Around the League

Heroes and Scapegoats

Sabres 1 – Red Wings 2  It is difficult to watch loss after loss…Buffalo played well but could not bury any of their quality chances and if not for the herculean shorthanded efforts of Mr. Tuch the Sabres would have been shut out. I am officially putting Lindy Rough on the hot seat.

Panthers 4 (en) – Stars 2  Global Series Finland hockey fans received it all, two games, a powerful defending cup champion versus a similarly strong opponent, a high scoring game, a low scoring pull the goalie game, at times good officiating, fighting, and a sweep.

Bruins 3 (en) – Flyers 0  Philadelphia would benefit from more shots on goal even though this was a close 2-0 battle and Boston’s second goal came after Philadelphia created some good chances in Boston’s end then allowed the Bruins to rush up ice and score. Note: Philadelphia Goaltender Ersson left the game after stopping all eight shots he faced with a lower body injury in the first period.

Blackhawks 4 (SO) – Kings 3  Chicago mars Los Angeles’ perfect home record by tying the game with 30.3 seconds remaining in the third period and after a scoreless overtime two ‘Hawks out deke and scorch the Kings netminder for goals and the win.

Capitals 7 – Blue Jackets 2  Head Coach of the year front runner Spencer Carbery has Washington looking like a cup contender early as the Capitals win eight times in their first 10 games and had Columbus goaltender Tarasov literally spinning like a top.

Senators 3 (en) – Kraken 0  Ottawa’s first goal was challenged unsuccessfully, both goaltenders played an outstanding 60 minutes, both teams penalty killers were top notch, and statistically similar except for a possible slow whistle (I thought the goal was good) and a deflection were the differences last night.

Penguins 3 (en) – Canadiens 1  Pittsburgh is dominating Montreal this season scoring twice as many goals in their first two of three meetings in 2024 with the Captain scoring twice inspiring the Pittsburgh announcer to shout “Crosby has a pair” and after watching Mr. Crosby play over the seasons…I agree.

Blues 4 (en) – Maple Leafs 2  An unfortunate penalty leading to St. Louis’ third tally cost Toronto this game as the Blues were able to weather the 17 SOG 4 third period Toronto storm to get to .500% winning percentage.

Predators 5 (en x2) – Avalanche 2  Power play specialist Stamkos is finding his groove as Nashville scores on both of its power play opportunities and twice into the empty net as the Predators drag Colorado down in the standings to Nashville’s seeding.

Canucks 3 – Sharks 2  Vancouver survives their Conference dwellers home effort as San Jose nearly thwarts the Canucks in their first of four meetings this season.

Knights 4 (OT) – Hockey Club  Utah skates into Nevada and earns another road point as the Knights required overtime to subdue their Conference opponent.