Hockey Night In North America

The New York Islanders come up short once again blowing a three goal second period lead, dropping a shootout to the Boston Bruins 4-3.

Pittsburgh knocked off Toronto 5-2 on the strength of two Sidney Crosby power-play goals.  Former Albany River Rat Mike Rupp picked up a five minute major for fighting.

Ottawa defeated Atlanta 4-2.  Pavel Kubina a former Adirondack Red Wing picked up an assist in the loss for the Thrashers.

The Ducks have impressed on the East Coast thus far.  After drubbing Boston they were able to slow down Philadelphia.  Mike Richards scored his sixth and Chris Pronger his first in the first and second period respectively, both on the power-play.  But Teemu Selanne took over with two goals in the third including one in the last minute of regulation to tie it at two.  After OT, Selanne had the lone shootout tally and the Ducks beat the Flyers 3-2.

In a back and forth affair the New Jersey Devils fought off the Florida Panthers 3-2.  Former River Rat Brian Rolston had two assists on the night, both coming on the first two Devils goals including former Rat Travis Zajac's power-play score to put New Jersey up 2-1 in the second.  After the Panthers came back to tie it, another former Rat David Clarkson put home the eventual winner in the third on the power-play on assists from former Albany players Zajac and Zach Parise.

Detroit looks as though it has shaken off the early European trip funk beating the Caps 3-2.  Washington tied things up in the third on the power-play as former Albany River Rat Brendan Morrison scored his third with the Caps.  But a former Adirondack Red Wing Tomas Holmstron had a big answer of his own on the Wings power-play midway through the third with the eventual game winner. Former A-Wings goalie Chris Osgood picked up the win and had 35 saves.

Ryan Malone scored a hat trick as Tampa beat Carolina 5-2.

The Kings continue their strong early play edging out the Blues 2-1.  Former Rats goalie Chris Mason had 28 saves in the loss for St. Louis.

Ryan Miller had 25 saves in a Buffalo shutout of Nashville 1-0 on the strength of a Mike Grier goal in the third.

In a contest with a crazy shootout that lasted nine rounds, the Blackhawks topped the Avalanche 4-3.  Former Rat Andrew Ladd netted his first with Chicago and was aided by another former Rat John Madden for the helper.

Rick Nash scored and Mathieu Garon posted 36 saves as Columbus shutout Phoenix 2-0.

Former River Rat Brian Gionta scored for the Habs but it wasn't enough as Edmonton beat Montreal 3-2. 

Finally the San Jose Sharks on the strength of two Patrick Marleau goals (4,5) defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-2.