The New York Rangers are starting to look pretty good, and I'm actually feeling pretty good about them (granted the last time I rah rah'd them they went on a 4 or 5 game slide). The reason? Larry Brooks is happy.
If you don't know this gentleman, Mr. Brooks is the N.Y. Post's chronicler of all things Rangers, and he has been for eons. His off the wall trade rumors often garner him much publicity around the league, and he is favorite of Lyle Richardson of Spector's Hockey. Larry Brooks is also without a doubt the angriest sports writer in.... well sports. Imagine the nose bleed seats of Madison Square Garden, prior to 1994, populated with a bunch of seniors 50 years of age and up (my father included), and you will not even touch the level of rage Mr. Brooks has for this Rangers team and organization. When they are playing bad, he let's you know it. When they are playing well, he claims that they can do better.... never positive, always negative, that is Larry Brooks.
Until Today. Either Mr. Brooks began celebrating New Years early, or he is genuinely excited about this club. He gushed over their comeback win last night, 4-3 over the Montreal Canadiens where Brendan Shanahan deposited the game winner in overtime. He's pleased with the performance of Chris Drury and Scott Gomez who both seem to be finding chemistry within the club. Perhaps there are good things to come? Or perhaps Larry won't make it to midnight this evening.
Quick Shave:
There's an old samurai tale that says two warriors met on the field of battle, and stood at a distance from one another. Both men had their swords drawn and stood at the ready for a period of time. FInally, one warrior sheathed his sword, bowwed to his opponent and left the pitch. Why? Because the other warrior had one the fight before it began. Such were the presence of these men, that they could achieve victory with but a stare. Why is this so significant? I watched New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur do the very same thing to Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek in the shootout Friday night. Vanek was so completely psyched out by Brodeur (he completely stoned the previous two shooters) that he misfired on the way down the ice, and really had lost the shootout before he even left mid ice. Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Buffalo 1:00 PM
The outdoor game! I've been watching the Pens and Sabres warming up (in frigid windy weather) all day today on the NHL network. This should be really special tomorrow! Enjoy the games, and have a Happy New Year!
Ray Emery is growing weary of riding the pine in Ottawa. Those are the rumors that are hemmoraging from the Canadian capital. Emery was sent home prior to today's practice for an undisclosed 'illness'. This early departure was followed by yesterday's outburst that saw Emery slamming his stick to the ice in apparent frustration over his lack of playing time. Emery has started just one of the Ottawa Senators last 8 games, and looks to have lost his starting role to goaltender Martin Gerber. Gerber has won 6 of his last 7 starts, and barring a total collapse between the pipes will be the Senators starting goalie for the immediate future.
Emery started the season recovering from wrist surgery, and was reinjured early December against the Carolina Hurricanes. While he did lead the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, his play this year has been wildly inconsistent, leaving him with a 5 and 3 record.
The Senators are humming right now, and anything standing in the way of their ultimate goal, especially an immature player, will most likely be dealt with immediately by Paddock or Murray. This is probably why he was told to take a walk today.... with a cold.
The writing was on the wall last week when the Tampa Bay Lightning brought up rookie goaltender Kari Ramo, that one of the veteran incumbents Marc Denis, or Johan Holmqvist would be on their way out. Today, Marc Denis got the nod, or the waive rather as he sent down in favor of the youngster Ramo. Denis has won just one game this season in 10 attempts, and hasn't seen the crease for the Lightning since December 19th when the Atlanta Thrashers torched him for 3 goals on 15 shots.
The waiving of Marc Denis brings an ending to one of the more disastrous trades in recent NHL memory as he was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets for winger Fredrik Modin, and goaltender Fredrik Norrena (who has been more capable in net than his counterpart Denis).
Bad news for the Colorado Avalanche as they will be without their captain Joe Sakic for longer than originally thought.
Sakic has missed the last 12 Avalanche matches while he attempted to recover from a groin related injury through rehabilitation. Unfortunately the rehad was not showing progress, thus Sakic will have to undergo hernia surgery. The recovery time period for the surgery could take up to three months.
