Ryan brings us coffee, breakfast, and a light brunch on The Morning Skate.
The Morning After:
Yesterday’s scores:
Hurricanes 2, Wild 1 (SO)
Sharks 3, Blue Jackets 2
Stars 4, Devils 3 (OT)
Red Wings 4, Ducks 0
Sabres 2, Senators 1
Thrashers 4, Capitals 2
Predictions record: 2-4
My 3 stars of the night:
1. Cam Ward, CAR (41 Saves, 1 GA)… Ward was a brick-wall for the ‘Canes, stopping 41 shots including 8 in overtime.
2. Derek Roy, BUF (2 Goals)
3. Loui Eriksson, DAL (2 Goals)
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Today’s Slate:
Coyotes vs. Bruins, 12:00 ET (Prague)
Sharks vs. Blue Jackets, 3:00 (Stockholm)
Rangers @ Sabres, 7:00
Senators @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Stars @ Islanders, 7:00
Canadiens @ Penguins, 7:00
Devils @ Capitals, 7:00
Thrashers @ Lightning, 7:30
Flyers @ Blues, 8:00
Ducks @ Predators, 8:00
Red Wings @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Kings @ Canucks, 10:00
Games of the Night:
New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks
2009/10 Season Series: 3-1 Devils
Players to watch:
NJ- Travis Zajac
Zajac could quietly bust out this season in between Parise and Kovalchuk.
WSH- Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom went without a point last night, but I think that changes tonight.
Projected Goaltenders:
NJ- Martin Brodeur (Last night vs. DAL: 24 Saves, 4 GA)
WSH- Michal Neuvirth (Last night @ ATL: 27 Saves, 4 GA)
Injury Report:
NJ- Bryce Salvador (concussion, out), Anssi Salmela (knee, out)
WSH- Semyon Varlamov (groin, out)
Game Thoughts:
Both teams are coming off a loss last night, which makes tonight’s game a tough one pick; they’ll both be looking to bounce back. Neuvirth starting back-to-backs worries me, but I do think Washington gets the ‘W’ at home.
Prediction: Capitals 3, Devils 2
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Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks
8:30 ET… TV: Local Networks
2009/10 Season Series: 3-2-1 Blackhawks
Players to watch:
DET- Danny Cleary
Are we seeing a rejuvenated Cleary this year? Two points in last night’s opener…
CHI- Jonathan Toews
On the banner-raising night, I think the Conn Smythe-winner has a big game.
Projected Goaltenders:
DET- Jimmy Howard (Last night vs. ANA: 21 Saves, 0 GA)
CHI- Marty Turco (Thursday @ COL: 37 Saves, 4 GA)
Injury Report:
DET- Jonathan Ericsson (back, doubtful), Justin Abdelkader (ribs, out), Kris Draper (groin, out)
CHI- Brian Campbell (knee, out)
Game Thoughts:
The ‘Hawks and Wings renew acquaintances with each other as the defending champs raise their Cup banner. It will certainly be an emotional night in the United Center, and you wonder if Chicago will be able to channel that energy. Detroit on the back-end of back-to-backs; Blackhawks opening up at home… Toews and company in a thriller.
Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 3
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Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 ET… TV: CBC, Local Networks
2009/10 Season Series: 3-1 Canucks
Players to watch:
LA- Drew Doughty
How can you doubt the Doughty? The kid is primed for another superb season.
VAN- Henrik Sedin
All eyes will be on Henrik as he dons the ‘C’ (most likely) and begins his defense of the Hart.
Projected Goaltenders:
LA- Jonathan Quick (09/10 stats: 39-24-7, 2.54 GAA)
VAN- Roberto Luongo (09/10 stats: 40-22-4, 2.57 GAA)
Injury Report:
LA- Matt Greene (shoulder, out)
VAN- Alex Burrows (shoulder, out), Sami Salo (Achilles, out)
Game Thoughts:
The opening series between Vancouver and Los Angeles was probably the best one of last year’s first round. Both clubs have high expectations coming in, but have new faces and lines to gel with. The Kings will have a handful of youngsters playing in their first game, while Rogers Arena will be fired on Hockey Night in Canada. Go with VanCity here…
Prediction: Canucks 3, Kings 1
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Lock of the Night:
Penguins over Canadiens… The Pens were all over Philly the other night but couldn’t cash in enough. CONSOL Energy Center will be buzzing once again, and I can’t see Pittsburgh droppings its first two in the new digs. Plus, they’re looking for some payback on the team that knocked ‘em out last spring.
The rest of today’s predictions:
Coyotes over Bruins
Blue Jackets over Sharks
Sabres over Rangers
Maple Leafs over Senators
Islanders over Stars
Lightning over Thrashers
Predators over Ducks
Blues over Flyers
