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 If I were to tell you that the Phoenix Coyotes not only beat the San Jose Sharks last night, but scored 8 goals on them, their goaltender Curtis Joseph stopped all 40 shots he faced, and Jeremy Roenick scored 3 of the Phoenix tallies to join the NHL Hat Trick club.....you'd say Bosh, crack open another Labatt Blue. I would of course be happy to do so.
The Sharks have now lost four of their last five, and appear to be finding adversity for the first time this season. Adversity delivered a pizza to them last night in the form of the Phoenix Coyotes, and this one came with all the trimmings. Cujo made 40 saves for his 48th career shutout, and tied Jacques Planted for fifth on the all time wins list with his 437th victory.
On any other night, the big story would have been Jeremy Roenick. Demoted to fourth line duty on some nights, and more often that not a healthy scratch, Roenick is spitting distance from retirement. His words not mine:
-from TSN.ca
Asked if he thought he had a hat trick left in him, Roenick said, ''I didn't think I had a goal left in me. 'There were times there when I was wondering if I had many games left. My confidence has been shot for a while. It doesn't help when you're on the fourth line and you're a healthy scratch.''
Perhaps this old dog does have a few new tricks left?
The Coyotes finished the evening 8-0, chasing Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov who allowed 3 goals on 6 shots (and the fantasy owner I'm playing this week started him! WOOOHOOO!!!), and Toskala was pounded for 5 more. Phoenix is now only 8 points out of playoff spot, and like their counterparts down under in Columbus and St. Louis, they are beginning to put some wins together and climb in the standings.
 Quick Shave:
The Vancouver Canucks have rediscovered the art of scoring goals, and their most recent victim was the Edmonton Oilers. Daniel Sedin was at it again, scoring two goals and an assist to lift the Canucks to the 6-2 win. Martin Brodeur is still the man. The New Jersey Devils goaltender shutout the New York Islanders 2-0 by making 29 saves. It was Brodeur's 6th shutout of the season, and the 86th of his career. Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro actually had a solid night in net as well making 36 saves on the evening. The New York Rangers fought their way to their first win in 8 games. Literally. Brendan Shanahan dropped the gloves with Donald Brashear in the third period after he got tired of him taking liberties with Jaromir Jagr all game. In a very physical match, the Rangers clawed and scrapped their way to a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals. Nashville Predators backup goaltender Chris Mason (still covering for the injured Vokoun) shutdown, and shutout the Boston Bruins by stopping all 38 shots he faced. The Predators won the game 5-0. The St. Louis Blues are back! As I mentioned earlier, they, the Jackets and the Yotes are attempting to turn their seasons around, and thus far appear to be doing it. The Blues Manny Legace made 33 saves to shutout the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 last night.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Minnesota 6:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus 7:00 PM
Los Angeles at Detroit 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary 8:00 PM
Philadelphia at Carolina 8:00 PM
San Jose at Dallas 8:00 PM
What game prior to a New Year's Bash isn't great? I give you the entire card for the evening, and I'll let you decide which ones to watch for the final day of 2006.....although if you need any help deciding....Edmonton vs. Calgary looks juicy to me. Have a great New Years Eve folks! Thanks for an amazing year!
Oh and Forsberg will net 3 and become the final HTC member of the year.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Isn't it terrific when you spend hours sweating over your fantasy roster, weighing your options and finally deciding who you should start, and who should ride the virtual pine.....and then see it all blow up in your face? So last night, I made the decision to sit New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez, in favor of Anaheim's Andy McDonald, and New York's Michael Nylander......and I am still kicking myself.
Gomez had a gem of a game last night for the Devils, and for fantasy owners (fantasy owners who didn't bench him that is), as he scored two goals, an assist, had a +3 rating, and even kicked it for 2 minutes in the penalty box. Elias also added a goal and 2 assists, and Brodeur did the usual making 32 stops as the Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3. The Devils have now defeated the Caps for the sixth straight time, and have won 11 of their last 13 meetings.
Great job Bosh.
Quick Shave:
The Pittsburgh Penguins jumped off their 5 game losing streak by jumping all over the Toronto Maple Leafs last night 4-1. Sidney Crosby assisted on three of the scores and now continues to lead the NHL in scoring with 58 points. 58 points in 34 games! Crosby is something special. The New York Rangers however are far from special. Their losing streak hit 7 games last night with a 1-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Rangers have not been able to find the back of the net in two games. Ray Emery recorded his second straight shutout for the Senators. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the injury riddled Anaheim Ducks last night 4-2. Cam Ward made 25 saves and Rod Brind'Amour had a goal and an assist (Brind'Amour was honored prior to the match for achieving the 1000 point milestone earlier this season). Eddie Belfour appears to be getting more starts in Florida and he is playing big in net for the Panthers. Belfour made 32 saves last night to help the Florida Panthers beat the red hot Montreal Canadies 3-1. The St. Louis Blues won again! Martin Rucinsky potted 2 past the Colorado Avalanche's new number one goalie Peter Budaj to help his team to the 4-2 win.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Buffalo 7:00 PM
New Jersey at NY Islanders 7:00 PM
The top two teams in the East face off as the Thrashers visit the Sabres, and a little closer to home (to mine anyway), the top two teams in the Atlantic go head to head out on Long Island. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I wanted to mention this, because TSN.ca, a site of which I am an unabashed fan is broadcasting the World Juniors games on their website. NHL Center Ice is doing a great job of playing some of the games, but to catch them all, visit TSN.ca by clicking here. Enjoy the games!
