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Blog: Friday's recap
Blog: The Real Deal Neal
Video: Mmm. Gravy.
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 2
Goaltending match-up: Marc-Andre Fleury (18/20, .900 SV%) vs. Vesa Toskala (28/33, .848 SV%)
Net notes: MAF was 5-5-2 vs. TOR before tonight with 3.13/ .899 splits. Toskala, perhaps surprisingly, was 6-1-0 vs. PIT before this one with 2.87/ .905 splits.
Chris Kunitz Sidney Crosby Bill Guerin
Ruslan Fedotenko Evgeni Malkin Pascal Dupuis
Matt Cooke Jordan Staal Tyler Kennedy
Michael Rupp Craig Adams Eric Godard
Brooks Orpik Sergei Gonchar
Mark Eaton Kris Letang
Jay McKee Alex Goligoski
Alexei Ponikarovsky Mikhail Grabovski Nikolai Kulemin
Niklas Hagman Matt Stajan Lee Stempniak
Jamal Mayers John Mitchell Jason Blake
Jay Rosehill Rickard Wallin Colton Orr
Tomas Kaberle Mike Komisarek
Francois Beauchemin Jeff Finger
Ian White Luke Schenn
Key notes: Sidney Crosby (2G, even, 22:11 TOI, 4:22 PP, 0:32 PK, 3 SOG, 17-8 FO for 68%) had 25 points in 16 GP vs. TOR before tonight's show. He had been shut out in his past two starts, but had three points in four games overall coming in. Evgeni Malkin (3A, even, 2 PIM, 17:00 TOI, 4:22 PP, 0:32 PK, 3 SOG, 1-2 FO for 33%) has also owned the Leafs in his career, having tallied 28 points in 12 outings before adding this multi-pointer. Sergei Gonchar (1G, 1A, -1, 22:50 TOI, 5:14 PP, 2:09 PK, 5 SOG) not only has a point-per-game pace for this season, but also better than that over his 39-GP career vs. TOR.
Bill Guerin (1A, even, 2 PIM, 18:26 TOI, 4:22 PP, no PK, 5 SOG) has points back-to-back and in three of five. Chris Kunitz (1A, even, 18:23 TOI, 2:02 PP, 0:32 PK, 2 SOG) has points in two straight after starting with none in three. Ruslan Fedotenko (1A, -1, 14:17 TOI, 0:52 PP, 0:59 PK, 1 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) had a single two-point game as his only contribution before tonight.
Matt Cooke (1G, even, 15:36 TOI, 0:17 PP, 1:18 PK, 1 SOG) has points in two of five, while Tyler Kennedy (1A, even, 13:39 TOI, no PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 2-2 FO for 50%) has points in three of those outings. Jordan Staal (1G, +1, 18:53 TOI, 1:25 PP, 2:14 PK, 3 SOG, 4-10 FO for 29%) also skated some shifts alongside Malkin, as we've seen for stretches in recent games.
Top PP times (PIT): Gonchar (5:14), Crosby (4:22), Guerin (4:22), Malkin (2:33) and Letang (2:23)
Top PP times (TOR): Beauchemin (3:09), Stempniak (3:05), Kaberle (3:05), Hagman (1:58) and Ponikarovsky (1:56)
Niklas Hagman (1G, +1, 18:03 TOI, 1:58 PP, 1:57 PK, 1 SOG, 1-1 FO for 50%) has goals in two of three with points in three of four. Jay Rosehill (1G, +1, 9 PIM, 7:30 TOI, no PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 0-1 FO for 0%) got his first NHL goal and point.
Atlanta Thrashers 2 @ Ottawa Senators 4
Goaltending match-up: Ondrej Pavelec (30/34, .882 SV%) vs. Brian Elliott (26/28, .929 SV%)
Net notes: Pavelec was 1-2-0 in his young career vs. OTT coming in with 2.86/ .901 splits. Elliott was getting his first start of '09-10 here and was 2-1-0 vs. ATL with 2.73/ .914 splits coming in.
Ilya Kovalchuk Nik Antropov Bryan Little
Slava Kozlov Todd White Maxim Afinogenov
Evander Kane Rich Peverley Colby Armstrong
Eric Boulton Marty Reasoner Chris Thorburn
Zach Bogosian Tobias Enstrom
Ron Hainsey Pavel Kubina
Christoph Schubert Anssi Salmela
Alex Kovalev Mike Fisher Daniel Alfredsson
Milan Michalek Jason Spezza Nick Foligno
Chris Neil Peter Regin Jonathan Cheechoo
Jarkko Ruutu Chris Kelly Shean Donovan
Chris Phillips Anton Volchenkov
Chris Campoli Erik Karlsson
Matt Carkner Alexandre Picard
Key notes: Ilya Kovalchuk (1G, +1, 22:20 TOI, 3:37 PP, 0:11 PK, 4 SOG) had three and two-point efforts to his name after two games coming in here, so his year is off to a great start. Bryan Little (1A, +1, 18:59 TOI, 2:55 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 2-2 FO for 50%) also has points in each of his three games. Nik Antropov (1A, +1, 18:13 TOI, 1:12 PP, no PK, no SOG, 6-10 FO for 38%) had been shut out in his first two contests, as had Ron Hainsey (1G, +1, 21:37 TOI, 0:07 PP, 2:14 PK, 3 SOG). Pavel Kubina (1A, +1, 24:42 TOI, 1:47 PP, 2:33 PK, 2 SOG) has helpers in all three games.
Top PP times (ATL): Kovalchuk (3:37), Kozlov (3:30), Enstrom (3:30), Little (2:55) and White (2:55)
Top PP times (OTT): Karlsson (2:38), Campoli (2:36), Michalek (2:33), Fisher (2:19) and Kovalev (2:18)
Daniel Alfredsson (1A, -1, 20:33 TOI, 1:52 PP, 2:27 PK, 4 SOG) has points in all four starts to date and he had 36 points in 30 GP vs. ATL before tonight. Mike Fisher (1G, 1A, -1, 2 PIM, 21:10 TOI, 2:19 PP, 2:17 PK, 4 SOG, 15-7 FO for 68%) has points in three of four and he was coming off his OT GWG performance vs. NYI. Alex Kovalev (1G, -1, 18:35 TOI, 2:18 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) finally got in the scoring summary this season.
Peter Regin (1A, even, 11:35 TOI, 1:15 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 4-3 FO for 57%) has added points in three of four as his first full NHL season winds on. Nick Foligno (1A, +1, 12:57 TOI, no PP, no PK, no SOG) had drawn all zeroes until tonight. Chris Neil (1G, +1, 12:27 TOI, no PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in two of four, but has yet to draw a PIM in '09-10. Alexandre (2A, +2, 2 PIM, 18:05 TOI, 1:44 PP, 1:02 PK, 1 SOG) Picard has points in two of three from the back end.
Washington Capitals 2 @ Detroit Red Wings 3
Goaltending match-up: Jose Theodore (34/37, .919 SV%) vs. Chris Osgood (22/24, .917 SV%)
Net notes: Theodore was 2-5-0 vs. DET with 2.44/ .928 splits and one shutout. Osgood had an 8-5-2-0 mark vs. WAS coming in with 3.14/ .877 splits and one shutout.
Alexander Ovechkin Nicklas Backstrom Alexander Semin
Brooks Laich Brendan Morrison Mike Knuble
Eric Fehr Dave Steckel Chris Clark
Quintin Laing Boyd Gordon Matt Bradley
Shaone Morrisonn Mike Green
Tom Poti Milan Jurcina
Brian Pothier Tyler Sloan
Henrik Zetterberg Pavel Datsyuk Todd Bertuzzi
Ville Leino Valtteri Filppula Daniel Cleary
Tomas Holmstrom Justin Abdelkader Jason Williams
Brad May Kris Draper Patrick Eaves
Nicklas Lidstrom Brian Rafalski
Niklas Kronwall Brad Stuart
Jonathan Ericsson Derek Meech
Key notes: Alexander Ovechkin (1A, even, 22:57 TOI, 5:30 PP, no PK, 9 SOG) recorded his 10th point of the season here after having been shut out in his last game. He has 35 shots after only five games, which puts him on pace for 574. He had 528 last year. Brendan Morrison (1G, even, 16:01 TOI, 1:14 PP, 0:57 PK, 1 SOG, 4-5 FO 44%) for has four points in his past four games, which is a pretty decent pace compared with his recent seasons. Tom Poti (1A, +1, 18:58 TOI, 0:05 PP, 5:08 PK, no SOG) has points in two of five.
Top PP times (WAS): Ovechkin (5:30), Green (5:25), Laich (4:53), Backstrom (4:25) and Knuble (3:09)
Top PP times (DET): Lidstrom (5:34), Rafalski (5:15), Datsyuk (5:01), Zetterberg (4:57) and Holmstrom (4:37)
Pavel Datsyuk (1A, even, 22:28 TOI, 5:01 PP, 0:46 PK, 4 SOG, 10-10 FO for 50%) has but two points in four games and despite scoring back-to-back 97-point campaigns, he's clearly washed up as an elite player. You should sell him for pennies on the dollar if you own him.
Ok. That's the part you cut and paste when you send your trade offer FOR Datsyuk in your league... and then laugh all the way to the bank when he starts piling up the points before too long.
Valtteri Filppula (2A, +1, 18:31 TOI, 3:08 PP, 2:07 PK, 1 SOG, 8-7 FO for 53%) had been blanked after the first three games, but he was starting this game on L2 after the big two studs were reunited on L1 thanks to the Johan Franzen injury. Hopefully that'll kick start Filppula's production. Ville Leino (1G, +1, 13:47 TOI, 1:10 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) has goals in two of four, while Daniel Cleary (1A, +1, 18:49 TOI, 3:12 PP, 2:23 PK, 5 SOG, 2-2 FO for 50%) has points in three of four.
Tomas Holmstrom (1G, even, 14:02 TOI, 4:37 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) has a modest three-game point streak riding and Niklas Kronwall (1A, even, 2 PIM, 20:50 TOI, 2:35 PP, 1:36 PK, 2 SOG) added his third point of the campaign. He had 51 last year. Brian Rafalski (1A, even, 23:22 TOI, 5:15 PP, 0:54 PK, no SOG) has points in two of his past three now. Jason Williams (1G, even, 15:20 TOI, 2:54 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) has three points in four tries.
New Jersey Devils 3 @ Florida Panthers 2
Goaltending match-up: Martin Brodeur (19/21, .905 SV%) vs. Tomas Vokoun (38/41, .927 SV%)
Net notes: Brodeur was 32-12-7-0 vs. FLA coming in with 1.98/ .918 splits and five shutouts. Vokoun had a career mark of 5-4-1 vs. NJD with 2.47/ .919 splits and two shutouts.
Zach Parise Travis Zajac Jamie Langenbrunner
Matt Halischuk Dainius Zubrus Nicklas Bergfors
Jay Pandolfo Rob Niedermayer Brian Rolston
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond Rod Pelley David Clarkson
Paul Martin Johnny Oduya
Colin White Mike Mottau
Andy Greene Bryce Salvador
David Booth Stephen Weiss Nathan Horton
Cory Stillman Steve Reinprecht Michael Frolik
Rostislav Olesz Gregory Campbell Radek Dvorak
Kamil Kreps Shawn Matthias Ville Koistinen
Dennis Seidenberg Jordan Leopold
Bryan McCabe Dmitry Kulikov
Keith Ballard Jason Garrison
Key notes: David Clarkson (1G, -1, 2 PIM, 12:09 TOI, 4:21 PP, no PK, 5 SOG) scored a timely third period PPG to give his team the win, while also maintaining his point-per-game pace. That was his first marker. Travis Zajac (1G, 1A, even, 2 PIM, 20:44 TOI, 5:28 PP, 1:41 PK, 2 SOG, 12-7 FO for 63%) has five points in four games, while Zach Parise (1A, even, 19:55 TOI, 5:08 PP, no PK, 9 SOG, 0-1 FO for 0%) was really active tonight and he has points in three in a row.
Paul Martin (1A, even, 22:30 TOI, 5:00 PP, 0:48 PK, 1 SOG) has helpers back-to-back now after a quiet start in the first few games, while Brian Rolston (2A, +1, 15:54 TOI, 4:23 PP, 1:42 PK, 2 SOG) has points in two of four overall with three points in all.
Top PP times (NJD): Zajac (5:28), Langenbrunner (5:18), Parise (5:08), Martin (5:00) and Rolston (4:23)
Top PP times (FLA): Kulikov (4:08), McCabe (3:57), Stillman (3:14), Booth (3:12) and Weiss (2:56)
Stephen Weiss (1G, -1, 19:35 TOI, 2:56 PP, 0:35 PK, 4 SOG, 15-4 FO for 79%) hadn't recorded a single point before tonight. He had 61 last year and he was a demon on the dot tonight too. Dennis Seidenberg (1A, +1, 25:00 TOI, 2:13 PP, 5:19 PK, 2 SOG) has helpers in two of four, while Dmitry Kulikov (1A, even, 18:25 TOI, 4:08 PP, no PK, no SOG) got his first NHL point tonight. He was the 14th overall pick from last summer's draft and has a really bright offensive future in this league.
Radek Dvorak (1A, +1, 15:20 TOI, no PP, 3:37 PK, 1 SOG) finally made a scoring summary appearance this year, as did Rostislav Olesz (1G, +1, 15:50 TOI, 0:51 PP, 3:16 PK, 2 SOG).
New York Islanders 3 @ Boston Bruins 4 (SO)
Goaltending match-up: Dwayne Roloson (27/30, .900 SV%) vs. Tuukka Rask (35/38, .921 SV%)
Net notes: Roloson was 3-1-1 vs. BOS coming in with shining 1.78/ .949 splits. Rask got his first start of the season and vs. NYI here.
Matt Moulson John Tavares Kyle Okposo
Sean Bergenheim Richard Park Blake Comeau
Rob Schremp Josh Bailey Jon Sim
Tim Jackman Nate Thompson Joel Rechlicz
Mark Streit Radek Martinek
Andy Sutton Freddy Meyer
Bruno Gervais Brendan Witt
Milan Lucic Marc Savard Marco Sturm
Blake Wheeler David Krejci Michael Ryder
Mark Recchi Patrice Bergeron Chuck Kobasew
Byron Bitz Steve Begin Shawn Thornton
Zdeno Chara Derek Morris
Andrew Ference Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart Matt Hunwick
Key notes: Rob Schremp (1A, -1, 13:40 TOI, 5:33 PP, no PK, 3 SOG, 1-2 FO 33%) scored the only goal for the Isles in the shootout and he also got his first point with the Isles tonight in his second game. John Tavares (1G, 1A, +2, 20:57 TOI, 7:33 PP, 0:12 PK, 4 SOG, 9-10 FO for 47%) has five points only three games into his NHL career, so to date he's rewarding single-season poolies who took a chance on him. Kyle Okposo (1A, +1, 19:26 TOI, 7:20 PP, 1:03 PK, 6 SOG) has a point in all three of his games. Mark Streit (1A, +1, 26:56 TOI, 7:56 PP, 3:45 PK, 1 SOG) has three points in three outings.
Top PP times (NYI): Streit (7:56), Tavares (7:33), Okposo (7:20), Park (6:11) and Moulson (6:02)
Top PP times (BOS): Savard (6:28), Ryder (5:53), Chara (5:32), Sturm (5:23) and Morris (5:20)
Boston trailed 3-0 to begin the third period. Blake Wheeler (1A, +1, 4 PIM, 10:09 TOI, no PP, 2:09 PK, no SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) and Marc Savard (1G, +1, 21:31 TOI, 6:28 PP, 1:22 PK, 4 SOG, 15-9 FO for 63%) capped the comeback in the shootout. Wheeler has points in two of four thus far, while Savard, who is in a contract year, has five points already and should be another consistent threat for poolies in any format. Milan Lucic (1A, even, 2 PIM, 13:24 TOI, 0:30 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in two of three with PIM in two of four overall.
Matt Hunwick (1G, 1A, +1, 19:21 TOI, no PP, 3:07 PK, 1 SOG) has three points in his last three starts, while Andrew Ference (1A, +1, 4 PIM, 22:47 TOI, 4:21 PP, 3:46 PK, 3 SOG) drew his first point in four tries.
Anaheim Ducks 3 @ Philadelphia Flyers 2 (SO)
Goaltending match-up: Jonas Hiller (31/35, .886 SV%) vs. Ray Emery (29/33, .879 SV%)
Net notes: Hiller was 0-1-0 vs. PHI coming in with 3.01/ .880 splits. Emery had a lifetime mark of 1-1-0 vs. ANH before tonight with 4.92/ .836 splits after allowing 10 goals in those two starts.
Bobby Ryan Ryan Getzlaf Corey Perry
Petteri Nokelainen Saku Koivu Teemu Selanne
Joffrey Lupul Todd Marchant Evgeny Artyukhin
Mike Brown Ryan Carter George Parros
Steve Eminger Scott Niedermayer
Ryan Whitney James Wisniewski
Nick Boynton Luca Sbisa
Simon Gagne Mike Richards Claude Giroux
Scott Hartnell Jeff Carter Danny Briere
Arron Asham Mika Pyorala Darroll Powe
Daniel Carcillo Ian Laperriere Riley Cote
Chris Pronger Matt Carle
Braydon Coburn Kimmo Timonen
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen Ryan Parent
Key notes: Teemu Selanne (2G, +2, 2 PIM, 18:06 TOI, 3:59 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 2-2 FO for 50%), who knows a thing or two about cashing in on his scoring chances, struck for the only shootout goal to give his team the extra point in the standings. He also just happened to score both of his team's goals in regulation, giving him back-to-back two-goal results. Corey Perry (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 20:20 TOI, 3:30 PP, 0:38 PK, 3 SOG) has all five of his points in his last three starts.
Scott Niedermayer (1A, +1, 30:42 TOI, 3:30 PP, 5:25 PK, 6 SOG) was blanked in his first two games, but now has points in two straight with three points overall. Ryan Getzlaf (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 25:36 TOI, 4:28 PP, 2:45 PK, 1 SOG, 6-11 FO for 35%) is still looking for his first goal of the season, but has three helpers and a +3 rating too. Ryan Whitney (1A, +1, 26:52 TOI, 2:04 PP, 4:40 PK, 1 SOG) has four points in four starts, so he's probably turning into a pretty sweet deal for his poolies relative to where he was taken in the draft.
Top PP times (ANH): Getzlaf (4:28), Selanne (3:59), Perry (3:30), Koivu (3:30) and Niedermayer (3:30)
Top PP times (PHI): Giroux (5:53), Gagne (5:35), Carle (5:32), Pronger (5:24) and Richards (5:20)
Mike Richards (1G, -1, 2 PIM, 21:23 TOI, 5:20 PP, 1:43 PK, 5 SOG, 6-11 for 35%) is already up to six goals after his first five starts. He had 30 overall last year. Chris Pronger (1G, -1, 31:17 TOI, 5:24 PP, 3:54 PK, 2 SOG) faced his old team here -on his 35th birthday too - and is averaging a point-per-game to date. No PIM tonight, but he does have 18 on the year so far.
Matt Carle (1A, -1, 32:03 TOI, 5:32 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) had piled up seven points before tonight, where he added another assist. He has points in four in a row and that PP time doesn't hurt. Jeff Carter (1A, even, 23:19 TOI, 3:41 PP, 0:18 PK, 7 SOG, 10-8 FO for 56%) has points in every single game and he has seven shots in each of his past two starts now too. Simon Gagne (1A, even, 21:41 TOI, 5:35 PP, 0:29 PK, 5 SOG) has points in three of five, but has yet to score this season. Claude Giroux (1A, even, 22:36 TOI, 5:53 PP, 1:36 PK, 3 SOG, 3-2 FO for 60%) was moved to the wing tonight and that clearly helps his fantasy value a lot if that sticks, compared with his L3 pivot duties.
Carolina Hurricanes 2 @ Tampa Bay Lightning 4
Goaltending match-up: Cam Ward (34/38, .895 SV%) vs. Antero Niittymaki (24/26, .923 SV%)
Net notes: Ward had a 13-7-1 record vs. TB coming in with 2.65/ .902 splits. Niittymaki was getting his first start of '09-10 here and was 5-2-2 vs. CAR with 2.90/ .905 splits.
