The Czech goalkeepers have had a great evening. Vítek Vaněček helped New Jersey to a 2:1 overtime win over Pittsburgh with 26 hits. Karel Vejmelka caught Vegas and made 35 saves to lead Arizona to a 4:1 victory. David Rittich, whose Winnipeg defeated Philadelphia 5-3, was also happy about the win.
Boston’s first two goals were scored by defenders after successful individual actions. Hampus Lindholm opened the scoring in the eighth minute and Charlie McAvoy made it 2-0 at the start of the second half. In the 25th minute, the American defender performed a hockey show. In the middle zone, he took over Pastrňák’s rear, got rid of two defenders with a skillful loop and sent the Bruins into a two-goal lead with a forehand bluff.
His shot was followed three minutes later by Nick Foligno, who sent the NHL’s best team to a three-goal blockbuster. In the third period, Pastrňák closed the scoring with his 36th goal of the season. The Czech forward shot the puck in the power play from his traditional spot in the left face-off circle, and with his 65th point, he took fourth place in the league productivity table. Among the scorers, he is second behind McDavid.
The game between New Jersey and Pittsburgh featured two goals in the first seven minutes. After that, the main role was taken over by both goalkeepers, who did not concede until the 63rd minute. Vaněček came out better from the duel between the goalkeepers, who only allowed Sidney Crosby’s shot behind him and led his team to a narrow 2:1 win in overtime.
The only goal was also scored by Vejmelek, who led Arizona to a 4:1 win over Vegas. Former teammate Phil Kessel saved the Czech goalkeeper’s third clean sheet of the season in the middle of the match. Clayton Keller led the Coyotes’ win with a hat trick.
Winnipeg’s excellent form also benefits goalkeeper Rittich, who won all three games in which he started in January. He stopped 28 shots against Philadelphia and helped the Jets to a 5-3 win.
Petr Mrázek also had a good game, but his 25 saves were not enough for Chicago to win. The Blackhawks lost to Los Angeles 1-2 and lost after three straight wins. Jaret Anderson-Dolan scored both goals for the Kings.
| Results of Sunday’s NHL games: |
|---|
| New Jersey – Pittsburgh 2:1 in overtime. |
| Boston – San Jose 4:0 |
| Arizona – Vegas 4:1 |
| Chicago – Los Angeles 1:2 |
| Philadelphia – Winnipeg 3:5. |