Even at 38 years of age, Sakic still produces on a high level, and has 7 goals, and 15 assists in the 24 games he's played this season. The Avalanche have are stacked with young talent, and should be able to weather the absence of Sakic till March. The Avs are currently in the 4th seed in the Western Conference and tied for 2nd place in the Northwest Division.
Quick Shave:
Sergei Gonchar finished a game for the Pittsburgh Penguins with a - rating? Say it isn't so? Gonchar gave the Washington Capitals free passes to the net last night and was on ice for all three of their scores. Penguins forward Sidney Crosby gave Gonchar a shot at redemption (literally), and set the defenceman up the 4-3 overtime winner. The Vancouver Canucks double threat act of Henrik and Daniel Sedin had a big game last night. Henrik scored the game winner and brother Daniel put on a stunt show with a spinarama goal to beat the Miika Kiprusoff and the Calgary Flames 5-3 last night. Jarome Iginla scored a power play goal in the affair. How hot is this guy right now? Iginla has 24 goals on the season, just one behind Tampa's Vincent Lecavalier, and Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg who both lead the league with 25, and he is just 6 points behind Lecavalier's league leading 55. Iginla is carrying the Flames on his back right now.
Speaking of hot, is it me or is this season a two horse race between the Detroit Red Wings (59 points, 1st in the Western Conference) and the Ottawa Senators (54 points, 1st in the Eastern Conference)? Both clubs appear to be headed on a collision course for one another come spring. The rest of the NHL looks like a run for who can be 2nd. Detroit has a 9 point lead on the Dallas Stars, and the Ottawa Senators hold an 11 point cushion over next-best New Jersey. It's hard to imagine either club faltering and not reaching the final destination.
Jaromir Jagr asked Santa for a way to break out of his scoring slump. Being that he wasn't on the naughty list, Ole St. Nick rewarded the New York Rangers with not one but a pair of goals in their 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes last night.
The Rangers returned from their Christmas breaks with a sense of urgency last night, after going into their vacation on a very low note, dropping their final three games. The second period was especially nasty last night, as Rangers forward Colton Orr, levelled former Ranger Matt Cullen, and then threw down with Hurricanes defenceman Mike Commodore (Playoff Beard of the year runner up).
Scott Gomez assisted on both of Jagr's goals last night, and the reunion of this line after a failed early attempt at the beginning of the season appears to be bearing fruit. Gomez now has a 10 game point scoring streak. Henrik Lundqvist was stingy in net most of the night, especially later in the match, and made 20 saves for the win.
The NHL's star's shone brightly last night.... blindingly bright.
I don't know why, but the New York Rangers really tend to bring the best out in players. Unfortunately, that best usually belongs to a player on the opposing team. Last night the Rangers got a fistful of Marian Gaborik and the Minnesota Wild as they were outclassed 6-3. Gaborik put on a show for the hometown crowd scoring 5 goals and assisted on the Wild's 6th goal. The Wild scored on three power play opportunities and ruined the opening game of the Rangers pre-holiday road trip. This was the first time the Rangers visited Minnesota in 4 years. It is doubtful they are looking forward to returning there.
Sidney Crosby helped the Pittsburgh Penguins get back into the win column last night with a Gordie Howe hat trick. Crosby scored a goal, setup Evgeni Malkin for a pair, and yes, threw down for the first time in his NHL career, to lift his team to a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins. Crosby dropped the gloves with Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference during the second. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Colby Armstrong also had three assists on the night.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier broke the hearts of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time this week. Just two nights removed from a late third period collapse to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Leafs allowed a late goal by Lecavalier in the final minute of the game to lose to the Lightning 2-1. Rookie netminder Karri Ramo made 31 saves to help the Lightning to victory. Could he be the answer in net they are looking for? Keep your fantasy radar on.
Atlanta Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen is starting to rediscover his game again, after returning from his groin injury. Lehtonen made 28 saves and made Todd White's early third period (14 of saves came in the final frame) power play goal stand up to end the Ottawa Senators winning streak 3-2. Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber made 42 saves on the night, but his teammates were unable to solve Lehtonen.
