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The high skilled, high profile, and high paid players of the NHL emerged last night in a big way... well most of them did anyway.
 In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In New York, the Rangers prized forward Marion Gaborik scored two quick goals and snatch a 4-3 victory from the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also became the first to keep Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin off the score sheet.
The Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek scored a late power play goal to help his club to a 2-1 victory over the unstoppable Phoenix Coyotes.
 In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The Calgary Flames remained undefeated last night as they tied the Edmonton Oilers 3-3 with little more than a second remaining in the game, then went on to complete the comeback win 4-3 on an Olli Jokinen shootout goal.
Quick Shave:
The New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings picked up their first victories of the season, and the Pittsburgh Penguins shut down the Philadelphia Flyers handing them their first defeat of the season. The panic around the league, especially in Canada regarding the slow starts that some of their clubs have gotten off to is borderline hilarious. The Canucks, Red Wings, and Sharks all got off to horrendous starts, and many of the NHL's elite goaltenders have had games they'd love to forget. Speculation about what Steve Yzerman will do regarding Team Canada's goaltending because of the awful play of Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward has many leaning towards Steve Mason.
I say to everyone... RELAX. The season is barely a week old. For you fans of teams that have stumbled out of the gate... it's ok... your clubs will get going. On the flip side, you fans of clubs who've rocketed out to a fast start.... don't get overly excited because it could come to a crashing halt. Enjoy your beer, and your hockey my friends, this is just the beginning.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin came to play last night and walked all over the Boston Bruins.
Ovechkin assisted early on a tally by Brooks Laich and scored twice more to help the Caps to an easy 4-1 win and paying immediate dividends to Fantasy Managers who were lucky enough to nab him.
The Montreal Canadiens rallied late to force overtime and eventually steal a 4-3 victory from the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. New Habs additions Mike Cammalleri (2 assists) and Brian Gionta (1 goal ) helped their new club to the opening night victory. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta looked to be quickly rediscovering the chemistry they once had in New Jersey a few seasons ago. On that note... seeing Gomez in a Montreal Canadiens sweater is going to take some getting used to... especially considering I was just getting used to him wearing a New York Rangers jersey.
The biggest surprise last night had to be the San Jose Sharks... and how badly they crapped the bed. The Colorado Avalanche honored Joe Sakic by raising his number to the rafters of the Pepsi Center, then soundly defeating the Sharks 5-2. The only Shark that seemed to show up last night was Patrick Marleau who potted both goals for San Jose and is clearly showing now ill-effects to having his captaincy removed and handed off to defenceman Rob Blake. The Colorado Avalanche looked a much younger and faster club than the Sharks that looked like they were coming off a playoff hangover.
The Calgary Flames defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-3 last night, they're first opening night victory in 6 years. Flames goaltender made 39 saves to help his club to the win.
Quick Shave:
Brendan Shanahan removed himself for the New Jersey Devils lineup yesterday, announcing that he felt that he could not play at a level that he wanted to. I gotta give massive credit to Shanahan who could have coasted and just collected his paycheck for the season, but rather chose not to disrespect his club, the NHL or his legacy. Good man.
Couple of early afternoon deliveries arriving today from Europe as Florida Panther open up their season against the Chicago Blackhawks (I believe in Stockholm) and the Detroit Red Wings follow up against the St. Louis Blues in Helsinki... although those cities could be reversed... hard to say. Todays games get started at noon!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Been a big week for some of the NHL's all time greats.
Theo Fleury attempted a comeback after a 6 year hiatus from the NHL with the Calgary Flames. Fleury put up 4 points in 4 games with the club that had originally drafted him, but on Friday, the 41 year old was cut from the roster. Monday, an emotional Fleury formally announced his retirement from the NHL as a Calgary Flame.
Mats Sundin followed suit by doing the same early this morning at a press conference held in Sweden. After 18 season in the NHL Sundin ended any speculation of a possible return by announcing his retirement. Sundin came back midway through the 2009 season to play with the Vancouver Canucks.
Both players were dominant at their respective positions, and in my opinion will both be inducted into the Hall of Fame when the time comes.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Flaming Bertuzzi. A cocktail made from exotic top shelf liquors, or a finishing move employed by professional cage fighters? You decide.
Yesterday was the day of the veterans... or a day for the veterans. A week after the initial free agent signing explosion, the older players who flew under the radar have begun to get scooped up. Todd Bertuzzi, was signed by the Cagary Flames to a one year deal worth $1.95 million, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Mark Recchi to a one year deal worth $1.25 million, and the Minnesota Wild acquired forward Owen Nolan for two years at $2.75 million per season. Center Brendan Morrison is close to finalizing a deal that will bring him to the Anaheim Ducks.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman put an end to the feud (much to our dismay) between Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke, and Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe yesterday, a few days after Lowe finally shot back after a years worth of Burke's verbal barbs. Got to give Lowe a ton of credit, as he really ripped Burke, and gave me some new perspective on the guy. Maybe the Leafs should think twice before annointing him the savior of their franchise, he may leave it in worse shape than it already is. Isn't it funny how Bettman had to step in, after Lowe shot back? Little favoritism for Burke there? Me thinks there is!
The NHL is close to finalizing the third Winter Classic, which would reportedly be held at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The outdoor match would be between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings on New Years Day. The last two have been great, and I really hope that this becomes an annual event.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Calgary Flames stunned the San Jose Sharks last night taking game 1 and home ice advantage.
The Flames defeated the Sharks 3-2. Flames forward Stephane Yelle scored two goals, and goaltender Miika Kiprusoff made 37 saves against his former club to take the 1-0 series lead into tonight's Game 2 matchup. Defenceman Dion Phaneuf rounded out the scoring for the Flames.
Sharks forward Ryan Clowe who missed most of the regular season on the IR provided both goals for the Sharks. His line along with Patrick Marleau seemed to be the only one that consistently gave the Flames headaches during the game.
Quick Shave:
Home Ice Advantage didn't mean much last night to the Colorado Avalanche as they defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 last night in overtime. Joe Sakic scored roughly midway through the first period of extra time (his 8th career overtime playoff goal) to give the Avs the series lead 1-0. Game 2 is Friday night.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Calgary Flames signed their franchise defenceman Dion Phaneuf to a long-term contract yesterday worth $39 million.
Phaneuf will recieve roughly $6.5 million a year for the next 6 seasons and avoid becoming a restricted free agent. The fear was, for the Flames anyway, that if Phaneuf reached free-agency he would have been bombarded with offer sheets from around the league, an occurrence that has become more commonplace in the new salary cap era of the NHL. Like many teams around the league this year, the Flames chose to lock up their defenceman rather than lose him this summer.
Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators will get a shot in the arm tonight as they welcome back winger Dany Heatley after spending a month on the IR nursing a separated shoulder. Heatley is expected to play tonight when the Senators face off against the Florida Panthers. The Senators have won only three of their last eleven games without Heatley in the lineup.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Edmonton Oiler recieved some devestating news yesterday, that they would be without their leading scorer Shawn Horcoff for the remainder of the season. Horcoff has been playing through a shoulder injury all year that was aggrivated during his All Star appearance after a collision with Daniel Alfredsson. An MRI revealed a tear in the shoulder and that it would require season ending surgery.
Rather than bask in dissapointment, the Oilers took it to the Calgary Flames last night, and former Edmonton netminder Curtis Joseph, who made his debut for the Flames last night after recently being signed. Fernando Pisani, Dustin Penner, Ales Hemsky, Steve Staios and Sam Gagner combined for 5 unanswered goals, and Oilers keeper Mathieu Garon made 24 saves to complete the 5-0 shutout victory.