Today's Game:
Germany vs Canada 12:30 p.m. ET
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The tandem in Philadelphia that had so much success last season finally clicked this season and broke the Flyers 10 game losing streak with a victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night.
Simon Gagne, and Peter Forsberg combined for 5 points on the evening to help lift the Flyers from the shadows to defeat Tampa Bay 4-3. Forsberg set up Gagne for two goals last night, and also assisted on recently acquired Alexei Zhitnik's goal to open the scoring. Believe it or not, Flyers goaltender Robert Esche made 42 saves and held on to preserve the win.
While the victory was certainly a confidence booster, it does little to boost their current position in the NHL. The Flyers have 20 points on the season, and sit dead last in the league. The future of this team in the short term will most likely be a pre-trade deadline purge followed by an early if not first round pick in this years NHL Entry Draft.
Quick Shave:
The Carolina Hurricanes win streak was stopped cold last night by John Grahame. I mean by the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres have owned the Canes all season and last night was different. Sabres keeper made 29 saves to lift his team past the Hurricanes 4-1. I believe the fourth time they've met this season.....perhaps third...regardless the Hurricanes can't beat them. The Detroit Red Wings took my advice and gave Hasek the night off last night as they faced the new look Columbus Blue Jackets. Wings goaltender Chris Osgood was good enough and made 21 saves, while Datsyuk, and Cleary each scored 2 goals to defeat the Jackets 7-4. The Los Angeles Kings followed the Wings lead by defeating the Edmonton Oilers by the same score 7-4 last night.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 7:30 PM
The last time the Rangers played Ottawa it sparked a 5 game win streak. The Rangers have lost 6 in a row since that streak ended, and are thirsty for a win.....I am anyway. Look for Havlat to join the HTC against the Bruins tonight. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Vancouver Canucks managed to sweep the home and home series against the Calgary Flames....but the second game was almost thrown away.
The Canucks twice handed away two goal leads to the Flames, once in the second, and again early in the third. Miika Kipprusoff and Roberto Luongo were uncharacteristically soft in this one, as they allowed a combined 11 goals in the match. After Calgary drew even at 4, Jarome Iginla setup a Daymond Langkow for the go ahead goal on the powerplay and appeared to have the game in hand. Minutes later, Captain Markus Naslund responded in kind to setup of Ryan Kesler for the game tying score and force the game to overtime.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin who were the heroes of the game a night ago in Calgary had been kept shotless for most of the game following their opening tallies in the first did the Flames in again last night. Daniel Sedin helped set up the play for Sami Salo to pot the game winner from the point in extra time.
The Vancouver victory gave the Canucks 39 points to take first place in the Northwest Division and vault them into third place overall in the Western Conference. The point the Flames got for reaching overtime brought them into a 4 way second place tie with Edmonton, Colorado, and Minnesota, all with 38 points. The San Jose Sharks, and Detroit Red Wings sit 4th and 5th in the West with 50, and 49 points respectively. The playoffs are still 3+months away, and we have ourselves a pretty tight race already.
Quick Shave:
The Montreal Canadiens pounded the Washington Capitals 4-1 last night. Cristobal Huet fell just shy of another shutout as Caps forward Alexander Semin scored with less than 3 minutes to play in the game. Huet made 30 saves on the night for the win. The Atlanta Thrashers keep on winning and the Pittsburgh Penguins keep on losing. Thus is the ebb and flow of the NHL. Next week these roles could be reversed. However for now, the Atlanta Thrashers took their fifth straight by defeating the Penguins 4-2 last night. The New York Islanders 'Ranger hangover' has to be for real. Every time the Islanders hand it to the Rangers, the following game, they hand a victory to their opponents. Last night, (a night removed from shutting out the Rangers), the Islanders were held scoreless by the Ottawa Senators, as they took the game 2-0, on an 18 save performance by Ray Emery. Rick DiPietro shutout streak at home ended at 156 minutes and 30 seconds. The injury bug has begun to rain in Dallas, but that hasn't seemed to slow them too much. The Dallas Stars already without Mike Modano, and Eric Lindros recently added new captain Brendan Morrow to the unable to play list. The Stars still managed to outscore the Colorado Avalanche last night for the 5-4 victory. Avs keeper Jose Theodore was yanked again, after allowing 5 goals on 22 shots....has he fallen from grace or what? The Philadelphia Flyers have now lost 10 straight games. If the Eagles don't make the playoffs this season, there will most likely be mass suicides by way of cheese steaks. The Flyers were felled last night by the Florida Panthers 3-1 on the back of a 23 save performance by Ed Belfour. Peter Forsberg returned to action for the Flyers last night, but did little to spark his team to the win column. Reports are saying that Todd Bertuzzi could be back in the lineup for the Panthers by February. He has missed most of the season following back surgery complications. The Detroit Red Wings look good. Real good. Now is the time to start resting Hasek, and looking ahead to the playoffs. Yes he is playing incredible, as last night he made 32 saves to lift the Wings to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild, however.....this teams hopes rest on the fragile groin of this 41 year old (who will be 42 in a month). Start rotating in MacDonald, or Osgood, or just leave the net empty some games. And if he get's elected to the All Star game, hide his passport or lock him in his house so he can't play.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Buffalo 7:00 PM
YEEAAAH! Can the Canes do it? Stillman's back! Ward's playing great! I think they can! Look for Patty Marleau to pot three against the Yotes tonight. Enjoy the games.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Is there any doubt in the power of the playoff beard? Joe Thornton started the season on a down note....then he grew a playoff beard. Joe now has 40 points (9 goals, 31 assists) on the season and once again has his San Jose Sharks sitting among the elite in the West, if not the NHL.
