Merry Christmas!

His name is Noel, without umlaut, and this Florida Panthers striker is experiencing moments of joy, love and joy these days.

"I feel so good," simply summarized Noel Acciari, quoted on the website of his team, after completing Friday night a second hat trick in as many games.

Inevitably, Acciari would immediately receive the best wishes from his teammates, including his trio companions.

Like little brothers, the Quebecer Jonathan Huberdeau and the American Vincent Trocheck nevertheless took the opportunity to tease him a little.

"He's transforming into Noel Gretzky," said Trocheck, alluding to legendary Wayne Gretzky, the author of 894 career goals.

"I'm so happy for him," said Huberdeau. He works hard. To get two hat tricks is impressive. I don't have one in my career yet and it's great to see him get two in a row. ”

A good guy

Acciari, who had never scored more than one goal in a single game before his two exceptional nights, is only the second player in Panthers history to record hat-tricks in two consecutive games. He thus joined Pavel Bure, author of such an exploit in February 2001.

"He's the best guy in the world," said Trocheck, of Aciari. To see him mark these hat tricks, it couldn't happen to a better guy. ”

On a penalty shot

In Friday's game, in a 7-4 win over the Dallas Stars at Sunrise, Acciari completed their second round, in 3 minutes and 59 seconds, converting a penalty shot.

"The bench was very excited," said Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville, speaking of the players' reaction to this sixth goal from Acciari in two games. I'm glad they gave the penalty shot. I think everyone in the amphitheater was happy for him. ”

• Noel Acciari and the Panthers had a meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday evening in Raleigh.