Really Quick Shave:
If you didn't have enough reasons to subscribe to NHL Center Ice, here's one more.... and its a good one. The first channel of NHL Center Ice (mine is 415) is now called League Wide. League Wide essentially gives you 4 games simultaneously on one screen, while also providing the scores to the rest of the games down the left side. Now you won't have to worry about turning off that blow out game that becomes a miracle comeback in the third! That blister on my thumb from jockeying the remote to switch from game to game is actually starting to go away now as well.
It was the battle of Russia last night on the Versus Network as the Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk squared off against Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals.
At first glance I almost blew this game off because it looked to be a rout in the making. I'm glad I chose not to.
The Washington Capitals have been playing improved hockey since their head coach Glen Hanlon was dismissed and replaced with Bruce Boudreau who currently wears the interim tag. The Caps made a game of it, and kept it interesting up till the very end as Alexander Semin scored late in the game to tie it 3-3 and force overtime. The match went to a shootout where goaltender Olaf Kolzig was overpowered by the potent Wings offense (who all used the same move, a backhand) of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Jiri Hudler, who all tallied goals.
Datsyuk assisted on all three regulation scores for the Red Wings, and Tomas Holstrom scored twice in the game. Quick Shave:
What do we do with the New York Islanders forward Chris Simon. Simon has once again caught the attention of the NHL with his barbarian tactics as he brought his skate down on the Pittsburgh Penguins Jarkko Ruutu's leg Saturday night. Intent to injure was clearly obvious, and is hard to imagine him not getting handed a lengthy suspension that will be handed down sometime today. Simon just finished serving a 25 game suspension for a slash across the throat of New York Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg last year. TSN.ca published his career suspension highlights yesterday:
25 games for a high stick on Ryan Hollweg 2 games for kneeing Sergei Zubov 2 games for cross checking Ruslan Fedotenko 2 games for elbowing Anders Eriksson 1 playoff game for cross checking Peter Popovic 3 games for verbal comments directed at Mike Grier 5 games for slashing Dennis Vial
In an effort to find himself, Simon and the Islanders agreed yesterday that it would be a good idea for him to take a much needed break from the game. Not officially being suspended by the team, but it's hard to call this anything else. Charles Wang, owner of the Islanders met with Simon and also released a statement :
"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart. We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."
Whatever comes of this, it will be difficult for Simon to ressurrect his NHL career. He seems incapable of controlling himself and acting with any sense of restraint.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Edmonton 9:30 PM
The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of tying the shootout wins record set by the Dallas Stars which currently rests at 11 wins. How appropriate would it be if it came down to a shootout tonight? Enjoy the games!
The Rocket is a film that provides a window into the life and career of one of the NHL's greatest players, Maurice Richard.
The greatest of champion athletes, regardless of the sport they play often endure adversity on the way to achieving their greatness. It is difficult to imagine any player having to traverse a rougher road to glory, than Richard did. The Rocket showcases Richard's journey through his hardships and triumphs as he grew from an amatuer player into one of the greatest Canadien players to ever wear the sweater.
Richard battled to overcome a Montreal Canadiens team and city that initially deemed him to fragile, and too small to play big league hockey, then continued to transcend the prejudice against himself and other French Canadiens that was rampant throughout the league during that era. The Rocket portrayed his amazing growth as a player and a man through what had to be an impossible time for Richard.
Loaded with cameos of today's current and past NHLers including, Vincent Lecavalier, Sean Avery, Ian Lapperriere, Mike Ricci, and Stephane Quintal, the Rocket gives the viewer a brief yet powerful history lesson on the life of Maurice Richard. The Rocket is a great film for the avid NHL fan, and perhaps even greater for those unfamiliar with our game. This is truly a must see movie.
Who says the NHL needs bigger nets? If the NHL wants more offensive production, I think the solution to that is abundantly clear. Crappier goaltending.
Last night the Calgary Flames and the Tamp Bay Lightning produced a statisical bonanza, scoring a total of 15 goals. Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist was pulled after allowing 4 goals on 6 Calgary shots. His replacement Marc Denis didn't do much better allowing 4 more on the next 25 shots. Had it not been for these two gentlemen, and a third period hat trick by Flames forward Jarome Iginla, Coach Mike Keenan would probably have Miikka Kiprusoff on the trade block today.
