Svedberg’s casual night, hypothetical goalie trades for the Wild, Eric Staal keeps it hot and more…

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That wasn't the easiest shutout of the season but Niklas Svedberg's 14-save effort certainly ranks up there. It was the easiest non-Sabres shutout of the season as that eliminates Jonathan Bernier's 10-save cakewalk and Ben Bishop's 13-save casual day on the pond, which both came against the Sabres. Of course, the Devils aren't exactly a tough opponent either but they aren't historically bad like the Sabres (who we'll get to in a minute).

If you are wondering about some of the easiest shutouts of all time Hockey Reference has you covered.

Loui Eriksson missed last night's contest after taking a slash against the Penguins the previous evening. Top prospect David Pastrnak jumped into the lineup to take his spot.

Pastrnak skated 15:04 alongside David Krejci and Brad Marchand. He didn't score but landed four SOG. Shooting big is certainly his MO.

The Milan Lucic–Patrice Bergeron pairing continues to pay dividends for Boston. Two goals for Lucic last night to give him four points in the last two games. You can certainly feel that strong second-half push coming.

There will be no hanging last night's loss on Cory Schneider as the goaltender stopped 40 of 42.

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Eric Staal's second-half push is still in its infancy but it is building up strong. With five goals and seven points in his last seven games Staal is scorching hot.

Ryan Murphy managed his first points of this most recent call-up with two assists last night but let's not get overexcited. This was against the Sabres, who, as we mentioned above, are awfully awful.

Alexander Semin made his return to the Hurricane lineup notching an assist. He skated on the second line with Jeff Skinner who managed his first goal (and point) in his last eight games. They had Riley Nash and Victor Rask split time as their centerman. I'm not ready to get too excited about this combo, especially with Semin and Skinner seeing just second unit power play time but it would be nice if this could be mutually beneficial.

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So Steve Mason did end up playing last night and even notched himself a nice overtime win over the Capitals.

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What a complete drubbing of the Sharks by the Blues. There wasn't a relevant Blue who didn't get on the board last night but Jaden Schwartz led the way with three assists. It has been a triumphant return from injury for Schwartz who has six points in three games since returning.

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