Joseph allowed all 5 goals on 28 shots, and recieved no offensive support from his new club. The Calgary Flames are another team swirling in trade rumors. They are expected to announce the signing of their franchise defenceman Dion Phaneuf to a contract extension soon, and have been rumored to be looking for a trade partner for winger Alex Tanguay. Tanguay has a no-trade clause, so moving the under-achieving winger will be difficult, if not impossible.
 Quick Shave:
Things are very tight in the Eastern Conference. Nine points separate first place Ottawa (68 points) from 8th place Boston (59 points). The Atlantic Division is a log jam now, after the New Jersey Devils come from behind victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 last night. The Devils tied the game in the third with two quick goals in the third from Patrik Elias and David Clarkson, and Zach Parise iced the game early in overtime for the win. The Devils are now tied with the Philadelpia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Division lead with 63 points.
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Dallas
The Vancouver Canucks are on the outside looking in right now, and go up against the red hot Dallas Stars, who are second only to the Detroit Red Wings in the West. If the Canucks want an invite to the big dance this would be the game to begin lobbying for it. Enjoy the games.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 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!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 No seriously? Where have the Flames been for the past two games? They weren't in Detroit yesterday afternoon. When Chicken Parm says he's apalled with your lack of performance..... that's not too good boys.
Well Miika Kiprusoff showed up, but unfortunately he was left out to dry by his teammates. In two games against the Detroit Red Wings, the Calgary Flames have allowed 99 shots on their goaltender. Kiprusoff faced 21 in a first period last night that seemed as though the Flames were on a perpetual penalty kill. Detroit opened up a two goal lead in the first on goals by Pavel Datsyuk, and Nicklas Lidstrom and pretty much left the Flames behind once again (there was a slight gleam of hope early in the second when Dion Phaneuf scored early in the second, but when your team only manages to take 15 shots on Dominik Hasek.... you may as well not take any).
Valtteri Filppula scored on a Johan Franzen rebound and sealed the 3-2 win for the Detroit Red Wings in the third. The Red Wings head to Calgary with a 2-0 series lead for Game 3. Maybe that's where the Flames are hiding?
Quick Shave:
Looks my Minnesota Wild upset of the Anaheim Ducks was a brilliant pick (unless the Wild run the table, which could be part of my plan.....). The Anaheim Ducks stifled the Wild 2-1 last night to take a 3-0 series lead and are set to go for the sweep on Tuesday night. Ducks keeper Ilya Bryzgalov made 19 saves for the win, and has been very steady for his club in the post season. Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco (he made 35 saves last night) blanked the Vancouver Canucks for 5 straight periods but they finally broke through late last night. Jan Bulis scored for the Canucks to tie the game in the third, and force overtime once again. Taylor Pyatt wrapped up the game less than eight minutes in to give the Canucks the 2-1 overtime win, and a 2-1 series lead. The Ottawa Senators bounced back hard, and bounced the Pittsburgh Penguins to the tune of a 4-2 win, and 2-1 series lead last night. Marc-Andre Fleury allowed 4 goals on 25 shots last night, and at times looked ordinary. I wonder if the young goaltender is succumbing to the pressure of the post season? Would Thibault be an upgrade at this point?
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:00 PM
Playoff Hockey is great. I'm salivating just looking at all of these matchups. I expect Martin Brodeur to be dominant tonight after being anything but in Game 2. The Islanders should expect to face a very inspired Sabres team tonight in Uniondale. Nashville and San Jose will be just outstanding. I hope that series goes to a game 7. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 I had a feeling the Red Wings would be ready for this series..... but I don't think anyone including the Flames could have anticipated the onslaught they brought to the ice last night.
Calgary Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was hammered with 46 shots, 4 of which travelled past him (which really for him isn't too bad, but it says little for the Flames defencemen.... where were you guys?). The Red Wings out played, and physically abused the Flames all night. Defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom scored the second goal of the game and the game winner. Pavel Datsyuk scored ending a 26 game goaless streak in the playoffs (what a monkey to get off your back huh?), and Dominik Hasek was solid, even though he really didn't need to be. He made 19 saves for the 4-1 win. Detroit takes the 1-0 series lead into Sunday's Game 2.
Congratulations also to Chris Chelios for playing in his record setting 22nd time in the playoffs, which surpassed Ray Borque's record of 21 post-seasons. Chelios also became the second oldest player to play in the post season last night, behind only Gordie Howe.
 Quick Shave:
The New York Islanders may get Rick DiPietro back for Game 2, and his return probably couldn't come at a better time. The Islanders hung tough with the Buffalo Sabres for two periods, mostly because of the solid goaltending of Wade Dubielewicz, until Buffalo broke the game open in the third winning 4-1. Sabres Chris Drury scored two goals, and Brian Campbell (Sam, you asked for his portrait....and Bosh delivered for ya! Enjoy sir!) bookended those scores, with two goals of his own. Tim Connolly who just returned to action after missing all but the final two games of the season with a concussion set up Campbell's first score. The Buffalo Sabres take the 1-0 series lead. The New York Rangers won their first playoff game in a decade last night as they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 4-3 and take the 1-0 series lead. The Rangers really came out swinging, but I was very impressed with the Thrashers as the continued to comeback, and nearly potted the game tying goal with less than a minute to remain in the game. The Rangers pounded playoff rookied Kari Lehtonen with 38 shots. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 last night to take game 1 and the 1-0 series lead. While Tampa Bay's big guns of Martin St. Louis (1 goal, 1 assist), and Vincent Lecavalier (2 goals) both produced for their club, it was their goaltending that let them down. Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist allowed 5 goals on 24 shots. New Jersey Devils sophomore Zach Parise (who has blossomed into a star this season) scored two goals including the game winner.
Playoff Beard Fan of the Month
I got an email yesterday from our good friend Alison in Cincinatti, a big supporter of the Buffalo Sabres, and the playoff beard. I will let her email to me do the talking:
"so um.... this is a strange one for ya.
i come from niagara falls, ny so needless to say my entire family is hopelessly devoted to the sabres. my older brother and i live in cincinnati now, which is horrible for hockey season. long story short, i made a drunken bet with my older brother and now i have playoff pits. yeah...its gross, but i said i was gonna do it, and now that its game one of the series, i'm past the point of no return. anyway, i thought that you'd appreciate this story of the female dedication to the game. even though ya know..chicks with hairy armpits...ugh...
GO SABRES!!!!!!
alison"
Now that is what I call fan support! Well done Alison!
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Nashville 8:00 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 9:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM
Game 2's abound, Western style! A great friday night, and no need to hold up on the beer, or go to bed early and miss a long overtime game if it should happen again! WOO HOO! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla joined the NHL Hat Trick Club for the first time this season and helped lead his team to a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
The Flames lit up Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who's been rock solid for his team of late, scoring on both shots they took on him. Josh Harding replaced Backstrom and allowed two more.
The Calgary Flames have now won 5 in a row and opened a 7 point lead over the Colorado Avalanche for the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference. Barring total self destruction, the Flames have secured their post season berth. The Flames also moved within 4 points of the Western Conference's 98 point triumvirate. The Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild, all sitting in 5th, 6th and 7th. The Minnesota Wild who had been on a ridiculous 9 game winning run, have now dropped two straight and fallen behind the now dominant Vancouver Canucks.
