Does anyone else remember back, during the mid-90's, when both Chicago, and St. Louis, were two of the best teams in the west? Who knew 10 years later that the playoffs were but a pipe-dream.
First off Chicago, downed a painful 9-1, (ouch!) by the Dallas Stars. Niko Kapanen, (1 G and 3 A) and Stu Barnes, (3 G and 1 A,) led the way for the Stars, with Jason Arnott chipping in 2 goals of his own, along with a helper.
Then St Louis, on the losing end, of a 7-2 (ouch.) Edmonton victory. Jarret Stoll, with 4 points for the Oil.
An Alexander Ovechkin shootout goal, was the difference in a 3-2 Washington victory, over the visiting Thrashers.
In the first game of a home and home between Northeast Division rivals, the Habs, and Sabres, Yann Danis, with his second victory of the year, as the Canadien win 3-2. Tomorrow's game in Montreal should be good. (Damn you, CJ, for going to that...)
A 3 point night, by Nik Zherdev of the Jackets, wasn't enough to overcome the all-powerful Vancouver Canucks, as the Nucks win 5-3. Anson Carter, with a 3 point night for the Canucks. Rick Nash has been placed on the IR, by the Jackets, after sustaining a knee injury, in only his second game returned from a high ankle sprain. Not good news for my goal starved Jackets. Nash figures to be gone for up to 6 weeks.
And finally, a Marcel Goc tip in, off of Kyle McLaren's shot, was the only goal, and only goal needed, in San Jose's 1-0 Overtime win. Nolan Schaefer, with his first career shut out.
Anyway... other then that... not much else is kickin'. CJ will be back Sunday, with a full report on his first experience of 'My NHL.'
Questions or comments, ryanc@hockeyleaks.com. Later.