Sergei Samsonov Eric Staal Tuomo Ruutu
Jussi Jokinen Rod Brind'Amour Scott Walker
Ray Whitney Matt Cullen Chad LaRose
Tom Kostopoulos Stephane Yelle Tim Conboy
Tim Gleason Joe Corvo
Niclas Wallin Aaron Ward
Jay Harrison Andrew Alberts
Stephane Veilleux Vincent Lecavalier Alex Tanguay
Ryan Malone Steven Stamkos Martin St. Louis
James Wright Jeff Halpern Drew Miller
Todd Fedoruk Zenon Konopka Steve Downie
Mattias Ohlund Victor Hedman
Paul Ranger Matt Walker
Lukas Krajicek Andrej Meszaros
Key notes: Eric Staal (1G, -3, 23:33 TOI, 5:11 PP, 4:57 PK, 8 SOG, 6-12 FO for 33%) has been off to a slow start with two points after five games, but it's only a matter of time until he heats up. Ray Whitney (1A, -2, 15:54 TOI, 5:25 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points back-to-back after three with nadda. Sergei Samsonov (1A, -2, 16:33 TOI, 2:53 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has added something in three of four. Matt Cullen (1A, -2, 21:33 TOI, 6:07 PP, 4:01 PK, 1 SOG, 2-8 FO for 20%) was coming off a two-point effort, as was Rod Brind'Amour (1G, -1, 2 PIM, 17:19 TOI, 2:15 PP, 3:42 PK, 1 SOG, 6-15 FO for 29%). Neither had collected a point before that though. Jussi Jokinen has five points after five contests.
Top PP times (CAR): Corvo (6:20), Cullen (6:07), Whitney (5:25), Staal (5:11) and Ruutu (4:39)
Top PP times (TB): St. Louis (9:18), Hedman (9:05), Lecavalier (9:04), Stamkos (9:04) and Malone (8:28)
Ryan Malone's (3G, +3, 19:18 TOI, 8:28 PP, 1:18 PK, 5 SOG) hat trick goal came into the empty net and he has markers in two of three with four on the year. He only has one minor penalty to date though, which is a minor drawback in standard leagues. Vincent Lecavalier (1A, +1, 21:00 TOI, 9:04 PP, 0:32 PK, 4 SOG, 12-4 FO for 75%) has helpers in three of four, while Steven Stamkos (+3, 2 PIM, 20:15 TOI, 9:04 PP, 0:36 PK, 4 SOG, 10-4 FO for 71%) had his three-game point streak stopped but still contributed to his owners. Martin St. Louis (2A, +3, 21:30 TOI, 9:18 PP, 1:18 PK, 7 SOG) is already up to seven points in four starts.
Mattias Ohlund (2A, +2, 23:59 TOI, 2:52 PP, 4:55 PK, 2 SOG) has points in three of four with a point-per-game average on D. Paul Ranger (1G, 1A, +2, 2 PIM, 18:33 TOI, no PP, 2:11 PK, 4 SOG) got his first points of '09-10.
Los Angeles Kings 2 @ St. Louis Blues 1
Goaltending match-up: Jon Quick (29/30, .967 SV%) vs. Chris Mason (24/26, .923 SV%)
Net notes: Quick was 0-1-0 vs. STL coming in with 2.00/ .913 splits. Mason had a 5-2-1-0 mark vs. LOS coming in with 1.66/ .943 splits and four shutouts.
Ryan Smyth Anze Kopitar Justin Williams
Teddy Purcell Jarret Stoll Dustin Brown
Alexander Frolov Michal Handzus Wayne Simmonds
Raitis Ivanans Brad Richardson Peter Harrold
Jack Johnson Rob Scuderi
Sean O'Donnell Drew Doughty
Matt Greene Davis Drewiske
Andy McDonald David Backes Paul Kariya
Brad Winchester Keith Tkachuk Brad Boyes
David Perron T.J. Oshie Cam Janssen
Alexander Steen Jay McClement B.J. Crombeen
Alex Pietrangelo Erik Johnson
Darryl Sydor Roman Polak
Carlo Colaiacovo Mike Weaver
Key notes: Ryan Smyth (1G, even, 21:50 TOI, 7:04 PP, 2:38 PK, 4 SOG, 1-3 FO for 25%) has goals in three straight and he has collected seven points in four games early on. Anze Kopitar (1A, even, 20:57 TOI, 6:50 PP, 4:20 PK, 2 SOG, 5-8 FO for 38%), who is clearly as hungry as he's ever been in his career, has notched nine points with another one here. Alexander Frolov (1A, even, 2 PIM, 19:57 TOI, 3:19 PP, 3:11 PK, 4 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) has a point-per-game, which is great given his line situation, while Drew Doughty (1A, even, 2 PIM, 20:14 TOI, 7:34 PP, 1:54 PK, 2 SOG) has a point in every one of his '09-10 starts. Michal Handzus (1G, even, 20:24 TOI, 3:01 PP, 3:20 PK, 1 SOG, 11-11 FO for 50%) also has four points in four outings.
