The bye week is over. The season is more than halfway done. The Capitals may have separated from the pack by five points, but teams 2-8 are separated by just six points in the Metro race.
Let the madness begin.
Indefinite Answers
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes were dealt a major blow Sunday when breakout star right wing Sebastian Aho suffered both a lower-body injury and a concussion on one hit against the Calgary Flames, putting him out indefinitely. He is expected to be placed on IR relatively soon which should coincide with a recall from the AHL to fill his available roster spot, per Canes Country.
Aho has 37 points through 45 games this season and is the Hurricanes' leader in both even strength and power play goals.
A Bright IDea
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled forward Jean-Sebastian Dea from AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton.
Dea, 23, is the WBS Penguins' third-leading scorer this season, having produced nine goals, 14 assists and 23 points with a plus-13 in 36 games. The fourth-year pro is on pace to produce career highs in assists and points. – Pittsburgh Penguins Media Release
Dea looks to provide depth to the Penguins up front, who are currently without wingers Carter Rowney and Bryan Rust.
Speaking of Recall...
Journeyman forward Peter Holland, a 27-year-old with 243 games of NHL experience, was recalled by the New York Rangers from AHL Hartford Tuesday.
“A good two-way player, tries to play a 200-foot game,” head coach Alain Vigneault said.
The Rangers are in clear need of depth at the center position, with only two players above a dozen points at the middle. As a center, Holland hopes to help alleviate that issue.
Home Streak Snapped
The Washington Capitals have been incredible at home, standing with an 18-6-0 record at this stage of the season. This record was in large part fueled by a 10-game home win streak, which was finally snapped last Thursday against the Hurricanes. The Capitals followed that game up with a win in Carolina and have now won five of their last six.
Speaking of Streaks
The New Jersey Devils have been the surprise of the Metropolitan Division to this point in the season, but recently hit a bit of a cold stretch by going winless in six straight games. That finally changed Tuesday against the Islanders.
The Devils pulled away for a 4-1 win, and you can view the full story of the game from nj.com here.
Getting Bailed Out
Josh Bailey could return as early as today for the New York Islanders.
A first-time All-Star, Bailey missed a fourth straight game [Tuesday], but still entered action 11th in the league with 50 points. – Greg Joyce, New York Post
This is needed good news for the Islanders, who currently have seven injured players on their roster.
Wild as a Philly
For a second week in a row, the Philadelphia Flyers got a goal in a relatively odd fashion.
CLAUDE GIROUX BURIES THE ONE TIMER TO MAKE IT 2-2! pic.twitter.com/1jcw9NvkMa
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 14, 2018
