NHL NEWS DEC 8 – KARLSSON BECOMES ALL-TIME LEADER AMONG SENATORS DEFENSEMEN

Erik Karlsson (1-2—3) factored on three Senators goals, including an assist on the game-winning goal with 1:06 left in regulation, to power the club to its sixth win in its past nine games (6-2-1) and become the franchise leader in points by a defenseman.

Karlsson, a first round selection (15th overall) by the Senators in the 2008 NHL Draft, registered his 410th, 411th and 412th career points (107-305—412) to eclipse Wade Redden (101-309—410) for top spot among Ottawa defensemen. Karlsson did so while playing in his 506th career game – 332 fewer contests than Redden (838 GP) played with the Senators.

NHL NEWS AND MUSINGS

• Eric Staal scored the game-winning goal to help the Wild end their five-game road trip with a victory (2-1-2) and move within one point of 800 in his career (331-468—799)
• The Bruins overcame a three-goal deficit to earn at least a point for the first time since Feb. 12, 2013 vs. NYR (4-3 SO L)
• Boston also extended its overall point streak to six games (4-0-2)
• Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored his 16th goal of the season to establish a career high and move within one of tying Sidney Crosby and Patrik Lainefor the League lead
• Barry Trotz (WSH) earned his 673rd career win as an NHL head coach to surpass Mike Keenan and into sole possession of eighth place in NHL history; Pat Quinn (684) ranks seventh
• Senators forward Mike Hoffman (0-1—1) extended his point streak to six games (5-4—9)
• Ducks forward Stefan Noesen (3 GP) scored his first NHL goal, while Wild forward Kurtis Gabriel (6 GP) and Bruins forward Anton Blidh (3 GP) each recorded their first career point. Gabriel, who hails from Newmarket, Ont., had his family in attendance for his first NHL game in his home province
• Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews donated $1 million to the Winnipeg-based Dakota Community Centre’s Dakota Futures Capital Campaign.

WEDNESDAY’S NHL RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
Minnesota 3, TORONTO 2
WASHINGTON 4, Boston 3 (OT)
ANAHEIM 6, Carolina 5 (SO)
Ottawa 4, SAN JOSE 2

THURSDAY’S NHL ACTION
All Times Eastern
Colorado @ Boston, 7 p.m.
St. Louis @ NY Islanders, 7 p.m.
Edmonton @ Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Jersey @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh @ Florida, 7:30 p.m.
NY Rangers @ Winnipeg, 8 p.m.
Nashville @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Calgary @ Arizona, 9 p.m.
Carolina @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.