Top PP times (LOS): Doughty (7:34), Smyth (7:04), Kopitar (6:50), Brown (6:46) and Williams (6:09)
Top PP times (STL): Johnson (6:54), McDonald (6:04), Boyes (6:04), Kariya (5:58) and Steen (3:58)
Alexander Steen's (1G, even, 17:46 TOI, 3:58 PP, 5:13 PK, 5 SOG, 4-0 FO) fourth career SHG was the only STL tally for this one and it was his first point of the season too. Carlo Colaiacovo (1A, -1, 20:15 TOI, 2:52 PP, 3:34 PK, 1 SOG) hadn't registered a point before tonight either, but B.J. Crombeen (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 11:13 TOI, 0:06 PP, 1:40 PK, no SOG) has points in two of four.
Buffalo Sabres 1 @ Nashville Predators 0
Goaltending match-up: Ryan Miller (25/25) vs. Pekka Rinne (41/42, .976 SV%)
Net notes: Miller was 1-2-0 with 3.18/ .888 splits vs. NAS before this one began. This was his first shutout of the season and 13th of his career. Rinne finally got his first starting assignment of the season here and was 1-0-0 vs. BUF in his career with one shutout after stopping all 30 shots he faced.
Thomas Vanek Derek Roy Drew Stafford
Clarke MacArthur Tim Connolly Jason Pominville
Jochen Hecht Tim Kennedy Mike Grier
Paul Gaustad Matt Ellis Patrick Kaleta
Craig Rivet Chris Butler
Steve Montador Andrej Sekera
Henrik Tallinder Tyler Myers
Steve Sullivan Jason Arnott Patric Hornqvist
Mike Santorelli David Legwand Martin Erat
Ryan Jones Marcel Goc Ryan Jones
Triston Grant Ben Guite Jerred Smithson
Shea Weber Ryan Suter
Dan Hamhuis Kevin Klein
Teemu Laakso Francis Bouillon
Key notes: Mike Grier's (1G, +1, 14:22 TOI, 0:14 PP, 0:46 PK, 6 SOG) third period marker was the only goal of this game, but he still has zero fantasy value in most leagues. Tim Kennedy (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 13:30 TOI, 0:35 PP, no PK, 5 SOG, 1-9 FO for 10%) got his first NHL point tonight though, while Chris Butler (1A, +1, 21:49 TOI, 3:30 PP, 0:51 PK, 2 SOG) got his first of the season.
Top PP times (BUF): Roy (4:23), Pominville (4:18), MacArthur (4:16), Vanek (4:11) and Rivet (3:57)
Top PP times (NAS): Suter (1:10), Sullivan (1:10), Legwand (1:08), Erat (1:08) and three with 0:52
Colorado Avalanche 3 @ Chicago Blackhawks 4 (SO)
Goaltending match-up: Craig Anderson (23/26, .885 SV%) vs. Cristobal Huet (16/19, .842 SV%)
Net notes: Anderson got his fourth start of the season here in his first career start vs. CHI - his old team. Huet was 2-2-2-0 vs. COL with 2.31/ .917 splits and one shutout coming in.
Wojtek Wolski Paul Stastny Milan Hejduk
Cody McLeod Matt Duchene Marek Svatos
Darcy Tucker Ryan O'Reilly Chris Stewart
Matt Hendricks T.J. Galiardi David Koci
Scott Hannan Kyle Quincey
John-Michael Liles Adam Foote
Brett Clark Kyle Cumiskey
Patrick Sharp Jonathan Toews Kris Versteeg
Dustin Byfuglien Dave Bolland Patrick Kane
Andrew Ladd John Madden Troy Brouwer
Jack Skille Colin Fraser Tomas Kopecky
Duncan Keith Brent Seabrook
Niklas Hjalmarsson Brian Campbell
Brent Sopel Cam Barker
Key notes: Milan Hejduk (1G, +1, 24:18 TOI, 5:03 PP, 1:06 PK, 2 SOG), Marek Svatos (-2, 2 PIM, 3:14 PP, no PK, no SOG) and Darcy Tucker (-1, 13:39 TOI, 3:27 PP, no PK, no SOG, 3-1 FO for 75%) scored in this marathon shootout that saw 18 shooters make attempts. Hejduk also scored in regulation, which was his first goal of the season but fifth point. Wojtek Wolski (1G, even, 23:18 TOI, 4:06 PP, 0:29 PK, 1 SOG) has five points and has remained a good add for the time being.
Paul Stastny (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 23:22 TOI, 5:03 PP, 1:10 PK, 1 SOG, 8-10 FO for 44%) has points in three of four, with five in four overall. T.J. Galiardi (1A, +1, 6:12 TOI, 0:01 PP, 3:16 PK, 2 SOG, 8-5 FO for 62%) has points in two of four. Kyle Quincey (2A, +1, 26:22 TOI, 5:03 PP, 3:21 PK, 4 SOG) quietly has five points in four games and he may be one of the best under the radar poolie values.
