Game recaps, updates on Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little and the latest on the Canadiens, Canucks and Maple Leafs.
Game recaps.
Sean Monahan celebrates his goal against the Red Wings.
CALGARY SUN: The red-hot Flames overcame an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-2, winning their third straight game and taking a two-point lead over the LA Kings for third in the Pacific Division. Former Red Wings Jiri Hudler scored twice and sophomore center Sean Monahan tallied a goal and an assist.
OTTAWA SUN: The surging Senators also rallied from an early two-goal deficit to edge the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. Sens goalie Andrew Hammond ran his record to 7-0-1, while Erik Karlsson, Mika Zibanejad and Mark Stone tallied for the win. The Senators now move within three points of the Boston Bruins for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A month ago the Senators’ playoff chances looked bleak. Thanks to Hammond’s stellar goaltending they’ve picked up 15 of a possible 16 points. They’re on the verge of overtaking the struggling Florida Panthers and have a legitimate shot at passing the Bruins.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Antoine Vermette’s shootout goal gave the Chicago Blackhawks a 2-1 victory over the Oilers, who received a strong performance from goaltender Ben Scrivens to force a shootout.
Notable headlines.
WINNIPEG SUN: Bad news for the Jets, as Dustin Byfuglien (upper-body injury) will miss two-to-four weeks, while center Bryan Little is also sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have been whacked by injuries this season but have managed to remain in playoff contention. Losing their best defenseman and top center, however, will be a significant test of their mettle down the stretch.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Despite their recent 0-2-1 road record, Canadiens coach Michel Therrien is pleased with the additional depth (Jeff Petry, Devante Smith-Pelly, Torrey Mitchell and Brian Flynn) recently added by management.
THE VANCOUVER SUN: The Canucks must play with more urgency after a week of wasted opportunities have allowed their rivals in the Western Conference playoff chase to gain ground in the standings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are tied with the Flames in points (76) but hold second in the Pacific Division because they have a game in hand over Calgary. The Kings are only two points behind them and the San Jose Sharks only four back.
TORONTO STAR: The fan behind the offensive tweet which aired on TSN aimed at Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, his wife Elisha Cuthbert and teammate Joffrey Lupul has issued a formal apology. Cuthbert took to Twitter to accept the apology.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Let this be a lesson to people who believe they can hide behind Twitter to make offensive remarks about others. As this young hockey fan discovered, actions have consequences.