Chris Nichols

­Chris Nichols is Sportsnet.ca's fantasy hockey writer.

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Video: Just a little patience

Pittsburgh Penguins 3 @ Boston Bruins 0
Goaltending match-up: Marc-Andre Fleury (17/17) vs. Tuukka Rask (28/31, .903 SV%)
Net notes: MAF was 4-3-2 vs. BOS coming in with 2.45/ .924 splits and one shutout. This was his first shutout of the season and 16th of his career. Rask hadn't faced the Pens before tonight.

Chris Kunitz Sidney Crosby Bill Guerin
Alexei Ponikarovsky Jordan Staal Pascal Dupuis
Matt Cooke Michael Rupp Craig Adams
Ruslan Fedotenko Tyler Kennedy Eric Godard

Brooks Orpik Kris Letang
Mark Eaton Sergei Gonchar
Alex Goligoski Jordan Leopold

Marco Sturm Patrice Bergeron Mark Recchi
Blake Wheeler David Krejci Michael Ryder
Milan Lucic Vladimir Sobotka Miroslav Satan
Shawn Thornton Steve Begin Daniel Paille

Zdeno Chara Dennis Seidenberg
Mark Stuart Dennis Wideman
Matt Hunwick Andrew Ference

Key notes: Sergei Gonchar (1A, +2, 2 PIM, 23:02 TOI, 6:36 PP, 2:14 PK, 2 SOG) had just one point in five games before tonight, although he still had 43 points overall coming in. Alexei Ponikarovsky (1G, +1, 18:03 TOI, 6:00 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in four of seven since coming over from the Leafs. Kris Letang (1A, +2, 21:35 TOI, 3:38 PP, 2:29 PK, 3 SOG) had four points in eight games since the break coming into this one.

If you added Matt Cooke (7 PIM) to add some PIM tonight in the wake of the whole Marc Savard vengeance storyline, you go to pad your totals there in this tilt. Ruslan Fedotenko has points in two straight after five without one.

Top PP times (PIT): Crosby (7:00), Gonchar (6:36), Ponikarovsky (6:00), Guerin (5:12) and Goligoski (4:21)
Top PP times (BOS): Bergeron (4:38), Satan (4:36), Wheeler (4:22), Recchi (4:18) and Seidenberg (4:17)

Shawn Thornton (15 PIM) and Zdeno Chara (5 PIM) each added some good PIM totals for their owners, which was about the only good thing for Boston owners tonight.

Washington Capitals 3 @ Carolina Hurricanes 4 (OT)
Goaltending match-up: Semyon Varlamov (25/29, .862 SV%) vs. Justin Peters (25/28, .893 SV%)
Net notes: Varlamov hadn't faced CAR before tonight. Peters hadn't faced the Caps either.

Ray Whitney Eric Staal Jussi Jokinen
Tuomo Ruutu Brandon Sutter Erik Cole
Zach Boychuk Pat Dwyer Chad LaRose
Sergei Samsonov Rod Brind'Amour Tom Kostopoulos

Brett Carson Jay Harrison
Joni Pitkanen Jamie McBain
Brian Pothier Alexandre Picard

Tomas Fleischmann Nicklas Backstrom Mike Knuble
Brooks Laich Eric Belanger Alexander Semin
Jason Chimera Brendan Morrison Eric Fehr
Matt Bradley Dave Steckel Scott Walker

Mike Green Jeff Schultz
Tom Poti Joe Corvo
Shaone Morrisonn John Carlson

Key notes: Nicklas Backstrom (2A, -1, 19:42 TOI, 2:37 PP, 1:03 PK, 1 SOG, 12-4 FO for 75%) needed three points tonight to match his career best of 88 points, so he'll likely get that in his next start. Brooks Laich (1A, +1, 19:25 TOI, 2:37 PP, 3:10 PK, 5 SOG, 1-3 FO for 25%) extended his point streak to five games. Joe Corvo (2G, even, 25:02 TOI, 4:29 PP, 2:03 PK, 3 SOG) was playing his old team here and had three points in seven starts with WAS coming in.

Eric Fehr (1G, even, 12:00 TOI, no PP, no PK, 4 SOG) forced OT late and has goals in five of seven now. Brendan Morrison (1A, +1, 15:26 TOI, no PP, 1:00 PK, no SOG, 8-4 FO for 67%) hit the 40-point mark on the season and has six points in his last six starts.

