NHL weekly: San Jose rewrite history, and Justin Kirkland's comeback story

Another week of NHL hockey has come to a close. Who emerged as the top scorer, which goaltender excelled, what topics were popular on social media, and what event captured the attention of Flashscore expert and seasoned international player Ladislav Smid (38)? All of this will be covered in our regular NHL column.

Top Performer

Currently, the most prolific player of the season is Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights. He has had an impressive three-game stretch, netting two goals and providing six assists. His 39th career game-winning goal was pivotal in the match against Los Angeles. Notably, he contributed four points during power plays, a feat unmatched by any player throughout the week.

Goaltender of the Week

Following a challenging start with four consecutive losses, the Colorado hockey team rebounded with five straight victories. Remarkably, Finnish rookie Justus Annunen played a crucial role in this turnaround, achieving victories against Seattle, Utah, and Ottawa. He stands out as the only goaltender to secure three wins during this period, having successfully stopped 76 of 83 shots, resulting in a commendable save percentage of 91.6%.

Moment of the Week

During the intense shootout that determined the outcome of the Calgary versus Pittsburgh game on Tuesday, Justin Kirkland found himself smiling amidst the tension. "It's unbelievable, I don't think I've ever been this nervous," the 28-year-old Canadian shared with NHL.com post-game. The reason for his nerves is clear.

Drafted by Nashville in the third round in 2014, he faced a long journey through the AHL and ECHL for eight years before finally making his NHL debut. His path to game eight was completed when he joined the Anaheim Ducks roster in January 2023.

"I woke up in an ambulance, my wife was sitting next to me crying, and our coach Dallas Eakins was beside her. Like a mainstay," he recounted, reflecting on the car accident that occurred shortly after their trip to the game.

Severe head injuries, facial fractures, and surgical procedures were significant challenges. However, as Kirkland noted, the most difficult aspect was the psychological toll. After three months of rehabilitation and uncertainty about the future, he persevered. He even achieved his first NHL goal at the beginning of this season and currently has accumulated four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in seven games.

Stat of the week
The San Jose Sharks are undergoing a rebuilding phase and are facing considerable difficulties in California. They commenced last season with a record of 0-10-1, and this season they stand at 0-7-2, still in search of their first victory. This unfortunate streak marks them as the first NHL team to begin two consecutive seasons with at least nine straight losses. "It's embarrassing," remarked coach Ryan Warsofsky following Saturday's 3-7 defeat to Vegas.

Social media highlight
Despite his evident talent, young defenseman David Jiricek has yet to secure a position on the Columbus roster, having participated in only two games this season. In his second game against Toronto, he notably caught the cameraman off guard after being checked into the boards by veteran Max Pacioretty.

Photo of the week
This image captures Vancouver forward Kiefer Sherwood leaping in the iconic Chicago arena, a venue once graced by the legendary Michael Jordan, who famously executed similar feats.

Ladislav Smíd's perspective
"On Monday, Boston captain Brad Marchand was responsible for a 1-1 tie against Utah and received a stern discussion from coach Jim Montgomery on the bench. He subsequently defended his coach, who faced media criticism afterward. Marchand emphasized that when one makes a mistake, it is important to own up to it, which I appreciated. In the past, this was a common expectation, but now some believe in a more cautious approach with players.

"Certainly, the dynamics differ in the NHL compared to youth sports, where a balance of firmness and sensitivity is necessary. The approach to coaching has evolved. I recall my father being quite strict with me—perhaps excessively so at times but I was never surprised if someone raised their voice. That is simply part of the emotional landscape."

Marchand managed the situation exceptionally well; acknowledging a mistake often requires vocalizing it to fully comprehend its implications. I find it quite astonishing how much times have evolved. A situation like this would not have posed a problem a decade ago.

Conversely, if such incidents were to occur frequently, a coach might risk losing a player. However, a seasoned competitor like Marchand is unlikely to be affected in that manner; he will extract precisely what he needs from the experience, which may even serve as a source of motivation for him. In contrast, a younger player might react differently, potentially becoming disheartened and acting unpredictably.