Across the country, in an arena built on top of what was originally land fill, Rick DiPietro, goaltender for the New York Islanders, has grown himself a fine playoff beard over the past month, and has been harvesting wins for his club ever since.
DiPietro shutdown the New York Rangers last night by stopping all 28 shots they threw at him for the 2-0 win. The victory was the third win in a row at Nassau Coliseum by way of shutout. The shutout was his fourth of the season, and 10th of his career. DiPietro has not allowed a goal at home in over 185 minutes of play now. Can you say playoff beard? We can. That is why we congratulate Rick DiPietro on being the Playoff Beard of the Month for December. Congratulations Rick!
Quick Shave:
Across the Hudson, and I guess the East River, and parts of Staten Island in New Jersey, goaltender Martin Brodeur was making noise of his own by shutting down the high flying Pittsburgh Penguins. Broduer made 26 saves for the New Jersey Devils for the 3-0 shutout win, the 85th of his career. The Anaheim Ducks had a scare last night as star goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere was felled by a leg injury late in the second period against the San Jose Sharks. Rookie Mike Wall stepped in for Giguere and needed to make only 4 saves to preserve the 4-3 win for the Ducks. Fantasy owners of Giguere may want to consider picking up Wall if he is out for an extended period as Bryzgalov is currently on the IR with a groin injury right now. Expect Wall to get a beard load of starts. The Vancouver Canucks stagnant offence came to life last night against the stingy Calgary Flames thanks in large part to the Sedin twins. Daniel Sedin scored a pair of goals, and brother Henrik offered up twin assists in the 3-1 win. The Carolina Hurricanes have quietly been stockpiling wins recently, and last night took their fifth straight by defeating the Florida Panthers 4-2. Cam Ward made 25 saves and Rod Brind'Amour potted the game winner for the Canes.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
This just looks like it will be a fun one to watch. Speed, speed, speed. Also, at 1pm today, Canada will be playing USA in the World Juniors, and NHL Center Ice will be airing it! Enjoy the games my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Two days without hockey.....I almost didn't make it.
Christmas may be over, but here at Playoff Beard the presents keep on coming. December 26th presents us with a couple of great matchups worthy of our attention:
 Washington at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Last time these two faced off, the Capitals got the better of the Sabres. This was also the game in which superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin was ejected from the match for checking Sabres captain Daniel Briere from behind driving him face first into the boards. Expect this game to be extremely physical, as well as nasty. There probably won't be much love lost between these two teams after tonight, and this could develop into a nasty rivalry.
 NY Rangers at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
The Rangers are falling, and the Islanders are flying. After snapping off a 5 game win streak, the Rangers have just capped a 5 game losing streak.....man does this echo of 1999....and 2000, and 2001, 2002, 03.....ugggh. The Islanders have been playing some outstanding hockey this season under Ted Nolan, and he has actually found the player the Yashin used to be. The Islanders have also gotten some incredible goaltending from Rick DiPietro, who is coming off a blanking of the Blue Jackets on Saturday night. Throw all this into one of the most heated rivalries in sports and you have the recipe for a great game.
 Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
If you have NHL Center Ice you've no doubt spent many a late night watching these two teams. The Ducks and Sharks are arguably the best teams in the West, and both are headed on a collision course to the Western Conference Finals. The Ducks took the last meeting, but the Sharks have rebounded nicely since that loss, defeating the Stars, and the Flames. Ducks. Sharks. Surf and Turf served up Playoff Beard style!
Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I'd like to wish all of you a healthy, happy and safe holiday as you celebrate the greatest playoff beard ever known!
Merry Christmas my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Friday night's loss to the Chicago Blackhawks was more than a hit in the standings for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Forward Michael Peca was injured following a collision with Blackhawks defenceman Jim Vandermeer. Peca suffered a fractured tibia as a result of the contact.
Yesterday Peca had surgery on the fractured leg, which required screws and plating to secure multiple fractures across the bone. The surgery was successful, but the minimum downtime for such an injury is three months, and it is unlikely he will be back on the ice for the Leafs this year unless they make the post season. And that is looking less likely every day.
Quick Shave:
Way to go Phoenix! This was either a case of the Phoenix Coyotes playing way over their heads, or the Anaheim Ducks taking them for granted. Regardless, Shane Doan and Fredrik Sjostrom scored two goals 13 seconds apart late in the third to defeat the Ducks 2-0, and give the Yotes faithful, a very nice Christimas present. Another team delivering a holiday surprise to their fans this week, as well as last night are the St. Louis Blues. The Blues dumped the Eastern Conference's best team in the Buffalo Sabres last night 3-2 in overtime. Bill Guerin potted a pair of goals including the game winner. So two of the worst teams in the league (statistically speaking of course) defeated the two best teams in the NHL last night! Another team in the spirit of giving last night was the Nashville Predators, as they put 7 pucks in the Los Angeles Kings stockings. The Predators shutdown the Kings for the 7-0 win. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1 last night. Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov made 21 saves on the evening and has won his last four starts. The New York Rangers have now lost 5 in a row, and their second consecutive when entering the third with a lead. The Rangers gave up a 3-0 lead last night to the Tampa Bay Lightning and allowed Dan Boyle to join the HTC and help his club to the 4-3 win. New York Islanders Rick DiPietro is really answering the bell after signing his 15 year contract. Last night the Isles netminder stopped all 26 Columbus Blue Jackets shots he faced for the 4-0 win, and his third victory by way of shutout this season. The Islanders are now just 2 points behind the 1st place Devils, and 1 point behind the second place Rangers.
