Canadiens Rally, Send Gaborik's Groin Home

Three Stars:
1. Mike Cammalleri
2. Brian Gionta
3. Marian Gaborik

Final Score:
Montreal Canadiens: 5
New York Rangers: 4

Goalie Stats
Jaroslav Halak: SV: 23 SV%: .851 GA: 4
Henrik Lundqvist: SV: 26 SV%: .839 GA: 5

Recap Notes: The Montreal Canadiens let the New York Rangers go up 3-1 in the first period, but battled back to win the game 5-4 in over time off a Mike Cammalleri goal.

Cammalleri's overtime goal completed his hat trick on the night and led Montreal to their third straight victory.

Ultimately, as hard as the Canadiens fought, it was poor play, turnovers and penalties by the Rangers that helped Montreal get back into the game.

Brandon Dubinsky had a horrible turnover that lead directly to a Canadiens goal. Ex-Hab Christopher Higgins took a bad high-sticking penalty that gave the Canadiens a 5-3 that also led to a goal. Foul play?!?!

Coach Torts was not happy:

"And [Higgins] is a guy that I think we've been patient with. It's a penalty that puts us down 5-on-3, but the backcheck on the goal, we get beat up the ice -- again, if you're not helping us offensively you need to do the other things and there has to be some consequences to this."

Sabres' Giant Slays Lightning in Shootout

Three Stars:
1. Tyler Myers
2. Martin St. Louis
3. Vincent Lecavalier

Final Score:
Buffalo Sabres: 3
Tampa Bay Lightning: 2

Goalie Stats
Ryan Miller: SV: 24 SV%: .923 GA: 2
Mike Smith: SV: 30 SV%: .938 GA: 2

Recap Notes: Vincent Lecavalier scored his first goal of the season and Steven Stamkos continued his goal scoring tear, but they were not enough to stop the Buffalo Sabres from rolling to another victory.

Both Ryan Miller and Mike Smith played outstanding, as Mike Smith made me look like a jerk for all the bad things I said about him in the preview.

The Lightning held a 2-1 edge late in the third, but Drew Stafford beat Mike Smith with just 17 seconds left to bring the game to overtime.

Miller and Smith continued their goalie duel late into the shoot out and in round 6 6'8" defenseman Tyler Myers beat Mike Smith for the victory.

Preview: OT Losers Look for Revenge

Divisional Match-up: Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators

Bruins Record: 4-4-1 (3rd in the Northeast)

Senators Record: 5-2-1 (2nd in the Northeast)

Bruins Record vs. Senators Since 2005: 17-11-1-1

Bruins Likely Goalie: Tim Thomas

Senators Likely Goalie: Brian Elliot (LeClaire has the flu)

Preview Notes: The Boston Bruins travel to Ottawa to meet the Senators tonight in a divisional battle, their first of the season.

Both teams are coming off of come from behind, over time losses. The Bruins could really use the two points in this match-up to keep pace in the division.

The Bruins may have a bit of luck as Pascal LeClaire is not playing tonight, as he is out with flu like symptoms. Brian Elliot is a more than capable back up but LeClaire has been on fire... well, outside of that pesky Predators game.

In terms of who the Bruins are starting tonight, well that is anyone's guess. Coach Claude Julien has tried many different combinations in an attempt to get the team rolling.

As Julien told the official Bruins website "We didn't have that competition. And the last thing you want is for the players to get comfortable. Because, it is not good for them and it is not good for your team.

"Competition is good. 'Healthy' competition is what I call it. And now we have some of that," he said.

The Senators are 11th in the league in scoring, having scored 27 goals so far this season (although the Bruins are only 1 behind them). The Bruins won the season series last year 5-1.

The two teams combined have quite the list of injured/potentially injured players going into tonight's game. As has been well documented the Bruins will be without Marc Savard (broken foot) and Milan Lucic (broken finger).

The Senators will be without defenseman Filip Kuba (lower body). Forwards Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek are questionable tonight as well.

Preview: Monteal Hosts the Rangers.

