MONTREAL vs. BUFFALO:
Montreal downed the Sabres 3-1 to earn their fourth straight win. Andrei Markov had a big showing by recording a playmaker, and David Desharnais is putting together a streak scoring a goal and adding an assist. I think all the criticism and bad press has lit a fire under his ass is proving last year wasn't a fluke.
Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher both recorded the other lone goals. Matt Moulson finally showing that he doesn't entirely hate Buffalo, he tallied his first goal in 11 games. Sigh.
OTTAWA vs. WASHINGTON:
Well if you wanted a battle of the sieve's, your wishes came true in this game which combined for a whopping 10 goals. It seemed like Craig Anderson and Braden Holtby forgot they were playing.
Senators managed a 6-4 win with the help of Bobby Ryan scoring 2 goals and firing 5 SOG, while Erik Karlsson notched 2 assists. Old timer Chris Phillips also managed a goal and an assist for good measure. Milan Michalek was held pointless even with 6 goals scored? Could be an opportunity for a buy low candidate.
It was odd looking up Washington's boxscore and only seeing Ovechkin with one assist, but that's because he actually passed the puck to line-mate Marcus Johansson who registered his third goal of the year on the PP. Joel Ward tallied 2 apples, while John Carlson continues his hot streak of play by scoring another goal late in the game to help even things out. I think it's safe to say a foundation or ground change is occuring in Ottawa. Craig Anderson has sucked this year and Robin Lehner has been playing lights out. I look to see a time share in favor of Lehner if Anderson doesn't turn it around........and fast.
NASHVILLE DUST BUSTERS vs. COLUMBUS CINDER BLOCKS:
It was a battle of last place vs. last place in the worst state of the country in Ohio last night. Predators pummeled the Jackets by shutting them out 4-0 with rookie Marek Mazanec recording his second shutout of the season, stopping all 19 shots. Nashville found offense from Matt Cullen who tallied a goal and an assist, the same for teammate Nick Spaling. Gabriel Bourque and Ryan Ellis both helped set up goals for 2 assists a piece.
BOSTON vs. DETROIT:
Detroit wins their second game in a row by dusting the Bruins 6-1. The only bright spot for Boston came a little to late in the third period when Jarome Iginla scored his first goal in 8 games to crush the shutout. Detroit had several players with multi-point nights including Zetterburg with 1 goal and an assist, same for Kronwall. Johan Franzen had himself a playmaker and has been on a tear since returning from injury with 11 points in his last 8 games. Thank god.
I saved the best for last because I want to highlight the fact that these guys are ready to be in the NHL and for good. Rookies Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist both tallied 1 goal and 1 assist. For the love of god Ken Holland, keep them. What a thread of a pass from Franzen through the skates to set up Kronwall. Take not he could have ripped this but all he did was just gave it a little love:
Montreal downed the Sabres 3-1 to earn their fourth straight win. Andrei Markov had a big showing by recording a playmaker, and David Desharnais is putting together a streak scoring a goal and adding an assist. I think all the criticism and bad press has lit a fire under his ass is proving last year wasn't a fluke.
Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher both recorded the other lone goals. Matt Moulson finally showing that he doesn't entirely hate Buffalo, he tallied his first goal in 11 games. Sigh.
OTTAWA vs. WASHINGTON:
Well if you wanted a battle of the sieve's, your wishes came true in this game which combined for a whopping 10 goals. It seemed like Craig Anderson and Braden Holtby forgot they were playing.
Senators managed a 6-4 win with the help of Bobby Ryan scoring 2 goals and firing 5 SOG, while Erik Karlsson notched 2 assists. Old timer Chris Phillips also managed a goal and an assist for good measure. Milan Michalek was held pointless even with 6 goals scored? Could be an opportunity for a buy low candidate.
It was odd looking up Washington's boxscore and only seeing Ovechkin with one assist, but that's because he actually passed the puck to line-mate Marcus Johansson who registered his third goal of the year on the PP. Joel Ward tallied 2 apples, while John Carlson continues his hot streak of play by scoring another goal late in the game to help even things out. I think it's safe to say a foundation or ground change is occuring in Ottawa. Craig Anderson has sucked this year and Robin Lehner has been playing lights out. I look to see a time share in favor of Lehner if Anderson doesn't turn it around........and fast.
