What do you need to know about last night's big stories? Joe McDonald gives us his take on the biggest and best. This is where we say, "Morning, Joe."
Pastrnak rising up: So many times this season we've discussed the young talent in the league and the impact those players are having. We've talked about the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid, the Winnipeg Jets' Patrik Laine and the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews. Well, David Pastrnak, 20, has been the Boston Bruins' best forward this season. He scored two goals, including the winner in overtime, to help the Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Monday. The best part of Pastrnak's game is his creativity. He uses his stealthy speed to fool defenders, and that's how he scored the winning goal. During the 3-on-3 OT, teammate David Krejci controlled the puck deep in the offensive zone. The Panthers were playing man-to-man defense when Pastrnak skated into the neutral zone. Quickly, Pastrnak cut back, leaving the defender flat-footed. Krejci fed Pastrnak with a pass, and he pumped in his 15th goal of the season. He's finally developed into the dangerous player that the Bruins were hoping he would become.
Hot Jackets keep rolling: The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to win games, and they're 5-0-1 in the last six thanks to a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Monday. This time, a four-point performance -- two goals and two assists -- from Sam Gagner proved crucial. Gagner now has 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 23 games, more than he had in 53 games last season while with the Philadelphia Flyers. He's another example of why the Blue Jackets are winning. The team has depth and is receiving contributions throughout the lineup. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky continues to be solid: His 14 wins equal the Montreal Canadiens' Carey Price for the league lead. This is the way Columbus coach John Tortorella wanted Team USA to play during the World Cup of Hockey, but he didn't have enough time to mold that roster to be successful. This isn't a fluke for the Blue Jackets. They've got the goods.
Penguins could do it again: Speaking of success, there's no reason not to believe the Pittsburgh Penguins have a legitimate chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, becoming the first team to accomplish that feat since the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. There really hasn't been a Stanley Cup hangover for the Penguins. Aside from a few injuries, Pittsburgh is getting contributions throughout the lineup, which is one reason it had so much success in the second half last season. On Monday, it was Bryan Rust's turn as he scored his first career hat trick and added an assist en route to an 8-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators. It also helps that the Penguins' best players are still their best players. Sidney Crosby extended his points streak to five games, with eight points in that span, and leads the league with 17 goals. Teammate Evgeni Malkin also extended his points streak to six games, with two goals and nine assists for 11 points. The Penguins are reinforcing every night that they can repeat.