Verses: New York Rangers

Montreal Canadien's Record: 7-3-0

New York Ranger's Record: 4-5-0

Canadiens Record vs. Rangers Since 2005: 7-7-1-1

Montreal Likely Goalie: Jaroslav Halak

Rangers Likely Goalie: Michelin Man Henrik Lundqvist

Preview Notes: The Rangers have had themselves a nice little start to their season, Montreal not so much. The good news is that Montreal is showing signs of turning things around, if they could just turn all of their potential into skill.

Lundqvist and his massive, massive padding will probably be getting the start tonight for lack of a better option.

The Rangers are going to be looking to snap their 2 game losing streak, whereas Montreal is riding high on a two game win streak.

Looks like Price is going to have to wait a little longer (and gain some skill) before his centennial start. Halak will need to be sharp as the Rangers are averaging just under 4 goals a game. Maybe Montreal will catch a break and Gaborik's groin will finally give out...again.

Preview: Winless Leafs Attempt to Beat Shaky Luongo

Verses: Vancouver Canucks

Toronto Maple Leafs Record: 0-6-1 (Last in the Northeast/League)

Vancouver Canucks Record: 4-5-0 (4th in the Northwest)

Maple Leafs Record vs. Canucks Since 2005: 0-3-0-1

Maple Leafs Likely Goalie: Joey MacDonald (yes, really)

Canucks Likely Goalie: Roberto Luongo, who could use some Viagra after being so soft so far this season

Preview Notes: The win-less Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Vancouver Sedins Canucks tonight in an NHL Canada battle.

It has been forever since the Maple Leafs had a game, which has been great for our eyes and stomachs. I would say something good about them, but we don't like to lie here at Adams Division.

The Canucks have not lived up to their expectations this season, largely due to the at times horrendous play of starter Roberto Luongo. Luongo is having a really rough start to the season but had a strong showing in a 3-2 victory over Chicago in his last game. Luckily for Luongo the Maple Leafs are averaging just two games a game. Luongo is also wreaking havoc with my fantasy team.

The Maple Leafs have not won a game in general in Vancouver in more than six years, and don't expect that streak to end tonight.

The momentum and confidence boost retained from the victory over Chicago should power the Canucks past the Maple Leafs, even though the Canucks Sedins power is divided in half.

Here is a photo slide show of some of the Maple Leafs highlights so far this season:

Preview: Sabres Excited to Visit Mike Smith

Verses: Tampa Bay Lightning

Buffalo Sabres Record: 5-1-1 (1st in Northeast)

Tampa Bay Lightning Record: 3-3-2 (3rd in Southeast)

Sabres Record vs. Lightning Since 2005: 13-3

Sabres Likely Goalie: Ryan Miller

Lightning Likely Goalie: Mike "Can't Stop a Beach Ball" Smith

Preview Notes: Both teams are coming off respective 5-2 victories (Sabres over the Panthers, Lightning over the Sharks).

The Lightning have been up and down this season, but are on a three game home win streak. Steven Stamkos (6 goals) and Ryan Malone (7 goals) are leading the charge and along with Martin St Louis (riding an eight game point streak) will test Ryan Miller early.

Miller is 5-0-1 this year and has a 1.65 GAA. Thomas Vanek is easing back into action after a brief stint on the injured list and will look to make Mike Smith's night more miserable than listening to Pierre McGuire call a game.

Buffalo will be without defenseman Andrej Sekera and winger Clarke MacArthur (flu) will be a game time decision.

The Sabres have scored 19 goals in their last four games.

Bruins Can't Go Top Shelf, Loss to Flyers

Three Stars:
1. Ole-Kristian Tollefs
2. Darroll Powe
3. Derek Morris

Final Score:
Philadelphia Flyers: 4
Boston Bruins: 3

Goalie Stats
Cocaine Ray Emery: SV: 23 SV%: .885
Tuuka Rask: SV: 36 SV%: .923

Recap Notes: The Filthadelphia Flyers beat the Boston Bruins in a back and forth game that never should have even seen overtime.

Chris Pronger took a break from taking cheap shots long enough to beat Tuuka Rask with a slap shot to open the scoring. Bruins defender Derek Morris didn't want to be out done and soon after beat Ray Emery with an absolute laser of his own, tying the score and leaving Emery begging his dealer for a fix.