Well I guess that's it for today. I want to wish all my boys Happy Holidays and thanks as always for the support!
Your friend on eggnog,
Captain Bosh
 The Ottawa Senators have lost center Jason Spezza for the next 4-6 weeks due to a knee injury. Spezza sustained the injury after he was hit Thursday night by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Martin St. Louis.
Losing Spezza who leads the Senators with 44 points this season, is another major blow to this club that is already on a downward spiral having lost 6 of their last 8 games. The Senators number one defenceman Wade Redden has spent much of the season hurt, and is a big part of the downfall of this club (that and the loss of Chara to UFA, and not having a legitimate goaltender).
Quick Shave:
Congratulations to Peter Bondra who joined the 500 club last night. Bondra scored the game winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third (big surprise there) to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-1win.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Boston 7:00 PM
Calgary at San Jose 10:00 PM
An original six matchup that should be a great game.....the Habs are playing great and look for Chris Higgins to join the HTC against the B's.....that's a little self indulgent since i just picked him up the other day.....but the kid is good, and a local. Calgaray and San Jose, I don't really think I need to explain that one do I? Enjoy the games folks, we have a small hiatus for the Christmas break, and the NHL will resume on the 26th!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The bad news is raining down on Steel Town this week.
A week ago Jim Balsillie pulled out of the deal to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise for $175 million, and just a few days later, the Pennsylvania gaming panel awarded a slots license to another bidder, rather than the Isle of Capri Casinos which had promised to build the franchise a new $290 million dollar stadium if they secured the license. Compounding that, Owner Mario Lemieux issued a statement yesterday suggesting the team will begin looking into relocation.
Talk about a crap storm for the fans of the Penguins, who have been mired for years in bankruptcy, the gutting of their club's best players, and having to watch an awful product on the ice. Now, the Penguins boast two of the NHL's best players in Crosby and Malkin, and the franchise appears to be turning a corner by showing signs of it's future greatness. Similiar in many ways to the Quebec fans who had to not only watch their team up and leave for Colorado, but a year later see that same franchise hoist the Stanley Cup. The Penguins club will be a winner in the very near term, and it would be a crushing blow to the fans of this city to move the franchise to which they have been so dedicated.
 Quick Shave:
Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco has shutdown the West's second best club for the second straight time. The Dallas Stars defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-0 last night. Turco made 20 saves for his 4th shutout of the season. Well my game of the night prediction was anything but. The Buffalo Sabres marched into Nashville and hammered the Predators 7-2. Buffalo Sabres, Pominville, Afinogenov, and Kotalik all had 2 goal games in the rout over the Nashville Predators. After going on a 5 game winning streak, the New York Rangers have taken a major turn for the worse, and have lost 4 straight. Last night they did their best Leafs impression, by carrying a 2-0 lead into the third and blew it, to lose to the Florida Panthers by the final of 3-2. The Montreal Canadiens continue to roll, and the Philadelphia Flyers continue to roll over. The Habs beat the Flyers 4-2 last night. The St. Louis Blues have a 2 game winning streak! Last night they defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 for their second straight. The Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche game was postponed last night because apparently Denver looks like Hoth from the Empire Strikes Back right now. I recommend seeking shelter within the intestines of a Taun Taun, or Jose Theodore. I guess the scrum at practice did little to help the Ottawa Senators. The Tampa Bay Lightning whooped up on the Sens for a 4-2 victory. Muckler, Murray....can you say FIRED?
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Carolina 7:00 PM
Let's see how the new look Islanders matchup against the Stanley Cup Champs. The Islanders made a few roster moves before the trade freeze, that actually lightened their salary cap load to the tune of $6 million. Is GM Garth Snow planning a big pickup for a playoff push? Could be. Look for Markus Naslund to find the net three times tonight as the Canucks visit Columbus. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Columbus Blue Jackets may have stole a win in Columbus the other night over the Red Wings. The Red Wings made sure that wouldn't happen again.
Year in and year out, the Red Wings always manage to ice a competitive team, and this season is no different. Bouncing back from a Monday night 4-3 loss against the same Blue Jackets the Red Wings thundered home a victory. Dominik Hasek who was yanked in Monday's loss, responded with 27 saves for the 73rd shutout of the season.....just kidding, of his career. Dan Cleary scored two early goals for the Wings in the first and that was all they would need to take the victory. However Lidstrom (who also had an assist), Maltby, and Williams also scored to take the 5-0 win, from a much improved Columbus Blue Jackets club. By the way, when did the Blue Jackets pick up Ty Conklin?
Quick Shave:
 Nashville Predators forward Paul Kariya scored both goals for his team last and backup goalie Chris Mason made 28 saves to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 last night. Martin Havlat recorded the lone tally for the Hawks. Predators forward Jason Arnott is back in the lineup again, so you fantasy owners can take him off IR. He has 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) and is a +5 in 21 games this season. The Dallas Stars appear to have themselves a case of Devil-itis. They can't score goals anymore. In fairness however, not many teams are scoring against Jean Sebastien Giguere and the Anaheim Ducks this season (except for those Panthers!). Anaheim forward Corey Perry scored a pair, and the Ducks chased Dallas goalie Marty Turco for the 4-1 win last night. The Ottawa Senators are apparently fighting amongst themselves. Literally. Sens forwards Chris Neil and Antoin Vermette had themselves a scrap yesterday during practice. Ottawa has dropped their last five games. Was I right in saying it was too early to get excited about them? Perhaps. The Philadelphia Flyers, have traded center Randy Robitaille to the New York Islanders for Mike York. Pretty good move for the Flyers, and horrible Christmas present for Mike York, who goes from one of the best teams in the East, to quite possibly the worst in the NHL.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Nashville 8:00 PM
Even without Tomas Vokoun, the Nashville Predators are still winning. Backup Chris Mason, and the rest of the Preds have done a nice job. Is this the best team in the league that no one talks about or what? The Predators are in 2nd place in the Western Conference, and have a 5 point cushion over the 2nd place Red Wings in the Central. These guys are awesome and no one talks about them. Except for Bosh. Let's give them some love as they face the Eastern Conference best Buffalo Sabres tonight. I'll do you one better. Predators rookie Alexander Radulov will join the HTC and put three past Miller tonight. Done and Done! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Tonight's Show:
December 20th Show
Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey
Tony Sharples from the Mac's Midget AAA Tournament
TONIGHT AT 9PM EST!!
