• The Ducks have dropped 12 straight games, their longest losing streak in franchise history. But the skid apparently won't affect coach Randy Carlyle's job. Amid the free fall, Anaheim General Manager Bob Murray announced he is not considering a coaching change and is instead focused on the players – an unusual show of support in the NHL this season considering four bench bosses already have been fired from struggling teams.
• Deflections are a normal tool in a goal scorer's repertoire, but Coyotes rookie Conor Garland capitalized on a unique redirect Saturday when the puck bounced in off his face. After Garland was cross-checked by Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson near the net, a shot from teammate Jordan Oesterle banked off the side of Garland's head as he tried to get up and behind Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot. Garland immediately left the ice to get repairs, but the memorable game continued once he returned. He scored the game-winner the next period.
• Former Wild interim coach John Torchetti is back behind the bench. He was introduced this week as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Moncton Wildcats' new coach and director of hockey operations. Torchetti, who replaced Mike Yeo in 2016, was most recently as assistant with the Detroit Red Wings from 2016-18.