Top PP times (COL): Duchene (5:09), Hejduk (5:03), Stastny (5:03), Quincey (5:03) and Liles (4:29)
Top PP times (CHI): Sharp (3:56), Toews (3:53), Kopecky (3:46), Kane (3:42) and Barker (3:38)
Jonathan Toews (1A, +1, 20:05 TOI, 3:53 PP, 2:08 PK, 1 SOG, 8-6 FO for 57%), Kris Versteeg (2A, +1, 18:12 TOI, 3:21 PP, 2:12 PK, 1 SOG), Tomas Kopecky (-1, 2 PIM, 9:11 TOI, 3:46 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) and Andrew Ladd (1G, +1, 2 PIM, 13:32 TOI, 0:10 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) each converted their shootout chances for the win. Toews also got his first point of the season here. Versteeg is up to six points in four outings. Andrew Ladd had nadda before scoring tonight too.
Cam Barker's (1G, -1, 15:11 TOI, 3:38 PP, no PK, 5 SOG) production and PP time are both coming around, which is a relief to his owners. He has points back-to-back now. Troy Brouwer (1A, even, 2 PIM, 0:16 PP, 2:10 PK, 3 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) doesn't have a zero beside his name anymore. Duncan Keith (1G, even, 26:55 TOI, 0:05 PP, 5:58 PK, 2 SOG) has points in two of four, while Patrick Sharp (1A, even, 17:30 TOI, 3:56 PP, 0:18 PK, 1 SOG) is at six points overall and his point streak is at four games.
Columbus Blue Jackets 2 @ Phoenix Coyotes 0
Goaltending match-up: Mathieu Garon (36/36) vs. Ilya Bryzgalov (17/18, .944 SV%)
Net notes: Garon got his first start for the Jackets here. He had done mop-up duty once and this was his 15th career shutout and first since '07-8, when he had four. Bryzgalov was 5-3-0 vs. CBJ before this one with 2.48/ .926 splits and one shutout.
Kristian Huselius Derick Brassard Rick Nash
Raffi Torres Antoine Vermette R.J. Umberger
Jason Chimera Samuel Pahlsson Derek Dorsett
Nikita Filatov Andrew Murray Jakub Voracek
Anton Stralman Fedor Tyutin
Jan Hejda Rostislav Klesla
Marc Methot Kris Russell
Vernon Fiddler Martin Hanzal Shane Doan
Scottie Upshall Matthew Lombardi Peter Mueller
Radim Vrbata Robert Lang Petr Prucha
Mikkel Boedker Daniel Winnik Paul Bissonnette
Zbynek Michalek Ed Jovanovski
Jim Vandermeer Adrian Aucoin
Keith Yandle Sami Lepisto
Key notes: Derick Brassard (1A, +1, 4 PIM, 14:07 TOI, 1:35 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 1-4 FO for 20%) was reunited with Rick Nash (1G, +2, 2 PIM, 18:54 TOI, 2:47 PP, 4:14 PK, 4 SOG) and Kristian Huselius (1A, +1, 15:38 TOI, 2:22 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) tonight, which is a line we should see most of the season. Brassard has gotten off to a slow start, but be patient. Nash has goals back-to-back with points in three straight and six points in four outings overall. Huselius is averaging a point-per-game.
R.J. Umberger (1G, +1, 18:16 TOI, 2:06 PP, 4:36 PK, 1 SOG, 1-1 FO for 50%) has goals in two of four and it's musical chairs for him, as always. He's basically like duct tape... you stick him wherever you need to patch something up and he can generally hold it together. His goal tonight was an ENG. Rostislav Klesla (1A, +2, 4 PIM, 22:13 TOI, 0:12 PP, 5:31 PK, 2 SOG) has four points to date. He had nine in 34 GP last year.
Top PP times (CBJ): Stralman (2:56), Nash (2:47), Tyutin (2:38), Huselius (2:22) and Umberger (2:06)
Top PP times (PHO): Upshall (7:11), Doan (7:02), Mueller (6:36), Aucoin (6:31) and Lombardi
Montreal Canadiens 2 @ Edmonton Oilers 3
Goaltending match-up: Carey Price (16/19, .842 SV%) vs. Nikolai Khabibulin (33/35, .943 SV%)
Net notes: Price was 1-1-0 vs. EDM before tonight with 4.94/ .831 splits. Khabi had a 5-6-4-0 lifetime mark vs. MON with 2.73/ .892 splits.
Michael Cammalleri Scott Gomez Brian Gionta
Max Pacioretty Tomas Plekanec Andrei Kostitsyn
Guillaume Latendresse Maxim Lapierre Travis Moen
Matt D'Agostini Kyle Chipchura Georges Laraque
Roman Hamrlik Jaroslav Spacek
Josh Gorges Hal Gill
Yannick Weber Paul Mara
Jean-Francois Jacques Shawn Horcoff Ales Hemsky
Ryan Stone Sam Gagner Patrick O'Sullivan
Dustin Penner Gilbert Brule Mike Comrie
Ethan Moreau Andrew Cogliano Zack Stortini
Jason Strudwick Lubomir Visnovsky
Denis Grebeshkov Tom Gilbert
Ladislav Smid Steve Staois
Key notes: Brian Gionta (1G, +1, 20:17 TOI, 3:19 PP, 1:56 PK, 1 SOG) was shut down in his past two outings, but has goals in three of five overall. Scott Gomez (1A, +1, 20:15 TOI, 2:30 PP, 2:08 PK, 5 SOG, 10-8 FO for 56%) has collected something in three of four now. The Alaska native is coming off a campaign that saw him tally only 58 points. Michael Cammalleri (1A, even, 19:30 TOI, 2:19 PP, 0:04 PK, 5 SOG) has set up four goals in five tries, but the shooter is still looking to find the back of the net for the first time. Roman Hamrlik (1G, +1, 24:15 TOI, 0:30 PP, 2:14 PK, 2 SOG) has points in two of four overall.
