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.

Rats Rock Rochester

Are the Albany River Rats going to be fun this year or what?  About the only thing that didn't go right for the Rats Saturday night was when defenseman Jamie McBain had a give-away in his own zone breaking Mike Murphy's shutout.  Oh and how masterful Murphy was.  In his first pro start the River Rats rookie goalie turned away 28 shots and was a big part of why the Amerks went 0-6 on the power-play.  Murphy was absolutely stellar in his first AHL start in picking up the win.

As for the Rats offense, well that was pretty solid too.  Of course cashing in six goals will do that for you.  In the first Rats captain Pat Dwyer fired a shot off Amerks goalie Tyler Plante and Nick Dodge stuffed home the rebound giving Albany the lead.  In the second it was Dwyer again involved in the scoring, this time a short-handed goal roofed by a streaking Dwyer down the right side of the ice.

Albany showed they could get it done on the power-play as well.  The one and only  D.R.A.yson Bowman netted his third of the year in as many games, chasing Plante.  Amerks backup Alexander Salak fared no better as the Rats scored once again on the man advantage with "send it in" Jerome Samson lighting the lamp late in the second as well.

Then in the third it was Stefan Chaput-ting it in the net off a pass from Zach Boychuk who broke his stick on the pass, but he'd gladly trade the stick for a helper to put the Rats up five zip.  Finally midway through the third it was Zach Fitzgerald with the capper from the point and the River Rats rolled 6-1.

With the victory the River Rats improve their mark to 2-1-0-0 on the young campaign.

In other Empire State AHL action the Adirondack Phantoms dropped their first road contest in Syracuse 6-1 to the Crunch.

Rats and Phantoms Both Win!

The Albany River Rats and Adirondack Phantoms picked up their first wins on the season Friday night.  The River Rats lit up the Portland Pirates 5-2, while the Phantoms squeaked by the Springfield Falcons 4-3.  Both teams stand at 1-1 on the season with Rochester coming to Albany and Adirondack going to Syracuse Saturday night.

Around the NHL the papa-Rats, the Carolina Hurricanes put up a seven spot on the Florida Panthers (parent club of the Amerks).  Matt Cullen had a goal and an assist.  Jussi Jokinen picked up a goal and two helpers as Carolina rolled against Florida 7-2.

One other game of note in a light night of action, the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames taking to the ice.  Mike Ribeiro added a goal and an assist for the Stars, but two power play goals from Dion Phaneuf and Rene Bourque (both with their third on the season respectively) weren't enough as the Flames inched close but fell short 5-2.

Speed Skate: NHL Highlights of the Night

Onto Washington where the New York Rangers were looking to avenge last year's 3-1 playoff collapse to the Caps.  Ovie was kept in check on the night.  It was 2-1 Rangers heading into the third when Nicklas Backstrom struck back for the Capitals with a goal from center ice past King Henrik tying the score.  Backstrom was back for more on the power play with a nifty pass from Brooks Laich for his second on the game and on the season.  But Marian Gaborik already looking like the signing of the year if not comeback player of the year, took over for the Blueshirts.  Gaborik scored two goals of his own in the third to tie and take the lead for the Rangers, the final coming on the power play and it was New York over Washington 4-3. 

Well they broke up the Coyotes as the Buffalo Sabres beat Phoenix late in the third on a Thomas Vanek power play goal 2-1. 

In Ottawa Martin Biron got his first start for the Isles making 25 saves, but Mike Fisher and the Sens scored within the first minute of OT and Ottawa topped New York 3-2.

The battle of Pennsylvania was a high scoring affair between the Flyers and Penguins.  Pittsburgh struck in the first minute on a Evgeni Malkin goal in the first period.  Danny Briere chipped in two goals for Philadelphia as did Jeff Carter, but Marc-Andre Fleury made the saves when he needed to as Pittsburgh hung on for the 5-4 victory.

The hockey version of Anaheim and Boston didn't go any better for Beantown Thursday night.  After Marco Sturm put the B's up 1-0 in the first, it was all downhill from there.  The Ducks scored three in the second and three in the third, including two power play goals from Teemu Selanne and two goals (one short-handed) and a helper from Corey Perry as the Ducks beat the Bruins 6-1.

In Detroit three second period goals were good enough for the Red Wings to top the Chicago Blackhawks.  After his benching former Adirondack Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood was sharp for the Wings with 32 stops.  Former A-Wing forward Kris Draper scored Detroit's second goal and another former A-Wing Tomas Holmstrom picked up an assist one Johan Franzen's eventual game winner.  Red Wings win 3-2.

