Russian forward Vladislav Namestnikov had an unexpected four-point performance against the Florida Panthers on Saturday in Tampa, scoring a hat trick in a 5-2 victory over the Lightning.
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Namestnikov, in his second stint with the Florida organization, came within a hair’s breadth of accomplishing the rare feat of a natural hat trick. His third success, however, was separated from his first two by the intermission before the second engagement.
Every time he threaded the needle, someone named Corey Perry was around. The former surly winger of the Montreal Canadiens collected three assists in the game.
Star players Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point weren’t left out for the “Bolts” either. They completed the mark with their only net of the preparatory calendar.
Latvian striker Rudolfs Balcers had tied the game early in the game, just before Namestnikov went wild against the Panthers. Aleksi Heponiemi also beat Andrei Vasilevskiy, helped by fellow Finn Anton Lundell.
Matthews and Nylander punish the Red Wings
At Scotiabank Arena, the Detroit Red Wings quickly regretted their decision to send two inexperienced goaltenders against the big guns of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the hosts won 5-1.
Goalkeepers Victor Brattström and Jussi Olkinuora were helpless against the Detroit B team. The first yielded three times in 11 shots, while the second admitted defeat twice in 15 occasions.
Auston Matthews and William Nylander ensured that these porters remained in the shadows by scoring two goals each. As usual, Mitch Marner (three assists) and Morgan Rielly (two assists) set the stage for their teammates.
The Toronto power play was particularly devastating, taking advantage of three of its four chances in the game.
Denis Malgin scored the Leafs’ other goal. Pius Suter opened the scoring for Derek Lalonde’s men.