The Lightning's top line of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Brad Richards are perhaps the best top unit in the league, but after that, the talent level on this club plummets drastically. This team has very little defence, and no goaltending. Is Coach Tortorella on the clock now?
Quick Shave:
Speaking of no goaltending. The Vancouver Canucks without Roberto Luongo are like Roger Clemens without a steroid syringe in his backside.... impotent. Come to think of it, Clemens is probably impotent now, because of the steroids.... I digress. In any case the San Jose Sharks marched over the Canucks backup tandem of Curtis Sanford and some guy I've never 5-2. The Edmonton Oilers stopped the Detroit Red Wings winning streak at 7 games last night. Oilers forward Ales Hemsky scored the only goal in the shootout to give his club the 4-3 win.
Game of the Night:
Calgary at Carolina
Buffalo at Washington
Toronto at Atlanta
Minnesota at Anaheim
Slow night tonight, but some interesting games. Will Kipper figure out how to stop the puck in Carolina? Considering Carolina hasn't scored a goal in a week, perhaps it's possible. Which Sabres team will show up in Washington? Can the Leafs continue to play at a high level as the embark on the longest road trip of the season ( a 7 gamer) against Mark Recchi and the Thrashers. Will Recchi keep it up, or was that 2 goals a fluke? Will Scott Niedermayer be back in the lineup for the first time since winning a Stanley Cup with his Anaheim Ducks? All this and more tonight! Enjoy the games!
With the first third of the season now in the books, this is usually the time of year when the war of attrition begins to take it's toll on the NHL players phsyically.
The Vancouver Canucks lost a pair this week, as their goaltender Roberto Luongo will be out of action (currently listed day to day) for the immediate future with a rib contusion, and the NHL's current Iron Man Brendan Morrison will end his streak of consecutive games played at 542 as he undergoes wrist surgery this week. The Canucks were beginning to get their game together after a slow start and made a push to the top of the Northwest Division. Obviously losing Luongo for any period of time is a crushing blow to this team, as he is the cornerstone of the franchise. Markus Naslund who has rediscovered his game back on a line with the dancing Sedins will have to continue his great play to weather Luongo's absence.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be doing without the services of their number one goaltender also as Marc-Andre Fleury will be out of the lineup for most of the next two months with a high ankle sprain. Fleury was injured on the Pens Western Canadia trip against the Calgary Flames. The injury comes at a time where many were questioning Fleury's ability in net to truly be their number one keeper, and rumors were abound that the Pens might be looking at signing veteran Curtis Joseph as a backup. For now, backup Dany Sabourin will have to shoulder the load.
The San Jose Sharks sent forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Jeremy Roenick to the land of the injured reserve list this week. Cheechoo sustained a groin injury against the Buffalo Sabres last weekend. Cheechoo had off-season hernia surgery, and has obviously not recovered fully. Jeremy Roenick who has experience a rebirth with the Sharks this season will be out of the lineup with a knee injury.
Quick Shave:
How about Mark Recchi? Placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins and picked up by the Atlanta Thrashers on re-entry waivers, Recchi played his first game with his new club this season, and the results were very positive. Recchi scored twice for the Thrashers last night in a losing effort as they fell to the Boston Bruins 5-3. Bruins new goaltender Alex Auld won his third straight for the club making 23 saves. If he's available in your fantasy leagues, grab the kid, and ride him while he's hot. Ryan Miller made 28 saves last night for the Buffalo Sabres as they defeated the New York Islanders 5-3. Jason Pominville had three assists, Maxim Afinogenov had a pair of helpers, and Ales Kotalik recorded a goal and an assist. For the Sabres to return to the dance, they need all of these guys to play like this night in and out. The New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan did all he could to get his team back in the game last night against the Washington Capitals last night. In the third period Shanny setup Straka for a score, and then tied the game himself 4-4. In overtime however he lost his edge, and the Caps took a two on one down the ice where Mike Green deposited the game winner. The Ottawa Senators have their game back. They thumped the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 last night thanks to a Dany Heatley who had a pair of goals, and 31 save performance by Martin Gerber. Goaltender Ray Emery left in the first period because he felt soreness in his hip. No word yet on how badly injured he was but it was said by Sens officials that he could have returned in an emergency (a Gerber collapse).