Top PP times (WAS): Green (4:33), Corvo (4:29), Backstrom (2:37), Laich (2:37) and Semin (2:37)
Top PP times (CAR): Pitkanen (5:51), McBain (5:32), Jokinen (4:15), Whitney (4:09) and Sutter (4:04)

Eric Staal (1G, 1A, even, 20:44 TOI, 3:42 PP, 0:29 PK, 3 SOG, 7-11 FO for 39%) had just two points in six games coming in and his team was 2-3-1 in that stretch. Jussi Jokinen (2A, +1, 16:20 TOI, 4:15 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 2-1 FO for 67%) came into tonight with 54 points and he ended a three-game pointless slide here.

Joni Pitkanen (2A, +1, 29:28 TOI, 5:51 PP, 0:16 PK, no SOG) has points in four of his past six from the blueline. Ray Whitney's (1G, even, 21:14 TOI, 4:09 PP, 0:06 PK, 3 SOG, 0-1 FO for 0%) 52nd point was the OT GWG and he has scored in two of four, although he has just three points in his last eight affairs.

St. Louis Blues 4 @ New York Rangers 3
Goaltending match-up: Ty Conklin (26/29, .897 SV%) vs. Henrik Lundqvist (12/16, .750 SV%)
Net notes: Conklin was 2-1-0 vs. NYR coming in with 3.34/ .909 splits. Lundqvist was 0-1-0 vs. STL with 2.04/ .939 splits.

Paul Kariya David Backes T.J. Oshie
Andy McDonald Patrik Berglund David Perron
Brad Winchester Keith Tkachuk B.J. Crombeen
Alex Steen Jay McClement Brad Boyes

Eric Brewer Erik Johnson
Carlo Colaiacovo Mike Weaver
Tim Jackman Roman Polak

Brandon Dubinsky Erik Christensen Marian Gaborik
Vinny Prospal Artem Anisimov Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery Olli Jokinen Chris Drury
Jody Shelley Brian Boyle Brandon Prust

Marc Staal Michal Rozsival
Michael Del Zotto Daniel Girardi
Wade Redden Matt Gilroy

Key notes: Paul Kariya (1G, +1, 14:28 TOI, 1:03 PP, 0:37 PK, 2 SOG) had 12 points in 14 GP before tonight, while T.J. Oshie (1A, +1, 17:52 TOI, 1:13 PP, 2:04 PK, 2 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) had 22 points in GP coming in. David Backes (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 17:37 TOI, 1:38 PP, 1:45 PK, no SOG, 10-9 FO for 53%) has been adding points and PIM for his owners for awhile now.

Erik Johnson (1G, even, 4 PIM, 17L35 TOI, 1:29 PP, 0:57 PK, 1 SOG) came into this clash just one point shy of his rookie season total of 33 points. Brad Boyes (1G, +1, 12:28 TOI, 0:53 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) ended a four-game pointless slide here.

Top PP times (STL): McDonald (2:10), Colaiacovo (2:09), Steen (1:39), Backes (1:38) and Perron (1:35)
Top PP times (NYR): Jokinen (5:18), Prospal (5:10), Drury (4:45), Callahan (4:13) and Del Zotto (4:07)

Marian Gaborik (1G, 2A, +1, 24:09 TOI, 3:32 PP, 0:28 PK, 3 SOG) came into tonight with 73 points and he has points in three of five after three without one. This was his sixth multi-pointer of the New Year. Vinny Prospal (1A, even, 17:54 TOI, 5:10 PP, no PK, 4 SOG, 5-3 FO for 63%) had five points in eight games before tonight, while Olli Jokinen (1A, -2, 16:59 TOI, 5:18 PP, no PK, 3 SOG, 2-1 FO for 67%) has points in four of his past eight.

Wade Redden (1G, 1A, even, 4 PIM, 16:11 TOI, 1:11 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) quietly has points in four of his past nine. Brandon Dubinsky (1A, even, 20:08 TOI, 1:38 PP, 1:27 PK, 1 SOG, 3-1 FO for 75%) has points in five of nine.