Click here to listen.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 I have to admit at the start of the season I was really worried about Cristobal Huet. He had all of the symptoms early on that would indicate he would be embracing a sophomore slump. The boys on the Face Off Hockey Show had a great debate about this with Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey. They discussed how often keepers that have amazing first years, or incredible runs during the post season fall flat. The list was long and distinguished.....
Cristobal Huet of the Montreal Canadiens at one point was in danger of losing his starting role to backup goalie David Aebischer, but over the past month has more than ensured he will be number one in Montreal. Last night's performance, was yet another notch in his goal stick as he turned aside 42 Buffalo Sabres shots in a dominant 5-2 victory over the Eastern Conference's best club. The Habs have been one of the few teams that have had an answer for Buffalo's speed, defense, and goaltending (Ottawa being the other), and after trading several tight games with the Sabres, the Canadiens unleashed the KRACKEN!
Christopher Higgins who recently returned to the Habs lineup, scored twice, and Kovaleve, Lapierre and Bouillon also added tallies for the Habs. The Habs trail only the Buffalo Sabres in the Northeast, and would be in second place overall in the Eastern Conference if they weren't in the same division as their rivals.
Quick Shave:
Big night for the HTC. Boston Bruins forward Marco Sturm scored three goals to secure his place in the NHL HTC and help his club defeat the Ottawa Senators 7-2 last night. Zdeno Chara returned to Ottawa for the first time since leaving as a UFA. New York Islanders forward Jason Blake added three goals of his own to lift his team past the New York Rangers for the second time in 2 weeks 5-2....and of course was greeted by the NHL HTC for his efforts. Last night was a goal fest! Three of the winners scored 7 goals (Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and Colorado Avalanche), three more scored 5 (Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay LIghtning, and Calgary Flames), and three more potted 4 (New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues...yes they finally won, and the Atlanta Thrashers). I guess the keepers took the night off....or the forwards were chugging espresso prior to the games.
Game of the Night:
Columbus at Detroit 7:30 PM
Nashville at Chicago 8:30 PM
Dallas at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The last one is obviously the big one, but all of the games on the Western Night look pretty fun to me. Look for Lindros to join the HTC with three against the Ducks tonight. Right! Enjoy the games my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Our very own Playoff Beard of the Month winner for December, George Parros capped a dominant win over the Calgary Flames, by ending a shift with a little toe to toe action with Calgary defenceman Robin Regehr. Parros has to be one of the few enforcers I've ever seen actually go to the body when the head isn't available. Regehr will be soaking his ribs all day today.
The Ducks and Flames took a 1-1 tie into the third period in a physical matchup that eventually wore Calgary down. Then Anaheim opened the flood gates on goals from Pahlsson, Penner, and a sweet late empty netter by Corey Perry (you gotta see the replay on that one....should be on the hightlights this week), and goaltender J.S. Giguere finished off his 22nd win of the year by defeating the Flames 4-1. The Ducks stretched their lead in the Pacific Division and further cemented their foothold for first place in the Western Conference. Unless they totally collapse over the next two weeks, we will see Anaheim Coach Randy Carlyle behind the bench coaching the Western All-Stars.....and still not playing Ilya Bryzgalov.
The Anaheim broadcasters tossed out a great line during a scrum in the third between several Ducks, and Flames players..."It looks like an NBA game down there!"
Quick Shave:
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to prove that they could be for real. Sergei Federov returned to Detroit to score two goals including the game winner. The Blue Jackets took a 3-0 lead in the first period over the Detroit Red Wings, and hung to win 4-3 on a 33 save performance by Fredrik Norrena....a good fantasy pickup in your leagues right now if he's available (I grabbed him in one of mine!). Speaking of Federov, apparently there has been rumors of the Montreal Canadiens trying to trade for him last week. Right now I don't see it happening with the way they are playing, but if they fall apart, this wouldn't shock me. He carries a hefty price tag, and might be worth unloading for the Blue Jackets if the right deal falls in their laps.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Buffalo 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Atlanta at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Couple of good games on tonight. The best has to be the Habs and Sabres. These two teams have provided some of the best hockey I've seen all season when they've met. The Islanders and Rangers should be a great game depending on which Ranger team shows up, and the Devils face their old forward Bobby Holik and his new team the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. Enjoy the games you Chewbacca lookalikes!
Oh...Alexander Frolov will pot 3 against Nashville tonight for the Kings.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Chicago Blackhawks could be one of the biggest surprises this season, aside from the total collapse occurring in Philadelphia. While most, including myslef, expected very little from this franchise, even after several big trades that saw them acquire Martin Havlat from Ottawa, and Michal Handzus from Philly, Chicago has weathered some early adversity and appears to be making a push for the post season.
