Atlantic Division Recap: Four W’s
On the heels of a four goal outburst in the second period, the New York Islanders defeated the mighty Chicago Blackhawks 5-3. For the Isles, Blake Comeau (12) had a hat trick, Jon Sim (9) scored, and Richard Park (7,14) had a goal and an assist. Despite being the center of trade rumors all afternoon and into gametime, Dwayne Roloson was superb in net, stopping 41 shots en route to his 20th victory. Brian Campbell (7), USA Olympian Patrick Kane (26,43 ) with a goal an an assist, and Dustin Byfuglien (15) contributed for the ‘Hawks. They were 2-3 on the power play, but lost the takeaway game 24-7.
Read the rest after the jump
Heading into the third period tied 2-2, the Philadelphia Flyers offense exploded for five goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning to win 7-2. Lots of firepower tonight, so here is a quick rundown of who did the damage for the Flyers: Mike Richards (25,25) goal and an assist; Simon Gagne (9,20) with two power play goals and a helper; Claude Giroux (13, 25) with a power play goal and two assists; Daniel Carcillo (9,7) with a goal and an assist; Jeff Carter (28) with a short-handed goal; and finally rookie James van Riemsdyk (14) added a tally. Antero Niittymaki allowed six goals on 31 shots and was replaced by Mike Smith who allowed a goal on three shots. Sophomore sensation Steven Stamkos (37) scored twice for the ‘Bolts.
The Pittsburgh Penguins faced the Miller-less Buffalo Sabres tonight and managed a hard fought 3-2 victory. Sergei Gonchar (9) scored his 200th career goal which was set-up by none other than the beloved Sidney Crosby with his 37th assist of the year. Ruslan Fedotenko (9,15) lit the lamp and added a helper, while Pascal Dupuis also helped out with his 14th goal of the season. Toni Lydman (2) and Derek Roy (17) – with about 5:30 remaining – scored the two goals for the Sabres. Patrick Lalime was sharp in net, stopping 25 shots, though Brent Johnson was one better, making 26 stops for his eighth victory of the year. The Sabres were unable to take advantage of the Senators loss and remain a point behind them for first in the Northeast Division. Ryan Miller should return for a relaxing game against the Washington Capitals tonight.
After taking a commanding 4-0 lead into the third period, the New Jersey Devils ended up squeaking away with a 4-3 win against the San Jose Sharks. Dainius Zubrus (6), Mark Fraser (3), and Travis Zajac (20) each scored a goal apiece, while Ilya Kovalchuk (33, 32) scored on the power play and assisted. Zach Parise (35) helped out on two of the four goals. Despite the Devils scoring barrage, they were barely able to get by, as the Sharks scored three goals in 2:46. Devin Setoguchi (16) scored twice, once on the power play. Joe Pavelski aided the effort with his 17th of the year. Evgeni Nabokov was shaky in net – though not as bad as he was against Canada – and made 21 saves. Martin Brodeur was solid between the pipes, until the third period – when he allowed three goals on six shots – but ultimately earned his 35th victory on 17 saves. The Sharks are just one of three teams that Brodeur has never shutout.
