NHL Rink Wrap: Evgeny Kuznetsov hat trick; 900 wins for Barry Trotz

The Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks played a wild game on Friday night that saw the Capitals jump out to a 2-0 lead, give up three goals in five minutes to open the third period, tie the game late in the third period, and then win on a Lars Eller overtime goal. Kuznetsov had a hat trick in all of that, including the game-tying goal in the third period. HIs second goal of the game looked like it could have been number 767 for Alex Ovechkin, but Kuznetsov was able to get a piece of it for the goal. This has been a big bounce back season for Kuznetsov who is now averaging more than a point per game with 57 total points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 56 games.

Kuznetsov’s hat trick.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski ties the game late in the third period to help send the game against the Minnesota Wild to overtime, where the Blue Jackets win in a shootout.

Mark Friedman scores the game-winning goal early in the third period for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Barry Trotz milestone

The New York Islanders were 5-2 winners over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night, giving head coach Barry Trotz his 900th regular season win, making him the third different coach in NHL history to reach that milestone. Trotz won 557 games with the Nashville Predators, 205 with the Washington Capitals, and is now at 138 wins with the Islanders.

Golden Knights lose again

The Vegas Golden Knights might officially be in trouble. They were 5-2 losers against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, giving them their second loss in 24 hours after also losing to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. They are now in ninth place in the Western Conference by points percentage and barely ahead of the Vancouver Canucks