Corey Perry is on a roll. So, too, are the Anaheim Ducks.
Perry, now up to eight goals in seven games, scored another hat trick, his second of the season, and the Ducks improved their Western Conference-best record to 6-1-0 thanks to a 4-1 victory over the struggling Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.
On the bright side: The Sabres did actually score a goal.
According to John Vogl of the Buffalo News, the Tyler Ennis goal at the 14:54 mark of the third period ended Buffalo’s scoreless streak at 197 minutes. Had to end eventually. Prior to Wednesday, Buffalo’s last goal came Oct. 14.
The Sabres' scoreless streak is over at an even 197 minutes.
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) October 23, 2014
The Ennis goal did make things interesting. It closed Anaheim’s lead at the time to one, with 5:06 remaining in regulation. Then Corey Perry happened. He scored twice in the final three minutes to end any possibility of a Sabres comeback.
For Perry, getting two hat tricks in the first seven games of the season is a rare accomplishment, one that hasn’t been done since Ilya Kovalchuk did so back in 2003, according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register, referencing the Elias Sports Bureau.
As per @EliasSports, Corey Perry is first since Ilya Kovalchuk in 2003 to have two hat tricks in first seven games. Sixth since 1985.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) October 23, 2014
Via Elias: @AnaheimDucks Corey Perry is just 6th player in past 29 years to record multiple hat tricks in his team’s 1st 7 games of season.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 23, 2014
Boudreau said this wasn't one of Perry's best games, but "when you're a natural goal-scorer, the puck tends to find your stick." #BUFvsANA
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 23, 2014