Deen’s Daily: Central Division Separation; Epic Collapse; Solid Debut

The Central Division is starting to see some separation after the first-place Avs. Also, we had a solid debut in goal for the Oilers and an epic collapse for the Penguins.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 14.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche can’t stop, won’t stop winning at home. After yet another victory, this time 4-2 over the Nashville Predators, Colorado improved to 13-0-2 at Ball Arena. Those two losses were both in shootouts to Dallas and Carolina. They’re also up to 11 consecutive wins at home.

Here’s how it went down on Saturday night.

READ MORE: The Aftermath: Avalanche Continue Historic Home Dominance, Defeat Predators 4-2

Around The NHL

Florida Hockey Now: We’re starting to see some separation at the top of the Central Division. After the Dallas Stars lost Thursday to Minnesota, they suffered yet another regulation loss against the Panthers. This time it was a 4-0 shutout. 

The Stars are now six points back of Colorado and the Avs still have a game in hand.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: On the same day that Tristan Jarry won in his Oilers debut in Toronto, the Penguins suffered an absolutely epic collapse. They led 5-1 in the third period and managed to blow it against the San Jose Sharks. Dan Muse put the blame on himself.

And before you ask, no, Stuart Skinner wasn’t in goal for the Pens. He did not dress in this game. Could you imagine if that was his debut?

New Jersey Hockey Now: Sheldon Keefe admitted that the Quinn Hughes trade rumors were impacting the Devils room. They got a big win in their first game after the Hughes trade to Minnesota.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders keep racking up big wins against really good teams. They’re the only team to beat Colorado by multiple goals this year. They also have wins against Tampa Bay (twice), Vegas, and Anaheim. Here’s how they’re doing it.