Ryan brought us some good scrambled eggs this morning…..
The Morning After:
Yesterday’s scores:
Islanders 2, Maple Leafs 1 (OT)
Avalanche 3, Rangers 1
Penguins 5, Senators 2
Lightning 5, Stars 4
Blackhawks 3, Blues 2 (OT)
Predictions record: 4-1
My 3 stars of the night:
1. Marian Hossa, CHI (2 Goals)… Hossa’s pair of third period forced overtime, where the ‘Hawks would eventually win. He is on fire right now.
2. Steven Stamkos, TB (1 Goal, 2 Assists)
3. Chris Stewart, COL (2 Goals)
Close but no cigar: D. Moore, TB; D. Roloson and J. Tavares, NYI; E. Malkin, PIT; D. Perron, STL; C. Anderson, COL
Quick-hit Observations:
– Chicago literally stole two points from St. Louis. Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp are playing possessed right now. Hossa has a point in every game thus far (7 goals, 11 points), while Sharp has notched three consecutive game-winners.
– Pittsburgh has scored four power play goals in their last two games (on their last eight opportunities, no less). If the Pens’ man advantage can get rolling, look out!
– Speaking of the power play… Tampa Bay netted four power play goals against the Stars last night. In September I made the bold prediction that they’d have the top unit this season. They are currently striking at a 33.3 % rate – 2nd in the NHL. It is one lethal man advantage…
– I think I overlooked Colorado. It’s early, but they have the make-up of a playoff team (again).
– Both the Leafs and Isles showed resiliency last night. The old Leafs team would have lost that game 1-0, while the Isles rebounded from a late goal against to win in overtime. These two are better than people think.
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Tonight’s Slate:
Bruins @ Capitals, 7:30 ET
Flames @ Predators, 8:00
Canucks @ Wild, 9:00
Hurricanes @ Sharks, 10:30
Game of the Night:
Boston Bruins (2-1-0) @ Washington Capitals (4-1-0)
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS
2009/10 Season Series: 3-1 Capitals
Players to watch:
BOS- Nathan Horton
Can Horton continue this hot start against a familiar opponent?
WSH- Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom has 15 points in 12 career games vs. Boston.
Projected Goaltenders:
BOS- Tim Thomas (2010/11 stats: 2-0-0, 0.50 GAA)
WSH- Michal Neuvirth (2010/11 stats: 4-1-0, 2.16 GAA)
Injury Report:
BOS- Marc Savard (concussion, out), Marco Sturm (knee, out)
WSH- Mike Green (upper body, questionable), Tom Poti and Matt Bradley (lower body, questionable)
Game Thoughts:
The high-flying Capitals come in red-hot and will host Boston in what should be an interesting battle. In my opinion, these are two of the better teams in the conference, and the B’s proved that Saturday in New Jersey. They’re facing a much tougher Caps bunch that is on the verge of hitting their stride. Tim Thomas keeps it close, but Alex Ovechkin and the gang win their fifth in a row…
Prediction: Capitals 3, Bruins 2
The rest of tonight’s predictions:
Predators over Flames
Wild over Canucks
Sharks over Hurricanes
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