Ryan brings us good breakfast even on Hump Day and he said the Devils would lose….this could be good…right? Morning Skate time.
The Morning After:
Yesterday’s scores:
Maple Leafs 3, Panthers 1
Flyers 6, Sabres 3
Senators 5, Coyotes 2
Flames 5, Oilers 4 (SO)
Ducks 5, Stars 2
Canucks 4, Avalanche 3 (OT)
Predictions record: 4-2
My 3 stars of the night:
1. Alex Kovalev, OTT (2 Goals, 1 Assist)… Kovalev finally busted out with three points in Ottawa’s important win.
2. Jeff Carter, PHI (1 Goal, 2 Assists)
3. Bobby Ryan, ANA (2 Goals)
Close but no cigar: B. Morrison, CGY; J. Giguere, TOR
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Tonight’s Slate:
Thrashers @ Rangers, 7:00 ET
Capitals @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Islanders @ Canadiens, 7:30
Penguins @ Lightning, 7:30
Kings @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Devils @ Sharks, 10:30
Games of the Night:
Los Angeles Kings (6-2-0) @ Chicago Blackhawks (5-4-1)
8:30 ET… TV: Local Networks
2009/10 Season Series: 3-1 Blackhawks
Players to watch:
LA- Ryan Smyth
Smyth has gone without a point in three games… he’s due.
CHI- Patrick Sharp
Sharp has 21 points in 16 career games against the Kings.
Projected Goaltenders:
LA- Jonathan Bernier (2010/11 stats: 1-1-0, 2.51 GAA)
CHI- Marty Turco (2010/11 stats: 4-2-1, 2.64 GAA)
Injury Report:
LA- Drew Doughty (upper body, out), Scott Parse (groin, out)
CHI- Tomas Kopecky (upper body, questionable), Brian Campbell (knee, out)
Game Thoughts:
Three years ago, Kings/Blackhawks wouldn’t have been an attractive matchup, per se. Now, it’s a heavyweight bout between two rising teams. L.A. sits atop the Pacific with 12 points, while Chicago is in a dogfight in a deep Central Division. Without Doughty and Bernier starting, I think this will be a tough one for the Kings. I see the rested ‘Hawks coming out on top in an exciting game.
Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Kings 3
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Wednesday Game of the Week:
Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-1) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (5-2-1)
7:30 ET… TV: Local Networks
2009/10 Season Series: Tied 2-2
Prediction: Penguins 4, Lightning 2
More to come from this game…
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The rest of tonight’s predictions:
Thrashers over Rangers
Hurricanes over Capitals
Canadiens over Islanders
Sharks over Devils