Ottawa Senators 3 @ Atlanta Thrashers 6
Goaltending match-up: Brian Elliott (21/27, .778 SV%) vs. Johan Hedberg (36/39, .923 SV%)
Net notes: Elliott was 3-1-0 vs. ATL coming in with 2.84/ .902 splits. Hedberg was 4-6-0 vs. OTT with 3.72/ .877 splits and one shutout.

Milan Michalek Jason Spezza Daniel Alfredsson
Nick Foligno Mike Fisher Alex Kovalev
Peter Regin Matt Cullen Ryan Shannon
Jarkko Ruutu Chris Kelly Chris Neil

Chris Phillips Anton Volchenkov
Andy Sutton Chris Campoli
Filip Kuba Erik Karlsson

Niclas Bergfors Nik Antropov Maxim Afinogenov
Clarke MacArthur Rich Peverley Bryan Little
Todd White Jim Slater Colby Armstrong
Eric Boulton Marty Reasoner Evgeny Artyukhin

Tobias Enstrom Pavel Kubina
Johnny Oduya Ron Hainsey
Mark Popovic Zach Bogosian

Key notes: Jason Spezza (1A, even, 16:50 TOI, 4:27 PP, 0:21 PK, 3 SOG, 13-8 FO for 62%) had 23 points in 19 career GP vs. ATL coming into this affair and he had five points in seven games since the Olympic break ended before tonight. Daniel Alfredsson (1A, even, 17:12 TOI, 3:56 PP, 1:32 PK, 3 SOG) kept his road point-per-game average alive in this one, which was his 29th start away from home. Milan Michalek (1A, +1, 9:42 TOI, 0:47 PP, 3:20 PK, 2 SOG) has points in four of eight since the break ended.

Top PP times (OTT): Kovalev (4:53), Spezza (4:27), Alfredsson (3:56), Karlsson (3:37) and Kuba (3:33)
Top PP times (ATL): Enstrom (6:46), Kubina (5:46), Peverley (5:32), Afinogenov (5:32) and Antropov (5:32)

Johnny Oduya (1A, +2, 20:58 TOI, no PP, 4:42 PK, 2 SOG) came into this one with five points in 14 GP with his new team. Ron Hainsey (1A, +1, 2 PIM, 24:56 TOI, 4:07 PP, 4:35 PK, 1 SOG) has picked up points in three of four. Tobias Enstrom (1A, -2, 19:22 TOI, 6:46 PP, 0:20 PK, 2 SOG) has points in three straight after six without one and he started this contest with 45 points overall.

Maxim Afinogenov (2A, -1, 19:35 TOI, 5:32 PP, 0:10 PK, 3 SOG) had back-to-back two-pointers coming in here after five games without a point. Nik Antropov (2G, -1, 19:46 TOI, 5:32 PP, 0:23 PK, 3 SOG, 14-9 FO for 61%) has three straight two-pointers with 61 points on the season. Colby Armstrong (2G, 1A, +3, 13:45 TOI, 0:07 PP, 2:10 PK, 3 SOG) had a strong night, but hadn't registered a point in six tries before this evening.

Buffalo Sabres 6 @ Tampa Bay Lightning 2
Goaltending match-up: Ryan Miller (23/25, .920 SV%) vs. Antero Niittymaki (22/27, .815 SV%)
Net notes: Miller was 15-3-0 vs. TB coming in with 2.75/ .905 splits. Niitty was 0-1-2 vs. BUF with 3.54/ .878 splits.

Tim Kennedy Derek Roy Thomas Vanek
Jochen Hecht Tim Connolly Jason Pominville
Matt Ellis Paul Gaustad Mike Grier
Raffi Torres Adam Mair Patrick Kaleta

Henrik Tallinder Tyler Myers
Chris Butler Craig Rivet
Toni Lydman Steve Montador

Martin St. Louis Steven Stamkos Steve Downie
Teddy Purcell Vincent Lecavalier Brandon Bochenski
Stephane Veilleux Nate Thompson Mark Parrish
Alex Tanguay Paul Szczechura Todd Fedoruk

Kurtis Foster Victor Hedman
Matt Walker Mike Lundin
Andrej Meszaros Matt Smaby

Key notes: Jason Pominville (3G, +3, 2 PIM, 18:16 TOI, 5:44 PP, 3:11 PK, 7 SOG) reached the 20-goal plateau in this one and he has goals in three of five with points in five straight. Tyler Myers (1G, +1, 2 PIM, 24:53 TOI, 3:49 PP, 3:01 PK, 1 SOG) began the night needing just three points to ensure a 40-point rookie campaign. Derek Roy (1G, 2A, +2, 21:07 TOI, 6:31 PP, 3:11 PK, 2 SOG, 13-8 FO for 62%) has at least a point in seven of his past nine affairs.

Thomas Vanek (1G, +1, 18:39 TOI, 6:31 PP, no PK, 4 SOG) got an ENG and has points in five of seven. Tim Connolly (1A, +2, 2 PIM, 17:55 TOI, 5:54 PP, 0:27 PK, 5 SOG, 7-5 FO for 58%) has 62 points in '09-10 and that includes seven in his past seven.

Top PP times (BUF): Roy (6:31), Vanek (6:31), Connolly (5:54), Pominville (5:44) and Lydman (5:00)
Top PP times (TB): Stamkos (5:40), Lecavalier (4:16), Foster (4:16), Downie (4:16) and St. Louis (4:16)

Steven Stamkos (2A, -3, 2 PIM, 19:23 TOI, 5:40 PP, 1:24 PK, 3 SOG, 4-10 FO for 29%) added his 81st and 82nd points, also ending a brief three-game pointless period. Martin St. Louis (1A, -3, 18:24 TOI, 4:16 PP, 1:29 PK, 1 SOG) had also been shutout for three straight games. Steve Downie (1G, -1, 15:19 TOI, 4:16 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) is at 41 points overall and he had just one in five before tonight.

Teddy Purcell (1A, -1, 13:54 TOI, 3:08 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in four of eight and Vincent Lecavalier (1G, -3, 21:27 TOI, 4:16 PP, 2:29 PK, 7 SOG, 7-10 FO for 41%) has goals in three of four with 62 points on the season.

New Jersey Devils 1 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
Goaltending match-up: Yann Danis (25/26, .962 SV%) vs. Jean-Sebastien Giguere (24/25, .960 SV%)
Net notes: Danis was 0-1-0 vs. TOR coming in with 3.00/ .885 splits. JSG was 4-1-1-0 vs. NJD with 2.12/ .929 splits and one shutout.

Zach Parise Travis Zajac Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk Patrik Elias Dainius Zubrus
Rod Pelley Rob Niedermayer David Clarkson
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond Dean McAmmond Andrew Peters

Bryce Salvador Andy Greene
Colin White Mike Mottau
Martin Skoula Paul Martin

Nikolai Kulemin Tyler Bozak Phil Kessel
Viktor Stalberg Mikhail Grabovski Luca Caputi
John Mitchell Christian Hanson Fredrik Sjostrom
Jamie Lundmark Rickard Wallin Colton Orr

Francois Beauchemin Dion Phaneuf
Tomas Kaberle Carl Gunnarsson
Garnet Exelby Luke Schenn

Key notes: David Clarkson (1G, +1, 2 PIM, 16:13 TOI, 3:38 PP, no PK, 3 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) has points in three of his past six and he continues to chip in steadily across the board for his standard league owners. Zach Parise scored Jersey's only shootout goal.

Top PP times (NJD): Kovalchuk (7:21), Martin (4:59), Langenbrunner (4:20), Elias (4:01) and Parise (3:57)
Top PP times (TOR): Kaberle (4:21), Beauchemin (4:01), Kessel (3:52), Bozak (3:52) and Kulemin (3:29)

Phil Kessel (1G, even, 21:08 TOI, 3:52 PP, 0:09 PK, 6 SOG) reached the 50-point mark for the season here and he has goals in five of eight. He scored in the shootout, along with Nikolai Kulemin and John Mitchell. Dion Phaneuf (1A, +1, 25:10 TOI, 3:07 PP, 4:00 PK, 4 SOG)  had just three points in 14 GP with TOR before tonight.

Phoenix Coyotes 4 @ Florida Panthers 3 (SO)
Goaltending match-up: Ilya Bryzgalov (21/24, .875 SV%) vs. Tomas Vokoun (43/46, .935 SV%)
Net notes: Bryzgalov was 1-0-0 vs. FLA coming in with 1.00/ 963 splits. Vokoun was 11-8-1-0 vs. PHO with 2.58/ .915 splits and two shutouts.

