While it wasn't a natural hat trick, it was a hat trick none the less. Eric Staal put the icing on the cake for the Carolina Hurricanes as they beat the Dallas Stars 5-4 in a wild and exciting game.

The Dallas Stars who put themselves behind early by taking repeated penalties, gave the Hurricanes ample opportunity to capitalize as Eric Staal converted two of the power play chances. The Hurricanes held a 3-1 advantage at one point in the game till Dallas fought back to draw the game even. With less than 7 minutes remaining in the third period Justin Williams snapped a beauty from the left circle over the near side of Turco to give the Hurricanes a 4-3 lead. Staal closed the door on the game, and his hat trick with an empty netter late in the game. Dallas actually got a late goal with 1 second remaining from Jaroslav Modry, but it was way too little, and much too late. The Carolina Hurricanes took the match 5-4.

Quick Shave:
Ok, let's talk some Alexander Frolov. The Los Angelse Kings forward in the last three games, has scored 2 goals in each game. That is outstanding! This kid has three opportunities to join the HTC, but has missed in three chances. He's knocking at the door! For the third consecutive game, Frolov added two tallies and this time, had some help from Craig Conroy to help lift the Los Angeles Kings over the Phoenix Coyotes 5-3. Yeah Cristobal! Huet is making a huge statement of late that he should the Montreal Canadiens number one goalie as he made 39 saves last night to hand the Atlanta Thrashers their fourth straight loss 3-1. SInce Huet is my boy, I hope this happens. Il est un tres bon goalie! Are the Ottawa Senators back, or are the Buffalo Sabres falling apart? In their game in 4 days against the Sabres, the Senators have fought back to defeat their opponents twice. Last night by a score 4-1. The Sens beat Buffalo 4-2 on Wednesday evening. The New York Rangers pretty much handed the game to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night, serving on a slue of penalties, and three two-man advantages. The Penguins capitalized on two of the powerplays and buried the Rangers 3-1. Mark Recchi scored two of the goals. The Boston Bruins won their fourth game in row defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in OT last night. Glen Murray seems to be rebounding from his loss of Thornton this season, and scored the game winner in OT on the powerplay for the B's. Martin Brodeur is once again the man. This guy can have an awful game, and the next team he faces will pay the price. Last night, the Leafs were the unfortunate victims of 'bounce back' Brodeur and he made 33 saves to lift the New Jersey Devils over the Leafs 2-1. Sometime today, Ken Hitchcock will be putting on his Sunday best, waxing his playoff moustache (no copyright infringement I hope), and officially interviewing with the Columbus Blue Jackets about their head coaching position. This interview should last all of 10 seconds, with one question asked of Kenny. When can you start? The Blue Jackets lost again last night to the Nashville Predators 4-2. According to TSN.ca the Phoenix Coyotes may be trying to deal defenceman Ed Jovanovski to the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. The only problem with said deal, is the Nabokov has a no-trade clause to waive. Will he do so to join the lowly Yotes? I doubt it.

Game of the Night:
Tampa Bay at NY Rangers 7:00 PM

I'm going homer here. The Ranger have lost two straight, and have only scored 2 goals in those two games. The Lightning have won 5 in a row (i think, Sam Rosen was talking about how great they have been playing, so I'm paraphrasing a touch here) and will look to continue that streak against the boys in blue. Enjoy the games my bearded friends!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh