(Keivom/New York Daily News)New York Rangers at New Jersey: Diagnosis: Post Olympic break hangover. Remedy: A game against the New York Rangers. The New Jersey Devils regained their scoring touch last night, defeating their cross-river rival 6-3 at the Prudential Center. Rob Neidermayer, Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Rolston, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac each had a goal and an assist for New Jersey who chased Ranger goalie Henrik Lundquist from the net at 15:19 of the second period. Lundquist finished the game with only 12 saves. Quick Take…The stress of this season and the inconsistent play by the Rangers looks to be taking its toll on Henrik Lundqvist. King Henrik, who has kept his team in games all season long despite the Rangers’ defensive gaffes and offensive woes, cannot do it all by himself. An old cliché says that a hot goalie can steal games, but Lundqvist has had to do that since the puck first dropped back in October. Without him, the Rangers would be fighting with Toronto to stay out of the cellar in the East, instead of being in the playoff conversation. He cannot do it all by himself and the guys in front of him need to step it up if this season is going to be considered a success.
Dallas at Buffalo: Six-foot-eight Tyler Myers was lightning in a bottle for the slumping Buffalo Sabres offense, chipping in with a goal and three assists in their 5-3 victory over the Dallas Stars last night. Myers opened the scoring with a shot that deflected in goal off of three different bodies. Of note….Dallas hasn’t won in Buffalo since 1999 when Brett Hull scored the Stanley Cup clinching goal in the 1999 playoffs.
Los Angeles at Chicago: Patrick Sharp’s two goal night book ended a 3-2 overtime victory for the Blackhawks last night. Sharp opened the scoring at 2:34 of the first period and scored the game winner at 2:08 of the extra session. "I saw the bouncing puck there and the L.A. players flooded the zone," Sharp said. "I felt if we could force a turnover, I'd get a chance to sneak in. Of note…The Kings, who are in the running for home ice advantage in the playoffs, get their shot at redemption in eight days when the two teams meet again.
Carolina at Washington: Tomas Fleischmann had a point to prove and a chip on his shoulder to go with it. His overtime goal sealed the victory for the Capitals, who beat the Hurricanes 4-3 last night at the Verizon Center. Fleischmann was scratched for the first time all season on Monday night. "It's a little message," said Fleischmann. "Don't sit me out again." Of note…The Capitals have scored 118 goals in their last 26 games and are the sexy pick to represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Vancouver at Phoenix: Adrian Aucoin scored in the sixth round of the shootout to propel the Coyotes to a 4-3 victory over the Canucks last night. Lee Stempniak, a trade deadline acquisition for the Coyotes, scored two goals, in addition to his shootout goal. Taylor Pyatt of Phoenix also scored his 100th career goal. Of note…Vancouver has lost three times in OT this season, twice in Phoenix.
TONIGHT'S ACTION (all times EST)
St. Louis at NY Islanders 7 pm
Boston at Philadelphia 7 pm
Pittsburgh at Carolina 7 pm
Atlanta at Columbus 7 pm
Edmonton at Montreal 7 pm
Minnesota at Detroit 7:30 pm
Florida at Colorado 9 pm
Ottawa at Calgary 9:30 pm
Nashville at San Jose 10 pm
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