Quick Shave:
The Detroit Red Wings refuse to give up that President's Trophy. Todd Bertuzzi assisted on both Red Wing goals and helped them defeat the Nashville Predators 2-1. The win puts them in a three way tie for the top spot again with the same Predators and the Buffalo Sabres. The Atlanta Thrashers stole the extra point from the Toronto Maple Leafs on a late overtime goal by Slava Kozlov. The Thrashers took the game 3-2 and extended their lead over Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay. The Leafs find themselves 1 point outside of the playoffs with 85. The Vancouver Canucks. I can't believe how good this team has become. The Canucks defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is now two wins shy of tying Bernie Parent's record of 47 in a season. The Kings debuted their rookie defenseman Jack Johnson last night. Johnson had one shot on net and finished a -1 rating for the night, he also was he recipient of a Jan Bulis check that upended the young defenceman. Ummm, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the Atlantic Division leaders. Yeah. After defeating the Boston Bruins 4-2 last night, the Penguins moved in to sole possession of the Atlantic and second overall in the Eastern Conference. I would love to say I predicted this, but wow! These kids are on fire. Sidney Crosby had three assists on the night and now has 116 points for the season.
 Game of the Night:
Montreal at Ottawa 7:30 PM
NY Islanders at Buffalo 8:00 PM
A good ole fashion Canadian style matchup. I hope that Center Ice broadcasts the game in French too, by the second period I usually understand what they are saying, and by the third (after 14 or so Labatts) I'm speaking the language fluently. The Habs look to continue their 5 game winning streak!The Islanders have a tough match against the Sabres as Ted Nolan returns to his old digs again. The Islanders may have DiPietro in the lineup tonight. Apparently the boys from the New York Hockey Report (a pretty cool local broadcast that airs prior to the Face Off Hockey Show) said that TSN over exaggerated the status of DiPietro's injuries (regarding his post concussion syndrome) and he may be between the pipes this evening. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Eastern Conference is tearing a page from the Western Conference regular season finish last year, as 5 teams battle for the final 2 playoff spots.
The New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders are all separated by one point in the Standings. Huge wins last night for the Leafs and the Habs have them tied for 8th in the Eastern Conference with the Carolina Hurricanes. In fact all five of these teams have been battling so hard for their playoff lives, that they now have the Tampa Bay Lightning in sight, who site 6th in the East with 84 points.
The Toronto Maple Leafs moved into 8th place after an emotional yet close match against the New Jersey Devils. The last time the teams met, Tomas Kaberle was lost for an indefinite period after an apparent late hit by Devils tough guy Cam Janssen. The Leafs Wade Belak and Devils Cam Janssen had themselves an old fashioned donnybrook.... they are actually still fighting now. After quenching their thirst for revenge the Leafs got down to business and collected their two points for the win, by defeating the Devils 2-1. Goaltender Andrew Raycroft bested Martin Brodeur by one save, as they both faced 25 shots, and Leafs Captain Mats Sundin added two assists on the night for his 900th point in the blue and white. Congrats Mats..... that rhymes! I'm good. Sundin has been a point streak of late, so if you in the fantasy playoffs, make certain you are starting him.
 The Habs followed suit, and collected a much needed two points over the Boston Bruins (who are also fighting for a playoff spot, but are rapidly losing ground) with a 1-0 victory. Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 30 saves for his first NHL shutout, and rookie forward Guillaum Latendresse scored the lone goal and game winner late in the second to complete the win. One of the scary things about the Canadiens this season has been their lack of offense. Do you realize their leading goal scorer is defenceman Sheldon Souray with 24 goals? Scarier still, is that he is so focused on his goal scoring for his team that his defensive responsibilities have been neglected, and has collected a -23 rating for the year. I love defenseman that score (that sounds questionable) but not at the cost of defense. I digress... in any case the Habs are keeping pace with the East's playoff hungry and are now tied for 8th.
The Calgary Flames had a fire lit under them last night. It's called the Colorado Avalanche. With their lead in the standings diminishing, the Flames took it to the Detroit Red Wings last night (who are tied for the second best record in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, and just a point shy of the Nashville Predators who own the one spot with 100 points) for the 2-1 win. Goaltender Dominik Hasek attempted to draw a penalty with some theatrics but failed, and it cost him and the Wings a goal. What's funny is his explanation:
'Somebody bumped me in the head, I don't know it if was my teammate or their player, and I fell down on my back,'' the 42-year-old goaltender said. ''I was a little bit confused, I didn't know what was going on and before I got up, they scored that goal.'' (from TSN.ca)
and Red Wings Coach Mike Babcocks retort:
'It wasn't interference at all. Our goalie tried to draw the penalty and he dove and they shot it in the net,'' Babcock said bluntly. ''The bottom line is embellishment is something that happens in our games, probably too much, and when you try and draw a penalty and they shoot it in our net, it's a tough one.'' (from TSN.ca)
Ummm, Dominik me thinks you are lying sir. Anyway, he cost his team a win that could have propelled them into first for the Presidents Trophy Race. Flames keeper Miikka Kiprusoff made 30 saves to complet the 2-1 win and cushioned their lead on the Avs to 6 points. Good news (maybe) for the Red Wings as forward Todd Bertuzzi (please excuse my Bertuzzi as he is still wearing his Florida lid) may make an appearance for his new team on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. A little fine tuning prior to the playoffs perhaps?
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Vancouver 10:00 PM
The big boys in the West throw down tonight, as the Central Division and league leading Predators try to stay ahead of the Wings by defeating the Northwest Division leading Canucks who are also trying to stave off the Minnesota Wild (who have won 7 straight games by the way.... which is sweet, because I picked up Wild goaltender Nicklas Backstrom and he has been HUUUGE for me.... and he's helped the Wild a bit too). Enjoy the games brothers and sisters of the face pelt!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 I tell you, I am getting a ton of mileage out of this Sidney Crosby portrait. I think he's becoming the poster boy for Playoff Beard .com as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL. Ok.... on to the good news.
Today, prior to their game against the Buffalo Sabres (which should be suhhhweeeet), the Pittsburgh Penguins will announce a deal on their new arena which will keep the Penguins in the Steel City for the next 30 years. According to reports on TSN.ca, the Penguins have reached an agreement with the city for the financing of a new $290 million dollar facility. The financial particulars of the deal can be found here.
Awesome news. It really would have been a devestating blow to Pittsburgh fans to see their young team leave and possibly pull a Quebec Nordiques / Colorado Avalanche and win a Stanley Cup just a year removed from their departure (although it may take them more than a year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did) from their origin. Now everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.... especially goaltender Marc-Andre Fluery whose house is still being finished (I saw the fully stocked wet bar he was installing in his basement on Hockey Night in Canada last weekend .... YO Marc, when's the first party bro?) and can make his first mortgage payment rather than pack his bags.
 Quick Shave:
Did my Game of the Night pick deliver or what? The St. Louis Blues battled the Calgary Flames to a shootout last night where they were eventually felled on scores by Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla and lost 5-4. The Flames win has helped to create a larger bottleneck in the West as they now sit in 8th with 84 points behind the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, and the Minnesota Wild all tied with 85 points. They are also just three points shy of the Vancouver Canucks and their Northwest Division lead. The Los Angeles Kings layed a whooping on the Edmonton Oilers last night 5-1, sending them to their 8th straight loss. Everyone on the Kings scored last night. Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin responded to some recent criticism yesterday by scoring both goals for his club. Unfortunately the Atlanta Thrashers scored four to defeat them 4-2. Bobby Holik scored an Ovechkin style on the stomach goal in the game as well. Check out the highlights, it worth the view. New acquisition Keith Tkachuk scored again, and helped the Thrashers regain control of the Southeast Division and third place overall in the Eastern Conference.
NHL Center Ice Online
This juicy tidbit landed in my email box late last night (or early this morning, depending on your perspective), and I had to share it. For the less fortunate, whose cable service does not offer the NHL Center Ice package will affords the rest of the opportunity to enjoy all the fruits that the NHL has to offer, your prayers have now been answered. NHL Center Ice will now be available over the internet through NHL Center Ice Online (obvious and simple... thanks Bosh)! As an NHL Center Ice subscriber I can tell you that this is a must have (and I'm not receiving a penny for this endorsement) as a hockey fan, especially with the postseason less than a month away. To find out more information and to sign up click here. Also on a very positive note, NHL Center Ice has changed their intermission style music that permeates the air pre and post game. Another solid bonus!
