4 Empty net goals

The Columbus Bluejackets scored 4 empty net goals. 1 in the first period and 3 goals in the second. Our fearless Captain wasn't up to snuff, once again. So far, he has let in a brutal 11 goals on 68 shots this season, including 4 goals on 12 shots in the loss to Columbus.
If I was coach Alain Vigneault, I would start backup goaltender, Andrew Raycroft against the Montreal Canadiens. Just for a the first period, though. I think that would shake it up a bit.
Steve Mason did stand on his head for the Bluejackets, stopping 40 of 43 shots for the win. But then again, to be a top team in the NHL, goal-tending is key.

I think the Canucks offense played well tonight. After all, they did score 3 goals! Defense was missing something, perhaps a guy like Mattias Ohlund. I didn't realize that the Canucks lost Mattias to Tampa Bay. I guess I have to pay more attention.
All I can do now is hope and pray that the Canucks show up against Mr. Kanes beloved Montreal Canadiens. I will not offer any predictions about that game.

GO CANUCKS GO

News around the Nhl


NEWARK, N.J. -- The absence of Patrik Elias is certainly taking its toll on the New Jersey Devils' power play during the initial games of the 2009-10 campaign.

Elias, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, is expected to begin skating this week after being sidelined since Sept. 15 following arthroscopic groin surgery. The Devils assistant captain notched a career-high 12 power-play goals last season when his club finished 15th in the League with an 18.9 percentage with the man advantage.

But while the Devils await Elias' return -- which could come as early as the end of this month -- the team must endure.

Through two games, however, that's been a problem.

"Of course, you would miss a player like (Elias) everywhere on the ice because he plays all aspects of the game," Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner said. "Not having a guy like that in the lineup hurts, but there's no excuses here. There are guys in our lineup that are put in certain situations to produce and we have to find ways to get wins right now."

Del Zotto shines again in Rangers' win

Monday, 10.05.2009 / 10:33 PM / NHL Insider

By Dave Lozo - NHL.com Staff Writer

NEWARK, N.J. -- Think about what you were doing when you were 19 years old.

Were you sweating out a college course you skipped once a week because waking up at 11 a.m. was just too difficult? Was your biggest hassle trying to maintain your relationship with your high school girlfriend while she studied overseas for a year?

All 19-year-old Michael Del Zotto has been asked to do is be a contributor for the New York Rangers as a top-six defenseman for a team that's been to the playoffs the past four seasons.

Through three NHL games, the Rangers' first pick in the 2008 Entry Draft is looking like he's been doing this for years.

Sharks' Pavelski sidelined with a lower body injury

Monday, 10.05.2009 / 10:01 PM / News

NHL.com

The Sharks have learned they will be without Joe Pavelski due to a minor procedure performed on a lower body injury and the center will miss a couple of weeks.

"Pavs obviously wasn’t at practice," said Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan. "He was hurt the other night and had a minor procedure this morning. He will be out a couple of weeks with a lower body injury."

During Monday’s practice, Pavelski’s spot was filled by Patrick Marleau, who was flanked by Ryane Clowe and Benn Ferriero. Pavelski may not have the name recognition of many Sharks players, but he a vital cog for the men in teal.

"Pavs plays a huge role," said McLellan. "Today we moved Patty back in there. He's accustomed to playing there and we trust him. I think Patty is a tremendous center."