Boston went up 2-1 in the second on a Matt Hunwick goal, but then the Flyers scored two unanswered goals (Darroll Powe and Arron Asham) to put the Flyers up 3-2.

"Sniper" Steve Begin went back to work, scoring for the second time in two games to tie the score.

At different points in the game both Vladimir Sobotka and David Krejci made Ray Emery go to the ice way to early and had wide open nets up top... but decided it would be best to shoot the puck right into Emery's sprawled pads.

The third period was back and forth with both teams exchanging chances, and Boston call-up Trent Whitfield getting his ass kicked. Work on those fights buddy:



Late in the third the Bruins decided it would be a great idea to give Jeff Carter a shorthanded break away, but that wily Rask denied him like a woman denying Pierre McGuire to save the Bruins a point:



Nothing happened in the overtime period and they might as well have skipped it. Lets fast forward to the third round of the shootout. Neither team has scored. Claude Giroux puts on a clinic to put the Flyers up 1. Michael Ryder responds... beats Emery!!!.... the cruel sound of iron. Post. Game over.

Senators Fall to Predators in OT Thriller

Three Stars:
1. Shea Weber
2. Jason Spezza
3. Jean-Pierre Dumont (JP for short!)

Final Score:
Nashville Predators: 6
Ottawa Senators: 5

Goalie Stats
Pekka Rinne: SV: 27 SV%: .844
Pascal Leclaire: SV: 31 SV%: .838

Recap Notes: Games like this make the Center Ice purchase well worth it.

The Ottawa Senators fell to the Nashville Predators in a game that saw the Senators score 5 third period goals to help bring the game to OT before Shea Weber decided he had enough.


The Predators entered the third period up 3-0, but then threw defense out the window. The Senators scored three unanswered goals (Campoli, Foligno and Michalek) before Shea Weber broke the tie with his first goal to put the Predators up 4-3.

Late in the third, Jason Spezza decided to show off and completely embarassed about 10 Predators skaters. Pekka Rinne then decided to do his best Vesa Toskala impression and for some unknown, idiotic reason left the net to try to hit Spezza, who dished the puck to a wide open Anton Volchenkov who tied up the game.



Then with just a minute left in the game Ryan Suter scored on a power play to put the Predators ahead as the Senators band wagon fans faithful headed for the doors.

But then... with less than 2 seconds left in the game and the Senators short handed Chris Phillips beat Rinne with a backhand to tie the game.

By now Nashville had blown the lead roughly 37 (in a row!?) times and Shea Weber was sick of it. So about half way through the extra period Shea Weber blasted a shot by Leclaire for the victory in what just may have been the best game of this young season.

The Senators welcome the Bruins tomorrow night. With both teams suffering OT losses, this game just might get chippy.

Recap: Young Tavares Was Naughty, Montreal Gives Spanking

Three Stars:
1. G. Metropolit
2. M. Pacioretty
3. M. Bergeron


Final Score:
Montreal: 5
New York: 1

Goalie Stats
Halak (W): SV: 21 SV%: .955 GA: 1
Biron (L): SV: 38 SV%: .884 GA: 5

Recap Notes: It's hard to say if a goalie does well when he has 38 saves yet gives up 5 goals, there are many factors at play. Maybe the defense didn't do its job? Maybe the scoring could have been better? There could be injuries, or any number of other things that can happen in hockey.

But it's Biron, so we'll just say he sucks.

Gomez and Bergeron opened up the slaughter scoring for the Canadiens in the first. Pacioretty followed the cool kids and continued the trend in the second on a Metropolit assist. The period also saw a fight between Nate Thompson and Kyle Chipchura, Thompson also earned himself a roughing penalty in the exchange.

Josh Bailey struck back for the Islanders on a shorthanded goal, but the joy was short lived as Cammalleri struck back soon after and later on Lapierre added some insult to that injury.

Montreal gets a day of rest and will face a strong Rangers team on Saturday. This will probably mark Carey Price's 100th game unless Montreal does the smart thing and keeps Halak as their starter.

Preview: Islanders Visit Montreal, Media Boos Their Plane for Not Speaking French

Verses: New York Islanders

Montreal Canadiens Record: 3-5-0 (4th in the Northeast)

New York Islanders Record: 1-3-3 (Last in the Atlantic)

Canadiens Record vs. Islanders Since 2005: 11-3-1-1

Canadiens Likely Goalie: Jaroslav Halak. Price is sulking

Islanders Likely Goalie: Martin Biron

Preview Notes: The Montreal Canadiens finally broke their 5 game losing streak against the Atlanta Thrashers and look to continue that momentum agains the lowly Islanders.

The Islanders have managed to bring three opponents to OT/Shoot out but just cannot seem to finish games. Not that anyone expected anything different this season. Teenager John Tavares will be signing autographs for the kids on the Montreal Canadiens roster prior to the game as a special treat for those little guys!

The Canadiens have been extremely inconsistent and the 7 million dollar man Scott Gomez only has one goal on the season and the entire team chemistry just seems off. Nothing better to help ease that than playing the Islanders (well, I guess a game against the Maple Leafs would be better, but still).

The Islanders finally got their first win last night in a shootout against the Whalers. Can the Islanders take momentum from their first win and go on a roll, or will the midgets from Montreal awake from their afternoon naps and defeat the Islanders in this Mite League contest? Either way, both teams seem likely to finish near the bottom of their respective divisions.

Preview: Bruins Visit Flyers, Hopefully Leave Without Getting AIDS

Verses: Filthadelphia Flyers

Boston Bruins Record: 4-4-0 (3rd in the Northeast)

Philadelphia Flyers Record: 3-2-1 (4th in the Atlantic, but last in life)

Bruins Record vs. Flyers Since 2005: 8-5-3-0

Number of Players Bruins Players Have Bit: 0

Number of Players Flyers Players Have Bit: 1, and now Letang has hepatitis

Bruins Likely Goalie: Tim Thomas

Flyers Likely Goalie: Ray Emery if the cocaine wears off in time

Preview Notes: The Bruins travel to the joke of a city called Philadelphia, where the fans cheer louder for a hit than a goal, and where its okay to lose as long as you take cheap shots and bite your opponents.

The Flyers opened the season strong, but then came back down to earth. The saddest part is the Flyers actually have a good amount of talent, but play up to their fans desire for goonism.

The Bruins are a bit vulnerable without Lucic and possibly without Thornton. I would highlight the scorers here, but we all know Philly's game is just being cheap and then turtling when the opponent comes seeking revenge.

The Bruins D will need to be sharp, however, as Pierre McGuire's boyfriend Mike Richards and Jeff Carter have been hot to start the season. The new AHL call-ups did well after the first period last night, with Brad Marchand getting an assist in his first NHL game for the Bruins.

Ray Emery started the season great as well, but then decided to show everyone why the Ducks dominated Ottawa in the Cup finals with his lack luster play.

Expect a decent amount of scoring and a lot of scrums. Hopefully Chara catches Hartnell coming across the middle and ends his season.

Preview: Senators Look to Pad Northeast Lead

Verses: Chris Hanson and the Nashville Predators

Ottawa Senators Record: 5-2-0 (2nd in the Northeast)

Nashville Predators Record: 2-5-1 (Last in the Central)

Senators Record vs. Predators Since 2005: 1-2

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Predators Likely Goalie: Pekka Rinne

Preview Notes: The Ottawa Senators will look to continue their hot streak and keep pace with the Buffalo Sabres in the Northeast when they take on the Nashville Predators.

So much for missing Dani Heatley, eh? The Senators have scored 22 goals so far this season and have continued to look great under coach Cory Clouston.

The Predators, however, are another story. With Jason Arnott out the already shiveling Predators offense is further gone. Nashville currently sits last in a very competitive Central division.

However, the Predators goaltending and defense has seemed to come together a bit better the last few game, and they will need to continue to play strong to hold off Ottawa's surprising decent offense. They had a very back and forth game agains the Bruins last night, but lost 3-2 when the Bruins scored two unanswered goals

Peter Regin will return tonight for the Senators, which leaves Donovan riding the bench. Jesse Winchester practiced yesterday, but is doubtful for tonight's game. Defenseman Filip Kuba has been skating as well, but is also doubtful. Clouston said Jason Spezza is fine and will play tonight.

Bruins Continue Yo-Yo Act With Lefebvre

The Boston Bruins have once again called up Guillaume Lefebvre from the Providence Bruins.

The call-up is most likely due to the need for added muscle when playing the Cryers Flyers, who are still bitter that the Pittsburgh Penguins are a much better team.

Lefebvre has 1 assist and 42 penalty minutes in 5 games this season with Providence. Hopefully he punches Scott Hartnell's afro off.

The guy sure knows how to throw 'em:

Recap: Miller is Awesome, Clemmensen Sucks

Three Stars:
1. J. Pominville
2. R. Miller
3. H. Tallinder


Final Score:
Buffalo: 5
Florida: 2

Goalie Stats
Miller: SV: 41 SV%: .953
Vokoun: SV: 30 SV%: .909
Clemmensen: SV: 1 SV%: .333


Recap Notes: I almost don't even want to review this because it seems somewhat akin to reviewing the performance of a retarded child against an Olympic athlete. Clemmensen had to have set a record for fastest goalie pulled, he was only in net for just under 2 minutes (1:56 to be exact) and let in 2 goals on 3 shots. All of Buffalo's scoring came in the first period, but when all of your scoring is 5 goals, then that doesn't much matter now does it? Grier, Pominville, Ellis, Myers, and Vanek all found the back of the net, I could post the assists, but then this would just go on way too long.

Steve Reinprecht and Rostislav Olesz scored for Florida, but no one gives a shit. Sorry to cut this review so short, but there is just so little to say, except that my fantasy team is going to send Miller a thank you card.

Oh, and can someone tell me what the FUCK this is??

Recap: Bruins Rally For a Win Over Nashville

Three Stars:
1. P. Bergeron
2. S. Begin
3. C. Wilson



Final Score:
Boston: 3
Nashville: 2

Goalie Stats
Thomas: SV: 28 SV%: .933
Ellis: SV: 24 SV%: .889

Recap Notes: A rare thing happened tonight, Bruins came back from being down to actually win, keeping their Loss-Win-Loss-Win pattern intact. The first period amounted to a tennis match on ice for the most part, which isn't nearly as awesome as you might think. In fact, at times I felt like standing up and cheering just for a shot on net...by either team. Oh yeah, and Jerred Smithson score for the sexual Predators.

The second period gave us more action with Ryder getting a goal within the first minute, kudos to Marchand for getting an assist in his first NHL game. Colin Wilson got credited with a goal for the online Predators after stuffing in a puck that popped over the head of Thomas. The tying goal came from Bergeron after jamming the puck past the post and Ellis on a rebound from Chara.

Begin got the game winner in the 3rd on an assist from newly acquired Daniel Paille. Despite some good chances, the child Predators couldn't answer back.

If nothing else, this game was a moral boost for the Bruins; now they (and we) see that they can win without two of their poster players Savard and Lucic. Wideman came back today and missed the net a lot...so he's back to normal. Overall, a win's a win and they'll be looking to carry this momentum with them tomorrow in their game against that inferior Pennsylvania team...

Preview: Sabres Travel to Florida to Get Some Sun

Verses: Florida Panthers

Buffalo Sabres Record: 4-1-1 (2nd in the Northeast)

Florida Panthers Record: 2-4-0 (Last in the Southeast

Sabres Record vs. Panthers Since 2005: 10-6

Sabres Likely Goalie: Ryan Miller

Panthers Likely Goalie: Scott Clemmensen

Preview Notes: The Sabres are coming off their first regulation loss of the season after losing 4-2 to the Thrashers. The four goals were the most the Sabres had allowed yet this season.

No doubt the Sabres will be looking to rebound, which could spell trouble for the Panthers. The Panthers have had a lot of trouble scoring this year with just 14 goals in 6 games (and 4 of those games came against the Flyers in a 4-2 victory for the Panthers.

With the Panthers big guns (Booth, Horton) slumping, look for the Sabres defense to eat them up. With Ryan Miller playing like he is, the Panthers are going to need each of their fourth lines clicking to come out with a victory.

Thomas Vanek is expected to return from injury tonight, and Clarke MacArthur is a game time decision, as he has the flu. Insert generic freaking out about swine flu here.

Preview: Bruins Try to Rebound Against the Predators

Verses: Nashville Predators

Boston Bruins Record: 3-4-0

Nashville Predators Record: 2-4-1

Bruins Record vs. Predators Since 2005: 1-1-0-1

Bruins Likely Goalie: Tim Thomas

Predators Likely Goalie: Dan Ellis

Preview Notes: Boston continued their streak of alternationg blow outs and abysmal efforts when they lost 4-1 to the surprising Phoenix Coyotes. The Bruins players (outside of the 4th line) once against seem disinterested and had the inability to finish.

If you visit the Predators official website, you are greeted by a logo that says "Welcome to Smashville" in an obvious tribute to the post game ritual the Nashville coaching staff has of smashing their heads into walls.

The Predators cannot seem to find their scoring touch, scoring just 10 goals in their first 7 games while allowing 23. If the Bruins keep up their streak, they should be able to take advantage of a slumping Predators offense and defense and grab two points they really need early in this season. The Predators will also be without Jason Arnott who was placed on the IR. Arnott is currently Nashville's leading scorer with 3 goals and 5 points.

This will be the Bruins first game since trading Chuck Kobasew to the Minnesota Wild. AHL call-ups Sobotka and Marchand will get their first opportunity to prove to the big club that they deserve to be there. Milan Lucic will not be playing, as he is out 4-6 weeks after having surgery on his punching hand!

And just when you think things cannot get any worse for the Bruins, the team announced today that Marc Savard will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a broken foot. Boston has recalled forward Trent Whitfield from their AHL affiliate in Providence.

The Bruins fourth line, their best line so far this season, is also hurting as Shawn Thornton is doubtful for tonight's game. Based on the injuries and recent performances from both teams, this game could be ugly.

Bruins Players Injuring Themselves to Stop Embarassment

The Boston Bruins roster is dropping like attendance at a Coyotes game.

After annoucing earlier in the week that bruising forward and resident bad ass Milan Lucic would miss 4-6 weeks, GM Peter Chiarelli announced today that center Marc Savard will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken foot. No word yet on how Savard was injured. Providence forward Trent Whitfield has been recalled to take Savard's place on the roster.

Fourth line tough guy and classiest fighter in the league Shawn Thornton is also doubtful for tonight's game with an undisclosed injury.

With all the injuries and call-ups, the Bruins roster is going to look very different tonight agains the Predators.

Recap: Montreal Beats Thrashers In a Shootout...Umm..what?

Three Stars:
1. S. Gomez
2. O. Pavelec
3. B. Gionta


Final Score:
Montreal: 2
Atlanta: 1

Goalie Stats
J.Halak SV: 23 SV%: 95.652
O. Pavelec SV: 34 SV%: 97.143

Recap Notes: So...yeah. My foot is in my mouth as I am simultaneously eating my words, nice job Montreal, didn't think you had it in you. Brian Gionta opened things up late in the 1st with a goal on a Cammalleri assist. The score would remain 1-0 until the 3rd when Armstrong scored, making it a 1-1 game and ultimately sending it to a shootout where Gomez and Gionta scored, and Atlanta didn't.

Up next, Montreal hosts the winless Islanders on Thursday.

Montreal won the battle... but Colby Armstrong made Marc-Andre Bergeron forgot who he is:

Bruins Acquire Paille From Buffalo

Two days after trading Chuck Kobasew to the Minnesota Wild, Peter Chiarelli was back in action today as he acquired forward Daniel Paille from the Buffalo Sabres for a third round pick and a conditional fourth round pick.

Paille has one assist in two games this year for Buffalo and has averaged 15 goals a season the past two years.

According to the press release on the Bruins website, this is the first ever trade between the Bruins and the Sabres. Paille is expected to be available tomorrow when the Nashville Predators come to town.