While a large part of their ressurgence has been because of forward Martin Havlat, who while only playing in 12 of the Blackhawks 32 games, leads the team with 11 goals, and has 21 points on the season. Havlat is also an impressive +13 rating and is obviously relishing the role of being the goto player on the team. The other big reason why the Blackhawks are turning it around. Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. Khabibulin has rediscovered his game that made him one of the most dominating netminders in the NHL, and helped bring the first ever Stanley Cup Championship title to the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise. Khabibulin has won 11 of his 19 starts for the Blackhawks including last night's 28 save performance that helped his team defeat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. The Chicago Blackhawks now have 33 points and are just 2 points out of playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers have completed quite possibly the worst back to back performances in 10 years this weekend. Surrendering 14 goals in the outings. Last night they were completely outclassed by the New Jersey Devils who routed them for the second straight evening 6-1. Let's get it together blueshirts! The Nashville Predators edged the St. Louis Blues last night 2-1 in OT on a goal by Kimmo Timonen. The loss was St. Louis' 11th row, and it is not a question of if, but when they will start unloading their high priced veteran talent for draft picks and prospects.
Game of the Night:
Detroit at Columbus 7:00 PM
Calgary at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Both of these matchups look pretty interesting. Columbus came back down to earth after their winning streak, and will look to test themselves against the always formidable Red Wings, and Anaheim will be looking to rebound against the Calgary Flames after a tight loss to the San Jose Sharks. I don't really think we'll witness any HTC action tonight, but I'll take my chances on Lidstrom. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Ducks met the Sharks last night in what will surely be a playoff matchup this season. The Pacific Division rivals, currently sit first (Ducks) and second (Sharks), and both lead the Western Conference in points.
The Anaheim Ducks who carried a 7 game road winning streak into the Shark Tank last night.....saw it snapped. San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored late in the third to tie the score 3-3. With little more than 2 minutes in the game, Joe Thornton potted the game winner on a shot that deflected off of Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov made 32 saves on the evening to lift his club to a 4-3 win over the Ducks.
Quick Shave:
A couple of winning streaks ended last night....and ended hard. The New York Rangers saw their winning streak snapped big time as they were embarrassed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 9-2. Kyle Wellwood joined the HTC with his 3 goal, 5 point performance. Actually I think every Leaf may have joined the HTC last night. The Pittsburgh Penguins saw their win streak halted by the Montreal Canadiens as they lost 6-3. Habs captain Saku Koivu recorded his customary 2 goals. Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla almost made me look like a genius last night, as he was one goal shy of the HTC. Iginla had 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in a 6-3 romp of the Phoenix Coyotes last night. The New York Islanders goalie Rick Dipietro bounced back from a rought outting against the Pens the other night, to shutout the Atlanta Thrashers 6-0. The Detroit Red Wings won for the first time ever in New Jersey yesterday afternoon 2-1. The New Jersey Devils don't score goals anymore, so Hasek only needed to make 21 saves for the win. The Devils have now dropped three in a row. The Ottawa Senators looked like the team they should be last night defeating the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres for the third time this season 3-1. Jason Spezza scored two goals, and goalie Ray Emery stopped 35 Buffalo Shots for the win.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Embarrrassing losers from last night, face off against three game losers.....both teams will be up for this one, and it should be a nasty Garden party. Bondra will join the HTC tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Wow! What else can you say. Sidney Crosby's play this week has been nothing short of amazing. After lighting up the Flyers for 6 points Wednesday night, Crosby continued his NHL Player of the Week performance by potting a goal and set up all three of Ryan Malone's goals, for a 4 point evening. Welcome to the NHL Hat Trick Club Mr. Malone!
The Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the Islanders until the third period, where even Mark Recchi admitted they got a little lazy, but still went on to defeat the New York Islanders 7-4. Islander goaltender Rick DiPietro allowed 5 goals on 29 shots (way to blow up my goalie stats bro), and backup Mike Dunham did his share by allowing 2 more on 6 shots. Penguins keeper Jocelyn Thibault made 28 saves on the evening.
The Pittsburgh Penguins passed the Islanders for 3rd place in the Atlantic Division and are now in 6th place overall in the Eastern Conference. My prediction that we would see Sidney Crosby sporting a playoff beard this year doesn't seem so ridiculous now does it?
Quick Shave:
The Washington Capitals are another team that is riding on the shoulders of their young superstar. Alexander Ovechking scored the game-tying goal against the Atlanta Thrashers with less than a minute remaining, then just seconds into the overtime period potted the game winner. The final goal was his third of the game, and although the three didn't come during regulation, I submit that Ovechkin should be admitted into the NHL HTC. That being said....CONGRATULATIONS TO STACHE! Playoff Moustache called the AO hatrick, and will now recieve a drawing of Ovechkin, or another player if he wishes. Well done sir! Well done indeed! The Toronto Maple Leafs barely avoided another third period implosion against the Carolin Hurricanes last night. Leading the Canes 3-1, the Leafs allowed 2 goals, and it appeared they would let another lead slip away, until forward Alexander Steen scored the eventual game winner with 6 minutes to play. Has Jose Theodore lost his starting goaltending job in Colorado? It appears so. Former backup Peter Budaj made his third consecutive start and 18 saves to propel the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
Although the early game of Pittsburgh visiting Montreal to play the Habs looks good, this game is the main event. The two monsters of the West throw down for what should be an awesome game, and certain playoff matchup. Iginla gets my nod for the HTC as he and the Flames visit the Phoenix Coyotes. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Rangers didn't play their best game tonight, but they still pulled off a win against the Dallas Stars last night 5-2. Fortunately for the Rangers, they didn't have to face Dallas' big gun in net Marty Turco.....unfortunate for backup Mike Smith, who started the season well, but has now been torched for 4 goals in two straight outings.
