’m taking a look at the top record-setting streaks that continued on Monday around the league.

First star

Wild unstoppable at home

The Minnesota Wild are 9-0-0 in their last nine games at home. They haven’t lost on home ice since Jan. 30 and have outscored their opponents 30-12. 

Due to the team’s COVID outbreak earlier this season, they have spent the majority of the first half on the road. When the league rearranged their schedule, it has given them several home games in the month of March — six so far and two more this week.

A 2-1 win over Anaheim on Monday night eclipsed the previous mark of eight which was set during the 2016-17 season.


Second star

Sorokin steals one for Islanders 

Barry Trotz described Ilya Sorokin’s 38-save performance on Monday as, “Larceny.”

The rookie opened the season 0-2-1 and since then, he has won eight straight. With each win, he pads his club record for consecutive victories by a rookie. He is also leading the East with a 1.97 goals against and a .922 save percentage.


Third star

Hamilton extends point streak

With a secondary assist at 8:58 of the second period, Carolina defenceman Dougie Hamilton extended his point streak to 12 games (two goals, 12 assists). The point surprised Mark Howe for the Carolina/Hartford franchise record for the longest point streak by a defenseman. 

Honourable mention

Marleau reaches fourth-longest Ironman milestone

San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau skated in his 884th consecutive hockey game on Monday night. He has not missed a regular-season game since April 9, 2009. 

He is now tied with Steve Larmer for fourth and is chasing down an active Keith Yandle at 897 for third. Garry Unger sits in second with 914 and Doug Jarvis holds the record at 964.

Dishonourable mention

Sabres lose 14th in a row

The Buffalo Sabres are skidding towards a collision with the NHL’s record for longest streak that was set by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2003-04 season when the Penguins lost 18 consecutive games. 

However, the Sabres have matched the longest losing streak in the NHL since the shootout was introduced in 2005-06. The last team to go 0-12-2 in 14 games? You guessed it. The Buffalo Sabres did in 2014-15.