Wojtek Wolski Matthew Lombardi Shane Doan
Taylor Pyatt Vernon Fiddler Lee Stempniak
Petr Prucha Martin Hanzal Radim Vrbata
Lauri Korpikoski Petteri Nokelainen Daniel Winnik

Zbynek Michalek Ed Jovanovski
Keith Yandle Derek Morris
Mathieu Schneider Adrian Aucoin

David Booth Stephen Weiss Nathan Horton
Michael Frolik Steven Reinprecht Cory Stillman
Gregory Campbell Shawn Matthias Radek Dvorak
Rostislav Olesz Kamil Kreps Nick Tarnasky

Keith Ballard Bryan Allen
Bryan McCabe Dmitry Kulikov
Keith Ballard Jason Garrison

Key notes: Radim Vrbata (1G, even, 18:08 TOI, 2:00 PP, 0:18 PK, 10 SOG) got the shootout winner to cap a third period comeback that saw his team down 3-0, where he also got the GTG with one minute left in regulation. He only had points in two of nine coming in. Lauri Korpikoski also scored in the shootout. This was Mathieu Schneider's (2A, +2, 24:14 TOI, 3:21 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) third game with his new team and first points. Lee Stempniak (1G, +1, 16:11 TOI, 1:04 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) has points in all eight games since the break ended.

Wojtek Wolski (1A, even, 19:29 TOI, 1:55 PP, no PK, 3 SOG, 1-0 FO for 100%) now has five points in seven starts with the Coyotes. Matthew Lombardi (1A, -1, 18:29 TOI, 2:04 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 7-9 FO for 44%) has points in three straight and five of eight.

Top PP times (PHO): Schneider (3:21), Yandle (2:11), Lombardi (2:04), Prucha (2:00), Vrbata (2:00) and Hanzal (2:00)
Top PP times (FLA): Stillman (1:52), McCabe (1:41), Kulikov (1:41), Weiss (1:40) and Horton (1:40)

Nathan Horton (2A, +1, 21:07 TOI, 1:40 PP, 1:01 PK, no SOG, 0-1 FO for 0%) was activated for this tilt, while Stephen Weiss (1G, 1A, +1, 20:17 TOI, 1:40 PP, 1:29 PK, 4 SOG, 12-13 FO for 48%) ended a five-game pointless skid here. He also notched his team's only shootout goal.

Cory Stillman (1G, 1A, even, 15:51 TOI, 1:52 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 0-2 FO for 0%) has points in five of eight since the break after stopping a three-game pointless skid here. Bryan McCabe (2A, +1, 2 PIM, 29:08 TOI, 1:41 PP, 1:19 PK, no SOG) had been blanked for three in a row coming in, but had 10 points in the prior five outings.

Minnesota Wild 0 @ Nashville Predators 5
Goaltending match-up: Josh Harding (22/26, .846 SV%) & Wade Dubielewicz (10/11, .909 SV%) vs. Pekka Rinne (17/17)
Net notes: Harding was 3-3-0 vs. NAS coming in with 2.67/ .916 splits. Rinne was 2-1-1 vs. MIN with 3.02/ .897 splits and one shutout. This was fifth shutout of the season and 12th in his two-year NHL career.

Guillaume Latendresse Mikko Koivu Martin Havlat
Andrew Brunette Andrew Ebbett Antti Miettinen
Chuck Kobasew Kyle Brodziak Cal Clutterbuck
Robbie Earl James Sheppard Robbie Earl

Marek Zidlicky Cam Barker
Jaime Sifers Nick Schultz
Greg Zanon John Scott

Colin Wilson Jason Arnott Martin Erat
Steve Sullivan Marcel Goc Patric Hornqvist
Joel Ward David Legwand Jerred Smithson
Jordin Tootoo Dustin Boyd J.P. Dumont

Shea Weber Ryan Suter
Kevin Klein Francis Bouillon
Dan Hamhuis Cody Franson

Key notes:

Top PP times (MIN): Havlat (3:00), Koivu (2:57), Brunette (2:40), Zidlicky (2:26) and Miettinen (2:06)
Top PP times (NAS): Arnott (1:40), Suter (1:29), Sullivan (1:33), Weber (1:18) and Erat (1:18)

Colin Wilson (1G, 1A, +2, 15:03 TOI, 0:26 PP, no PK, 4 SOG) has points in five of seven starts now, so he's chipping in for his owners with that L1 assignment. Jason Arnott (1G, 1A, +2, 15:04 TOI, 1:40 PP, no PK, 5 SOG, 12-3 FO for 80%) had 26 points in 30 home games before tonight and he has points in four straight and eight of 10. Martin Erat (2A, +2, 15:15 TOI, 1:18 PP, 0:34 PK, no SOG) also has points in eight of 10 since the break.