One of the side stories of the evening was the New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist's twin brother, Joel, was called up from the Dallas Stars affiliate club and was in the lineup last night. The big story last night was the play of Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers committed 11 penalties, of which the Stars converted 2. Lundqvist was shelled throughout the game, making 43 saves on the evening.
The New York Rangers now hold the Atlantic Division lead, and sit third overall in the Eastern Conference.
Quick Shave:
Do the Ottawa Senators know who they are? The look great! They look like crap! They look great! They look like crap! Last night, they looked like crap. Big time. The Nashville Predators shutdown the Senators offence, and Steve Sullivan joined the NHL HTC with his three goals that helped his team take the 6-0 win. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning (the rumors of trades coming to this franchise are beginning to swirl) by coming from behind in the third on pair of Saku Koivu goals to win the game 4-2. Habs keeper Cristobal Huet (who is the man....and on Bosh's fantasy roster) made 41 saves on the night for the win. Roberto Luongo and the Vancouver Canucks took it to the Calgary Flames last night. Luongo redeemed himself after being yanked the last time he faced the Flames by making 20 saves to help the Canucks to the 3-1 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially released forward John LeClair. LeClair's salary will still count against the cap, but the Penguins won't have to pay him the remainder of his contract in lieu of a suspension. LeClair will now be able to sign with another franchise....if there is one out there that might want him. Speaking of suspensions and teams not wanting you....looks like Phoenix Coyotes forward Jeremy Roenick's days are numbered....not just in Phoenix, but in the NHL. Roenick is a shadow of his former self, and it is painfully obvious that this it. Roenick has been a healthy scratch for several games this season, and earlier this week, after being scratched left the game to enjoy the roast duck with the mango salsa at a restaurant and watch the game on the big screen. Wayne Gretzky was a little pissed. Roenick was scratched again last night as punishment for the incident, and they went on to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 by shootout. Detroit Red Wings groinly...I mean goalie Dominik Hasek made 29 saves to help the Wings to a 3-2 win over the re-Havlat-ed Chicago Blackhawks.
The Dragons
Well the boys in white (and red, and some blue, and gray, and green) started the season off on a good note. Facing off against last season's champs the Wolfpack, the Dragons played a see-saw match trading the lead several times on multiple goals by Mike Feeney and Mike McCarthy. The Dragons tied the game 6-6 with 18 seconds remaining on a late score by Mike Feeney (who is sporting a handsome playoff beard these days....coincidence?). Goaltender, and slacks model Jose Alicea closed the doors on the Wolfpack during the shootout and Mark Giordano (no not the guy from the Calgary Flames) potted the game winner. Franicis Montalbano cleared waivers yesterday and was sent down to the Dragons minor league affiliate.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
The Islanders may have Alexei Yashin back in the lineup, and they will need him and everyone else to stop the NHL's scoring leader Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Look for Cory Stillman to join the HTC against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Philadelphia Flyers hate Sidney Crosby. Everytime this kid plays the Flyers he puts on a show for them...much to their dissapointment. In 13 games against them, Crosby has 29 points, 15 of them coming in 5 wins over the Flyers this season.
Last night was clinic....I know the phrase can be overused, but there is no other way to describe his performance last night. Granted Crosby didn't join the HTC as I predicted, he scored a career high 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) against his cross state rivals, and propelled himself to the NHL scoring lead with 47 points (3 ahead of Jagr).
The Pittsburgh Penguins torched the Philadelphia Flyers 8-4, on multi point games by Sergei Gonchar (2 goals, 3 assists), Ryan Malone (1 goal, 3 assists), and Mark Recchi (1 goal, 1 assist). Jordan Staal scored another short-handed goal for the Penguins as well. The Penguins converted three powerplay opportunities on the evening.
Good news for the Flyers last night though. Kyle Calder scored his first of the year.
 Quick Shave:
Teemu Selanne's 2 goal evening last night, lifted the Anaheim Ducks to yet another road win on their East coast travels. Last night they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 2-1extending their road winning streak to a club record seven games. The Ducks have now won 10 of their last 11 games. Ducks goaltender and fixture between the pipes for the last nine games made 34 saves for the win. The St. Louis Blues failed to get a victory for the new coach Andy Murray for his second game, losing their ninth straight, this time to the Colorado Avalanche. Pierre Turgeon, appearing in his third game since returning from injury, scored his second goal, and Peter Budaj made 25 saves to complete the 4-1 win.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Dallas 8:30 PM
The New York Rangers carry their 4 game winning streak into Dallas tonight, so look for Jagr to join the HTC and take back the NHL scoring lead from Sidney Crosby! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Add some motivation, a little goal scoring, some netminding, and Ken Hitchcock, and what do you get? Wins! Wins in bunches! Is this a completely different Columbus Blue Jacket team or what?
The Jackets win streak reached the magic number of 5 last night as they defeated Hitch's former team the Dallas Stars 3-1. The victory was their first in Dallas after being owned by the Stars in their home arena the first 10 times they met.
The Blue Jackets once again got solid goaltending from their rookie Fredrik Norrena (I can't bring myself to call him the backup anymore as he may have won himself the starting job from Pascal Leclaire, who was injured during the last game against Ottawa), who made 25 saves on the evening. Forward Anson Carter who signed on with Columbus as a UFA from Vancouver where he was riding the wing with the Sedin twins, had two assists on the evening setting up Dan Fritsche and Jason Chimera.