Game of the Night:
Florida at Carolina 7:00 PM
Ottawa at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Montreal 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at Toronto 7:30 PM
Detroit at Nashville 8:00 PM
Minnesota at Vancouver 10:00 PM
 Ok what a night! Seriously the remote is going to be on fire by the end of this evening. Everyone of these games is huge! HUGE! The funny thing is, that most of the games will have ramifications with the others, especially the Eastern Conference matchups. Do you realize how awesome some of the first round matchups would be if the regular season ended today? Just take a wishful thinking gander at the current layout of the league and let your mouth water in anticipation. Good stuff..... it's gonna go down smooth. Enjoy the games my fuzzy friends, and get ready to throw away those Gillette Fusion Mach 3's, 4's, and 5's!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Calgary Flames welcomed back their star forward Jarome Iginla last night and were rewarded. Iginla had missed the Flames last 11 matches due to a knee injury returned last night to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets and scored a goal and two assists.
The Flames hammered the Blue Jackets 6-2 last night handing them their second loss in a row following a confidence building 4 game winning streak. Craig Conroy recently acquired from the Los Angeles Kings, was reunited with his old linemate and setup Iginla's score in the first period. This is most certainly a taste of things to come as these two are likely to rediscover the chemisty that helped them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004. If Conroy is available in your leagues, you may want to consider picking him up, as he is certainly going to be picking up quite a few assists riding shotgun with Iginla. I've already seen him snatched up in two of my leagues.
Quick Shave:
The only other game on the night (and game of the night) saw the Detroit Red Wings defeat the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Henrik Zetterberg had a fantasy owner's dream evening scoring a goal and three assists, as did Niklas Lidstrom who had three helpers. Dominik Hasek made 24 saves on the night for the win. Rumors are abound in St. Louis, and it appears the Keith Tkachuk may be on the New York Rangers wish list. There are quite a few players in St. Louis who could be wearing the 'rent-a-player' tag if the Blues don't inch closer to the playoffs by the trade deadline at the end of February. Don't be surprised to see Bill Guerin and Martin Rucinsky added to playoff bound rosters.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at New Jersey 7:30 PM
I'm curious to see how the Devils will defend a team as well balanced as the Buffalo Sabres. They seem to always have the answer for one line teams (like the Rangers), but how will they play against the best team in the East? Tune in to find out! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 While the Predators are three points behind the Western Conference leading Anaheim Ducks, they are making a case that they are every bit as good as the Ducks, and the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres. Although due to their location and market, they still aren't getting the attention that they deserve.
Predators keeper Tomas Vokoun, has now won three straight since returning from a broken thumb that kept him out of the lineup for the past 2 months. Vokoun made 20 saves to help his club defeat the Calgary Flames 5-3 last night. Predators forwards, Martin Erat, and David Legwand recorded multipoint games in the victory.
With the Ducks vulnerable, due to injuries to defenceman Chris Pronger and goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere, the surging Predators have an opportunity to make ample ground on them, and take command of the West. Maybe then, they will get noticed (I know, I know I'm stomping my feet on this one, but the Predators aren't getting nearly the hype that the Sabres are, and the two teams are tied in the standings......so Bosh is tipping his helmet to them).
Quick Shave:
I hope you can all pardon the day of rest I took yesterday. Captain Bosh was on the IR with that flu that took over the Montreal Canadiens last week. I think I've turned the corner, and am looking forward to an exciting week of hockey prior to the All Star Break!
 The Tampa Bay Lightning have now won five straight after taking it to the New York Islanders 4-3 last night. The Islanders themselves are on a bit of a slide as of late. I guess GM Jay Feaster (i think that's his name) threats of trading the whole team have worked as the Lightning are now playing above .500 hockey and have grabbed the 8th and final playoff spot. Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and Brad Richards all had goals on the evening.......they should score every night considering that their combined salaries are pushing $20 million per season! The Dominator! The NHL's hottest goaltender not going to the All Star Game. Hasek made 23 saves last night for the Detroit Red Wings to shutout the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. The shutout was his 6th of the season and 74th of his career. His counterpart, Cristobal Huet, who allowed 2 goals, will be attending the All Star Game.....well look at it this way Detroit fans....remember the Olympics last year? Put some ice on that groin Dom. The Phoenix Coyotes have forgotten how to lose. Amazing! The Coyotes beat the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in a shootout last night. Defenceman Ed Jovanovski had 2 goals and an assist on the night, all on the power play. Oh and Roenick scored again. Don't look now, but since his hat trick last month, the old man has been playing a bit better.....he's no fantasy pickup yet....but maybe. The Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a shootout last night. Marco Sturm potted the winner.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at New Jersey 7:30 PM
I'm going homer on you guys tonight. Sorry. My boys need to shake off the rust and head into the break on a positive note. They also need to make up some ground on the Atlantic Division leading Devils who hold an 8 point cushion on the Rangers. In the words of Sho Kosugi...."Only a ninja, can kill a ninja." I'm not really sure how that phrase applies here, but it sounds damn cool, and I felt like using it. Enjoy the games my fellow members of the beard! Bosh loves you!
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
 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 Calgary Flames won their ninth straight home game with their 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Flames pounced on the Canucks early who had played the evening prior against the Carolina Hurricanes to take a 4-1 lead.
Jarome Iginla scored his his 16th goal of the season and added two assists on goals by Alex Tanguay and Dion Phaneuf. Kristian Huselius, and Matthew Lombardi also scored. Lombardi who I picked up off of waivers yesterday scored the game winner, which would have been great if I had started him, but sadly I did not.....cuz I suck.
Vancouver did mount a third periord comeback, and drew within one goal, but the Flames weathered the storm and sealed the win on Tanguay's empty netter. Vancouver Canucks goalkeeper Roberto Luongo, who was supposed to be the panacea for the their goaltending woes was lifted after surrendering his fourth goal on 24 shots.
Quick Shave:
Believe it or not, the Columbus Blue Jackets have themselves a bonafide winning streak going, that has now hit three games after last night's 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Backup goaltender, Fredrik Norrena who has started all three games has only surrendered one goal during that span, and appears to have taken command of the starting goalie position over Pascal Leclaire. They face the Ottawa Senators today, so it will be interesting to see how the team responds, and who Hitch leans on in net. The New York Rangers played perhaps their most complete game of the season yesterday as they defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1. The Senators came out physical, which began with a devestating hit by Chris Neil on defencemen Michael Rosizval and the Rangers responded in kind. Henrik Lundqvist was amazing in net, stopping 34 of the 35 shots he face, and Jaromir Jagr netted the game-winner with his patented crossing the circles to wrist shot move that he does so often now.....and scores regularly on. It was the Buffalo Sabres turn to nip the Montreal Canadiens this time, and the Sabres took the 3-2 win by way of shootout. These two teams, are so well matched and provide some of the best hockey I've seen this season. Speed, defense and great goaltending. Habs defenceman Sheldon Souray left the game midway through the third after being hit by Buffalo's Paul Gaustad.....the injury sustained thus far is being labeled an 'upper body' injury. At least it's not a groin. Ok, I think it's time to start ringing the alarms in Toronto (like they haven't been ringing since this summer), the Leafs are going down the toilet fast. Last night the Detroit Red Wings completely outclassed them, and converted 5 powerplay goals to crush the Leafs 5-1. The Toronto Maple Leafs have now lost seven games in a row, and the wheels have really come off this one. The San Jose Sharks Jonatahn Cheechoo almost joined the NHL HTC again last night but fell a goal short. The Sharks went on to defeat the Nashville Predators 3-1. The New York Islanders defeated the Florida Panthers in the shootout to take the win 5-4 last night. Good news out of the Island, is the center Alexei Yashin who's missed the last few weeks with a knee injury has begun skating with the team again and could be back on the ice as early as Friday's match against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Welcome to the Hat Trick Club Mark Parrish! Anyone call that one? The Minnesota Wild forward netted three goals including the game winner in overtime to lift his team over the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4. Pavol Demitra returned to the lineup for the Wild and added a goal and two assists. The Pittsburgh Penguins decided to effectively end the game against the Atlanta Thrashers before it got to the shootout....where they haven't been too successful, and did so. Colby Armstrong scored the game winner for the Penguins late in the extra period to give his team the 4-3 win.