Down in Tampa it was a good night to be a former Albany River Rat.  Former Albany forward  Zach Parise who had 45 goals last year got some help from Lightning goalie Mike Smith who knocked the puck into his own net off the butt end of the stick giving the Devils a 1-0 lead.  Former River Rat Travis Zajac picked up an assist on Parise's first of the season on the power play, more on Zajac later.  Tampa Bay struck back in the second on a goal from standout Steven Stamkos.  New Jersey answered when ex-River Rat Jay Pandolfo scored on an assist from another former Rat David Clarkson.  After Stamkos netted another on the power play in the third and Todd Fedoruk put the 'Ning ahead 3-2, Zajac scored with one tick left on the clock from former Rats Brian Rolston and Parise to send the game to OT.  In the shootout Marty Brodeur who had 41 saves came up big as Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner scored and the Devils went on for the 4-3 win.

The Nashville Predators beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on the strength of two Patric Hornqvist goals.  Former Rats sniper Steve Sullivan picked up a helper on the night.

Atlanta beat St. Louis 4-2 on the strength of two Ilya Kovalchuk goals.  Former Rats goalie Chris Mason had 18 saves in the loss for the Blues.

Calgary knocked off Edmonton in a shootout 4-3 with Nigel Dawes netting the winner.

After doing it to the Sharks, the Kings put up another six spot on the Wild.  Los Angeles beat Minnesota 6-3 on the strength of two Ryan Smyth goals

Speaking of San Jose they posted a six pack of their own against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Dany Heatley blew up the Blue Jackets for a hat trick and Joe Thornton notched four assists as a four goal second was the difference as the Sharks rolled 6-3. 

Break Up The Yotes!

I know Wayne Gretzky isn't coaching the Phoenix Coyotes anymore but is he now playing for them?  It sure looked in Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.  More proof that when you're on top that everybody is actively gunning for you.  Not only did the Coyotes beat back the Penguins, they blanked them on 24 saves by Ilya Bryzgalov. 

The Jovo-Cop, Ed Jovanoski scored a PPG in the first Peter Prucha added one in the second and Radim Vrbata put in an empty net goal in the third and the Coyotes rolled 3-0.

In the great Northwest the Vancouver Canucks finally decided to show up this season.  They absolutely pasted the Montreal Canadiens 7-1.  Henrik Sedin ended up with two goals and one assist while his brother Daniel picked up two helpers as well. 

The Canucks converted on three of five power play opportunities smoking the Habs.  Roberto Luongo was solid stopping 27 of 28, while Carey Price let's just say the price was wrong as he was chased after seven goals geez why not wait for eight?

Flyers and Caps Put on Quite a Display

If you didn't come away impressed from Tuesday night's contest between the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals, I guess I'll never convince you what a great sport this truly is.  Just an astounding amount of scoring between these two.  Mike Richards of the Flyers ended up with a hat trick, two of which came on the power play.  The first one by Richards got Philly on the board and after that Richard scored two within 58 seconds, all in the second period.  And get this Flyers defenseman Matt Carle who did well to keep the puck in the offensive zone to set up Richards' hatter, had four assists on the game himself all of which also came in the second.

The Alexander's also came up strong for Washington, Ovechkin with two goals and an assist and Semin with two goals including one on the power play that got the Caps back tied 4-4 in the third.  Former Albany River Rat Brendan Morrison scored his third of the season putting the Caps on top 5-4.  Yet late in the third Philly rallied on a PPG from Scotty Hartnell who evened things up at 5-5.  In OT it was Danny Briere hoping to have a healthy bounce back season who put away the winner for Philadelphia 6-5.

In Toronto it was Daniel Alfredsson's second period penalty shot against fellow Swede Jonas Gustavsson that turned out to be the eventual winner as the Ottawa Senators took out the Maple Leafs 2-1.

Down in Raleigh it was a former member of the 'Ning Dynasty, Jussi Jokinen lighting the lamp on the power play for Carolina in the first.  Tampa Bay countered with one of their own in the second from Ryan Malone.  This game also saw former Albany River Rats defenseman Tim Conboy get in a scrap for the Hurricanes with Zenon Konopka.  Another former Albany defenseman David Hale took a tripping penalty late in OT but it wouldn't matter.  Heading into the shootout, shockingly Jokinen who has one of the better moves in the league was kept at bay, but goals from Sergei Samsonov and Tuomo Ruttu were the difference in beating Mike Smith.  Cam Ward and the boys bounce back from two absolute clunkers against Philly and Boston and win 2-1 against the Lightning.

