Brock Nelson scored his fourth career hat trick (I honestly had no idea he had that many) as the Isles leveraged solid early play and big saves from Semyon Varlamov to extend their 5-0-1 run.
They’re in Philadelphia today (this post will double as our game thread), where the Flyers Phaithful are mourning the departure of Claude Giroux to the Panthers. Personally, I’m glad Giroux landed (and maybe guided his path) there, as the Panthers are a team that is exciting to watch and long overdue for good things.
It’s also refreshing that Giroux, the team’s longtime captain and franchise player, was open about his situation and the team’s position as he approached free agency, such that they were able to salute him and give him a proper send-off in a mutual love-fest.