NHL Rink Wrap: Crouse nets first hat trick; Chychrun out 2-4 weeks

Crouse recorded a unique first career hat trick during Monday’s 5-3 win over the Senators. He scored at even strength, on the power play, and shorthanded. Not quite Mario Lemieux’s five goals in five ways, but still impressive. In fact, he’s the seventh player to score three goals that way in franchise history with the last coming off the stick of Antoine Vermette in Jan. 2014.

Norris continued his breakout season with two goals in the loss. He now has 24 on the season, a career high, and 34 points in 43 games. He’s one point away from tying a personal best in that stat category.

According to the NHL, only Alexei Yashin hit the career 40-goal mark in fewer games (101) than Norris (102) among players who started their careers with the Senators.

• Here are each of Crouse’s three goals:

Let’s take a moment to appreciate that a kid in a hot dog costume just won ‘Fan of the game’ on a night when Phil Kessel is in the building. pic.twitter.com/uYLxloPaeg

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) March 15, 2022

• Nick Schmaltz brought his hot stick to Ottawa and netted goal No. 17 on the season. That gives him 21 points in his last 10 games. He now has 40 on the season and has points in six straight games, tying a career high.

May the Schmaltz be with you.