These games inevitably draw the comparison between Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. But with all due respect to Sid, it was 97 that had even the Pittsburgh fans ooh-ing and ahh-ing in this one. McDavid extended his lead atop the scoring list with 3 assists and a hi-light reel goal.
Behind him, Mike Smith won his 9th consecutive game as he & his mates hit the 100-point mark.
Here’s the tale of the tape…
MIKE SMITH. 8. Vet Mike Smith earned his 299th career NHL regular season victory, his 9th straight win tying him with Andy Moog and Tommy Salo for 2nd all-time (Grant Fuhr is 1st) in franchise history. A big, early stop off Malkin on a goal mouth scramble. Back-to-back-to-back stops on a 2nd Period Pittsburgh PP which really demonstrated his athleticism. The one goal against was a wild (and frankly a bit luck) bounce off the end boards. And one notable adventure aside (the turnover to Crosby, which ultimately came to nothing) Smith was dominant with the puck, also. Sprung Foegele for a partial break in the 2nd. Had one shot on goal late in the 3rd and missed an empty netter seconds later by only about 4-5 inches. Made 33 saves. Named 3rd Star.
