New York Islanders Vs. Detroit Red Wings (2-1)
This would be tight match I felt, Both teams in strong positions in their respected leagues, with the Red Wings taking the lead first in the first period, goal from Henrik Zetterberg via assist from Darren Helm. This goal ended a 9 game streak of not scoring.
Following last 3 minutes of the first period, the Islanders would strike though a well worked goal by Brock Nelson to get low to follow up the puck though the goalies legs for the equalizer. Good driving from Nelson and fast reactions to do so. Going into the second period the Detroit Goalie Petr Mrazek had to be changed due to injury, Jimmy Howard was up for the task.
Brock Nelson would be involved again but assisting for the winning goal scored by Anders Lee, this would be review before it would be given; Seeing whether the puck had crossed the line in a mad scramble to for the puck. Video review would show that it was well over the line for the goal to be given. After a failed attempt at goal from the Islanders player Brock Nelson but leaving the puck for grabs for Anders Lee.
Despite losing, The Red Wings sit in third place in the Eastern Conference two points behind the current leader (Tampa Bay Lightening). While for the Islanders they go 4 points clear of the New Jersey in second place in the Metropolitan Division, chasing behind the Pittsburgh Penguins by 2 points; New York plan to chase that top spot so will Detroit in their league. So far both teams are in the Play off frame for now till the regular season is over. Both teams have the weekends rest and planning before Mondays game day where the Red Wings plan to pick themselves up against their Athletic Rivals Boston Bruins side that have lost on the same night while New York host the Washington Capitals, who are on a strong season run as well; do expect to be a solid match up.
Boston Bruins Vs. Winnipeg Jets (1-2)
Winnipeg put themselves to 17-10-6 and putting more pressure on a bruins side that have struggled this season in keeping a string of wins going. This was a hard game between the two and a respectful match up and score line, Boston are 6th in the table and only 9 points behind Tampa Bay for the top spot. The points difference isn’t too much looking at it as the Atlantic League now is tight, where no place is safe as teams are separated by 1 and 2 points that can be easily overtaken by a range of results. Looking at it now I do expect many positions to change by the end of the week. For Boston, Buffalo on Sunday is take game to be.
The Jets in the Central division are in a good position who I see can aim for higher places, as they trail by 5 points to first place Chicago. They will have their shot in cutting the gap on Tuesday when they face the Blackhawks in Chicago and two matches with their other Rival Minnesota to defend their place in 4th. 6 point difference with 5th and 4th between the Jets and Wild.
Anaheim Ducks Vs. Ottawa Senators (2-6)
Lost for words for the result, the leading the NHL leaders coming in with confidence with 8-1 record for this month. 2 each quarter for Ottawa lead for a massive victory in a home crowd loving every minute of it. Having he Duck got a to slow start I did not think it would go far as 6 goals, having it felt like game on at 4-2 in the third quarter only for the Ducks to score again to make it a 4-3 score to make it a real contest. But giving the Senators credit they would not stop the Massacre by adding a 2 more goals.
The Ducks may have dropped points but they remain 9 points clear of San Jose Sharks in the Pacific league and overall league being trailed by Pittsburgh from only 3 points. But Ducks have direct control of moving more points clear in their show down with San Jose on Monday night and gain more control the Pacific division. In the Ottawa corner, 7th place in the Atlantic division is where they remain but points difference of 1 and 2 between 5th place and a few behind Toronto in 4th. Having it being a difficult season for the senators, this win can show what can be done for the better in the overall season but looking the Ducks did not have a good night and can one of those results. Ottawa aim for a third straight win against Canadian and Pacific rivals the Montreal Canadians.
Tampa Bay Lightening Vs. New Jersey Devils (2-3 via shootout)
The Lightening losing in overtime, they did not go empty handed in tough result, playing brilliant to get the game to two all and gun for the winning goal would not happen. The Devils where in charge early with 2 goals and could have many more, Tampa Bay went into their zone and played hard get their goals. New Jersey who are having a current losing season record of 11-16-6 before going into this match, Tampa Bay leading the overall Atlantic division on 44 points, two clear of Montreal.
Looking into to further improve their stand on the Atlantic and get back on track will not be simple for the Lightening, New York Islander stand ready on Saturdays match up who are also on solid form this season. New Jerseys next line up of matches are not going to be easy having the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh and Detroit going to be toughest fixtures by the looks of it. Its will be a tough set of matches for the Devils and getting some good results will tighten the league up, having they trail the Rangers by 4 points and Washington by 6 who they play next on Saturday; giving opportunity to close the gap but having the risk that the gap could be much bigger by the end of the week if the worse result would happen. Its a long season and can be turned around.
Dallas Stars Vs. Calgary Flames (2-1)
Dallas three straight on as they cut the points difference in their respected league by 3 points, chasing Minnesota Wild for 5th place looks a short term goal before looking at Winnipeg’s 9 point led at 4th but the point difference in the top 4 in the Central division are quite smaller. The Stars have to look down and get more results starting on Sunday against Edmonton. Calgary on the other hand have had an up and down season so far, only 2 wins clear of a losing season with 17-15-2 record. Looking at the league now there isn’t much points difference where the Flames trail by 2 points to the Current NHL Champions LA Kings. 7 loses now for Calgary and taking on Canadian rival Vancouver next on Saturday 20th who are dead locked on 28 points same as LA, plus looking at a shot at LA kings this next 2 Mondays to have a chance in overtaking the Champions and jumping 2 or 3 positions in the Pacific league if things go to wins, should be interesting to see who that could happen.
Some Hockey Fan 