The Boston Bruins have themselves another new goaltender.... welcome Alex Auld everyone! Auld joins Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez, and Tuuka Rask in what is now the most heavily populated crease in the NHL.
Since being scooped up from the Phoenix Coyotes off of waivers (a casualty of the Ilya Bryzgalov acquisition), Auld has been near flawless in net for the Bruins. In his second straight game, Auld made 44 saves to help his new club to a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Auld made 25 saves to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night 2-1 (ending the Leafs win streak) in his first game wearing black and gold. He will have ample opportunity in Boston to showcase his stuff as Tim Thomas recovers from a groin injury. Marc Savard had a big game for the Bruins, scoring one goal and assisting on another.
So what is up with the Buffalo Sabres? Yes they lost two huge players in Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to unrestricted free agency, but they weren't the only reason the Sabres made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, were they? What's happened to Maxim Afinogenov? What happened to Thomas Vanek? Miller anyone? Perhaps this team is coming off a playoff hangover of sorts and has had a slow start? The Sabres were the class of the NHL last season, and rode the pole position for most of the year... now they are just 3 points removed from being the worst team in the NHL. MEDIC!
Quick Shave:
A night after having their nine game winning streak snapped by Brendan Shanahan and the New York Rangers, the New Jersey Devils started a new streak, by losing their second in a row last night, this time to the Washington Capitals 3-2. Jason Blake looks like he may be finding the scoring touch that landed him a lucrative free agent contract and a shiny new address in Toronto. Blake scored (along with twin towers Mats Sundin, and Nik Antropov... among others) and helped the Toronto Maple Leafs hammer the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1. Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger scored an overtime winner to help his club to a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (who aren't the pushovers they once were). The Los Angeles Kings sophomore center Anze Kopitar was one of the NHL's three stars last week, and it's great to see the kid finally getting some recognition. I've been watching Kopitar since last season (in a purely heterosexual manner mind you) and even picked him up on one of my fantasy rosters then (this year he was a no brainer pick). Kopitar was over shadowed by Evgeni Malkin's rookie campaign last year, but has continued to roll in his second season. He had 8 points last week, and is currently riding a six game point scoring streak (7 after tonight), and has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) on the year. His defensive game still needs some improvement, but that is something every player on the Kings really should address. The Kings have their work cut out for them if they want to make the post season (and keep me from looking like an ass... although my Flyers pick is still holding water).
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
After laying waste to Western Canada, the Pittsburgh Penguins return home to Pennsylvania for a nice rivalry matchup against Flyers. Enjoy the games!
What a difference a week can make. It wasn't long ago that all of Leafs Nation was calling for the head of Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson (some may be still...) but now the gang up North has reason to celebrate. The Toronto Maple Leafs won their fourth straight game last night over a very sluggish New York Rangers club 6-2.
The Leafs have been offensively gifted all season, but their play on the defensive side of the puck was lacking. In the past 4 games, their goaltender Vesa Toskala who the club acquired from the San Jose Sharks over the summer has been playing like the number one netminder they had hoped he would be. Leafs forward Nik Antropov recorded his second career NHL Hat Trick, and helped chase New York Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist. Mats Sundin also scored in the win.
The Rangers after starting the season with great goaltending and stingy defense have now surrendered 10 goals in their last 2 games. I definitely jinxed them after their win over Ottawa last Saturday... but their is a bright side. Toskala and Antropov are on my fantasy team!
Quick Shave: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier scored again... blah blah blah. This guy is definitely making his bid for the NHL Hart Trophy this year. Lecavalier potted his 19th of the year, and helped the Lightning to a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Newly annointed number one goaltender Carey Price made 24 saves to lift the Montreal Canadiens over the Boston Bruins 4-2 last night. I wonder what kind of goaltending controversy there will be in Montreal if Price goes on a lengthy win streak while incumbent number one Cristobal Huet recovers from his groin pull. Can anyone say trade rumors? Daniel Sedin scored a pair last night as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins tour of Canada continues to roll on with success. The Pens battled back to tie the game late on a short handed goal by Ryan Malone, then went on to defeat the Calgary Flames in an extra round shoot out 3-2. As I write this the Los Angeles Kings have a modest 7-0 lead over the Buffalo Sabres (so far, everyone in a Kings uniform has scored), and my desire to watch the rest of the match.... well it's gone. With my luck, Buffalo will win 8-7.