Top PP times (MON): Gionta (3:19), Gomez (2:30), Spacek (2:30), Cammalleri (2:19) and Weber (2:00)
Top PP times (EDM): Hemsky (3:23), Horcoff (3:23), Gilbert (3:17), Gagner (3:06) and Grebeshkov 2:59)
Ales Hemsky (1A, even, 2 PIM, 20:15 TOI, 3:23 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in three straight now, while Sam Gagner (1A, +2, 17:05 TOI, 3:06 PP, 0:05 PK, 1 SOG, 2-5 FO for 29%) also has three points overall to date. Patrick O'Sullivan (1G, +1, 2 PIM, 16:54 TOI, 2:33 PP, 0:31 PK, 2 SOG, 1-2 FO for 33%) has points in three of four and Mike Comrie (1G, even, 12:24 TOI, 2:33 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 0-3 FO for 0%) actually has a point in all four games so far. Jean-Francois Jacques (1G, even, 15:28 TOI, no PP, no PK, 3 SOG, 8 hits) finally got his first point of the season and only the second of his career.
Minnesota Wild 2 @ San Jose Sharks 4
Goaltending match-up: Niklas Backstrom (25/29, .862 SV%) vs. Evgeni Nabokov (38/40, .95%)
Net notes: Backstrom was 2-4-3 vs. SJ before this one with 3.12/ .900 splits. Nabokov had a lifetime record of 12-8-2-1 vs. MIN with 2.15/ .913 splits and three shutouts.
Andrew Brunette Mikko Koivu Martin Havlat
Petr Sykora Eric Belanger Cal Clutterbuck
Antti Miettinen James Sheppard Owen Nolan
John Scott Kyle Brodziak Benoit Pouliot
Shane Hnidy Marek Zidlicky
Kim Johnsson Nick Schultz
Brent Burns Greg Zanon
Dany Heatley Joe Thornton Devin Setoguchi
Jamie McGinn Patrick Marleau Ryane Clowe
Frazer McLaren Manny Malhotra Benn Ferriero
Jody Shelley Scott Nichol Jed Ortmeyer
Douglas Murray Dan Boyle
Marc-Edouard Vlasic Rob Blake
Kent Huskins Jason Demers
Key notes: Marek Zidlicky (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 20:39 TOI, 7:51 PP, 1:25 PK, 2 SOG) hadn't gotten a point before tonight, but they'll start to flow before too long. Owen Nolan (1G, -1, 2 PIM, 19:15 TOI, 4:42 PP, 0:24 PK, 5 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) has helpers back-to-back after nadda in the first two games. Andrew Brunette (1G, even, 20:02 TOI, 6:30 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) has five points in four starts if you're looking for depth help on the wing and Eric Belanger (1A, -1, 16:42 TOI, 3:29 PP, 3:41 PK, 5 SOG, 3-9 FO for 25%) has the same total.
Top PP times (MIN): Koivu (7:57), Zidlicky (7:51), Havlat (7:51), Brunette (6:30) and Johnsson (5:02)
Top PP times (SJ): Boyle (6:01), Demers (5:48), Heatley (4:29), Thornton (4:22) and Thornton (4:22)
Patrick Marleau (2G, 1A, +2, 21:46 TOI, 2:52 PP, 4:44 PK, 4 SOG, 9-5 FO for 64%) had a really strong game tonight and he rebounded well after getting blanked the past few games. He's averaging a point-per-game so far. Joe Thornton (1A, even, 20:16 TOI, 4:22 PP, 2:39 PK, 1 SOG, 14-5 FO for 74%) and Dany Heatley (1G, +1, 2 PIM, 19:13 TOI, 4:29 PP, 0:04 PK, 2 SOG, 1-1 FO for 50%) chipped in again tonight and although it wasn't as dramatic as that last monster effort, it should be a steady flow of points for the studs.
Dan Boyle (1A, even, 26:23 TOI, 6:01 PP, 4:58 PK, 2 SOG, 0-1 FO for 100%) sits at six points after tonight, while Rob Blake (1A, even, 2 PIM, 20:25 TOI, 1:40 PP, 5:30 PK, 2 SOG) has three in his past three games. Jason Demers (1A, +2, 2 PIM, 5:48 PP, 0:40 PK, 2 SOG) has helpers in three of four and he's still getting massive PP time, which can only help his value with the sick talent out there on the ice with him. If your league requires a rookie slot always occupied, that's a bonus for you too. Marc-Edouard Vlasic (1A, even, 23:08 TOI, 1:01 PP, 6:17 PK, no SOG) has points back-to-back after going pointless in his first three.
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