Top Line: Blackhawks hit 22, Panthers dress retired goalie, more links
Duncan Keith and the rest of the Blackhawks' blueline corps have been a crucial component of Chicago's points streak. (Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
By Allan Muir
A guide to this morning's must-read hockey stories:
• It looked as though Detroit was going to snap Chicago's record-setting streak on national TV, but two remarkable flashes of skill from Patrick Kane salvaged yet another win for the Blackhawks. But it's the Hawks' defense that keeps the ball rolling, according to Detroit's Mike Babcock.
• Florida goalie consultant Rob Tallas was forced to dress as the backup for the Panthers when Jacob Markstrom's pads were lost by an airline. The 39-year-old hasn't played in the NHL since 2001...but he's still younger than New Jersey's Martin Brodeur.
• The Sabres earned a point for the fourth straight game under new coach Ron Rolston, but face the loss of Patrick Kaleta. The winger -- who often skirts the rules of fair play -- should be hearing from Brendan Shanahan today after this cheap shot on Brad Richards. Considering Kaleta's history as a repeat offender, Shanahan is likely to issue his longest suspension of the season.
• I'm not quite sure what Jack Todd means when he writes that Montreal rookie Brendan Gallagher is "more fun than the 1960s", but I'm guessing that Todd liked the 60s...and he really likes the gritty, game-changing play of Gallagher. He was all over the ice in Montreal's statement-making win in Boston over the Bruins.
• Boston coach Claude Julien called out the Canadiens for embellishing after several hits. Personally, I thought P.K. Subban's performance was poignant and reserved, evocative of a young Dame Judy Dench.
• A brilliant deflection by Ryan O'Reilly in his season debut turned the tide for the Colorado. Unfortunately, his tip beat his own goalie, helping the Blue Jackets beat the Avs, 2-1.
• Evgeni Malkin skated in contact drills with the Penguins, but there's still no date set for his return to action.
• Pro hockey's first black head coach is still waiting for someone to follow in his footsteps.
• The Sabres have extra defensemen. The Kings have Jonathan Bernier. Does that make them potential trade partners?
• With six wins in their last nine games, it looks as though the Washington Capitals are starting to find their way under rookie coach Adam Oates.
• Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault was seething after being assessed a bench minor that led to Calgary's winning goal on Sunday. Vigneault overlooked a bigger problem: his shooters couldn't score enough to stop a career minor leaguer from earning his first NHL win.
• Dallas Stars swapped will for skill in the deal that sent Steve Ott to Buffalo for Derek Roy. After another impressive performance by Roy in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Blues, the move is paying off.
• He might be 38, but Vinny Prospal brings youthful enthusiasm that is having an impact on the rebuilding Blue Jackets.
• Undrafted Russian stopper Andrey Makarov had his 18-game winning streak snapped over the weekend. Here's a montage of highlights from that amazing run that shows why someone needs to get this kid in their system.