The New Jersey Devils star Taylor Hall extended his point streak to 21 games against the New York Islanders. How far can he actually take this?
December 30th, 2017. That was the last time Taylor Hall was in the New Jersey Devils lineup and he didn’t record a point. It’s been 58 days since Hall was shutout in an NHL game. That’s already ridiculous.
So, how ridiculous can this point streak become?
Taking a look at some of the best point streaks in NHL history, it’s no surprise that The Great One dominates the list. Wayne Gretzky, who regularly 200 points. Of course he would have multiple streaks where he scored points in over 20 games.
Gretzky owns the record, scoring in 51 straight games in the 1983-84 season. In that season, Gretzky scored 205 points. Hall, on the other hand, is on pace for 89 points this season. Even if Hall scored in every game for the rest of the season, he would still need to make it through next season to break the record.
Gretzky also owns number three, four and seven on the list, as well. So while we’d have to wait at least six months to see Hall get on top of the list, how long would it take him to get into the top ten?
Right now, five players are tied at 28 games. At this rate, Hall can tie them on March 10th against Nashville. He could move into fifth March 17th against the Los Angeles Kings. If Hall scores in every game remaining in the season, he would sit third on the list with 41 games straight with a point.
Now the elephant in the room. I understand the NHL doesn’t recognize Hall’s streak because he missed three games in the middle of it. Yet, now that it can be a positive storyline we are seeing things like this:
Taylor Hall of the @NJDevils is the sixth player in the last 25 years (since 1992-93) to record at least one point in 21+ consecutive appearances. #NHLStats #NYIvsNJD pic.twitter.com/KDv5QGa0XS
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 25, 2018
So, I guess it seems the NHL is ready to recognize Halls streak for what it is, 21 straight games with a point.
Realistically, Hall’s streak could end soon. He was super close to losing it one week ago, when a goal in overtime saved it. Back on February 10th, he got the second assist on a Kyle Palmieri goal with the Devils down 6-0. He’s held on to this streak by the skin of his teeth at times.
Looking ahead, what are some of the games that could make it difficult for the Devils best player to keep this improbable streak alive?
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Tuesday night will be a real test for Taylor. Hall spent his Sunday raising the number four to the rafters for the Windsor Spitfires. So, he played in a game Saturday night, immediately flew to Canada, then will fly back Monday to play a game Tuesday. I get that he’s used to travel, but they are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins who can give up six one night and shut you out the next.
The aforementioned Predators game will also be a hard one. Their defense is ridiculous, and last time the Devils played them they scored zero.
The Devils play the Western Conference leading Vegas Golden Knights next Sunday. That can be a hard nut to crack the way Marc-Andre Fleury is playing.
Hall’s point streak has been amazing, as many of those points came on some of the most crucial goals of the season. Whenever it ends, it will be looked at as the best part of the Devils season. At least, until they make the playoffs.