I'd just like to send my best out to Montreal's Bob Gainey and his family, whose daughter is currently missing after being washed overboard during a storm on Friday night. I'm sure everyone's thoughts are with you and her, and she returns safely.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Columbus 6:00 PM
Ottawa isn't playing great, but they are playing much better than at the start of the season, and they are more than a fair bench test for the Columbus Blue Jackets. I want to see if this Blue Jackets team is for real....kind of like how I wanted to see if the Capitals were for real last Friday until the Ducks slapped them around for 60 minutes. This is a 'let's see' match...and even though most of you are not 100% in love with my tone right now.....Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Has anyone else noticed that the goaltenders have been putting on a clinic this week? The number of shutouts has been impressive, if not stunning. The new rules instituted a year ago were supposed to produce more offence, but these titans of the crease have had other plans this year. The NHL should considering nominating only goaltenders as the Stars of the Week. Below are a list of the possible candidates.
Just last night, the New Jersey Devils Martin Brodeur shut down the Philadelphia Flyers, making 28 saves for the 2-0 victory. The shutout was Brodeur's fourth of the season, and the 84th of his career. The win, also tied him with Glen Hall for third place overall on the shutout list.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Dwayne Roloson stopped all 22 shots the Dallas Stars fired at him last night, for the 2-0 shutout victory, and the second straight win by way of shutout this week. The shutout was the 21st of his career.
 Dallas Stars keeper Marty Turco, also had a pair of shutouts this week. Turco made 25 saves against the San Jose Sharks on Monday night for to lift his team to the 1-0 win, then two nights later blanked the Phoenix Coyotes for the 3-0 shutout win.
The Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere stopped all 21 Nashville Predator shots he faced on Wednesday night to secure the 4-0 shutout victory for his team. The win was his fourth this season by way of shutout.
The Columbus Blue Jackets backup goalie (although maybe not for much longer), Fredrik Norrena made an amazing 42 saves against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night, and helped the Blue Jackets to a 3-0 shutout win. What's more amazing, is that he was coming off of a 21 save, 4-0 shutout performance against the Edmonton Oilers Saturday night.
The Calgary Flames man between the pipes Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves against the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes for the 3-0 shutout win. Kiprusoff is tied with Broduer, Giguere, Lehtonen, and Hasek with 4 shutout wins.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Marc Denis rebounded behind an offensive explosion that his teammates provided, by stopping all 21 shots the Atlanta Thrashers tossed at him, to seal the 8-0 shutout win. The victory had to be a moral one for Denis who has all but lost his job to backup Johan Holmqvist.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 3:00 PM
Buffalo at Montreal 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Calgary 10:00 PM
I give you an appetizer, the main course, and some desert. We get ourselves a great early game in the afternoon matchup between the Rangers and Sens, followed by the rematch of a week ago between the Habs and Sabres, where both goaltenders put on a show, but Huet proved to be the winner, and finally a matchup between a Vancouver team that looks like they discovered their offence last night, and a Calgary team that also shutdown the champs a few nights ago. Grab your brew Ha Has and the remote, it's Hockey Night in Canada! May the beard be with you!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Calgary Flames forward Daymond Langkow scored within the first minute of last nights match and effectively ruined the first game of the Carolina Hurricanes roadtrip. Langkow's goal would be all the Flames needed (even though they got two more) as they shutdown, and shutout the Hurricanes 3-0.
Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves to get his fourth shutout of the season. Langkow's goal and assist on Iginla's empty netter later in the game extended his point scoring streak to six games, and the Flames win streak to three games. Daymond Langkow now has 8 goals and 15 assists in 25 games, and is a +2. He is probably still available in most leagues (I've seen him in mine) and is definitely a great roster replacement for that sentimental Jeremy Roenick pick up.....man that stings.
 Quick Shave:
Buffalo Sabres forward Daniel Briere joined the NHL HTC for the first time in his career last night. Briere's three goals, helped the Sabres easily put down the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 last evening. Costly win for the Ottawa Senators? The Ottawa Senators are officially back, and starting to win game in bunches (and against quality opponents) and last night took it to the New York Islanders 4-2. Unfortunately, they lost their captain Daniel Alfredsson to a leg injury in the third period. The Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 2-0 lead over the Atlanta Thrashers last night in the third period and lost 5-2. Maple Leaf fans are still booing. Goaltending controversy in Columbus? Backup Fredrik Norrena started his second game in a row over Pascal Leclaire and stopped 42 Colorado Avalanche shots to give the Columbus Blue Jackets the 3-0 shutout victory. His second shutout in two games (he prevented the Oilers from scoring in the Saturday evening 4-0 win).
Game of the Night:
Montreal at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Carolina at Edmonton 9:30 PM
Nashville at Anaheim 10:00 PM
These all look pretty tasty to me. Especially the last two. The Carolina Hurricanes return to Rexall Place for the first time since the Stanley Cup Finals, and the second place Nashville Predators face off agains the first place Anaheim Ducks. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 With Anaheim's backup netminder Ilya Bryzgalov day to day with a 'lower body injury', and Jean Sebastien Giguere sidelined with a similiarly vague ailment, the Ducks went to the farm for support and called up rookie goaltender Michael Wall.
Wall had a solid first NHL start, but really a rookie keeper couldn't have asked for more favorable conditions. Playing behind one of the best defensive teams in the league, and playing against one of the more limited offensive clubs. Wall only faced 11 shots through the first 40 minutes and finished off the Flames with 19 saves for his first career victory 5-3.
Teemu Selanne made a bid to join the NHL HTC but was denied membership because of the that third elusive goal. Ryan Getzlaf also scored on the powerplay, and if he is available in your Fantasy Leagues, you may want to take a look at him. Getzlaf now has 16 points on the season (9 goals, 7 assists) and is a +5 rating. 8 of his points are from special teams play. Worth the pickup if he is still available.
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers got close again, but still can't beat the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres once again finished off the Rangers in OT, this time on a Chris Drury deflection early in the extra period. Has Marc Denis lost his starting job in Tampa Bay? It looks like it. The Tampa Bay Lightning started 'backup' Johan Holmqvist against the Ottawa Senators yesterday and made 22 stops to help the Lightning win 3-1. The win was his 8th in his last 9 starts. Colorado Avalanche defenceman Jordan Leopold may be back in the lineup soon having recovered from his hernia surgery. Pierre Turgeon has also been practicing faceoffs which indicates his shoulder recovery is coming along nicely and could be back before the holidays. New York Islanders Alexei Yashin will have an MRI on his right knee today to see if there is any long term damage from the knee on knee hit he sustained against Washington Capitals Matt Bradley.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Detroit 7:00 PM
Marty Turco is probably hoping that this week doesn't start off like last week, when he allowed two goals in on five shots and was yanked.....thus destroying all of his Fantasy Owner's goaltending stats (including the dude I played last week!). Big opportunity for MT to bounce back against the Wings. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Calgary Flames have now won 6 in a row. Last night's victory over the Detroit Red Wings was punctuation mark on the win streak, that began several weeks ago, following a loss to the very same team. The Red Wings have been on a tear of their own this season, winning nine in a row prior to last night's 4-1 loss.
