Game recaps, latest on Max Pacioretty, Jonas Hiller, Eric Brewer and Richard Bachman, plus the latest on the Senators playoff chase.
Game Recaps.
Vancouver Canucks forward Chris Higgins scores the game winner in a shootout against the LA Kings.
THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks moved a step closer to clinching a playoff berth with a 2-1 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings. Henrik Sedin’s no-look pass behind the Kings’ net to brother Daniel tied the game, setting the stage for Chris Higgins’ winning goal.
WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets inched closer to clinching a wild-card berth as Ondrej Pavelec made 32 saves in a 2-0 shutout of the Minnesota Wild.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ win gives them 97 points, increasing their lead in the Pacific Division over the Calgary Flames and the Kings by four points. The Jets are now one point head of the Flames and Kings, who drop one point out of playoff contention. I’ve been critical of Pavelec’s performance in the past, but he’s really come through for the Jets down the stretch.
Notable Headlines.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens are still awaiting the prognosis of leading scorer Max Pacioretty, who suffered a head injury in their recent game against the Florida Panthers. It’s suspected Pacioretty could have a concussion. Meanwhile, more sad news for the Canadiens as Dollard St. Laurent has died at the age of 85. St. Laurent won four Stanley Cups with the Canadiens in the 1950s and was a teammate of Elmer Lach, who passed away only two days earlier.
CALGARY HERALD: With backup Karri Ramo sidelined by a lower-body injury, Flames starter Jonas Hiller will suit up for their remaining three games of the season.
OTTAWA SUN: Don Brennan examines the scenarios by which the Senators can reach the playoffs.
TORONTO SUN: Eric Brewer has acquitted himself well in recent games since joining the Maple Leafs in a late-season trade, but it’s doubtful he has a future with the club after this season.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers goalie Richard Bachman is ready to return to action following the death of his older brother Shelby.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Bachman and to the St. Laurent family.
Brewer has aquited himself well??? Now Inever read the article but 6nless he represented himself in traffic court and got him self out of a speeding ticket or some parking fines, thats just not true.
At least the Jets are getting it done. Hopefully my Sens can to. Having them both in would be lots of fun for me as most around here are Jets fans. Playoff hockey would be the talk of the town if the Jets can do it.
As far as the possible out come for the Sens it all comes down to whether or not they win. That is all that matters. A loss, any loss at this point will likely spell the end.
The pittsburgh thing I am most optimistic about. If they can beat them and the Isle can do their thing it may turn out well. Unfortunately Pitts gets Buffalo at the end. Unfortunately for the Sens. I also trumpet Pittsburgh’s demise as they traded their 1rst round to Edmonton and if they miss the playoffs only increase Edmonton’s odds of obtaining MacDavid or possibly trading some picks for a solid D. Of coarse I know many of you don’t think the Oil deserve another high end pick but I still hope that franchise can turn it around.
Boston would be the next in line for me in regards to the chances the Sens can catch em. Washington next but I am concerned as Washington has clinched. Perhaps they lay off a bit to prevent injuries. Yet they have florida next to who shoudln’t be an easy victory. Although if I the choice I would not want Boston to miss out over the other two as their play of late to me says they deserve to be in.
Detroit is the least chance I think of the Sens catching them. They got two games against Carolina. You’d have to think Detroit will win at least one of them if not both. But Carolina who has nothing to play for may surprise. Perhaps playing non playoff teams at this point is more difficult as they won’t rest guys for the playoffs. Yet they also have Montreal and it doesn’t look like montreal’s top Centre will be in the game. Montreal can ill afford another injury. Will this cause them to lay back a bit?
The door to the playoffs for the Sens is behind Pittsburgh, NY Rangers and Philly. Man that is a scary line up.