LAST NIGHT'S RECAP
THE PRICE IS WRONG
(Photo Credit: The Associated Press)
Maybe Carey Price isn't ready to come back yet
New Jersey Devils (29-15-3) over the Montreal Canadiens (27-13-6) 5-2
D Paul Martin had a goal and an assist, D Johnny Oduya scored the game winner, and Travis Zajac, Zach Parise (his 28th of the season), and Patrik Elias all added goals to give the Devils their 5th straight win. With the victory, the Devils move in to 1st place in the Atlantic Division and goalie Scott Clemmensen improved to 19-9-1 in Martin Brodeur's absence. Canadiens G Carey Price made his first start in three weeks because of an ankle injury.
New York Islanders (13-29-5) over the Anaheim Ducks (23-21-5) 2-1
The Islanders get their first win in 2009 thanks to 39 saves from Yann Danis and goals from Kyle Okposo and Kurtis McLean. Bobby Ryan scored his 15th goal of the season on the powerp lay in the loss.
Philadelphia Flyers (25-12-9) over the Atlanta Thrashers (17-26-5) 5-3
Mike Knuble scored twice in the 3rd period and Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne each had two assists to snap the Thrashers three game winning streak. Antero Niittymaki made 28 saves and extended his career-long winning streak against Atlanta to 12 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning (16-21-10) over the Buffalo Sabres (24-18-5) 5-3
Jeff Halpern and Cory Murphy each had a goal and an assist while Mark Rechhi chipped in with two assists for the win. Derek Roy scored twice in the loss and Sabres D Henrik Tallender left the game with a serious shoulder injury.
Boston Bruins (34-8-5) over the Toronto Maple Leafs (17-22-8) 4-3 (SO)
The Bruins ended a two-game losing streak thanks to a 3rd period rally with goals from defensemen Dennis Wideman and Zdeno Chara (both on the power play). Michale Ryder scored the shootout winner to tie the Bruins with the Sharks for the best record in the league heading in to the break.
Dallas Stars (20-18-7) over the Florida Panthers (21-17-8) 4-1
Mike Ribeiro scored his first career hat trick and Marty Turco turned away 27 shots as Dallas improved to 7-4-2 in its past 13 games.
St. Louis Blues (19-23-4) over the Chicago Blackhawks (25-12-8) 2-0
Chris Mason made 21 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season (and 14th of his career) and Jeff Woywitka and Keith Tkachuk both scored goals to hand the Blackhawks their first shutout loss of the season.
Los Angeles Kings (19-20-7) over the Colorado Avalanche (23-23-1) 6-5
Alexander Frolov scored two goals, Jarrett Stoll and Dustin Brown each had a goal and an assist in the Kings first win in Colorado in their last five tries.
Calgary Flames (28-14-4) over the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-20-5) 5-4 (SO)
RJ Umberger scored two goals for the Blue Jackets early on, but it wouldn't be enough. Flames LW Mike Camalleri scored twice, including the tying goal (22nd of the season) midway through the 3rd period. In the shootout, Todd Bertuzzi scored the winner to end the last game before the All-Star break.
OTHER HEADLINES
-Flyers center Danny Briere will miss another two weeks because of lingering discomfort in his groin and stomach area. He will have exploratory surgery Thursday. Briere has played only nine games this season and just finished a three-game minor league conditioning stint with the Phantoms (Philadelphia's AHL affiliate). Briere had surgery Oct. 25 on a torn abdominal muscle and left a Dec. 2 game against Tampa Bay with a groin injury. He hasn't played for the Flyers since. He has five goals and nine points with the Flyers.
What scares me the most is that if/when Briere does fully recover and get back in
the lineup for the Flyers, how much better will that make an already top-notch team?
-Canadiens winger Alexei Kovalev will be the Captain for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game and Sharks center Joe Thornton will be the Captain for the West.
-Pittsburgh Penguins doctors have recommended Sidney Crosby not skate for four or five days, which would mean he would miss the NHL All-Star weekend for the second consecutive year. Penguins general manager Ray Shero says the final decision hasn't been made, adding the Pens will do what is right for the player and what is right for the organization, and that puts Crosby's participation this weekend in Montreal in jeopardy. Crosby and Shero met after Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes to discuss Crosby's injury, and Shero says he will speak to Crosby and team doctors again before stepping in with his recommendation before the end of the week. Crosby was named by the fans as an Eastern Conference starter in Sunday's game and is also one of the featured competitors in the highly touted breakaway challenge in the NHL's skills competition on Saturday at the Bell Centre. Because it's in Montreal, because he was voted in by the fans and because he was forced to miss last year's All-Star events in Atlanta AS THE RESULT of a high ankle sprain, Crosby's heart is telling him he needs to be there. But, he's hurt and the Pittsburgh Penguins have the MRI results to prove it, so he's being reminded to do what is right for his body and to be mindful of the physical stresses that will come post-All-Star game during the Penguins' push to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Penguins decide to pull Crosby, he will join NHL stars Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk from the Detroit Red Wings, along with Washington's Nicklas Backstrom, Boston's Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Erik Ersberg and goalie Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets who have opted out or been forced out of the All-Star weekend. - COURTESY OF TSN's DARREN DREGER
-According to the Newark Star-Ledger, goaltender Martin Brodeur skated for the first time since suffering a torn tendon in his left biceps. He underwent surgery in early November to repair the damage. The future Hall-of-Famer met with doctors on Wednesday morning and received medical clearance to hit the ice. He did not face any shots but his recovery is right on target and Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello said his best player may be ready before his expected return on March 1. "It'll be a day-to-day situation, as far as skating goes, with the exercises he does," Lamoriello told the Star-Ledger. "Chances are it's sooner than later." Currently, the Devils have a record of 29-15-3 through 47 games, good enough for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
RUMOR MILL
-Jason Spezza to Colorado is now the simmering rumor. Other than that, it's pretty quiet today.
AROUND THE BOARDS
-Former NHL coach Pat Burns is facing a third fight with cancer. The 56-year-old Burns told Montreal La Presse he has lung cancer. Burns had colon cancer in 2004 and liver cancer in 2005. "I know what you people are like in Montreal," Burns told La Presse. "You're capable of dramatizing everything, if it suits you. The truth is simple: The cancer has returned. But never fear: I'm still alive. I'm not in great shape, but I wake up every morning, I play golf, I ride my motorcycle and I work, despite the illness." Burns was 501-350-161-14 in 14 seasons as an NHL coach with Montreal, Toronto, Boston and New Jersey. He led New Jersey to the 2002-03 Stanley Cup title and is the only three-time Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL's top coach. Burns had chemotherapy treatments the first two times he had cancer, but said he hasn't yet decided on what treatment he'll have this time. "I haven't given up," Burns said. "I fight as I've always done, but in a different way. Obviously, I hope a cure is found eventually."
I speak for all of us when I wish Coach Burns the best in his battle.
-On the heels of reports the Phoenix Coyotes lost out on revenue-sharing funds, the Nashville Predators are looking at boosting ticket sales with their own money. According to the Tennessean, Predators officials have discussed the option of buying up unsold tickets to ensure they collect the maximum revenue-sharing from the league. Earlier this month, an ESPN.com report indicated the Coyotes forfeited 25% of their full share for failing to meet specific targets. "We've consistently said that we're here to give everything we've got to make this work," Predators' lead owner David Freeman told the Tennessean. For the Predators to qualify for a full share of their revenue-sharing monies from the league, average paid attendance in Nashville must reach the level of 14,000. After 22 home games, the team is 256 tickets short of that mark. Last season, the Predators received their full share of revenue-sharing equalling $12 million, money that is crucial to the ongoing operations of the team. Falling short of just one target could mean forfeiting 25% of the full share. "It's absolutely critical to us," Freeman told the Tennessean. "We're doing everything we can to grab as many dollars as we can so we can build the best hockey team we can build." Currently, the Predators sit 14th in the Western Conference, eight points out of a playoff spot.
THE PRICE IS WRONG
(Photo Credit: The Associated Press)Maybe Carey Price isn't ready to come back yet
New Jersey Devils (29-15-3) over the Montreal Canadiens (27-13-6) 5-2
D Paul Martin had a goal and an assist, D Johnny Oduya scored the game winner, and Travis Zajac, Zach Parise (his 28th of the season), and Patrik Elias all added goals to give the Devils their 5th straight win. With the victory, the Devils move in to 1st place in the Atlantic Division and goalie Scott Clemmensen improved to 19-9-1 in Martin Brodeur's absence. Canadiens G Carey Price made his first start in three weeks because of an ankle injury.
New York Islanders (13-29-5) over the Anaheim Ducks (23-21-5) 2-1
The Islanders get their first win in 2009 thanks to 39 saves from Yann Danis and goals from Kyle Okposo and Kurtis McLean. Bobby Ryan scored his 15th goal of the season on the powerp lay in the loss.
Philadelphia Flyers (25-12-9) over the Atlanta Thrashers (17-26-5) 5-3
Mike Knuble scored twice in the 3rd period and Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne each had two assists to snap the Thrashers three game winning streak. Antero Niittymaki made 28 saves and extended his career-long winning streak against Atlanta to 12 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning (16-21-10) over the Buffalo Sabres (24-18-5) 5-3
Jeff Halpern and Cory Murphy each had a goal and an assist while Mark Rechhi chipped in with two assists for the win. Derek Roy scored twice in the loss and Sabres D Henrik Tallender left the game with a serious shoulder injury.
Boston Bruins (34-8-5) over the Toronto Maple Leafs (17-22-8) 4-3 (SO)
The Bruins ended a two-game losing streak thanks to a 3rd period rally with goals from defensemen Dennis Wideman and Zdeno Chara (both on the power play). Michale Ryder scored the shootout winner to tie the Bruins with the Sharks for the best record in the league heading in to the break.
Dallas Stars (20-18-7) over the Florida Panthers (21-17-8) 4-1
Mike Ribeiro scored his first career hat trick and Marty Turco turned away 27 shots as Dallas improved to 7-4-2 in its past 13 games.
St. Louis Blues (19-23-4) over the Chicago Blackhawks (25-12-8) 2-0
Chris Mason made 21 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season (and 14th of his career) and Jeff Woywitka and Keith Tkachuk both scored goals to hand the Blackhawks their first shutout loss of the season.
Los Angeles Kings (19-20-7) over the Colorado Avalanche (23-23-1) 6-5
Alexander Frolov scored two goals, Jarrett Stoll and Dustin Brown each had a goal and an assist in the Kings first win in Colorado in their last five tries.
Calgary Flames (28-14-4) over the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-20-5) 5-4 (SO)
RJ Umberger scored two goals for the Blue Jackets early on, but it wouldn't be enough. Flames LW Mike Camalleri scored twice, including the tying goal (22nd of the season) midway through the 3rd period. In the shootout, Todd Bertuzzi scored the winner to end the last game before the All-Star break.
OTHER HEADLINES
-Flyers center Danny Briere will miss another two weeks because of lingering discomfort in his groin and stomach area. He will have exploratory surgery Thursday. Briere has played only nine games this season and just finished a three-game minor league conditioning stint with the Phantoms (Philadelphia's AHL affiliate). Briere had surgery Oct. 25 on a torn abdominal muscle and left a Dec. 2 game against Tampa Bay with a groin injury. He hasn't played for the Flyers since. He has five goals and nine points with the Flyers.
What scares me the most is that if/when Briere does fully recover and get back in
the lineup for the Flyers, how much better will that make an already top-notch team?
-Canadiens winger Alexei Kovalev will be the Captain for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game and Sharks center Joe Thornton will be the Captain for the West.
-Pittsburgh Penguins doctors have recommended Sidney Crosby not skate for four or five days, which would mean he would miss the NHL All-Star weekend for the second consecutive year. Penguins general manager Ray Shero says the final decision hasn't been made, adding the Pens will do what is right for the player and what is right for the organization, and that puts Crosby's participation this weekend in Montreal in jeopardy. Crosby and Shero met after Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes to discuss Crosby's injury, and Shero says he will speak to Crosby and team doctors again before stepping in with his recommendation before the end of the week. Crosby was named by the fans as an Eastern Conference starter in Sunday's game and is also one of the featured competitors in the highly touted breakaway challenge in the NHL's skills competition on Saturday at the Bell Centre. Because it's in Montreal, because he was voted in by the fans and because he was forced to miss last year's All-Star events in Atlanta AS THE RESULT of a high ankle sprain, Crosby's heart is telling him he needs to be there. But, he's hurt and the Pittsburgh Penguins have the MRI results to prove it, so he's being reminded to do what is right for his body and to be mindful of the physical stresses that will come post-All-Star game during the Penguins' push to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Penguins decide to pull Crosby, he will join NHL stars Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk from the Detroit Red Wings, along with Washington's Nicklas Backstrom, Boston's Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Erik Ersberg and goalie Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets who have opted out or been forced out of the All-Star weekend. - COURTESY OF TSN's DARREN DREGER
-According to the Newark Star-Ledger, goaltender Martin Brodeur skated for the first time since suffering a torn tendon in his left biceps. He underwent surgery in early November to repair the damage. The future Hall-of-Famer met with doctors on Wednesday morning and received medical clearance to hit the ice. He did not face any shots but his recovery is right on target and Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello said his best player may be ready before his expected return on March 1. "It'll be a day-to-day situation, as far as skating goes, with the exercises he does," Lamoriello told the Star-Ledger. "Chances are it's sooner than later." Currently, the Devils have a record of 29-15-3 through 47 games, good enough for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
RUMOR MILL
-Jason Spezza to Colorado is now the simmering rumor. Other than that, it's pretty quiet today.
AROUND THE BOARDS
-Former NHL coach Pat Burns is facing a third fight with cancer. The 56-year-old Burns told Montreal La Presse he has lung cancer. Burns had colon cancer in 2004 and liver cancer in 2005. "I know what you people are like in Montreal," Burns told La Presse. "You're capable of dramatizing everything, if it suits you. The truth is simple: The cancer has returned. But never fear: I'm still alive. I'm not in great shape, but I wake up every morning, I play golf, I ride my motorcycle and I work, despite the illness." Burns was 501-350-161-14 in 14 seasons as an NHL coach with Montreal, Toronto, Boston and New Jersey. He led New Jersey to the 2002-03 Stanley Cup title and is the only three-time Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL's top coach. Burns had chemotherapy treatments the first two times he had cancer, but said he hasn't yet decided on what treatment he'll have this time. "I haven't given up," Burns said. "I fight as I've always done, but in a different way. Obviously, I hope a cure is found eventually."
I speak for all of us when I wish Coach Burns the best in his battle.
-On the heels of reports the Phoenix Coyotes lost out on revenue-sharing funds, the Nashville Predators are looking at boosting ticket sales with their own money. According to the Tennessean, Predators officials have discussed the option of buying up unsold tickets to ensure they collect the maximum revenue-sharing from the league. Earlier this month, an ESPN.com report indicated the Coyotes forfeited 25% of their full share for failing to meet specific targets. "We've consistently said that we're here to give everything we've got to make this work," Predators' lead owner David Freeman told the Tennessean. For the Predators to qualify for a full share of their revenue-sharing monies from the league, average paid attendance in Nashville must reach the level of 14,000. After 22 home games, the team is 256 tickets short of that mark. Last season, the Predators received their full share of revenue-sharing equalling $12 million, money that is crucial to the ongoing operations of the team. Falling short of just one target could mean forfeiting 25% of the full share. "It's absolutely critical to us," Freeman told the Tennessean. "We're doing everything we can to grab as many dollars as we can so we can build the best hockey team we can build." Currently, the Predators sit 14th in the Western Conference, eight points out of a playoff spot.
TONIGHT'S ACTION:
No games until the All-Star Game on Sunday night and then regular action resumes on Tuesday, 1/27
% = Game of the Night
^ALL TIMES EASTERN
In tomorrow's blog, I will be examine the NHL toying with the idea to increase the size of the net. In place of the power rankings next week, I will be giving each team a letter grade on their performance thus far this season.
*My weekly power rankings, "PLUS/MINUS", will return next week
~Dropping the Gloves with Andrew Bogusch will return next week
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