Deen’s Daily: Avalanche outlast Vegas; Lindgren’s Crazy Own Goal; Raymond Keeps Scoring

The Avalanche enter the Thanksgiving holiday with one of their best wins of the season in arguably the most entertaining game they’ve played. And it came after a terrible 8-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning two days earlier.

In a battle between two Western Conference juggernauts, Colorado came out on top over the Vegas Golden Knights, defeating the Pacific Division leaders 2-1 in a shootout. Forward Valeri Nichushkin had Colorado’s lone regulation goal, scoring 33 seconds after the Knights opened the scoring late in the second period. Nichushkin was also the only scorer in the shootout, capitalizing in the fifth round after Alexandar Georgiev and Adin Hill combined to stop the first nine shooters. Hill was dialed in for nearly the entire game and helped Vegas escape with a point as the Avalanche controlled play for the final 45 minutes. Vegas mustered just nine shots on Georgiev after the first period.

Val Nichushkin wins it in a shootout for the Avs 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/03o8SZaBlO

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 28, 2024

Nichushkin is quickly finding his way after a slow start in his first three games since returning from his six-month suspension. In his last three games, he has two goals, two assists, and a shootout goal. The Russian forward was promoted to the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen because of an injury to another top-six forward. The trio were lights out, dominating play nearly every shift. Nichushkin and MacKinnon combined for 14 shots on goal and 29 shot attempts.

Around The League

Own Goal: Oh my goodness.

Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren had the highlight of the night on Wednesday and for all the wrong reasons. In a 3-3 tie game in the third period, Lindgren accidentally shot the puck into his own goal. Luckily for him, the Caps, who lead the league in comeback victories, were able to make another comeback against the Tampa Bay Lighting and still wind up with a regulation victory. Lindgren’s own goal, which was credited to Brayden Point, came at the 7:25 mark of the final period. But John Carlson and Tom Wilson each later found the back of the net to secure Washington’s 5-4 triumph.

What an unbelievable mistake.

CHARLIE LINDGREN JUST SHOT THE PUCK INTO HIS OWN NET 😳 pic.twitter.com/TW3XkKrxqy

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 28, 2024

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings came out on top on Wednesday, defeating the Calgary Flames 2-1 in overtime thanks to a game-winning goal from young forward Lucas Raymond. The 22-year-old had just two goals in the first 18 games but has now scored in four consecutive games. Detroit has also locked things down defensively in that stretch, giving up six goals (1.5 per game).

Ville Husso was the backup for Detroit after an injury to Alex Lyon led to Husso’s call-up. Starter Cam Talbot made 24 saves to improve to 6-4-2.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks have been one of the more entertaining teams to watch since Macklin Celebrini returned from his injury absence. The 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick scored again on Wednesday, but the Sharks lost 4-3 to the Ottawa Senators. San Jose is 7-6-3 in their last 16 games and has shown flashes of the skillset its young core has. Will Smith and Mario Ferraro also scored in Wednesday’s loss.

The Sharks also have a good veteran core led by Mikael Granlund and Tyler Toffoli.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Entering Wednesday, the Penguins were fourth last in the NHL in points percentage. Their early season struggles are well documented despite Sidney Crosby still playing elite hockey. Against the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh scraped out a close victory. Again, Crosby was a factor, setting up two Bryan Rust goals to build a lead big enough to withstand a late Canucks push.