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