The Stanley Cup celebrates its 124th birthday today. On this date in 1892, Canada’s sixth Governor-General, Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, proposed the creation of what became the world’s famous trophy.

Feature photos by In Play! magazine

MILESTONES & MUSINGS

• Sharks forward Joe Thornton (0-1—1) recorded his 1,327th career point (374-953—1,327) to move past Gilbert Perreault (512-814—1,326) and into a tie with Pierre Turgeon (515-812—1,327) for 31st place in NHL history. Thornton has notched at least one point in 36 of his past 41 games dating to Dec. 15 (12-40—52).
• Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (4 GP), Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (8 GP) and Devils forward Mike Sislo (2-0—2; 32 GP) all scored their first career goals.
• Lindy Ruff (DAL) coached his 1,401st career game to move past Pat Quinn (1,400) and into a tie with Ron Wilson for fifth place in NHL history.
• The Kings posted their League-leading 11th overtime victory of the season (11-3)
• Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored his 746th career goal, third in NHL history
• Stars forward Jason Spezza potted his eighth goal in his last eight games (8-1—9)
• Kings forward Jeff Carter, Stars forward Cody Eakin, Penguins forward Carl Hagelin and Devils forward Tyler Kennedy all set or equaled career highs with three assists
• Kings forward Milan Lucic (0-1—1) extended his point streak to eight games, matching a career high established Dec. 8-23, 2008 (4-4—8 in 8 GP w/ BOS) .

THURSDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
NEW JERSEY 7, Minnesota 4
PITTSBURGH 4, Carolina 2
Detroit 3, COLUMBUS 1
Florida 4, TORONTO 1
NASHVILLE 4, NY Islanders 2
DALLAS 4, Tampa Bay 3
ARIZONA 3, San Jose 1
LOS ANGELES 4, NY Rangers 3 (OT)

SNEAK PEEK AT FRIDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Ottawa @ Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.
Nashville @ Washington, 7:00 p.m.
Chicago @ Winnipeg, 8:00 p.m.
Colorado @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m.
Vancouver @ Edmonton, 9:00 p.m.
Boston @ Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.