Patric Hornqvist (1G, 1A, +1, 14:54 TOI, 1:33 PP, no PK, 5 SOG) has points in four of his past five now after one in six. Steve Sullivan (1A, +1, 13:42 TOI, 1:03 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) has points in seven of his past 10 outings. Marcel Goc (1G, +1, 4 PIM, 15:13 TOI, 0:15 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 10-6 FO for 63%) has a modest three-game point streak going.

Philadelphia Flyers 3 @ Dallas Stars 2
Goaltending match-up: Brian Boucher (27/29, .931 SV%) vs. Kari Lehtonen (28/31, .903 SV%)
Net notes: Boucher was 5-5-3-0 vs. DAL coming in with 2.34/ .922 splits and one shutout. Lehtonen was 0-8-1 vs. PHI with 3.84/ .882 splits.

Simon Gagne Mike Richards Daniel Carcillo
Scott Hartnell Jeff Carter Danny Briere
James van Riemsdyk Claude Giroux Ville Leino
Darroll Powe Blair Betts Ian Laperriere

Matt Carle Chris Pronger
Kimmo Timonen Lukas Krajicek
Ryan Parent Braydon Coburn

Steve Ott Brad Richards Loui Eriksson
James Neal Jamie Benn Jere Lehtinen
Brenden Morrow Mike Ribeiro Brandon Segal
Krys Barch Brian Sutherby Toby Petersen

Nicklas Grossman Stephane Robidas
Karlis Skrastins Mark Fistric
Jeff Woywitka Trevor Daley

Key notes: Simon Gagne (1G, 1A, +2, 17:47 TOI, 0:56 PP, 0:46 PK, 4 SOG) had two points the last time he met this team and he has scored in six of his past eight. Mike Richards (1G, 1A, +2, 19:49 TOI, 0:56 PP, 0:39 PK, 5 SOG, 11-7 FO for 61%) has points in eight of his past 11 now. Chris Pronger (1A, even, 2 PIM, 25:00 TOI, 0:56 PP, 2:24 PK, 3 SOG) began the evening 12 points below his career best of 62 points, which he recorded more than a decade ago.

Danny Briere (1A, even, 15:53 TOI, 1:04 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) has points in six of nine, while Jeff Carter (1A, even, 19:18 TOI, 1:04 PP, 0:26 PK, 4 SOG, 8-6 FO for 57%) added his 60th point of the season and it wasn't a goal for a change. He's been so hot around the net lately. Scott Hartnell's (1G, even, 16:57 TOI, 1:04 PP, no PK, 1 SOG) third period goal was also his fourth GWG of the season and that gives him points in four of five.

Top PP times (PHI): Briere (1:04), Krajicek (1:04), Carter (1:04), Hartnell (1:04) and Carle (1:04)
Top PP times (DAL): Richards (3:20), Ribeiro (2:29), Morrow (2:29), Robidas (2:10) and Eriksson (2:10)

Brad Richards (1A, -1, 21:29 TOI, 3:20 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 6-9 FO for 40%) added to the 47 home points he had in 33 GP coming in. Steve Ott (2G, -1, 19:21 TOI, 1:45 PP, 0:53 PK, 4 SOG, 2-1 FO for 67%) has goals in three of five and this was fifth career two-goal game.

Jamie Benn (1A, even, 12:14 TOI, 1:26 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 2-5 FO for 29%) has points in three of five after four without one. Loui Eriksson (1A, -1, 21:15 TOI, 2:10 PP, 0:53 PK, no SOG) has points in six of eight and he had 60 points overall coming in. He had 63 points last night.

San Jose Sharks 2 @ Vancouver Canucks 3
Goaltending match-up: Evgeni Nabokov (23/26, .885 SV%) vs. Roberto Luongo (32/34, .941 SV%)
Net notes: Nabby was 12-5-1-2 vs. VAN coming in with 2.25/ .913 splits and one shutout. Luongo was 5-9-1-1 vs. SJ with 3.05/ .903 splits.

