No lead is safe in the new NHL. That is something we have learned over the first month of the season. Last night was a great example, as many of last night's winners had third period comebacks to win their games. Lets take a look shall we?
The Flyers scored twice in the third period, and won it in overtime, as they beat the Bruins 4-3. Pitkanen scored the game tying goal, as well as the game winning goal for the Flyers. Scatchard and Thorton each had two points for the Bruins, while Forsberg added two assists for the Flyers. Pitkanen finished with two goals and an assist.
In Toronto, the Leafs fell down 2-0 in the first, but battled back to win 6-4. Brian McCabe and Jeff O'Neill led the way for Toronto with a goal and two assists each. Kilger, Sundin, Ponikarovsky and Colaiacovo also had goals for Toronto. Ovechkin led the Caps with two goals, while Clymer and Pettinger also scored for Washington. Aki Berg missed the game with an injured knee, and could be out for up to two weeks. Toronto had four rookies in the lineup tonight, which is the most they have had in a very long time (Steen, Wellwood, Kronwall, Colaiacovo).
Montreal scored twice in the third period to beat Tampa Bay 3-2. Rivet tied the game, while Zednik scored the game winner. Markov also scored for the Canadiens, while Kovalev had two assists. Prospal and Taylor had the Tampa goals. Jose Theodore was the game's first star as he stopped 32 of 34 shots. Rookie Brian Eklund got the start in goal for Tampa Bay, it was his first career NHL start.
No come from behind win in New Jersey, and the Islanders blew out the Devils 4-1. Shawn Bates had a goal and an assist for New York. The Devils continue to struggle without Brodeur.
Nashville scored three times in the third period to beat the Oilers 3-2. The win ends a five game loosing streak for the Preds. Erat, Timonen and Hartnell scored for the Preds, while Stoll and Smyth had goals for the Oilers. The Oilers have now lost two straight after winning five in a row.
Phoenix continues to play good hockey, as they beat Minnesota 4-2. Mike Comrie scored twice, while Ballard and Johnson each had two assists. Roloson was pulled after the first period, after allowing three goals on ten shots. Joseph gets the win for the Coyotes.
Finally, Colorado beat up on San Jose, winning 5-2. Tanguay scored twice, while Liles, Svatos and Turgeon all had a goal and an assist. Stuart led San Jose notching two assists. San Jose's goaltending problems continue as Toskala allowed five goals on only 23 shots. Nabokov has been activated from the IR, so we will see if that will help things.
Player of the night? Joni Pitkanen! He scored the game tying goal, the game winning goal, and also added an assist in Philly's 4-3 OT win over Boston. Runners up are Bryan McCabe(1G,2A), Jeff O'Neil(1G,2A) and Jose Theodore(32/34 saves).
Trade rumours? Things are pretty quiet right now, but I do have a few. Tom Poti's relationship with the New York Rangers should be coming to an end soon. The problem is nobody wants his 2+ million dollar salary. Look for some sort of waiver trade to be worked out eventually, where each team pays half of his salary. St.Louis is a team that seems to be interested. Edmonton will also make a trade soon, and it could be a big one. Brian Boucher is one name I've heard linked to Edmonton, while Barrett Jackman is another.
Lots of updates on Hockeyleaks.com, so check it out. New articles, power rankings (all three sets of updated power rankings should be up by end of day), fantasy page, and PPFL standings (will also be up by end of day). We are also thinking about new message boards that are hosted directly on hockeyleaks.com. Please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com with your opinions on whether or not we should make the switch. Thats all for now, enjoy your day.
