* Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner showed off a tattoo paying homage to Long Island while thanking the Islanders and their fans in his first game back in front of his former home crowd.
* Nikolaj Ehlers (1-3—4) recorded his fourth career four-point game as the Jets earned their first win under interim head coach Dave Lowry.
* Following several days of meetings with their respective medical experts, the NHL and NHLPA jointly announced the regular-season schedule would continue under an agreement that resulted in the postponement of all cross-border games through Dec. 23. A discussion regarding Olympic participation continues between the two groups, with a final determination expected in the coming days.
* A full list of NHL postponements to date in 2021-22 is available here, including a Red Wings-Wild game originally scheduled for Thursday.
VEGAS WINS FIFTH STRAIGHT IN LEHNER’S RETURN TO LONG ISLAND
On the day that Robin Lehner (29 saves) made his emotional return to Long Island, Shea Theodore (2-0—2) scored the game-tying goal with 48 seconds remaining in regulation and added a shootout marker as the Golden Knights (20-11-0, 40 points) won their fifth straight contest to climb to the top of the Pacific Division for the first time since opening night.
* Lehner, who credits Islanders fans for helping him battle his bipolar disorder and addiction, claimed both the William M. Jennings Trophy and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy with New York in 2018-19 while posting career bests in wins (25), shutouts (6) and goals-against average (2.13) that season (min. 10 GP).
* The Golden Knights, who have mounted an NHL-best five comeback wins in the month of December, have made a habit of coming from behind this season – their 10 comeback victories match the Blues (10) for the most among all teams in 2021-22.
EHLERS RECORDS FOUR POINTS, JETS EARN FIRST WIN UNDER LOWRY
Nikolaj Ehlers (1-3—4) recorded his fourth career four-point game and Paul Stastny (2-1—3) secured his 500th career assist as the Jets (14-11-5, 33 points) earned their first win under interim head coach Dave Lowry.
* Stastny (270-500—770) became the fourth active skater drafted in the second round or later to record 500 career assists – he joined Patrice Bergeron (385-555—940), Duncan Keith (106-524—630) and Keith Yandle (102-508—610).
WIN STREAKS AND COMEBACKS ON #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
The Penguins and Kings, who both earned wins on Sunday, rounded out the latest edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.
* Drew O’Connor (Chatham, N.J.) celebrated his homecoming in New Jersey by helping Pittsburgh extend its win streak to 7-0-0 – tied with Nashville for the longest active run. O’Connor, who last skated at Prudential Center in a state championship high school hockey game, frequently attended Devils games as a child and was in attendance for Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Final when an overtime goal by Adam Henrique sent New Jersey to the Stanley Cup Final.
* Anze Kopitar (0-1—1) factored on the first of three unanswered goals to help the Kings earn a two-goal comeback win against the Capitals – who sit tied for the League-lead in points with the Hurricanes.
QUICK CLICKS
* Alex Tuch set for season debut, first game with Sabres against Blue Jackets
* Blackhawks’ Brett Connolly Suspended Four Games for Interference
* Teddy Bear Toss back, better than ever around minor league arenas
* Maple Leafs Pause Team Activities Through The Holiday Break
* Islanders honor Andy Greene’s 1,000th-game milestone achieved on Nov. 15
WILD AIM FOR 20TH WIN OF 2021-22
The Wild (19-8-2, 40 points) aim to become the fourth team to record 20 wins this season when they visit the Stars (14-12-2, 30 points) at American Airlines Center. Should Minnesota earn a victory, the club would match its franchise mark for fewest games to reach 20 wins, achieved only once: 2011-12 (30 GP).
