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| Zetterberg continues to light up Colorado | Tuesday 4/29, 11:42 PM CT |
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The Swedish battery that served as the Red Wings' offensive catalyst during the season continue to do so as Detroit takes a 3-0 series lead against the Colorado Avalanche, winning Game 3 tonight by a score of 4-3. Winger Henrik Zetterberg was a force for this team all season long, and tonight he posted one goal and one assist in the win over the Avs.
Our View: That gives Zetterberg three goals and two assists in three games versus Colorado.
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| Datsyuk putting the hurt on Colorado | Tuesday 4/29, 11:40 PM CT |
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The Detroit Red Wings have taken a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Colorado Avalanche in their Western Conference semifinal battle, and center Pavel Datsyuk continues to lead the way for the Wings. Datsyuk scored two goals and added one assist in the win, giving him five total points over these three games.
Our View: The guy had 97 points in the regular season, so it should come as no surprise, but the Avs seem all too surprised as they continue to struggle in defending the Russian native. |
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| Brunette nets 2 goals in Colorado loss | Tuesday 4/29, 11:32 PM CT |
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The Colorado Avalanche may be nearing the end of their playoff rope, suffering a tough 4-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings who now lead the Western Conference semifinal series 3-0. Winger Andrew Brunette did his best to keep the Avs in contention, scoring two goals on just two shots on goal, his first points of this series.
Our View: Brunette was a force for the Avs in the regular season but has been fairly quiet in these playoffs. The team has to hope tonight's surge gets him back on track, for they need all the help they can get. |
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| Fleury's 36 saves puts Pens in semifinal stronghold | Tuesday 4/29, 10:44 PM CT |
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He may be young, but that fits the scheme of the Pittsburgh Penguins all too well, and with names like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the roster, it's easy to understand how goalie Marc-Andre Fleury may be a bit undervalued. After tonight's 5-3 win over the New York Rangers, most fans will recognize the name of the young phenom tender as the Pens take the dominating 3-0 series lead.
Our View: Fleury may have allowed three goals on the evening, but he faced a whopping 39 shots on goal, more than double the total his teammates produced against opposing Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. The Pens' defense wasn't getting it done, but Fleury had their backs. |
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| Veteran Norstrom leading the way for Dallas | Tuesday 4/29, 10:30 PM CT |
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The Dallas Stars are enjoying a wonderful team effort as they face one of the elite teams from this season in the NHL, and that approach has resulted in a powerful 3-0 series lead in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Dallas Stars. Tonight, the Stars emerged on the power of an overtime goal by veteran defenseman Mattias Norstrom , planting assists from defenseman Matt Miskanen and center Mike Ribeiro in the back of the net to secure the win.
Our View: Norstrom has been key in this series, posting at least one point in each of these hard-fought battles (one goal, two assists). If he can keep his defense at this high level and continue to do work on the offensive end of the ice, the Stars will move forward. |
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| Thornton coming up short for San Jose | Tuesday 4/29, 10:29 PM CT |
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The San Jose Sharks were considered by many to be the favorite to take the Stanley Cup in this year's NHL Playoffs, but they have yet to put their actions behind the beliefs, and now they are facing a daunting 3-0 deficit in their Western Conference semifinal playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Tonight, San Jose managed just 20 total shots on goal in a 2-1 OT loss to the Stars, and while it is difficult to find a place for blame in their shortcomings, center Joe Thornton may be the man to target.
Our View: In three games versus Dallas, Thornton has yet to score a single goal and has posted just eight combined shots on net. He resides as a +1 for the series, but his inability to get the team moving on offense is a concern. Tonight, he launched just two shots against Dallas goalie Marty Turco, and that is not getting it done. |
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| Jagr, Straka fly but can't overcome 5-3 loss to Pens | Tuesday 4/29, 9:47 PM CT |
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The Rangers are fighting to find an answer as they continue to come up short against the Pittsburgh Penguins, falling 5-3 tonight to take a 3-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Two of the Rangers' top veterans tried to carry the load tonight as wingers Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka each posted one goal and one assist.