Out in the Midwest, that "other game" in Minnesota, the Minnesota Wild taking on the Anaheim Ducks.  This one saw the Duck charge out front early in the second.  Former Montreal captain Saku Koivu netted his first as a Duck on the power play, following tallies by Joffrey Lupul and Evgeny Artyukhin hoisting Anaheim to a 3-0 lead after two.  But Saku's little brother Mikko would have none of it in the third and the Wild made a hard charge back.  This Koivu also scored on the power play.  Then it was former Albany River Rat Petr Sykora with his first goal in a Minnesota sweater cutting it to one goal.  Eric Belanger tied things at three with a PPG late in the third and sent this one to OT.  That's where Andrew Brunette rocked home a power play goal to give the Wild a dramatic comeback over the Ducks 4-3.  Another big part of the three goal comeback was Martin Havlat who recorded three assists on the evening.

In the great Northwest the Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Dallas Stars.  Mr. Hilary Duff, Mike Comrie back in Edmonton, got his Oilers on the board in the first.  Brenden Morrow netted his first of two on the night for Dallas tying things at one.  After trading off goals in the latter two periods both teams went to a shootout with things stading at four all.  Ales Hemsky notched the winner for Edmonton in a 5-4 victory over the Stars.  Stars goalie Marty Turco picked up a short-handed assist in the loss for Dallas.

Finally in a battle of Cali, the Los Angeles Kings upended the San Jose Sharks in a 6-4 barn burner.  L.A. jumped out to a four goal edge, chasing Evgeni Nabokov midaway through the third with scoring capped off by Anze Kopitar.  The Sharks countered with four straight goals of their own however and with all coming compliments of the extra man advantage.  Devin Setoguchi notched two, former King defenseman and captain Rob Blake picked one up as well and newly acquired Dany Heatly scored his first as a Shark to knot things at 4-4 midway through the third.  But Teddy Purcell put in a quick dagger just 26 ticks later for the Kings, in essence sucking the life right out of San Jose and their valiant comeback attempt.  The Kings beat the Sharks 6-4 with a late empty netter.

Big Night For Blueshirts/Blue Jackets

A light night in the NHL but a good night if you're wearing blue.  The New York Rangers found themselves in New Jersey taking on the Devils, while Columbus was out west facing the Vancouver Canucks.

It was the Devils in Newark who pounced on the Rangers extremely early with a goal a little more than a minute into the action.  Rob Niedermayer put New Jersey out front with his first as a Devil from former Albany River Rats' Jay Pandolfo and David Clarkson.  This prompted Rangers coach John Tortorella to go absolutely ballistic on the bench, lighting into his players.  From that point Rangers youngster and defenseman Michael Del Zotto caught Marty Brodeur out of position on the power play and locked things up at one in the first. 

Midway through the first New Jersey struck back with a power play goal of their own with a nifty pass from Clarkson in front of the crease back to another former Albany River Rat Travis Zajac to light the lamp on Henrik Lundqvist.  Zach Parise who also played in Albany picked up an assist on the play as well.  But New York who went oh-fer their first two games on the power play, put another one past Brodeur from way out off the stick of newly acquired Ales Kotalik for his first as a Ranger.  The former Buffalo Sabre Kotalik who assisted on Del Zotto's PPG picked up his goal this time around from Del Zotto and Ryan "don't call me Tommy" Callahan to tie things up once more.

Early in the third it was Matt Gilroy the rookie and former captain of last year's Boston University National Championship team putting home his first career NHL goal off a brand name goaltender.  The latter two goals were not typical of shots that followers of Martin Brodeur are accoustomed to seeing let up.  In any event that was enough to garner the Rangers a victory 3-2.

Out west Columbus goalie Steve Mason continues so sparkle between the pipes after being pelted with 43 shots from the Canucks and stopping 40.  Henrik Sedin got the Canucks going late in the first but with under a minute to go the Jackets answered back with a score by Antione Vermette, so it was 1-1 after one.

In the second Columbus kept that momentum going beating Roberto Luongo three more times, including twice within a span of 22 seconds.  Kristian Huselius, Rostislav Klesla and Nikita Filatov all scored chasing Luongo from the game.

Midway through the second and third Vancouver tried to chip away with Christian Ehrhoff and Willie Mitchell bringing the Canucks back within one at 4-3.  Mitchell the former Albany River Rats defenseman had that goal and an assist on Ehrhoff's goal on the night.

However Fedor Tyutin's power play goal late in the third for Columbus gave them all the insurance they needed to roll onto a 5-3 victory.  Rick Nash also had a big influence on the Blue Jackets win with three helpers.

Nightly Notables: Erik Cole of the Carolina Hurricanes is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured leg, which could result in either the call up of Brandon Sutter or Pat Dwyer for all you Albany River Rats fans out there who are curious.  Habs top defenseman Andrei Markov will be out another four months after getting cut on his ankle.