Home and home. Win and win for the Detroit Red Wings over the Nashville Predators. For the second straight game the Wings defeated the Predators last night 4-2 and captured another 2 points from their division and conference rivals. With those 4 points secured in the last two games, the Detroit Red Wings took sole possesion over the Central Division lead, control of the Western Conference, and now boast the best record (by way of points) in the league.

Red Wings forward Jiri Hudler (sorry boys, I don't have a portrait of the lad thus far) had a big night for his team potting two goals, including the game winner, while Nicklas Lidstrom and Kirk Maltby bookended his goals to complete the win. Dominik Hasek was in net once again, making 27 saves on the night. Detroit has owned the Predators this season defeating them 5 times now in regulation and will play them once more at the end of March.

Quick Shave:
The Pittsburgh Penguins are proving they can play with the best, and I don't think they will be the cake-walk in the post season that many predict they will be. After defeating the Sabres last night, the Pens shutout and shutdown the New Jersey Devils to the tune of a 3-0 win. Backup goalie Jocelyn Thibault made 25 saves for the shutout win. The Penguins are now just 4 points shy of the Devils and are challenging their lead for the Atlantic Division, and 6 points behind the Buffalo Sabres for the Eastern Conference lead. Who saw that? Bosh did.

Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Ottawa 7:30 PM

This is a pretty big game, and a lot of eyes will be on Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro who will be a game time decision for his club. The Islanders are teetering precariously close to the edge of not making the post season, and they will need him in net to stop the Ottawa Senators whose Heatley / Spezza line, which has been lethal. They both are carrying some ridiculous point scoring streaks right now..... will they continue. If Dunham is in net, absolutely. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh