Game recaps, plus updates on Mark Giordano and Matt Fraser.
Game recaps.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Carey Price collected his 10th consecutive road win and Max Pacioretty potted his 30th goal for the second straight season as the Montreal Canadiens downed the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2. New Habs winger Devante Smith-Pelly led the club in hits (4) with two shots on goal plus a blocked shot.
Andrew Hammond backstops the Ottawa Senators to a shutout against the LA Kings.
OTTAWA SUN: Call-up goalie Andrew Hammond collected his fourth straight win and second straight shutout, lifting the Senators to a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t look now, but the Senators are within five points of the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Hammond has given the Sens life whilst stoking a possible goalie controversy in Ottawa.
TORONTO STAR: After trading David Clarkson to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Maple Leafs downed the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2. Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier made 47 saves for the win.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Is it me, or did the Leafs suddenly improve after their recent trades? I know, it’s only coincidence. Or is it? Just kidding…or am I?…
THE VANCOUVER SUN: The Canucks suffered a “careless, uninspired” 6-3 loss to the league-worst Buffalo Sabres.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A tough loss, but not the end of the world for the Canucks, who remain in second place in the Pacific Division, three points up on the LA Kings.
WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets fell 4-3 in a shootout to the St. Louis Blues courtesy of an Alex Steen goal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The point earned in that shootout loss has the Jets still holding the first wild-card berth in the Western Conference, three points up on the Minnesota Wild and four ahead of the Calgary Flames.
Latest on the Flames and Oilers.
CALGARY HERALD: The Flames are vague as to the extent of captain Mark Giordano’s injury status. Giordano appeared to suffer an injury during the Flames recent win over the New Jersey Devils.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing Giordano could be a serious blow to the Flames playoff hopes. It’s expected more information will be revealed in the next day or two. Cross your fingers it’s nothing serious, Flames fans.
EDMONTON SUN: Oilers forward Matt Fraser is struggling to find a spot in the lineup.
Well the Leafs definitely appeared to have taken notice that nobody is untouchable or safe last night. Even Dion appeared to finally “show up” last night. However, this will be short lived like it always is and once the deadline passes they will revert back to their bad habits.
Not sure what game you were watching but they were outshot by nearly 40 shots, I dont think the Leafs finally showed up is the term Id use.
The Leafs did do their best to lose that game. out shot 49 to 17, that’s just crazy. These guys are doing a terrible time of tanking
Hockey is getting fun again. Way to go Hammond. It may be short lived but it is sure fun to be talking playoffs again. 5 points back a few games in hand on the teams a head of them. Get to play Boston twice more. This could come crashing down pretty quick with a sudden losing streak but right now I will enjoy my thoughts of playoff hockey.
I love the fact the Sens never thought tank. Zbad, Hoffman and Stone are building such confidence right now. Makes me wonder if the Sens are suddenly going to be mini buyers. Guess we see if they can make it 5 in a role and get by San Jose. Seems doable but just because of that they will probably lose.
Another Vernon Viper doing well in the NHL. Hammond and Mike Santorelli are doing the BCHL proud.
Nice to see the young players getting lots of ice time and making the most of it!
Yessssss….Don’t look now, but we just maybe in line. 2 games in hand, 3 points away from Florida, 5 from the Bruins….Fingers crossed!
I don’t want to count my chickens before their hatch but it is fun to think of many healthy chickens running around. What if on Saturday Ottawa beats San Jose and Boston who has two games this week end loses them both. Ottawa would suddenly be 3 points behind Bean town. What would Murray do Monday then. lol could be fun. Could two Boston wins and a Ottawa loss and back to the same O’ routine for the season.
fun weekend though. going to be watching the score board.