It's official folks. After months of debate, and speculation the Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke announced last night that defenceman Scott Niedermayer will be returning to their lineup and the NHL.
Niedermayer spent the summer and the beginning of the season flirting with retirement, but over the past month began training and obviously the fire to compete still rages within. The Ducks may have to make some roster moves to accomodate Niedermayer and the roughly $4 million remaining of his salary this year. Rumors will begin flying again as Matthieu Schneider who was acquired by the Ducks over the summer via free agency (a move Burke made anticipating the possible retirement of Niedermayer) may be the odd man out and the subject of trades.
The Ducks can really use the boost that Niedermayer will bring to their lineup as they are currently a shadow of their Championship club a year ago, and sit 11th in the Western Conference. Help is on the way boys! Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators finally snapped their losing skid last night, dropping the Florida Panthers 5-4. Panthers captain Olli Jokinen made things interesting scoring with 13 seconds left in the game (his second of the evening), but the Sens managed to hold on to the rare win. The New Jersey Devils, on the other hand are probably the hottest team in the NHL right now, and are actually finding it impossible to lose these days (however, now that I've mentioned, I've probably doomed them to a lenghtly slide). The Devils grinded out a 4-3 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on a goal by former captain Patrik Elias, his second of the evening. Ironically the Devils announced their new captain Jamie Langenbrunner, just prior to the match, with very little fanfare. Devils forward Zach Parise scored twice in the match, his 11th and 12th of the year.
Well this didn't take long. Calgary Flames coach Mike Keenan has fired his first shot across the bow of the team via the press.... this verbal barb aimed directly at their goaltender Miika Kiprusoff.
"Let's call a spade a spade," Keenan said Saturday. "We should have better goaltending. Period. If we had, we'd be rewarded with a victory tonight." (pulled from TSN.ca) After losing their fourth straight game, Keenan wasted little time and jumped to the motivational tactics that have made him one of the more vilified coaches in the league. It wasn't long ago (actually it was over a decade) that Keenan wore out his welcome in St. Louis and attempted trade Brett Hull (the then cornerstone of the Blues franchise), and his coaching style while often achieving results early, tend to earn him an exit rather than praise.
Kiprusoff, who won the Vezina for best regular season goaltender last year, took his coach's comments on the chin, and agreed that he needed to improve his play. He better or Keenan may start insisting the keeper be dealt (which will in turn get him yet another coaching pink slip).
Quick Shave:
The Carolina Hurricanes knocked the New York Rangers down a peg after their big victory over Ottawa on Saturday. The Hurricanes themselves looked to bounce back after being throttled by the Buffalo Sabres 8-1.... sheesh, and did just that. Hurricanes keeper Cam Ward made 28 saves to record the 4-0 shutout win for his team, and Matt Cullen returned to the Garden for the first time since being traded this summer and potted two assists. Is Carey Price the new number one goaltender in Montreal? For the time being the answer is yes. Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cristobal Huet is out indefinitely with a pulled groin, thus pushing Price up the depth chart. Last season's backup Jaroslav Halak was also called up to backup Price with Huet out. Keep an eye on this, as it could be a prelude to a trade if the duo finds themselves capable of shouldering the load in Huet's absence.
Statement? Perhaps. However it's no question that both the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are travelling in opposite directions since last time they met. Yesterday's meeting however was top to bottom controlled by the New York Rangers. The superstars contributed (Brendan Shanahan - 2 goals, Jaromir Jagr - 1 goal, Marcell Hossa - 2 assists, Martin Straka and Scott Gomez 1 assist each, Henrik Lundqvist - 31 saves), and the role players did their jobs, none more so than Colton Orr, the Rangers tough guy who refused to be baited into a fight by Chris McGrattan, or Dany Heatley. The Rangers are beginning to look like the club that most expected them to be after this past summers free agent spending frenzy.