NASHVILLE DUST BUSTERS vs. COLUMBUS CINDER BLOCKS:
It was a battle of last place vs. last place in the worst state of the country in Ohio last night. Predators pummeled the Jackets by shutting them out 4-0 with rookie Marek Mazanec recording his second shutout of the season, stopping all 19 shots. Nashville found offense from Matt Cullen who tallied a goal and an assist, the same for teammate Nick Spaling. Gabriel Bourque and Ryan Ellis both helped set up goals for 2 assists a piece.
BOSTON vs. DETROIT:
Detroit wins their second game in a row by dusting the Bruins 6-1. The only bright spot for Boston came a little to late in the third period when Jarome Iginla scored his first goal in 8 games to crush the shutout. Detroit had several players with multi-point nights including Zetterburg with 1 goal and an assist, same for Kronwall. Johan Franzen had himself a playmaker and has been on a tear since returning from injury with 11 points in his last 8 games. Thank god.
I saved the best for last because I want to highlight the fact that these guys are ready to be in the NHL and for good. Rookies Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist both tallied 1 goal and 1 assist. For the love of god Ken Holland, keep them. What a thread of a pass from Franzen through the skates to set up Kronwall. Take not he could have ripped this but all he did was just gave it a little love:
PHILADELPHIA vs. TAMPA BAY:
Tampa Bay won in Lecavalier's debut back with his former team by a score of 4-2. Victor Hedman's having a stellar year in Tampa and is trying to secure a spot on team Sweden when they roll into Sochi. He had a big showing by scoring 2 goals and an assist.
If you haven't picked him up and need some depth in your fantasy league, browse to see if Tyler Johnson is available. Last night he had another goal and assist, now giving him 6 points his last 7 games. Lecavalier didn't disappoint though during his homecoming, he was able to even things out when he scored a late PPG, while Mark Streit scored the other lone goal and added a helper to his stats.
Vinny, just ripping a one-timer home past the shooter tutor.
Tampa Bay won in Lecavalier's debut back with his former team by a score of 4-2. Victor Hedman's having a stellar year in Tampa and is trying to secure a spot on team Sweden when they roll into Sochi. He had a big showing by scoring 2 goals and an assist.
If you haven't picked him up and need some depth in your fantasy league, browse to see if Tyler Johnson is available. Last night he had another goal and assist, now giving him 6 points his last 7 games. Lecavalier didn't disappoint though during his homecoming, he was able to even things out when he scored a late PPG, while Mark Streit scored the other lone goal and added a helper to his stats.
Vinny, just ripping a one-timer home past the shooter tutor.
I had to add this save because it was a nice save, but I was more impressed with Brown's toe-drag because it was a work of art.
TORONTO vs. PITTSBURGH:
Pen's late game heroics help rally when down by 3 to best the Leafs, 6-5 in a shootout. Leafs lead after the second period by a score of 5-3, but choked after taking one to many penalties. James Van Riemsdyk managed his best night of the season for Toronto, tallying 2 goals, an assist, a +3 rating, 5 SOG, and 2 PIMS. That folks, is what fantasy owners love seeing and unreal coverage across the board.
Tyler Bozak brushed off the dust after being on the shelf with an injury, and was able to find the back of the net and finished the night with 2 points (1G/1A) in only his second game back. If you drafted James Neal, Evgeni Malkin, or Kris Letang, your prayers have been answered. They combined for a whopping 8 points, and that top PP unit was on fire going 3/5 and what cost Toronto a win.
Malkin Scored 2 goals, and an assist, which gives him 30 points (6G/24A) on the year, and 12 points in just his last 6 games. I can't believe I've seen people complain about his production? Take a lap. James Neal recorded another multi-point night, his fifth straight, had 1 goal and 1 assist.
Kris Letang caught a break finally and managed more than 1 point, when he scored a goal and registered 2 assists. Cue the comeback, he's about to go off and return to his old self. Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby were goalless but did have 2 helpers a piece during the game.
CHICAGO vs. CALGARY:
Chicago rally's being down two, to score three unanswered goals for a dramatic finish by the score of 3-2. As much as I hate the Hawk's, I had to cover this game because 1) My good friend is a die hard fan, and 2) He criticized my lack of coverage during my bits but mainly because this was an exciting game to watch.