Ryane Clowe Joe Thornton Joe Pavelski
Dany Heatley Patrick Marleau Devin Setoguchi
Jamie McGinn Manny Malhotra Torrey Mitchell
Logan Couture Scott Nichol Brad Staubitz

Douglas Murray Dan Boyle
Kent Huskins Rob Blake
Niclas Wallin Jay Leach

Daniel Sedin Henrik Sedin Alex Burrows
Pavol Demitra Ryan Kesler Michael Grabner
Mason Raymond Kyle Wellwood Jannik Hansen
Darcy Hordichuk Ryan Johnson Rick Rypien

Shane O'Brien Christian Ehrhoff
Alexander Edler Sami Salo
Aaron Rome Kevin Bieksa

Key notes: Ryane Clowe (1G, +2, 19:42 TOI, 1:09 PP, no PK, 2 SOG, 0-1 FO for 0%) had never scored in 11 prior tries vs. VAN. He has points in six of eight now since the break. Joe Pavelski (1G, 1A, +2, 21:56 TOI, 3:05 PP, 1:08 PK, 9 SOG, 9-7 FO for 56%) had eight points in seven games coming in here. Devin Setoguchi (1A, +1, 16:25 TOI, 1:00 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) has struck for points in four of five.

Top PP times (SJ): Boyle (3:15), Pavelski (3:05), Heatley (2:51), Thornton (2:45) and Marleau (2:07)
Top PP times (VAN): D. Sedin (2:02), H. Sedin (2:02), Edler (1:46), Demitra (1:39) and Ehrhoff (1:34)

Ryan Kesler (1G, 1A, even, 4 PIM, 20:11 TOI, 1:05 PP, 1:09 PK, 2 SOG, 5-7 FO for 42%) has picked up points in 15 of 17 since the beginning of February. Christian Ehrhoff (1A, -1, 18:59 TOI, 1:34 PP, 1:02 PK, 2 SOG) was four points below last year's mark of 42 points coming in here and he has points in seven of 10 from the back end.

Pavol Demitra (1A, even, 18:24 TOI, 1:39 PP, 0:34 PK, 1 SOG, 4-4 FO for 50%) has a point in seven of 10. Alexander Edler (1G, 1A, -1, 23:48 TOI, 1:46 PP, 1:50 PK, 2 SOG) had three straight +2 games coming in here and he has points in five of eight.

Chicago Blackhawks 3 @ Los Angeles Kings 0
Goaltending match-up: Antti Niemi (17/17) vs. Jonathan Quick (34/37, .919 SV%)
Net notes: Niemi was 2-0-0 vs. LOS coming in with 1.97/ .926 splits. This was his fifth shutout of the season and his career. Quick was 2-4-1 vs. CHI with 2.77/ .918 splits.

Troy Brouwer Jonathan Toews Patrick Kane
Patrick Sharp Dave Bolland Marian Hossa
Andrew Ladd John Madden Kris Versteeg
Ben Eager Adam Burish Tomas Kopecky

Duncan Keith Dustin Byfuglien
Niklas Hjalmarsson Nick Boynton
Brent Sopel Jordan Hendry

Ryan Smyth Anze Kopitar Justin Williams
Alexander Frolov Brad Richardson Dustin Brown
Fredrik Modin Michal Handzus Wayne Simmonds
Raitis Ivanans Jarret Stoll Richard Clune

Rob Scuderi Drew Doughty
Sean O'Donnell Jack Johnson
Randy Jones Matt Greene

Key notes: Jonathan Toews (1A, +1, 17:25 TOI, 4:47 PP, no PK, 1 SOG, 7-12 FO for 37%) needed 12 points before this one began to match last year's total of 69. Patrick Kane (1A, +1, 18:12 TOI, 5:16 PP, no PK, 2 SOG) already had five more points than his career-best of 72 coming in here. He has points in 11 of his last 13. Troy Brouwer (1G, +1, 16:57 TOI, 4:47 PP, no PK, 3 SOG) has points in three of four and he ended a five-game goalless stretch here.

Top PP times (CHI): Keith (5:35), Byfuglien (5:30), Hossa (5:16), Kane (5:16), Toews (4:47) and Brouwer (4:47)
Top PP times (LOS): N/A

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