Our View: Straka wasn't a top point man for the Rangers during the season (41 total points), but he is one of few stepping up the challenge against the Pens. Jagr, as has been true for his entire career, is a man on the stick, now touting three goals and nine assists in the postseason. |
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| Crosby, Sykora, Gonchar with 2 assists each | Tuesday 4/29, 9:39 PM CT |
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The Pens have taken a dominating 3-0 series lead over the New York Rangers in their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series and the team's top offensive talents are all doing their part to contribute. Center Sidney Crosby , winger Petr Sykora, and defenseman Sergei Gonchar all posted two assists in tonight's 5-3 win over the Rangers, and now they hope to close it out with a sweep in Game 4.
Our View: Gonchar now has three helpers in his last two games while Sykora has been a goal scorer (4) rather than an assist man, these being his first two helpers of the postseason. However, it has been Crosby getting it done by making his teammates better. These two assists tonight give Crosby TEN assists through seven playoff games, an outstanding effort for the young superstar. |
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| Malkin too good to be true (again) in Game 3 win | Tuesday 4/29, 9:32 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh continues to shine in their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the New York Rangers, using a 5-3 victory this evening to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. More than anyone, winger Evgeni Malkin is enjoying the ride, adding another two goals and an assist to a playoff run that defies explanation.
Our View: The Pens are riding a seven game win streak in these playoffs, and Malkin is the general leading the army with five goals and eight assists in the postseason. Teammate Sidney Crosby may be the man folks debate as the best player in the game, but Malkin is the one putting points on the board.
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| Pens and Rangers locked in offensive warfare | Tuesday 4/29, 7:43 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers have all but assured the headlines won't be mentioning any of the goalies from tonight's Game-3 semifinal playoff battle. Both teams have posted three goals each with just a few minutes left to play in the 2nd period.
Our View: For Pittsburgh, the feat is rather impressive considering the team has combined for just 12 shots on goal, less than half of the number (29) posted by the Rangers. All three of those Pittsburgh goals were scored in the 1st period, topped by winger Evgeni Malkin's fourth goal of the series. On the flip side, both Ranger wingers Martin Straka and Jaromir Jagr has a goal and an assist.
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| Ott gets new deal with Dallas | Tuesday 4/29, 7:21 PM CT |
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The Dallas Stars have re-signed enforcer Steve Ott to a new two-year contract, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: The Dallas center will reportedly earn $1.425 million per season under the terms of his new deal. Ott netted 11 goals and 11 assists this season, but his true value was measured in penalty minutes: 147 in 73 games this season. |
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| Carter earns new contract with Ducks | Tuesday 4/29, 6:51 PM CT |
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The Anaheim Ducks has inked center Ryan Carter , coming off a strong rookie campaign, to a new three-year contract, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Carter earned time on the ice in 34 games this season, posting four goals and four assists with 36 total penalty minutes. Carter was originally signed as a rookie free agent, undrafted out of Minnesota State University during the summer of 2006. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
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| Blue Jackets sign Hejda to new contract | Tuesday 4/29, 6:43 PM CT |
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Jan Hejda to a new three-year agreement, terms of which have not been announced, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Hejda was an unrestricted free agent last season but was signed to a one-year agreement prior to the '07-'08 season. He posted 13 assists in 81 games this season and set a new franchise record with a +20 plus/minus rating. |
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| Knuble will play Wednesday | Tuesday 4/29, 5:53 PM CT |
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Mike Knuble participated in an optional skate Tuesday and declared himself ready to play in Game 4, according to TSN.ca. "I was cleared yesterday during the game so I think I can get out there with very little apprehension at all," Knuble said. "The guys are playing well and you just want to come in and not mess up what's going on." Knuble partially tore his hamstring in Game 5 of the Flyers' first round series.
Our View: Knuble's ice time doesn't figure to be substantial Wednesday. |
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| Roberts will miss Game 3 | Tuesday 4/29, 2:00 PM CT |
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Gary Roberts won't play in Game 3 against the Rangers tonight and will miss his fifth consecutive playoff game due to his groin injury, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Penguins' coach Michel Therrien said, "We want Gary Roberts back in the line-up, but we need him back at the right time. The chemistry is there with our club. We've got not reason to take anybody out of the lineup. Eventually he's going to be back in the lineup, but it needs to be done at the right time."