Flames 2 goals came from Matt Stajan and rookie Sean Monahan with Jiri Hudler picking up an assist on both goals, to give him 23 points in 24 games this year. He's showing that he's worth the contract he wanted, and it's good to see him have that success. Patty Kane was the hero this game, and it wasn't for feeding a cab driver over some loose change like he's back on the playground, but because he started the scoring for the Hawks and ended it.
Kane started by putting the game within reach of one almost at the half-way mark of the third period. It was then Patrick Sharp who responded just minutes later to tie the game and give the Hawks the life to stay alive and manage points during the contest. With just .18 seconds left in the third, Kane managed to tally his second of the night on a backhand shot that resembled the spin-o-rama to lead his team to the W. Rookie goalie Antti Raanta made his first NHL start for Chicago and stopped 20 of 22 shots to make it a memorable one. Niklas Hjalmarsson was involved with 2 of the goals, and had 2 apples to show for his efforts.
TORONTO vs. PITTSBURGH:
Pen's late game heroics help rally when down by 3 to best the Leafs, 6-5 in a shootout. Leafs lead after the second period by a score of 5-3, but choked after taking one to many penalties. James Van Riemsdyk managed his best night of the season for Toronto, tallying 2 goals, an assist, a +3 rating, 5 SOG, and 2 PIMS. That folks, is what fantasy owners love seeing and unreal coverage across the board.
Tyler Bozak brushed off the dust after being on the shelf with an injury, and was able to find the back of the net and finished the night with 2 points (1G/1A) in only his second game back. If you drafted James Neal, Evgeni Malkin, or Kris Letang, your prayers have been answered. They combined for a whopping 8 points, and that top PP unit was on fire going 3/5 and what cost Toronto a win.
Malkin Scored 2 goals, and an assist, which gives him 30 points (6G/24A) on the year, and 12 points in just his last 6 games. I can't believe I've seen people complain about his production? Take a lap. James Neal recorded another multi-point night, his fifth straight, had 1 goal and 1 assist.
Kris Letang caught a break finally and managed more than 1 point, when he scored a goal and registered 2 assists. Cue the comeback, he's about to go off and return to his old self. Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby were goalless but did have 2 helpers a piece during the game.
CHICAGO vs. CALGARY:
Chicago rally's being down two, to score three unanswered goals for a dramatic finish by the score of 3-2. As much as I hate the Hawk's, I had to cover this game because 1) My good friend is a die hard fan, and 2) He criticized my lack of coverage during my bits but mainly because this was an exciting game to watch.
Flames 2 goals came from Matt Stajan and rookie Sean Monahan with Jiri Hudler picking up an assist on both goals, to give him 23 points in 24 games this year. He's showing that he's worth the contract he wanted, and it's good to see him have that success. Patty Kane was the hero this game, and it wasn't for feeding a cab driver over some loose change like he's back on the playground, but because he started the scoring for the Hawks and ended it.
Kane started by putting the game within reach of one almost at the half-way mark of the third period. It was then Patrick Sharp who responded just minutes later to tie the game and give the Hawks the life to stay alive and manage points during the contest. With just .18 seconds left in the third, Kane managed to tally his second of the night on a backhand shot that resembled the spin-o-rama to lead his team to the W. Rookie goalie Antti Raanta made his first NHL start for Chicago and stopped 20 of 22 shots to make it a memorable one. Niklas Hjalmarsson was involved with 2 of the goals, and had 2 apples to show for his efforts.
MINI MORSELS:
In the battle of Cali last night, it was a goalie's duel as Ben Scrivens and Antti Niemi both saw 40 shots and stopped 38 of them to send things into a shootout. San Jose stayed alive and picked up the extra point beating L.A. 3-2.
Ottawa Senators and the Vancouver Canucks revealed the new 2014 Heritage Classic Jerseys that will be worn during the March 2nd game to take place outside.
In the battle of Cali last night, it was a goalie's duel as Ben Scrivens and Antti Niemi both saw 40 shots and stopped 38 of them to send things into a shootout. San Jose stayed alive and picked up the extra point beating L.A. 3-2.
Ottawa Senators and the Vancouver Canucks revealed the new 2014 Heritage Classic Jerseys that will be worn during the March 2nd game to take place outside.
Lastly, I had to post this because Cam Ward not only has 1 save of the year, but 2 now. Unreal glove save to help his team get the dub last night.