Miika Kipprusoff made 29 saves against the Red Wings and the Flames scored 4 goals on 25 shots. Their last meeting, the Flames only managed 13 shots on net....and their offense, was, well offensive. The Flames received scoring from Kristian Huselius, Matthew Lombardi, Daymond Langkow and sophomore defenceman Dion Phaneuf. The Calder Trophy runner up is having a great season for the Flames. Phaneuf has scored 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) and is a +10 through 17 games this season.
Quick Shave:
Since setting an NHL record for most points to start a season before a regulation loss, the Anaheim Ducks have surrendered victories to two of the NHL's bottom feeders. Firstly, their 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers several nights ago, and last night's loss the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks defeated the Ducks 4-3, as Nikolai Khabibulin made 42 saves, returning from a broken finger that saw him miss the last 9 games. Markus Naslund potted a pair to help the Vancouver Canucks get off a three game losing streak by defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Former first round pick, and first player selected ever by the Atlanta Thrashers, Patrik Stefan returned to his former home and helped the Dallas Stars to a 5-3 win. Stefan recorded a goal and two assists in the victory. Maxim Afinogenov returned to the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres, much to the dismay of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Afinogenov had a goal and an assist and led the Sabres to a 4-2 win. Columbus, hire Hitchcock now! The Columbus Blue Jackets fell to the Colorado Avalanche 3-0, as backup Peter Budaj made 25 saves to get the shutout.
Quick Shave:
Dallas at Carolina 7:00 PM
Do I really need to explain this one? The Stars are playing really well (unless I'm jinxing them when the play the Isles), and Cam Ward and the Hurricanes are back to their Stanley Cup Winning form. This should be a great matchup! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I'd like to start by sending my thanks to Coach Carlyle for yanking Ilya Bryzgalov after letting in 2 goals, and replacing him with Giguere to start the second period. Not only did you destroy every Fantasy Hockey team's goaltending stats with your lack of patience last night, but your plan to erradicate every shred of confidence in the keeper who carried your team to the Western Conference Finals last season is almost complete. That being said, I'm glad you lost last night.
Congratulations to the Calgary Flames and to the reigning Vezina Trophy Winner Miikka Kiprusoff for making 37 saves and helping defeat the Anaheim Ducks 3-0 for the shutout win. The loss was the first (of many to come for the Ducks until Carlyle is fired) for the Ducks in regulation time this season. Langkow and Tony Amonte (who's apparently rediscovered his nose for the net in the last few games) opened the scoring, and Lombardi sealed the deal with an empty net goal.
Despite the loss the Anaheim Ducks still lead the NHL with 28 points and have a 4 point lead over the Dallas Stars in the Pacific Division (Dallas, as you know, is one of the finest coastal cities in the country).
Quick Shave:
Well, my bid for Jaromir Jagr to join the NHL Hat Trick Club last night was not to be, but the New York Rangers captain did offer three assists, 2 of which were on Nylander scores during the 5-2 spanking of the Atlanta Thrashers last night. The Rangers power play unit is finally starting to click and they have now scored 7 goals in the past three games on the man advantage. Dominik Hasek is still the man. Hasek made 21 saves last night against the Nashville Predators to lift the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 and his second straight shutout. Hasek hasn't allowed a goal in 153 minutes and 28 seconds. The Red Wings look like their old selves again....unbeatable. Even without Ryan Miller, the Buffalo Sabres are going to be a chore to defeat as the Florida Panthers discovered last night. Martin Biron who was less than average in net allowed 4 goals to Florida, but the Sabre rallied from 2 goals down to force OT and take the game 5-4. The Sabres defense of late hasn't been great (even when Miller was in net) and they seem to be starting games behind the 8-ball lately. Playing from behind may be working so far, but I think it may bite them hard later. The Ottawa Senators got of their losing streak by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 last night, and the Edmonton Oilers did likewise by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. What happened to the Blue Jackets? I thought this team was gonna make a playoff push? They are only pushing one thing right now....and it stinks. Come on NASH! Let's go guy.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Toronto 7:00 PM
Calgary at Vancouver 10:00 PM
How about an all Canadian evening? Maybe if we're lucky NHL Center Ice will give us the French broadcast of the Habs / Leafs broadcast. Maybe if I'm not too drunk, I'll still be concious by the second game? Maybe? Enjoy the games my soup catching friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Can anything stop the Buffalo Sabres? Not even mother nature! After a surprising weather front dumped over a foot of snow on the Western New York community, the Sabres responded by dumping 16 goals in the net against the Rangers and Flyers! Right now the Sabres look like they are playing against high school teams. I'm not even close to exaggerating. Last night, in what was their sixth consecutive victory, the Buffalo Sabres embarrassed the Philadelphia Flyers 9-1 (the score got so high that in an effort to not run the score up, Coach Lindy Ruff mandated that his forwards only score on headers).
Flyers goaltender Robert Esche who was left in net to fend for himself, actually kept his team in the game for the first period, making a couple of beautiful saves, including a Maxim Afinogenov shot from the door step. The wheels came flying off in the second, and he was eventually pounded for the 9 goals on the 37 shots he faced (I actually can't remember a goalie being left in after being lit up like that since Patty Roy was with the Habs....who coincidentally demanded a trade from Montreal following the game). While the entire Sabres lineup chipped in, team scoring leader from last year, Maxim Afinogenov continues his crusade this season, and contributed a goal and four assists in the game. His goal exemplified why the Flyers are falling apart right now, as he skated the entire team, including splitting the defensemen and finished by walking in on Esche untouched and completely pantsing him.
The Flyers who have won only one game so far, have a lot of work to do. Their power play sucks. They can't set it up, and can barely gain the zone (granted they were playing the Sabres who are just on top of their game right now, but the Flyers stats on special teams were dreadful prior to this game). The new 'slimmed down' Derian Hatcher should keep on slimming, because his 12 pounds of lost weight did little to help him keep up with the speed of the Sabres forward corps. Much work to do in Philly.
Quick Shave:
Vive le Habs! Everyonce in a while NHL Center Ice tosses us the French broadcast of the Montreal Canadiens games, and last night was just such an evening. It's very cool listening to the game in another language and really only takes a minute to adjust before you understand what they are saying. The Habs and Flames provided a barn burner last night, which saw the Canadiens win 5-4. The Calgary Flames did find some scoring in the game, but once again fell short. What I find odd is that when the game is tight and the Flames can't buy a goal, Kipprusoff shuts the door on their opponents, but when they do light the lamp, Kipprusoff is average at best. I think their is a mathematical formula for that (similiar to the equation which compares Pierre MacGuire's anger to the size of his mini-sin bin between the benches on Hockey Night in Canada). The Phoenix Coyotes made thier second appearance in the win column last night.....they beat the St. Louis Blues....yeah. The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers traded home and home wins by identical scores this week.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Malkin returns tonight! Come on, you have to watch this game! The much travelled son of the Penguins makes his NHL debut this evening against the New Jersey Devils. As my boy Stache said the other day, its up to Marty Brodeur to break in another young Penguin superstar. Good Luck Marty! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
This will probably go down in history as a week that most goaltenders would like to forget. Yes folks, it's Hat Trick Week in the NHL! After Detroit's Matthieu Schneider kicked it off on Wednesday with the first 3 goal game of the week, Thursday saw, New Jersey's Brian Gionta, Edmonton's Ryan Smyth, and San Jose's Jonathan Cheechoo all record hat tricks. So why stop there? Buffalo Sabre's forward Chris Drury did his part in a 7-4 drubbing of the New York Rangers, which leads us up to our man of the hour. Mats Sundin.