Our View: Roberts has two goals over two playoff games, which came against Ottawa. The Penguins lead the series against New York 2-0, and the team has been fine without him on the ice. |
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| Hannan probable | Tuesday 4/29, 1:53 PM CT |
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Scott Hannan is probable to play in Game 3 against Detroit, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: He scored an assist in Game 2 against Detroit, which was his first point of the playoffs. |
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| Smyth won't play in Game 3 | Tuesday 4/29, 1:47 PM CT |
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Ryan Smyth will not play in Game 3 against Detroit tonight, due to his foot ailment, according to TSN.com.
Our View: Smyth will be missed on the ice as he scored five points through the playoffs, with two assists coming in Game 1 against Detroit. |
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| Forsberg probable for Game 3 | Tuesday 4/29, 1:44 PM CT |
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Peter Forsberg is probable for tonight's Game 3 against Detroit, according to TSN.ca. This will be his first action since April 19.
Our View: Forsberg chipped in five points over six games played against Minnesota in the first round, and will provide a boost to Colorado tonight. |
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| Ovechkin finalist for Hart Trophy | Tuesday 4/29, 12:01 PM CT |
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Alexander Ovechkin has been named a finalist for the Hart Trophy, according to TSN.ca. The prize honors the NHL's most valuable player. Jarome Iginla (98 points over 82 games) and Evgeni Malkin (106 points over 82 games) are the other nominees.
Our View: Ovechkin scored 65 goals and 47 assists (112 points) over 82 games in the regular season and is considered the favorite to claim the prize. |
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| Maltby ready to play | Tuesday 4/29, 7:34 AM CT |
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Kirk Maltby has been slowed by a hamstring ailment, but he participated in a full-scale practice on Monday and declared himself ready to play, according to The Detroit News. Maltby commented, "I'm ready to go, I'm feeling good." Maltby is yet to play in the postseason, and for the time being, has lost his spot in the lineup.
Our View: It remains to be seen how much action Maltby will see in his first game back. He only scored 10 points over 61 games in the regular season, but has one game-winning goal to his credit. |
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| Umberger continues streak | Tuesday 4/29, 7:26 AM CT |
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R.J. Umberger blasted a goal in Monday's 3-2 win over Montreal in Game 3, and he has now scored a goal in three straight games.
Our View: He has six points through 10 games in the playoffs, and could be worth keeping tabs on for next season. |
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| Richards collects ninth point | Tuesday 4/29, 7:23 AM CT |
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Mike Richards collected his ninth point of the playoffs, as he scored a goal in Monday's 3-2 win over Montreal in Game 3.
Our View: Richards racked up 75 points in the regular season and helped guide the Flyers to a 2-1 lead in the series. He will remain a solid source of production for the Flyers until they play their final game. |
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| Upshall contributes goal in win | Tuesday 4/29, 7:19 AM CT |
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Scottie Upshall contributed a goal in Monday's 3-2 win against Montreal in Game 3. That was his second goal of the playoffs, and his sixth point.
Our View: Upshall only generated 30 points over 61 games in the regular season, but stepped up his game and helped lead the Flyers to a 2-1 lead in the series. |
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| Plekanek scores second playoff goal | Tuesday 4/29, 7:15 AM CT |
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Tomas Plekanec scored his second goal of the playoffs in Monday's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. He registered four assists so far as well, over 10 games.
Our View: Plekanec recorded 69 points in the regular season, and has not slowed down in the playoffs. |
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| Koivu chips in another point | Tuesday 4/29, 7:11 AM CT |
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Saku Koivu chipped in an assist in Monday's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Our View: Koivu has scored at least one point in all five of his playoff games, notching seven over the span. He has scored a goal in back-to-back games as well. |
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| Zubov to see more ice time Tuesday | Tuesday 4/29, 7:07 AM CT |
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Sergei Zubov is going to see more ice time in Game 3 on Tuesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He is recovering from a sports hernia, and the team trusts that he will be able to handle a larger load. Zubov commented on his ice time in Game 2, "The first half of the game was a little struggle. I got better as it went on, and I'm obviously thrilled to get the win. For me, as long as I have the same support from the guys like I did tonight, I'm going to be fine."
Our View: Zubov is a tough defenseman, and contributed 35 points over 46 games in the regular season. The Stars are up 2-0 in the series against San Jose. |
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