Given the devastating amount of injuries incurred by this year's M.A.S.H. unit of the Carolina Hurricanes, you'll have to forgive Albany River Rats fans for wondering if their AHL team isn't already in North Carolina. After the rumblings came down last week pertaining to the future of the AHL franchise and its possible sale/relocation/affiliation change to Charlotte, it appears as though the Rats are in need of some creativity when it comes to preserving AHL hockey in Albany, NY.
To give some back story for those who don't know, the Rats have been in Albany since 1993 when the Devils uprooted their farm club from Utica, NY and set up shop for 13 years. After a relationship which saw a Calder Cup, division title runs and over 100 players called up to the NHL in the early years and an unprecedented playoff drought, the Rats in 2006 changed over to Carolina. While the change has been good from the standpoint of solid, competitive hockey (the Rats have 55 points as of this writing) it appears that with their affiliation contract up that the Canes want their AHL squad closer to home and the Rats are in need of a new ownership group with longtime owner and franchise savior Walter Robb in his 80's.
So where do the River Rats go from here in keeping the AHL in Albany? Well the River Rats could remain and change affiliation once again with an infusion of new local ownership and corporate sponsors/businesses stepping up, perhaps someone such as Price Chopper super market chain mogul Neil Golub. Another would be for an NHL owned AHL franchise to uproot and run the club in Albany.
In what would be another by proxy Peter Karmanos harpoon to Hartford fans, one scenario has the New York Rangers affiliate the Hartford Wolfpack, owned by MSG to the state capitol. So in essence when one does the accounting for all the moving pieces and six degrees of separation, the Hartford Whalers move to Carolina, the AHL Binghamton Rangers (Binghamton which by the way used to be a Hartford Whalers AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Whalers) move to Hartford, the Hurricanes AHL affiliate in Albany moves to Charlotte replacing the Rangers ECHL affiliate the Charlotte Checkers and the Rangers AHL farm club moves from Hartford to Albany. You follow all of that?
Having the Rangers top farm club in Albany would automatically boost attendance, given the proximity of the team and the strong fan base. Heck there's already enough people who show up and stupidly root for Hartford just because they're the Rangers affiliate rather than rooting for the hometown Albany squad. Additionally from a personal standpoint, I don't know about you but after losing the Eastern League AA Albany Colonie Yankees and original CBA Albany Patroons to the state of Connecticut, this would be a nice little power play would it not?
There are of course other scenarios involving teams whose affiliation contracts are also up at season's end. The Buffalo Sabres according to the NHL's television agreement (just ask the fans around here of the metro New York area teams) are the primary team here and after decades in Rochester and with their current agreement up with the Portland Pirates, bringing the Sabres top affiliate back to upstate New York would likely engender some palpable excitement. As far as other long-shot local connections, the Lowell Devils owned by New Jersey, while competitive this season are drawing barely over 2,000 people per game and the New York Islanders whose AHL club the Capital District Islanders played at RPI from 1990-1993, currently situated in Bridgeport, Conn. could be another local get as well.
In my opinion having a Rangers or Sabres affiliate would obviously create the most buzz and really create a surge in interest and attendance where fans of those teams would really connect in seeing their players skating one night in the "A" and the next night on TV on MSG.
For any outside teams, like for instance the Anaheim Ducks who don't have a primary affiliate or the Columbus Blue Jackets whose contract with the Syracuse Crunch expires at the conclusion of this season, again it's going to take local businesses to step up to the face-off circle and really show a strong commitment to fans and pro minor league sports in this area.
It took the River Rats and Mr. Robb who have taken losses and have gone to great lengths to keep AHL hockey in Albany, to be the one's who stepped up an led the charge to bring AHL hockey back to Glens Falls after a decade long hiatus following the Adirondack Red Wings departure after the 1998-99 campaign. This coming off the heals of ESPN's Barry Melrose and Steve Levy trying to reignite hockey in the north country. So far this season even with the last minute season ticket drive, the revival of AHL hockey in Glens Falls has been a successful venture much to the delight of AHL Commissioner David Andrews.
The example of the Adirondack Phantoms (top farm club of the Philadelphia Flyers) just goes to show what can happen if local businesses are willing to step up, take a shot, take a risk and have faith that it if done right it has worked in the past and will work out in the future. With AHL hockey having been in Albany for 17 years now after various teams have bolted town, it stands to reason that if done right there's no reason why there can't be 17 more where that came from.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, October 11, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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?
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?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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.
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.
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