Chara's Gordie Howe hat trick helps sink the Rangers 3-2, during the Thanksgiving Showdown outdoors game. Zdeno Chara with a huge game for fantasy owners, registering 1 goal, 1 assist, 7 PIMS (5 for fighting), and a +2 rating.
Brad Marchand showing glimpses of play that regarded him as a top fantasy asset in previous years yesterday, tallying 1 goal and 1 assist while Patrice Bergeron ending his drought where he went seven straight games without a point, ten without a goal, scoring his seventh. Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh were the lone goals for the Rangers as Carl Hagelin now has back to back points since being put on the top line. It's been very odd to see Derek Stepan's productivity decline seeing what he did last year, and must be a concern for fantasy owners.
PITTSBURGH vs. TAMPA BAY:
Penguins shutout the Bolts at home by a score of 3-0 yesterday. Chris Kunitz found the back of the net for a pair of goals, with Sidney Crosby continuing to be elite as he had a playmaker to show for his efforts. I will give credit where credit is due, and this is why Crosby has a Stanley Cup while Ovechkin doesn't. It doesn't matter the role he plays, he can score and he can make the plays happen by passing. Ovechkin is regarded as elite because of his goal scoring ability, to prove my point just look at his stats this season: 20 goals and 7 assists. Crosby: 13 goals and 23 assists. Until I see something change, I'll always rank Sidney Crosby higher in a fantasy value over Alex "The Great."
Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin got in on the action as they both notched an assist a piece, and keep an eye on Brandon Sutter. He seems to be finding his stride this season with the club, could be something to monitor. Marc Andre Fleury had a bounce back game to get the SO, stopping all 21 shots he faced after being pulled the previous start.
Wings put an end to losing streak against the Islanders, shelling them 5-0. Ever since Darren Helm's returned from missing 18 months due to injury, he's been playing lights out hockey. With 2 goals last night, he now has 8 points his last 8 games and worth an add if available to fill one of your center slots.
Daniel Alfredsson continues to prove that he's worth the contract he signed with Detroit and that age is just a mere number, notching 2 goals and an assist during the contest. Kronwall and Brendan Smith both with 2 helpers to lead their team to victory but it was Jimmy Howard who posted the SO, stopping all 29 shots after being given the previous two starts off. A few highlights from the game, one being Darren Helm's unreal goal and Kevin Poulin robbing not one but two chances.
Sharks dust the Blues 6-3 at home for the win to pump the Shark Tank up. Brent Burns was a monster recording a hat trick and an assist in the game, all in just 14:05 of ice time. Logan Couture registered a playmaker, while Jumbo Joe had 1 goal and 2 assists of his own. Rookie Tomas Hertl solidifying his rookie campaign with 1 goal and 1 assist, proving that he deserves to stay with the big club.
Jaden Schwartz was about the only bright spot for St.Louis with 1 goal and 1 assist, while Roman Polak had 2 apples himself.
COLORADO vs. MINNESOTA:
Av's string together another win by the margin of 3-1 with the help of the young-blood's. Jan Hejda scored his third goal of the season, while rookie Nathan Mackinnon finally caught a break scoring a goal and an assist after slowing down from such a hot start to the season.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog notching 1 goal and 2 assists, which I still think Matt Duchene should wearing the C. The lone goal for the Wild was from the All-Star himself, Mr.Danny "F******" Heatley, with the assists from Niederreiter and Erik Haula. Zach Parise was back in the line-up after missing only one game due to a left foot contusion, with initial reports stating he could miss up to three or four weeks. He clearly is playing through pain to a certain degree, but it's better to have him then not at all I guess.
CHICAGO vs. DALLAS:
Blackhawks edge the Stars 2-1 in a 11 round shootout to earn the extra point. Dallas found the back of the net late in the first period when Rich Peverley scored with the assist from Shawn Horcoff.
Chicago didn't respond until the third period when Patrick Sharp found twine when Duncan Keith set him up with a pass to notch his 21st assist of the season. That would be it for regulation play as it was scoreless in overtime and then we get to the shootout. Corey Crawford and Kari Lehtonen both put on a clinic, but Crawford come out on top stopping 28 shots and 10 shooters. Lehtonen making 25 saves, but only managed to stop 9 shooters.
Rich Peverley evened the contest after Sharp drew first blood in the shootout. Finally, in the 11th round, it was Ben Smith for Chicago who sealed the game by beating Lehtonen.