Another week in the NHL and just like every week, I am here to give you the highlights and the things you may have missed over the last week. Look for this segment at Stick to Hockey every week as I recap the weeks stories all in one article.
Streaks
The New Jersey Devils extended their road win record to 9-0 on Thursday night by beating the slumping Penguins 4-1. The Penguins had a streak of their own, losing 5 straight before Christmas coming early on Saturday night as Tim Thomas and the Bruins hand them a gift in OT. Continue reading »
I don’t know about you but I am sick of hearing about the Anaheim Ducks. First we heard all the crying from the fans about the officiating in their loss to the Leafs a couple of weeks ago and since then there has been the goaltender controversy.
This week Jean-Sebastien Giguere tells the LA Daily news that he would rather retire than be a back up goaltender. With Giguere back in the line up, the Ducks have some decisions to make. Jonas Hiller has held the fort down and played well as he started the last 6 games for the Ducks while Giguere was patting his groin and has proved once again he is a number one goaltender, an under paid one at that making a mere 1.3 million this season. This is the second time in two years Hiller has taken the #1 spot from Giguere at least for now. Continue reading »
If you read the rumor mill and see all the reports it is heavily rumored that Jean-Sebastien Giguere may be heading to Toronto for Vesa Toskala. I have hinted around with this for almost a week and to me the Ducks are going to get the better deal if this happens.
It’ no secret that Vesa Toskala is having and off season but you need to look at the cast of characters that was in front of him for his 0-2-2 start. Don’t get me wrong, Jonas Gustausson was very solid as he made 35 saves in his first real challenge of the season when the Leafs beat Wings over the weekend. But 2 of his 3 wins came when Phil Kessel returned. For the time being Gustausson has earned #1 spot in Toronto which brings me to my point. Continue reading »
A busy schedule over the weekend leads to a few story lines to go with it. Here’s my weekly version of the NHL Roundup.
The Washington Capitals won their fourth straight against the lowly Islanders with in come from behind fashion. The Islanders were up 2-0 halfway through the third period before eventually blowing the game in overtime to the Caps 3-2.
The L.A Kings have also won 4 straight snapping Phoenix’s four game winning streak. Anze Kopitar had 3 assists as he lead the Kings to a 5-3 Victory. Kopitar is currently leading the league in goals (10) and points (21). Jarret Stoll also tallied his first two goals of the season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins 7 game win streak came to an end on Saturday when the streaking New Jersey Devils went into the Igloo and beat the Pens 4-1. Martin Brodeur was just over ten minutes from tying Terry Sawchuks NHL record for career shutouts.
Speaking of shutouts, Roberto Luongo set a franchise record for the Vancouver Canucks Saturday with his 21st shutout in a Canucks jersey, leading them to their 3 straight victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs who are still win less for the season. Toronto may catch a break tonight when they head to the Pond to face the Ducks as Giguire is likely going to be out of the line up.
The Hurricanes suffered their 6th loss in row in Minnesota from a bizzare overtime goal by Cal Clutterbuck. Mikko Koivu’s shot from the slot hit the post and went off the falling Clutterbuck’s face. Clutterbuck then swiped at the puck from his knees and scored the game winner.
As mentioned above, Jean-Sebastien Giguiere left the game late in the third period Saturday night against the Blue Jackets. Giguire tweaked an ailing groin and is listed day to day.
Atlanta Thrashers’ Ilya Kovalchuk is expected to miss four weeks with a broken bone in his right foot. Kovalchuk was injured when he was struck by a puck during the first period of Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. He is tied for second in the league with nine goals.
Penguins defenseman, Sergi Gonchar will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken left wrist from collision with a St.Louis Blues player Tuesday night.
David Booth was released from the hospital after suffering a concussion the resulted from what looked to be a cheap hit from the Flyer’s Mike Richards.
Darcy Tucker is out indefinitely with a concussion and 40 stitches from the result of Ruuto’s violent hit on Friday night.
Another week in the NHL and just like every week, I am here to give you the highlights and the things you may have missed over the last week. Look for this segment at Stick to Hockey every week as I recap the weeks stories all in one article.
I don’t know about you but I am sick of hearing about the Anaheim Ducks. First we heard all the crying from the fans about the officiating in their loss to the Leafs a couple of weeks ago and since then there has been the goaltender controversy.
If you read the rumor mill and see all the reports it is heavily rumored that Jean-Sebastien Giguere may be heading to Toronto for Vesa Toskala. I have hinted around with this for almost a week and to me the Ducks are going to get the better deal if this happens.
