Game recaps, plus updates on Zach Parise, Dan Boyle, Jaromir Jagr, Mike Richards, Nicklas Grossman and more.
New York Islanders captain John Tavares scores in overtime against the New Jersey Devils.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: John Tavares scored the game-tying and game-winning goals to lift the New York Islanders to a 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE: Steven Stamkos’ late goal gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
NOTE: Games involving Canadian NHL teams are recapped in “Canadian Corner”.
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators are off to the best 40-game start in franchise history, sporting a record of 27-9-4 to sit atop the NHL’s overall standings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Predators continue their strong play throughout the second half, they’ll have to be considered among this season’s Stanley Cup contenders.
TWINCITIES.COM: Zach Parise, heartbroken over the recent death of his father, has rejoined his Minnesota Wild teammates. With starting goalie Darcy Kuemper sidelined, aging backup Niklas Backstrom moves into the starter’s role.
NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle prepares to face the San Jose Sharks for the first time since he was traded last summer. Boyle spent six seasons with the Sharks, was traded to the New York Islanders in June and signed with the Rangers as an unrestricted free agent.
NORTHJERSEY.COM: New Jersey Devils forward Jaromir Jagr doesn’t believe he deserves to be selected to participate in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Mike Richards could become a healthy scratch for the first time in his NHL career when the Kings face off tonight against the Winnipeg Jets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Richards’ ice time is giving rise to trade speculation. I’ll have more in today’s Rumors section.
PHILLY.COM: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossmann is expected to miss three weeks with a right shoulder injury.
The Preds are finally doing as well as they should be because they have addressed the need to score, while maintaining a top notch defense and of course world class goaltending. Ribeiro and Neal are proving to be excellent pick ups while Forsberg, Wilson, and Smith have come into their own as well.
Plus the backend has Weber, Josi, and Ellis all producing at a decent clip. They are physical, deep up center ice, the only scary thing for this team would be an injury to Rinne. Maintaining that top 3 in goals against, while now moving into the top ten in goals for has done wonders for the Predators.