The Toronto Maple Leaf Captain, Mats Sundin scored 3 goals this evening against the usually very stingy Calgary Flames. His third goal and game winner was less than a minute into extra time which lifted the Leafs to a 5-4 win. The icing on the evening, was that not only was it the game winner, or in overtime, or even that it was a short handed opportunity, it was that the final tallie of the hat trick was Mats Sundin's 500th career goal.
While Mikka Kipprusoff let in more than his usual 1 goal, the Calgary Flames did find some offence tonight. Although it was against a defensively soft Leafs team, and an off night for goaltender Raycroft, the Flames got goals from Giordano, Lombardi and Langkow. Perhaps this is a step towards something positive?
Quick Shave:
As I said above, the Buffalo Sabres crushed the New York Rangers 7-4, who really look like a team that forgot about it's defense first philosophy that brought them out of the cellar a year ago. Chris Drury celebrated a hat trick in the win. Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils is on a tear again. He scored the game winner in the 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. So much for my Game of the Night! Minnesota remained undefeated by hammering the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-0. The New York Islanders have lost their 15 year man to a groin injury for an undetermined amount of time........but no problem there, because backup Mike Dunham has won two straight for the Isles.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Anaheim 8:00 PM
Only one game on the card tonight, but man is it a good one! The Ducks vs. the Stars! Two power-house teams in the West face off (man am I laying it on thick!!). Enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner was on his way to making the Edmonton Oilers pay early this morning. Jonathan Cheechoo lit the lamp three times for his first hat trick of the young season. Down 4-2, the Oilers mounted an unlikely comeback in the third period. Powered by Ryan Smyth, and his hat trick, the Oilers scored 4 unanswered goals to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4.
Ryan Smyth broke Wayne Gretzky's record (set in '88 if I heard correctly), for the fastest three goals by an Edmonton Oilers player. Smyth potted the first two on the power play 14 seconds apart, and nabbed the third less than a minute later.
 What a hockey game! It really looked as though the Sharks had this one in the bag, and apparently they did too, and came out way too complacent in the third. The Oilers stormed Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov who faced multiple breakaways (one of which Ales Hemsky finished the scoring on) and odd man opportunites, and looked as though he was left to fend for himself. Edmonton looked like the same refuse to die team we all witnessed in last years playoffs. Dwayne Roloson looked like the playoff version of himself, weathering the Sharks attack for the final period with little difficulty. Two Hat Tricks in one game! That's nice.
Quick Shave
Not to be out done, Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils joined Mattheiu Schneider, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Ryan Smyth in this week's Hat Trick Club by helping his team climb back into the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Gionta, just re-signed by the Devils last week, potted three goals in the third to tie the game 6-6, and force overtime, and the eventual shootout where New Jersey won 7-6. The Calgary Flames still can't find the offence they long for, but their opponents aren't able to find any when facing Miikka Kiprusoff. Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game, and that was all the Flames needed as Kiprusoff shut the door on the Ottawa Senator, stopping all 33 shots he faced for the 1-0 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are showing signs of the juggernaut they are destined to become. The Penguins had a back and forth matchup against the New York Rangers that saw Sidney Crosby have a 4 point evening including the game winning power play goal with seconds remaining to give his team the 6-5 win. Jordan Staal, the younger brother of Hurricanes forward Eric Staal potted his first ever NHL goal on a beautiful shorthanded breakway against Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist. The second overall pick in this years Entry Draft, had a terrific game and is giving the Penguins all the reason in the world to keep him on the team. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators for the second time in two weeks, and kept them from finding their first win. Martin Havlat, whom the Blackhawks picked up in a trade from Ottawa, and signed for the long term has really answered the bell. Havlat had a goal last night against the Predators and in 3 games has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). The Minnesota Wild are still unbeaten after taking it to the Washington Capitals in a shootout victory 3-2. UFA acquisition defenceman Kim Johnsson potted both goals in regualtion on the powerplay.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Detroit 7:00 PM
A Friday the 13th matchup! This one is for you Jeff! The unbeaten Buffalo Sabres storm in to Detroit tonight to face off agains the Red Wings. This is a great test for both teams. The Red Wings have the opportunity to answer the critics against one of the hottest teams in the league. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I apologize for the downtime folks, I had some technical difficulties sponsored by the fine folks over at Verizon.
A lot happened on Saturday....here's a quick rundown:
Atlanta sent Patrik Stefan (a #1 pick years ago, and their first draft pick ever if I'm not mistaken) and Jaroslav Modry to Dallas for Niko Kapanen and a 7th round pick.
Kings traded Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild for Patrick O'Sullivan and their 1st round pick. The Kings used the pick to draft Trevor Lewis...who apparently is a bad ass from the USHL. Demitra should help Gaborik offensively, but this was definitely the WTF trade of the day. When it was announced the entire arena gasped. I did as well.
The Avalanche traded Alex Tanguay to Calgary for defenceman Jordan Leopold, a 2nd round pick, and an conditional pick in 2007 or 2008. Iginla finally gets his wingman. I expect these two to put up some impressive numbers next year. Now they just need a center to get them the puck......
Blackhawks buy out Matt Barnaby and Curtis Brown. No surprise there. They should buy out the management there, which next to Boston and the previously the Islanders (before the purge) is the worst in the league....and perhaps in sports.
Canadiens resign Cristobal Huet to a 2 year deal, which I guess means David Aebischer is now on the available goalie list. Perhaps they should wait and see, in case Huet goes into a Raycroft like slump in his sophomore year. What a segue! Raycroft got traded Saturday, but I can't remember to whom...nor do I really care.
Same goes for Dan Cloutier who I think is making way too much money to be a backup, since he will most certainly be waxing the bench while watching Luongo start.
Phoenix just traded defencemen Paul Mara and a pick to Boston for Nick Boyton and a pick.
Pronger is apparently on his way out of Edmonton. Where and when is the question. What do the Oilers need, and who needs a solid blueliner that can 75 minutes a game? Not too many teams right!
More to come!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Teemu Selanne was at it again last night, scoring the first of two Ducks goals in the second period, which became the game winner and series clincher for Anaheim last night. The Ducks took the series in 7 games, having to win the last 2 to stave off elimination at the hands of the Flames. Ruslan Salei got the second goal, and our hero Jeff Friesen (who's legendary mustache is beginning to show) potted the empty netter for insurance. It appears that Ilya Bryzgalov has taken over as the number one goalie supplanting JS Giguere. Bryzagalov maded 22 saves last night enroute to a shutout.
So the first round is over, and the Bosher didn't do too badly. I went 5 out of 8, and nailed the Hurricanes in 6 and Sharks in 5. Anyone who picked the Oilers over Detroit, I salute you. I don't think many people saw that coming. I will give you my second round picks tomorrow. We have some outstanding round 2 matchups headed our way!
I'd like to thank the boys from the Face Off Hockey Show for having me on last night. I'm no Lyle Richardson, but I had a great time chatting with the fellas last night. If you haven't heard the show, get over there and check it out, I promise you won't be dissapointed.
Last night's scores:
Anaheim 3 Calgary 0 F
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Since we are nearing the completion of the 2005-2006 NHL Season, I thought I would start breaking down the awards, and those who I feel will have a good chance of winning them.