The Ottawa Senators who came out of the gates in October sharp, have looked anything but dropping their sixth straight 5-2 yesterday to the Rangers. They didn't necessarily look flat yesterday, but they do have the hints of a team that has lost their confidence. This is personified by the fact that their strong goaltending provided by Martin Gerber has all but dried up. The great goalies in this league will often be able to weather the storm for their teams if they start slow, and unfortunately Gerber was unable to answer the call. Ray Emery took over for Gerber in the second after he allowed 3 goals on 12 shots, and allowed a goal himself in the second. Ottawa will certainly be questioning it's goaltending over the coming weeks, and unfortunately will be unable to much about it. Gerber's stock has dropped, and his salary makes him unmovable (however a few weeks ago, there may have been a few takers). The Senators are still an incredibly talented team, and I doubt this current slump will continue much longer. Every team faces adversity, it's how they deal with it that matters.
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Minnesota 6:00 PM
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has not surrendered a goal in over three games, roughly 193 minutes of perfect hockey. Luongo will look to extend his streak against the Minnesota Wild tonight, and a very hot Marion Gaborik who has scored in three straight games. The Wild and Canucks are tied for the Northwest Division lead, so this is definitely your game of the night. Enjoy the games!
The Colorado Avalanche's right wing, and enforcer Scott Parker has one of the finest playoff beards this side of George Parros. While the NHL enforcer is a position that has come under much scrutiny over past few seasons (by a bunch of nancy's that wish to take the man out of our game), Parker works nightly to not only fill his role on the club, but also provide the Avalanche with outstanding Playoff Beard depth.
Congratulations to the Colorado Avalanche's Scott Parker for being being the Playoff Beard of the Month for November!
Is there anything better than turning on a tie game at the beginning of the third period? Most definitely not (especially if your other option is a 6-0 Blackhawks blowout of the Coyotes in the second period).
The St. Louis Blues, who like many also-rans last season are in the midst of a rebirth right now, and are a fun team to watch, went into the third tied 2-2 with the Minnesota Wild, a team that is also alot of fun to watch even though they are criticized for being a trapping team. Regardless of their styles of play, this game was back and forth for the next twenty, and was loaded with quality scoring chances, odd man rushes, short handed opportunities and spilled beer. Blues keeper Manny Legace, and Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom both put on a clinic ( i hate that phrase even though it accurately describes their play) and kept the game scoreless to force overtime.
A costly turnover by the Blues (an errant drop pass that was missed) was scooped up by Minnesota Wild forward Marion Gaborik and a two on one quickly developed. Gaborik looked pass the whole way and roofed the puck past Legaces right shoulder to give the Wild the 3-2 overtime victory. Just outstanding.
Quick Shave:
While the GM's meet in California desperate to find a new way to produce more offence in their game, New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur continues to deny it. Brodeur made 27 saves last night to record his 94th career shutout win 4-0 over the Montreal Canadiens. The win broke Terry Sawchuck's record for most combined shutouts in the regular season and playoffs. Brodeur continues to climb towards his spot as the best goaltender in the NHL ever. Devils forward Zach Parise recorded his first ever NHL hat trick last night and set Brian Gionta up for another. Sidney Crosby had a 2 goal night last night and more than helped the well rested Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-1 over the Dallas Stars.... who have cooled off after ripping off 6 straight wins following their front office house cleaning. The Chicago Blackhawks. It's time to take notice of this club. Currently they sit in 4th place overall in the West and continue to ride their young guns, Jonathan Toews (goal and 2 assists last night) and Patrick Kane (two assists) to victory after victory. The Blackhawks chased the Phoenix Coyotes new goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov midway through the first period after torching him for 5 goals. Interesting point brought up by my buddy Jeff, is that the Blackhawks have owned the Detroit Red Wings this year.... lest you think they can only defeat the bottom feeders. I think it's safe to say this team is for real.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Toronto 7:00 PM
Chicago at St. Louis 8:30 PM
Two of the top teams in the East go to battle. This game scares the crap out of me as a Ranger fan. The Senators are due, and having lost 5 straight will be playing with a huge chip today.... I doubt they will drop 6 in a row, so the Rangers will definitely have their work cut out for them. The late game of choice is Crosby visiting the hockey capital, and whenever that happens, he puts on a show. Take a look at the Blackhawks and Blues.... two young teams that you will be hearing alot about this year.
