Maple Leafs Finally Get a Win

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the story lines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Maple Leafs 6, Ducks 3: It took nearly a month, but after eight consecutive losses to open the season the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally on the board with their first win thanks to a 6-3 victory in Anaheim on Monday night. Niklas Hagman recorded a hat trick (all three goals coming on the power play), while Jonas Gustavsson, making his first start in three weeks, stopped 20 shots -- including a highlight reel save in the first period -- to earn his first NHL win.

Monday's Other Games

The New York Islanders have now lost five games in overtime, and six games by one goal, after dropping a 3-2 decision in Montreal. Roman Hamrlik scored the game-winner in overtime for the Canadiens, who have now won four in a row ... all with Jaroslav Halak in net. [Box Score, Recap]

Chicago receives goals from Dave Bolland, Patrick Kane and Troy Brouwer, while Cristobal Huet makes 20 saves in a 3-1 win against Minnesota. [Box Score, Recap]

Potentially a costly win for the Rangers as they knock off Phoenix 5-2. The problem? Marian Gaborik might be injured. [Box Score, Botta's Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- There have been rumors floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk and the Atlanta Thrasers are closing in on a contract extension. Nobody knows for sure what's going on with that, but what we do know is that Kovalchuk is going to miss the next four weeks with a broken bone in his right foot. [AJC]

-- Dallas Stars forward Steve Ott is meeting with NHL discipline czar Colin Campbell. [Defending Big D]

-- Offseason acquisition John Madden is loving his time in Chicago. [Chicago Tribune]

Video Of The Day

Roman Hamrlik scores the game-winning goal in overtime for Montreal.



Tuesday's Key Games

Flyers vs. Capitals: Great Eastern Conference game in Washington as the Capitals host the Flyers. The first meeting between these two teams back on October 6 was a classic that saw Mike Richards record a hat trick and Alex Ovechkin score two goals.

Avalanche vs. Oilers: After scoring just one goal in his first nine games, Paul Stastny has three in his past two as the Avalanche ride a modest two-game winning streak into Edmonton. The Avs have recorded a point in eight consecutive games.

Red Wings vs. Canucks: The Red Wings look to snap a three-game losing streak in Vancouver. Detroit has dropped four of its past five games, and only has eight points in nine games this season.