The Morning After:
Last night’s scores:
Predators 3, Kings 1
Devils 3, Senators 2
Bruins 4, Sabres 2
Islanders 6, Thrashers 3
Blue Jackets 3, Hurricanes 2
Capitals 7, Panthers 4
Lightning 3, Canadiens 1
Maple Leafs 5, Red Wings 1
Flyers 2, Blues 1 (SO)
Wild 3, Stars 2
Ducks 4, Coyotes 3
Flames 3, Rangers 1
Sharks 5, Penguins 0
Predictions record: 8-5
My 3 stars from last night:
1. Mike Knuble, WSH (2 Goals, 2 Assists)
Knuble’s offensive explosion led the Caps to a second straight win over Florida.
2. Evgeni Nabokov, SJ (27 Saves, Shutout)
‘Nabby’ picked up the only shutout of the night, and made a lot of key saves.
3. Antero Niittymaki, TB (36 Saves, 1 GA)
He has stepped up as the Bolts’ starter in net, and had a huge performance in Montreal. He steered away all 15 shots that came his way in the 3rd.
Dud of the Night:
Pittsburgh Penguins… The Pens’ 3rd period woes from Thursday carried over as they were blown out of the water by the Sharks. In a duel of the league’s best, the Sharks were clearly the better team even though Pittsburgh missed Malkin & Gonchar.
Saturday Fantasy Roundup:
Ryan’s Picks:
F- A. Kopitar (1 A, -1, 1 PPP)
F- A. Semin (4 PIM)
D- T. Kaberle (nada)
G- M. Kiprusoff (32 Saves, 1 GA)
Michael’s Picks:
F- R. Nash (1 G, -1)
F- P. Marleau (nada)
D- D. Phaneuf (nada)
G- E. Nabokov (27 Saves, Shutout)
Chris’ Picks:
F- P. Datsyuk (nada)
F- T. Zajac (nada)
D- M. Streit (1 A, +1, 1 PPP)
G- R. Emery (30 Saves, 1 GA)
—
Tonight’s Slate:
Blues @ Thrashers, 5:00 ET
Oilers @ Avalanche, 8:00
Games of the Night:
Edmonton Oilers (7-8-1) @ Colorado Avalanche (12-3-2)
8:00 ET… TV: Local Networks
Players to watch:
EDM- Sam Gagner
The youngster has fared well against Colorado, and needs to step up as the #1 pivot tonight.
COL- Wojtek Wolski
He’s gone four games without a goal, and scored twice against Edmonton two weeks ago.
Projected Goaltenders:
EDM- Nikolai Khabibulin (09/10 stats: 6-7-1, 3.19 GAA)
COL- Craig Anderson (09/10 stats: 11-3-2, 2.15 GAA)
Injury Report:
EDM- Ales Hemsky (shoulder, questionable), Shawn Horcoff (shoulder, out), Sheldon Souray (concussion, out), Ladislav Smid (illness, doubtful), J-F Jacques (back, doubtful), Marc Pouliot (sports hernia, out), Ryan Stone (knee, out)
COL- John-Michael Liles (shoulder, doubtful), T.J. Galiardi (ankle, out), Darcy Tucker (concussion, out), Tom Preissing (knee, questionable), Ruslan Salei (back, out)
Game Thoughts:
The Oilers simply have not been good on the road this season, while Colorado is a perfect 6-0 at home. Will the tides turn for both clubs?? Not tonight. I think the Avs will continue their hot streak to begin the year. Pat Quinn & company have too many key injuries pull one out tonight.
Prediction: Avalanche 3, Oilers 1
The rest of tonight’s predictions:
Thrashers over Blues
