The Week That Was
This past week was filled with star comebacks, streaks heading in opposite directions and powerhouse teams showcasing their strength as we approach the holiday break. Connor Hellebuyck returned from knee surgery, looking every bit the reigning Vezina winner, David Pastrnak resumed his scoring prowess and Dallas continued to accumulate points. Let?s take a look back at December 7-14 across the league.
Game of the Week: Hellebuyck?s Heroic Return
Jets 5, Capitals 1 ? December 13, Canada Life Centre
This was the feel-good victory Winnipeg desperately needed. Hellebuyck stopped 24 of 25 shots in his first game back after a 12-game absence, instantly re-establishing the Jets? structure. Gabriel Vilardi scored twice, while Alex Iafallo, Logan Stanley and Morgan Barron each added goals, causing Washington?s nine-game point streak to come to an end. Jakob Chychrun spoiled the shutout bid with a late 5-on-3 goal, but it hardly mattered?the Jets dominated the night and celebrated Nino Niederreiter becoming the first Swiss-born player to reach 1,000 NHL games.
Pastrnak Powers Bruins Past Winnipeg
Bruins 6, Jets 3 ? December 12, Canada Life Centre
Boston?s star winger wasted no time making an impact after his own five-game injury absence. Pastrnak erupted for two goals and two assists, extending the Bruins? win streak to four and reminding everyone that he is a top contender for the Hart Trophy. Elias Lindholm extended his point streak to four games, Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves and Boston improved to 15-0-0 when leading after two periods. Pastrnak also surpassed Rick Middleton for fifth on the franchise?s all-time goal list. When he is firing on all cylinders, Boston looks like a Stanley Cup favorite.
Stars Extend the Longest Active Point Streak
Stars 4, Jets 3 ? December 10, Canada Life Centre
Dallas extended its impressive streak to 11 games (9-0-2) with another balanced performance. Mikko Rantanen recorded three assists, extending his point streak to seven games (14 points), Jason Robertson continued his scoring streak with goals in 12 of the last 15 games and Casey DeSmith made 30 saves, running his personal streak to 10 games (7-0-3). Dallas successfully killed all four Jets power plays, part of a remarkable 29-straight penalty kill run dating back to November 25. This team possesses all the necessary ingredients: star production, special teams excellence and reliable goaltending depth.
Other Notable Games
- Ducks 7, Blackhawks 1 ? December 7: Anaheim scored a touchdown, showcasing multi-point performances from their top six players and demonstrating the potential that keeps them in the Western playoff mix.
- Capitals 2, Blue Jackets 0 ? December 7: Logan Thompson recorded a 39-save shutout, helping Washington maintain its point streak before it ended in Winnipeg.
Teams on Fire ?
Boston Bruins
With four consecutive wins and a 9-1 record in their last 10 games, the Bruins are perfect when leading after two periods. Pastrnak?s return to MVP form, combined with Elias Lindholm?s seven points in four games and a revitalized power play, gives Boston a well-rounded feel.
Dallas Stars
With eleven straight games earning at least a point (21-5-5 overall) and no apparent weaknesses, the Stars are a formidable force. Rantanen and Robertson lead the offense, DeSmith continues to secure wins while Jake Oettinger rests and a 29-straight penalty kill streak signals playoff readiness.
Washington Capitals
A nine-game point streak prior to the loss in Winnipeg showcased a veteran lineup tightening every detail. Logan Thompson?s strong performance, along with a deep blue line, keeps the Capitals near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Teams Struggling ??
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets struggled with a 2-9-1 record during Hellebuyck's absence, leaking goals and confidence. His return should address many of these issues, but the skid highlighted how thin the margin is behind their workhorse goalie.
Chicago Blackhawks
A 7-1 loss to Anaheim underscored ongoing challenges?currently at 12-11-6 overall, they face inconsistent scoring and defensive lapses. They will need more than Connor Bedard highlights to remain competitive in the Central Division.
Player of the Week Performances
- David Pastrnak: Seven points in two games since returning from injury, along with another milestone reached on the Bruins? all-time goals list.
- Connor Hellebuyck: A 24-save performance in his comeback, restoring Winnipeg?s defensive backbone.
- Mikko Rantanen: Fourteen points during his seven-game streak, serving as the engine for Dallas?s high-scoring top line.
- Gabriel Vilardi: Two goals in Hellebuyck?s return, indicating he is ready to contribute to Winnipeg's scoring depth.
- Casey DeSmith: A ten-game point streak (7-0-3) while sharing starts with Jake Oettinger, providing Dallas with luxury in net.
Standings Snapshot (as of Dec. 14)
Eastern Conference: Capitals (18-9-3, 39 pts), Bruins (surging), Rangers (15-12-4), Maple Leafs (steady in playoff position), Flyers (quietly climbing).
Western Conference: Stars (21-5-5, 47 pts), Jets (holding near the top), Wild (consistent), Ducks (18-10-1), Golden Knights (always a threat).
Must-Watch Games This Week
- Bruins at Maple Leafs ? Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:00 PM ET, ESPN: An Original Six rivalry featuring both teams on a roll, with Pastrnak testing Toronto?s defense.
- Stars at Wild ? Thursday, Dec. 19, 8:00 PM ET, TNT: A Central Division heavyweight clash pitting Dallas?s streaking core against Minnesota?s disciplined structure.
- Jets at Oilers ? Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:00 PM ET, Hockey Night in Canada: Hellebuyck faces off against the McDavid-Draisaitl duo. Enough said.
Final Thoughts
This week served as a reminder that health can change everything. Winnipeg regained its confidence the moment Hellebuyck returned to the ice, Boston looked formidable with Pastrnak back in the lineup and Dallas is demonstrating that depth combined with star power leads to dominance. The Central Division is a gauntlet, the Metro is heating up and the NHL?s holiday schedule is packed. Stay tuned to Nexairi Sports as we approach Christmas with the league?s top teams hitting their stride.