Columbus still has a way to go before they climb back into the playoff picture but they are slowly approaching the .500 mark and they have now toppled a few formidable teams during their win streak. More than likely, they won't be an opponent that is taken for granted any longer.
Quick Shave:
Hey Hey! The Toronto Maple Leafs won a game! This time it was the Leafs who rebounded from a two goal bankruptcy on a pair of scores by Chad Kilger, to take a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Ottawa Senators barely ended their slide last night by scoring three quick goals (two by Sens forward Jason Spezza) during the second period to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Montreal Canadiens former doghouse resident (we'll see about that one) Sergei Samsonov woke up last night after 19 games without a score and delivered two goals against to defeat his former team the Boston Bruins 4-3. The Buffalo Sabres are still the class of the league, and when their opponents commit an error against them, they more often than not capitalize on said mistakes. Last night the New Jersey Devils handed multiple turnovers giftwrapped to Daniel Briere who assisted on all three Sabres scores. The Devils mounted a late third period comeback, but lost the game 3-2. Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla is looking like an MVP right now. Iginla had a 4 point evening (2 goals, 2 assists) to help lift the Flames over the Minnesota Wild 5-2 last night. The New York Rangers defeated the bottom dwelling Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 last night to extend their winning streak to four games. The Rangers pulled into a tie with the Devils for first place in the Atlantic Division. Rangers rookie Jarkko Immonen scored a goal and an assist on the evening. The Vancouver Canucks hammered the Phoenix Coyotes 5-1 last night, and spoiled the return of defenceman Ed Jovanovski to his former home arena. Stache's Fantasy Boy (I mean that in the best way possible...no seriously) Joe Pavelski potted two more goals last night for the San Jose Sharks as they defeated their rivals the Los Angeles Kings 3-1.
I'd like to send my best wishes to Phil Kessel and his entire family. Kessel underwent cancer related surgery yesterday. Get well soon Phil!
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Atlanta 7:00 PM
The Anaheim Ducks continue their so far very successful road trip out East as they visit the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. Atlanta has a commanding lead on the Southeast division and are second only to the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference.
I've decided to begin a little contest here at Playoff Beard. It's pretty simple. Pick the player on the evening to score three goals, and join the NHL Hat Trick Club, and you will recieve a drawing of that player, or a player of your choice, drawn by yours truly. That being said...look for Sidney Crosby to join the HTC against Philadelphia tonight! Enjoy the games my friends.....and put your mother on speaker.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Last night's matchup between Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals was a reunion of sorts for sophomores Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin who battled all of last season for the Calder Trophy, which Ovechkin eventually took home.
Both superstar rookies from last season were overshadowed by Ovechkin's Russian Olympic teammate, and this year's rookie phenom, Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin. Malkin scored the game tying goal in regulation, and set up Sidney Crosby for another score. The Penguins fought back from a 4 goal defecit to tie the game and force overtime, and the eventual shootout.....a place that has not been friendly to the Penguins this season.
Malking went on to score the game winner in the shootout for the Penguins, and goaltender Marc Andre Fleury stopped the remaining two Cap shooters, after Ovechkin opened the scoring.
After the game, Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, and Olaf Kolzig both admitted they stopped playing when they recorded the 4 goal lead, and allowed the Penguins the opportunity to fight back into the game. Ovechkin set up Capitals captain Chris Clark for the second and third scores, and had a physical game for his team. Both Crosby and Malkin ended the game with a goal and assist each. Evgeni Malkin now leads all rookies in goals with 15. He has 15 helpers as well for 30 points on the year so far.
Judging by their play last night, and in recent games, it's more than fair to say that the Capitals and Penguins have an opportunity to make the post season this year. The Capitals currently sit in the final playoff spot in the East with 33 points, while the Penguins are in 9th with 31 points (currently tied with Ottawa and Toronto....and Toronto will most likely end the season with 31 points).
Quick Shave:
If you can't stand the heat. Fire the Kitchen. That's the St. Louis Blues motto. The Blues fired head coach Mike Kitchen in favor of former Los Angeles Kings coach Andy Murray, in the hopes that he can revive a team that currently sits dead last in the NHL with 18 points. The Philadelphia Flyers have waived forward Petr Nedved for the second and most certainly the last time this season. Nedved has 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists), and is a -20 rating in 21 games this season. San Jose Sharks goaltender Vesa Toskala stopped 23 shots to lift his club to a 4-0 shutout win over the Phoenix Coyotes. The third shutout for Toskala this season, and the 6th by the Sharks tandem of Nabokala.....or Toskalov. Stache's Fantasy Recommendation, Joe Pavelski scored his 5th goal in 9 games....still worth the pickup if he's in your leagues. Is it possible for the Carolina Hurricanes goalie John Grahame to start a game without letting a goal in the opening minute? Yes. Last night against the Colorado Avalanche were unable to score until the second minute of the game.....good job Johnny! The Hurricanes did eventually grab the lead 2-1 early in the third on a goal by Justin Williams (and assist by Grahame believe it or not!), but did themselves in with too many penalties. The Avalanche converted three power play opportunities to win the game 5-2. Nashville Predators rookie Alex Radulov has officially earned a spot with the big club after scoring 8 goals in his first 16 games. If he is available in your fantasy league he is definitely worth the look.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at New Jersey 7:00 PM
Columbus at Dallas 8:30 PM
Buffalo and Jersey for obvious reasons.....both teams are on top of their games. Game 2, is to see how the Blue Jackets fare against a real team. Ottawa | | |