The Norris trophy. Awarded to the best defenseman, and the individual with the best beard and roundhouse kick. This year we have a busload of possibilities. I'm going to give you my top three, and hopefully pick the winner (I picked Sweden to win the Gold and the Rangers to make the playoffs this year, so I'm not doing to shabby this year!!). Here are my top three, in no particular order:
Matt Schneider of the Detroit Red Wings
What a season Schneider is having. 21 goals, 31 assists, and an amazing +26. If he's on the ice, chances are he's scoring, helping someone else to score, and keeping you away from his net. He's no Mary either. Schneider has always played with a certain level of ferocity (ever since he was a Ranger, man I can understand that, cuz we were all pissed back then. Side Note....one of Sather's biggest blunders was not resigning this guy, he was a great New York Ranger), and has amassed 76 minutes in penalties. Schneider also has 25 power play points and 4 game winning goals. Fortunately Schneider is a big part of my first place fantasy squad.
Lubomir Visnovsky of the Los Angeles Kings
Visnovsky is having a stellar campaign. 17 goals, 43 assists, and a very nice +14. Visnovsky has been making his living on the power play this year with 37 points and has recorded 3 game winning goals. If you drafted him in your fantasy team this year, then you are happier than Frederica Bimmell at a seamstress convention. Visnovsky is a huge part of LA's powerhouse season.
Niklas Lidstrom
It's hard to not name this guy. Lidstrom is always up for or winning this award (he's won it 3 times (2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003)). It won't be long before we have to rename this the Lidstrom trophy. This year is no different. Lidstrom has 13 goals, and 54 assists and is a +13. He has 44 points on the power play and 2 game winning goals. If Lidstrom wins it this year, no one will be shocked. This guy is the model of consistency.
Here are a few other guys worth looking at, but I don't think they will make the final three due to weaknesses that these fellas above really don't have. Bryan McCabe is having an outstanding year point wise for the Leafs, especially on the PP, but he is a -1. Wade Redden is having a career year as well. 46 points and a +33, but his point totals don't come near my top 3. Dion Phaneuf, your years will come my man. This youngster has had an amazing season, and if not for the depth of the rookie class he'd be raising the Calder Trophy this year and having tea with Ms. MacGill. Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Sergei Zubov, and Zedeno Chara, are all playing world class hockey this year.
I think the winner is going to be a toss up between Lidstrom and Schneider. If you went on points alone you have to give it to Lidstrom, but I think Schneider has had a better all-around season. I'm going to say Matt Schneider wins the Norris Trophy. PlayoffBeard Alert: Schneider grows a beauty in the post season. His beard would make Kris Kristofferson weep, and order the roast duck with the mango salsa.
Last night's scores:
Philadelphia 4 Florida 0 F
Anaheim 1 Detroit 3 F
Columbus 2 Chicago 3 F
Game of the night:
NY Islanders at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Let's give the Islander's there due. Milbury tried to sink this team like the Andrea Doria, but they have refused to quit and are on a 4 game winning streak. Unfortunately the lost Alexei Zhitnik the other night to a broken ankle for the rest of the season but I think they are used to this kind of adversity. Atlanta wants the last playoff spot. So do the Isles. This should have a playoff type feel to it. DiPietro has been playing like a man possessed lately as well. The Olympics actually did a player good (he played for USA so in fairness their was plenty of time to rest). Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Calgary Flames acquire Jamie Lundmark from the Phoenix Coyotes for a draft pick.
Vancouver Canucks acquire Eric Weinrich from the Blues for a prospect and a pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire Oleg Kvasha from the Islanders for a third round pick.
Dallas Stars acquire defenceman Willie Mitchell and a 2007 2nd round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenceman Martin Skoula and Shawne Belle.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire forward Nikos Dimitrakos from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a third round draft pick.
Colorado Avalanche acquire forward Jim Dowd from the Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth round pick.
Ottawa Senators acquire forward Tyler Arnason from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Brandon Bochenski and a pick.
Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Sergei Samsonov from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, a second round pick and a minor league player.
Atlanta Thrashers acquire defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Canucks in exchange for a condition pick in 2007.
Detroit Red Wings acquire defenceman Cory Cross from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth rounder.
Nashville Predators acquire Brendan Witt from the Caps in exchange for a first round pick and forward Kris Beech.
New York Rangers acquire defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh from the Ducks in exchange for a third round pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire defencemen Jamie Rivers from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a seventh round pick in 2007.
Damn! A whole lotta action! I'll give you guys some breakdowns, plus winners and losers tomorrow!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 What do you do when your team is playing inconsistent and having difficulty putting the puck in the net? You lean on your All Star Captain, and let him lead you to the promise land. Jarome Iginla got the Calgary Flames going with a two goal night and a Tron like battle with Barret Jackman at center ice. I love it when the captain's do this. There are many forms of leadership, but when your captain isn't afraid to get his hands bloody, it doesn't get much more inspiring. Many years ago, when the Philadelphia Flyers were on a typical multi-game skid, their captain Eric Lindros righted the ship. At the start of a game against the Dallas Stars, from the opening face off, Lindros skated directly at Derian Hatcher, the Stars captain and immediately dropped the gloves. One of the coolest things I've ever seen. Iginla is definitely following the Messier program....keep it physical, play hard and the rest will fall into place. Jarome Iginla has 25 goals, 19 assist and 63 penalty minutes this year.
Speaking of Philadelphia....those Rangers don't look too shabby do they?
By the way, has anyone noticed on Center Ice, during some games broadcast on FSN that instead of going to that regions commercials the cameraman usually just puts the camera on some fans? You also here the broadcasters small talking through the breaks. Last month I actually watched some Flyers fan eat a slice a pizza for 10 minutes. I was captivated! Another unexpected benefit of the Center Ice package!
Last night's scores:
Atlanta 2 Boston 3 F
Montreal 1 Florida 0 F
New Jersey 2 NY Islanders 3 F (SO)
NY Rangers 6 Philadelphia 1 F
Washington 1 Ottawa 7 F
Vancouver 1 Nashville 3 F
St. Louis 1 Calgary 3 F
Columbus 0 Colorado 1 F
Dallas 2 Phoenix 6 F
Minnesota 2 Los Angeles 3 F
Game of the night:
San Jose at Edmonton 9:00 PM
Edmonton sits in the 8th and final playoff spot in the West. The San Jose Sharks are currently in 10th, just 4 points behind the Oilers. This one should have a playoff atmosphere. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
As I said a week ago, Ottawa was picked by just about everyone to contend for the cup this year. Their counterpart, also predicted by just about everyone to land in the Stanley Cup Finals, is the Calgary Flames.
Calgary is currently in 5th place overall in the West and tied for 1st in the Northwest with Vancouver with 67 points. After a solid showing in 2003, Calgary lost a dissapointing game 7 to the current Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Bay Lightning. The Flames have rebounded and are positioning themselves for another successful post season.
New additions, Tony Amonte, Darren McCarty, and Rookie of the Year candidate Dion Phaneuf have made the Flames an even stronger team this year. Goaltending is still a strength, with Miikka Kiprusoff between the pipes, who is currently ranked 5th in the NHL with 27 wins.
The face of the Calgary Flames, team captain, and perhaps one of the best players in the NHL is Jarome Iginla. Iginla has 25 goals and 17 assists in 54 games this season. Although not producing point wise at the level he was last season, he brings other intangibles to the rink. He is a prototypical power forward. Strength, speed, great shot, and a tremendous dancer. In 2003-2004 he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (shared with Kovalchuk and Nash) for most goals scored. For the Flames to compete for the Cup again this year they need Iginla to be his best. Playoffbeard Alert: Jarome is on the cusp of being one of the greats. If the Flames can succeed in the playoffs this year, it will be hard to tell Jarome Iginla from Kris Kristofferson.
Last nights scores:
Carolina 4 Boston 3 F (SO)
Philadelphia 0 Montreal 5 F
Game of the night:
Nashville at Dallas 8:00 PM
2nd place Dallas faces off against 4th place Nashville tonite! Dallas will be looking to rebound from a loss to St. Louis....by taking Nashville to the shootout! Enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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