The New York Rangers are starting to look pretty good, and I'm actually feeling pretty good about them (granted the last time I rah rah'd them they went on a 4 or 5 game slide). The reason? Larry Brooks is happy.
Ray Emery is growing weary of riding the pine in Ottawa. Those are the rumors that are hemmoraging from the Canadian capital. Emery was sent home prior to today's practice for an undisclosed 'illness'. This early departure was followed by yesterday's outburst that saw Emery slamming his stick to the ice in apparent frustration over his lack of playing time. Emery has started just one of the Ottawa Senators last 8 games, and looks to have lost his starting role to goaltender Martin Gerber. Gerber has won 6 of his last 7 starts, and barring a total collapse between the pipes will be the Senators starting goalie for the immediate future.
The writing was on the wall last week when the Tampa Bay Lightning brought up rookie goaltender Kari Ramo, that one of the veteran incumbents Marc Denis, or Johan Holmqvist would be on their way out. Today, Marc Denis got the nod, or the waive rather as he sent down in favor of the youngster Ramo. Denis has won just one game this season in 10 attempts, and hasn't seen the crease for the Lightning since December 19th when the Atlanta Thrashers torched him for 3 goals on 15 shots.
Bad news for the Colorado Avalanche as they will be without their captain Joe Sakic for longer than originally thought.
Quick Shave:
I hope everyone had an excellent Holiday.
The NHL's star's shone brightly last night.... blindingly bright.
Sidney Crosby helped the Pittsburgh Penguins get back into the win column last night with a Gordie Howe hat trick. Crosby scored a goal, setup Evgeni Malkin for a pair, and yes, threw down for the first time in his NHL career, to lift his team to a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins. Crosby dropped the gloves with Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference during the second. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Colby Armstrong also had three assists on the night.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier broke the hearts of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time this week. Just two nights removed from a late third period collapse to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Leafs allowed a late goal by Lecavalier in the final minute of the game to lose to the Lightning 2-1. Rookie netminder Karri Ramo made 31 saves to help the Lightning to victory. Could he be the answer in net they are looking for? Keep your fantasy radar on.
Atlanta Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen is starting to rediscover his game again, after returning from his groin injury. Lehtonen made 28 saves and made Todd White's early third period (14 of saves came in the final frame) power play goal stand up to end the Ottawa Senators winning streak 3-2. Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber made 42 saves on the night, but his teammates were unable to solve Lehtonen.
It was the battle of Russia last night on the Versus Network as the Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk squared off against Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals.
Who says the NHL needs bigger nets? If the NHL wants more offensive production, I think the solution to that is abundantly clear. Crappier goaltending.
Quick Shave:
'Tis the season..... 
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be doing without the services of their number one goaltender also as Marc-Andre Fleury will be out of the lineup for most of the next two months with a high ankle sprain. Fleury was injured on the Pens Western Canadia trip against the Calgary Flames. The injury comes at a time where many were questioning Fleury's ability in net to truly be their number one keeper, and rumors were abound that the Pens might be looking at signing veteran Curtis Joseph as a backup. For now, backup Dany Sabourin will have to shoulder the load.
The Boston Bruins have themselves another new goaltender.... welcome Alex Auld everyone! Auld joins Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez, and Tuuka Rask in what is now the most heavily populated crease in the NHL.
It's official folks. After months of debate, and speculation the Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke announced last night that defenceman Scott Niedermayer will be returning to their lineup and the NHL.
Well this didn't take long. Calgary Flames coach Mike Keenan has fired his first shot across the bow of the team via the press.... this verbal barb aimed directly at their goaltender Miika Kiprusoff.
Quick Shave:
This one is pretty much a no-brainer.
Quick Shave:
