Minnesota manages a rare 3-1 win with the help of Josh Harding's unbelievable play stopping 37 shots. The Sharks are at it again, and I feel like it's the same story every year. They start hot and then just slowly trickle out of the picture, with the loss last night they have dropped three straight.

With Harding's win last night he improved to 13-1-0 with a 1.25 GAA and .945 SV% at home this season. It's safe to assume that unless his MS starts to act up, Backstrom's time as the starter is over. Zach Parise netted a pair of goals to give him 14 on the year and Marco Scandella picked up a pair of assists to go along with Parise. 

The lone goal for the Sharks came from Marleau with the assists from Irwin and Couture. 

Boston win two straight with a 5-2 win over the Maple Leaf's last night. Peter Holland is having himself a nice little year after coming over from a trade earlier in the year, he picked up a goal and an assist in the loss last night. 

Milan Lucic reigstered 2 assists as he continues to try and impress his way onto team Canada (keep dreaming, buddy). Canada is stocked on depth and I don't see anyway possible for Lucic to make team Canada unless the Olympics fax a memo stating they added fighting this year. 

David Krejci had the same as Milan, but Carl Soderberg and Patrice Bergeron both tallying 2 points a piece with 1 goal and 1 assist in this one. Torey Krug scored his 8th goal of the season to now tie for most goal by a defensemen, he's tied I believe with Ottawa's, Karlsson. 

I'm loving the goalie battle in Toronto, if it keeps producing saves like these.........LET IT RIDE!

Chicago destroyed the Florida Panthers as expected by a score of 6-2.................*yawn. Corey Crawford left early in the first period after going down to make a save and looked like he tweaked his groin. He needed help from a teammate and trainer so this could be a Quick scenario for possible 2-4 weeks? 

Seabrook, Saad, and Hossa all registered multi-point nights with 1 goal and an assist a piece. Patrick Sharp registered a goal and 2 assists with Patrick Kane registering a playmaker. Kane now has 37 points in 32 games this year, it's going to be interesting to see how he finishes. 

God Scott, you bit so hard..........you're one loss away from a plane ticket to Australia with Marty Turco. 

Detroit managed to beat the Devil's 3-1 last night in a very dull game. It wasn't dull because of the Wings, but because the Devil's need to seriously start going through a re-build. They only managed 11 shots total and cannot score to save their lives. 

Wing's youngsters keep stepping up when called upon with Datsyuk and Zetterburg out with injury. It was Joakim Andersson who tied things late in the second period with the assists coming from Miller and Alfredsson. Tomas Tatar tallied a goal and an assist, with Johan Franzen scoring the GWG. Franzen has picked it up as of late and Tatar can provide a little value while the Wing's continue to be plagued with injury. 

Carolina scored four unanswered goals in the third period to stick it to the Sharks by a final of 5-3 at home. Some big nights for a few Hurricanes inluding Elias Lindholm registered 1 goal and 2 assists, he was recently called up by the big club but don't count on him doing that every night. 

Jordan Staal, Jay Harrison, and Riley Nash all collected 2 points a piece (1G/1A). Alex Stalock was in net for the loss and hasn't really been given a chance to find a consistent game with Antti Niemi posting big numbers. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets shutout the Wild at home 4-0 after losing star player Sergei Bobrovsky for a month with a LBI.

R.J. Umberger recorded a goal and an assist, with Nick Foligno doing the same. Youngster Ryan Johansen continues his torrid pace, notching 2 apples which now gives him 9 points his last 6 games. It's good to see Columbus able to string together some wins even with missing key parts to their team. They have Gaborik, Horton, and Bob now on IR but manage to get points, what's your excuse New Jersey?

Curtis McElhinney was in net and notched his first SO of the season stopping all 20 shots the Wild put on net. 

Ducks handed the Hawk's their second straight loss in a 3-2 shootout win. Corey Perry scored his 17th goal of the season with the assists coming from Getzlaf and Penner. Perry's point streak was extedned to 13 games I believe, with Getzlaf's at 12 but don't quote me. That line is the hottest one in the league right now other than possible one from the Penguin's. 

Cam Fowler and Nick Bonino both registered an assist during the contest.Chris Versteeg seems to be finding his touch in Chicago, with 1 goal and 1 assist last night, he's got 3 points his last 2 games. 

Vancouver blew a lead but managed to hold on for the 3-2 win in OT against the Coyotes. 

Jason Garrison found the back of the net on the PP for his fourth goal of the year to give him a ridiculous 9 points his last 7 games. Ride em' while he's hot people. Chris Higgins scored the GWG and he needed it in a bad way. It was Higgins first goal in 7 games, and just his second in 13, ouch. 

Shane Doan missed the game due to an illness that made him a late scratch, but Roberto Luongo made sure to take note of his absence. He was a brick wall managing to stop 37 of 39 shots to earn the win. 

Alright if anyone is still reading this, which I doubt it. I'm going to switch up my format style and try something a little different and see how the response it. 

Pittsburgh managed a comeback victory against the Islanders last night in a shootout 3-2. The Islanders lead at one point 2-0 but couldn't manage to handle the Pens at a certain point, which is fair to be honest. When I picture teams who can and will pull a comeback win, the teams that come to mind are Pittsburgh, Boston, Chicago, San Jose etc.....

Sidney Crosby collected 2 goals with Malkin managing to notch 2 apples on three of the goals. If you combine Crosby, Malkin, and Neal's points together you get 92 points at just the quarter mark alone. 

Hurricanes swept the Caps 4-1 with the help of Jeff Skinner tallying a pair of goals and adding an assist. On a side note for fantasy owners, Mike Green finally managed to score his first goal of the season, and only took him 66 shots to do so. 

Braden Holtby had a soft showing, allowing 4 goals on just 23 shots and was pulled. He's had a pretty good year but the real question is, can he handle the starting job? After seeing some of his games, he's pretty consistent but I wonder if Washington isn't shopping around?

Ottawa managed a win with Craig Anderson finally putting together a decent game, but the real test is if he can put together another win following this one. Anderson's had a poor year to say the least and he's never been able to post a solid back to back outing to string together the wins his team needs him to get. 

Brian Campbell had a strong performance by scoring a goal and notching an assist to boot. Johnathan Huberdeau finally collected his 6th goal of the season, his first goal in 8 games. He's having the definition of a sophomore slump.

Dallas put on one hell of a game against the defending Stanley Cup champions by beating them at home 4-3. It wasn't Dallas, it was Kari Lehtonen who played like a monster and allowed Dallas to stay alive by stopping 47 of 50 shots. Corey Crawford couldn't stop a beach ball in this game and looked out of place. 

Valeri Nichushkin collected a goal and an assist, but it was Antoine Roussel who scored on a penalty shot and then taunted the crowd to win the game. He also had a real nice tilt during the match against Shaw. 

Patrick Kane registered 2 assists to give him an incredible 18 points his last 13 games. 

Vancouver beat Nashville with the help of Ryan Kesler's pair of goals, while Jason Garrison managed 2 apples to give him 8 points his last 6 games. He's at it again folks, get the windex ready. 

Phoenix slaughtered Edmonton 6-2 to make them realize that their goaltending situation isn't sorted and needs to be taken care of before their going to win games, let alone a cup. Mike Ribeiro and Mikkel Boedker both had 1 goal and 2 assists a piece with a few other players also tallying multi-point nights (1G/1A): Radim Vrabata, Shane Doan, and Derek Moss. 

David Perron continues to have a very good year with the struggling Oilers, he found the back of the net for the 2 lone goals. Perron now has 22 points in 25 games so far (11G/11A). 

Pretty nice moves for a D-man, then to just rip a clapbomb past Devan "The Dirt" Dubnyk was awesome. 

Preview of the California stadium showdown last night when the Kings beat the Ducks 3-2 in a shootout. Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown had the 2 lone goals for L.A. through regulation. Brown's only managed 3 points his last 13 games, ouch. 

Corey Perry tallied 1 goal and 1 assist, while Ryan Getzlaf scored the other lone goal. Dustin Penner extended his point streak to five games with an assist last night to give him 7 points the last five games, and 15 points the last thirteen. He's having an unreal year, but that's what happens when you play on a line with Getzlaf and Perry. 

Jonas Hiller came up short in this one but was nothing short of amazing. The Kings managed to fire a whopping 51 shots and Hiller kept his team in it stopping 49 of the 51. 

L.A. and Anaheim's full shootout, it was beyond entertaining. Just a good goalie battle. 

It was a slow night around the league with only four games being played, so I'll touch on each one to make up for missing Sunday's read. 

WINNIPEG vs. RANGERS:
Jokinen's pair of goals helped edge the Rangers by a final score of 5-2. Jussi Jokinen had 2 goals and an assist while firing 5 SOG, which is great because prior to this game he had gone three straight games without registering a shot, and five games without a goal. Windex.

Devin Setoguchi tallied his 7th goal of the year and managed an assist, while Jacob Trouba and Chris Thorburn both managed a pair of helpers a piece. Ryan Callahan scored one of the goals for N.Y. with the assists from Brad Richards and Benoit Pouliot. Cam Talbot was given his second-consecutive start and this pissed of Lundqvist and I don't blame him. But fantasy owners were concerned, why? It's a hiccup, that's Lundqvist's team, always has been and always will be. It meant nothing. 

NEW JERSEY vs. MONTREAL:
Montreal manages to hold on for a 3-2 win at home last night. David Desharnais picked up a pair of assists and now has 8 points his last 7 games. It seems he's finally shaken the negative publicity and finally finding his stride, if he's available you could do worse for a spot start at center. 

Rene Bourque had a big game, his first really since coming from Calgary, scored a goal and added an assist. Max Pacioretty scored his 10th goal of the year and continues his scoring pace, I still like him for 70 points. 

Michael Ryder you SOB, just after I drop him after going 12 contests without scoring, finally scored his 6th goal of the year. Steve Bernier registered another goal to give him goals in back to back games. It's a blip on the screen, don't read to much into it. Alex Galchenyuk scored the GWG for his 7th of the year and on an injury note, Adam Henrique left the game early with a LBI. 

That's why Subban and Price have a ritual and handshake after a win, saving Carey's ass. 

PHILADELPHIA vs. MINNESOTA:
Wild end four game losing streak to shutout the Flyers 2-0. Josh Harding recorded his third SO of the year last night, stopping all 21 shots he faced and boy did he have a few. 

Jason Pominville scored the first goal early in the third period with the assists coming from Miko Koivu, and almost two minutes later it was Charlie Coyle who put a rebound home with the helpers coming from Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scondella. 

ST.LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES:
Kings hold off Blues late third period surge to barely win 3-2. Tyler Toffoli continues to play great hockey despite seeing limited ice time with Jeff Carter back in the line-up. He netted a pair of goals during the contests with Mike Richards notching 2 assists. 

St.Louis almost made a comeback when Kevin Shattenkirk scored with just six minutes left to play, he also registered an assist during the game on the final goal. Vladimir Tarasenko managed to pull the game within one, but with only 15 seconds left to play. He had 1 goal and an assist while Jaden Schwartz extended his point streak to seven games now with an assist. 

VANCOUVER vs. CAROLINA:
Ryan Kesler helped power Vancouver past the Hurricanes Sunday afternoon by a score of 3-2. Kesler managed to find the back of the net for a pair of goals, and continues to play great hockey while staying HEALTHY. After a slow start to the season (1 point in 6 games), he now has 20 points in 29 games. 

Jason Garrison is heating back up people, pick him up while you can and ride him like everyone did in the beginning. After going pointless in 14 contests, he now has points in 4 of his last 5 games with 2 apples yesterday. He continues to see top minutes and is a staple on that top PP unit so take action if you can. 

Jordan Staal and Nathan Gerbe scored the goals for Carolina, with Eric Staal and Justin Faulk picking up an assist a piece on them. Faulk was pointless in 9 games, but has found his stride as he now has 5 points his last 4 games. Jordan Staal has goals in back to back games, with 3 points his last 4 games. 

Well, if Alex isn't scoring or doing anything.......literally ANYTHING.....he's at least contributing somehow. Eddie, better watch yourself, he's trying to make a move on your spot, bro. 

DETROIT vs. OTTAWA:
Detroit finally manages to beat the Senators in Alfredsson's homecoming 4-2. It's only fitting that Alfredsson would play a determining factor in this game, he had a goal and an assist, with Kronwall picking up a pair of assists.

Mr. Grey (Drew Miller), finally had a game that was memorable, tallying 2 goals to help his team earn two points, and Gustavsson stopping 30 of 32 shots to improve his record to 7-0-1 on the year. Mika Zibanejad scored another goal during the loss, that gives him 6 points his last 6 games (3 game goal streak) and Clarke MacArthur scoring the other lone goal. 

EDMONTON vs. DALLAS:
Edmonton manage to win in a 3-2 shootout, despite being outplayed and out-shot. With Tyler Segin out of the contest due to "concussion like symptoms," it was Ryan Garbutt who put the team on his back. 

Garbutt scored both goals for Dallas for his fifth and sixth of the year and to put together a very impressive night. He managed 2 goals, +2 rating, 8 SOG, and 2 PIMS, and 3 hits. Antoine Roussel and Vernon "Diddle" Fiddler had an assist a piece on Garbutt's second goal. 

Captain Andrew Ference and Ales Hemsky managed to find twine with a goal a piece to tie the game up, and David Perron recorded an assist and managed the SO winner. Ilya Bryzgalov started the game and was playing well until he was ran into late in the second period by none other than, Ryan Garbutt. He was forced to leave the contest with Devan Dubnyk coming in for relief to stop 15 of 16 shots and earn the win. 

RANGERS vs. BOSTON:
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. 

DETROIT vs. ISLANDERS:
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. 

ST.LOUIS vs. SAN JOSE:
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. 

VANCOUVER vs. OTTAWA:

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:

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS:
Well in a game that I thought that was going to be close, ended up being a blowout in the third period when Dallas decided to pot 5 goals, 3 of which game in just a 53 second time frame. 

Want to know what really caught my eye about this game though? Jamie Benn and Tyler Sequin weren't associated with any of the offensive production. No goals, no assists, not even a + rating, just zeroes across the board, except in SOG, it was all secondary production for Lindy Ruff's squad. 

Emerson Etem started the scoring early in the first when he scored his sixth goal of the year with some puck movement that resulted in the assists from Daniel Winnik and Hampus Lindholm. Dustin Penner managed another goal in this contest, which now gives him 5 points his last 4 games, and 3 goals the last 2 games. The top line for Anaheim had a rough night going a combined -8 rating on the night, ouch. Penner's goal came late in the third on the PP with the assists from Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. 

After the second period the game was still in reach and up for grabs, but Dallas laid on the gas and embarrassed Jonas Hiller who gave up 5 goals on 32 shots, after having such a strong performance the game before. Ryan Garbutt had a multi-point night in which he scored a goal and added 2 assists for good measure. Antoine Roussel erupted for 2 goals and the multi-point playing didn't stop there. Vernon "Diddle" Fiddler also managed 2 assists for Dallas, and the same for Erik Cole. 

Ray Whitney was activated off IR earlier in the day and was back in the line-up to make sure he found his way onto the score sheet, tallying just an assist but still still a good performance for his first night back. Alex Chiasson found the back of the net to now give him 3 points his last 4 games. He could be turning on the magic that we all saw flashes of last season, and that we all praised at the beginning of this one. I think he's going to be a great player in the future, but just a mid-level guy this year. I'd say mark him down for 30 points, 40 if he finds his way back to the top line. 

Dan Ellis was in net to give Lehtonen the night off, and backstopped his team to make 28 saves on 31 shots. 

MINI MORSELS: 
Zach Parise is out for 2-3 weeks after taking a shot to the foot, suffering a foot contusion. Reports today according to Rotoworld, is that he was at the morning skate and is possibly playing tonight? I hate the mixed signals, I have him in my fantasy league and want to know if I can activate him off IR. 

In other injury news, Penguins Paul Martin is sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks. Tough break as he just got a crack at the top PP unit after that lack of production from Letang. That should help buy Letang some time to find his touch, for now. 

Pavel Datsyuk is being held out of tonight's contest against the Bruins after suffering a possible, small concussion. I think they're doing this just as more of a precautionary thing due to protocol. He's possible to suit up Sunday when the Wings play Ottawa again. Returning to the scene of the crime. 

How about the Isles new threads for the stadium series? They look pretty sick, and I would not hesitate one bit to buy a Tavares one. Hell of a lot better than Buffalo's. 

A lot of puck going around the league last night, and we have a lot to cover including some tight games, big performances and some injury reports. Let's get it sizzlin'. (<--- it's a bacon joke, get it?)

PITTSBURGH vs. BOSTON:
Boston just squeaked out a win in a barn-burner if I've ever seen one, folks. Final score was 4-3 in OT in favor of the Bruins. Loui Eriksson continues to pay dividends for fantasy owners, especially last night when he tallied 1 goal, 2 assists, and firing 5 SOG. Impressive coverage across the board.

Carl Soderberg recording 2 apples, while Zdeno Chara seems to be finding his bearings, scoring another goal to help his team. The real story was, and continues to be about rookie, Torey Krug. The kid is on fire right now and was the OT hero as he absolutely ripped a clap bomb from the face-off circle last night and rang iron to end the game early. James Neal continues his torrid pace after missing time, he had another 2 goals and an assist on Sidney Crosby's late game tying goal with literally, 00.3 seconds left to play in regulation. 

COLUMBUS vs. TORONTO:
This isn't a typo, you're going to read this correctly. The Blue Jackets stormed into Air Canada Centre last night and beat the piss out of the Leafs by a score of 6-0. (*Blinking rapidly trying to fathom, how?)

Tyler Bozak made his debut back into the line-up after missing quite some time with an injury and it wasn't a great game to start. James Reimer was pulled with nine minutes left to play in the third period after giving up 6 goals on 21 shots. I don't see why you don't just let him battle through it at that point, you literally have nothing left to lose. Well, maybe some dignity, but that's overrated. 

There were many unsung hero's for Columbus as they missed Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky. Ryan Johansen stepped up and managed to record 2 goals and an assist while firing 5 SOG. Ryan Murray also recorded a multi-point night with 1 goal and an assist, while Letestu, Foligno, and Wisnewski all managed to tally 2 assists a piece. 

Sergei Bobrovsky managed his first SO of the season, stopping all 18 shots. It's good to see him get a game under his belt, seeing as he was the Vezina winner last season, he's had a rough go to start the season off. On the injury front, Joffrey Lupul left the game early with what is being called a "groin injury." Jesus, guy can't catch a break. Seems like it's every other day he's either hurt or someone's on Toronto's IR spot. 

RANGERS vs. TAMPA BAY:
Tampa pummeled the Rangers at home, by a score of 5-0. Tampa is good and they have the offense to get the job done, but I think of them like I think of the Kings right now, because they lean on their goaltending pretty heavily at this point. Ben Bishop is now 14-3-1, and recorded his second SO of the season last night, making all 37 saves. I was reading an interesting article, but at this point with his numbers, how is he not being considered for team USA with Johnathan Quick on the shelf?

Lundqvist was yanked after giving up 4 goals on a mere 18 shots (insert fart noise). Something you don't see is him being pulled, but the fact that Cam Talbot was and has been playing great hockey for the club. Sucks he won't see anymore time with Henrik's contract. Captain Martin St.Louis finally catching a break, scoring 2 goals and an assist, the same for my boy, Teddy Purcell. Love the guy. Valtteri Filppula continues to earn his 5 million dollar contract, registering 2 points himself, both apples. 

God, he's just so fast and I love his shot. Nothing like a little flip and he capitalizes almost every time. 

MINNESOTA vs. ST.LOUIS:
Blues extend their winning ways, shutting out the Wild 3-0. Jaroslav Halak managed the SO, stopping 22 shots, even though the Wild scored a BLATANT goal early in the first period, but god forbid Toronto makes a call that makes any sense, or have any consistency. I smell collusion. 

Zach Parise took a shot off his foot early in the first period, and seemed shaken up but finished the game. Later reports say that he's now DTD as he was seen limping a little bit after the game. Monitor your line-up. Alexander Steen ended a mini-drought, scoring 2 goals to give him 19 on the year and keep him in the hunt for the Rocket Richard. 

Carlo Colaiacovo made his debut with the Blues last night, and managed to record a point, an assist on the first goal from Vladimir Sobotka. 

CHICAGO vs. EDMONTON: 
It happened folks, he's here. Ilya Bryzgalov saw his first NHL action this season, making his debut last night after Dubnyk "The Dirt" was pulled. Bryzgalov actually looked pretty sharp seeing as how he drew the Hawks to make his first start since being bought out by Philadelphia last year. He managed to stop 12 of 13 shots.


Andrew Shaw provided the most offense, recording 2 goals and an assist, while Kane and Toews both notched a goal a piece. Duncan Keith and Saad found their way onto the score-sheet tallying 2 assists a piece. Justin Schultz was the lone goal for the Oilers with the assists coming from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Taylor "I hurt myself during warm-ups" Hall. 

LOS ANGELES vs. VANCOUVER: 
L.A. held onto a win that was taken to OT, and ended by a score of 3-2. The Kings really need to send a fruit basket and a thank you card to Ben Scrivens though, the guy was a tank and as I mentioned earlier, they've depended on him a lot these past few games. Scrivens managed to get the win, stopping 37 of 39 shots. 

Kyle Clifford started the scoring by potting his second goal of the year, with the feed coming from Tyler Toffoli, and Linden Vey. I'm interested to see what the club does with Toffoli now that Jeff Carter is back. He returned last night and managed to record a point (assist). I think Toffoli has earned a spot, he's registered a point in almost every game he's played since being called up, ridiculous. 

Mike Richards scored his sixth goal of the year and has been hot as of late, with the assists coming from Jeff Carter and Dwight King. Anze Kopitar was clutch as he managed to end the game only 48 seconds into OT with the assists coming from Slava Voynov and Regehr. 

Henrik Sedin had a PPG to give the Canucks the lead at one point, brother Daniel and Jason Garrison were accredited with the assists.