In "The Night Ahead" we take a look at a selection (well, five) of the upcoming games for the evening (early hours here in the UK) and add a preview and opinion on the match ups.
Twice this week we have had a night of very little games to a night of many many games.
BOSTON BRUINS @ DETROIT RED WINGS
Detroit have won two of the last three, after losing seven in a row, giving them eight losses in ten. Boston have won eight of their last ten. But, Detroit only find themselves as the Atlantic's 4th seed, only 5 points behind the division leading Bruins.
Carl Soderberg, Reilly Smith and Torey Krug continued their great form, I mentioned here, on Monday night in the B's 4-3 OT win over the Penguins.
The usual guys are doing it for Detroit right now, Nyquist, Zetterberg, Franzen, and the magic man, Pavel Datsyuk have all been picking up goals and assists. But there seems to be something missing.
The Bruins are my pick.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS @ PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Toronto have navigated a difficult November admirably despite being with Bozak, Bolland and Kadri out for periods. Although with all two of the three in the team they got thumped 6-0 at home to Columbus on Monday.
After dismantling Anaheim and Washington before narrowly dispatching the Islanders, the Penguins have lost two in a row against Montreal and Boston.
Both teams have issues at the moment and I'm picking Pittsburgh.
ST LOUIS BLUES @ COLORADO AVALANCHE
Two of the best go head to head. Alex Steen, David Backes, T.J. Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo go against Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, Gabriel Landeskog and Nate MacKinnon.
The Blues are on a four game winning run, 8-1-1 in the last ten. Colorado are 6-4-0, on a three game win streak.
I've got the Blues.
PHOENIX COYOTES @ MINNESOTA WILD
Phoenix are enjoying life under new ownership, and steady management leads to steady performances on the ice. Currently 14-6-4 on the year and 5-3-2 in the last ten. It's not surprising that the foundation for this form starts with Mike Smith in net and impressive defenseman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The scoring leaders for the team are Vrbata, Doan, Hanzal and Ribeiro.
The Wild are very quietly going about their business recently. Whilst other teams in the West get all the headlines, Minnesota have found themselves in a lower seeding position but have pulled away from the teams behind them. Josh Harding has a .939 SV%, and Parise, Koivu and Pominville lead the way offensively. The Wild young players have emerged as great talents too. The quartet of Brodin, Coyle, Granlund and Niederreiter accounting for 40 points.
I'm taking Minnesota.
LOS ANGELES KINGS @ SAN JOSE SHARKS
LA come into this game having won five of the last seven. The only defeats coming in OT to Colorado and New Jersey. The injury to Jonathan Quick hasn't been the hinderance many thought it would be. Ben Scrivens has stepped in and has a .947 SV% in 12 games.
San Jose aren't doing too shabby either. They've won six of the last seven. The defeat coming at the hands of Chicago with a score of 5-1. Along with the big names, players like Vlasic, Wingels and Demers have really impressed me. Combining for 10 goals and 27 assists.
I like San Jose in this game.
Tonight's picks: Boston, Pittsburgh, St Louis, Minnesota, San Jose.
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Stars - best of Saturday 23rd November
Stars is our daily look at the previous night's action in the NHL and who stood out amongst the rest.
It seems Saturday was all about the goalies showing us what they're all about. So, in a night that no skater recorded more than two points, all of Saturday's stars are goaltenders.
FIRST STAR
Reimer had 49 saves from 50 shots against the Capitals, as the Leafs went on to win 2-1 in the shootout and condemn the Caps to a third straight loss. The goals were scored by David Clarkson and Alex Ovechkin.
This is the one, outstanding shot that beat Reimer.
SECOND STAR
The Ducks became the first team to inflict a regulation defeat on the Coyotes in Arizona this season, and Jonas Hiller played a big part in that. With 42 saves on 44 shots for a .955 SV% he helped the Ducks secure a 4-2 win.
THIRD STAR
Scrivens was on the losing side last night but as he saved 32 shots before surrendering enough net for Jamie McGinn to win it for the Avs in overtime. Any other night and his .970 SV% would lift any team to a victory but the Kings came up against a Semyon Varlamov in brick wall form.
Honourable Mentions
Three more goalies will get a mention here. Cam Talbot, Niklas Backstrom and Martin Brodeur. Talbot shutout the Predators in a 2-0 win for the Rangers, but only faced 17 shots. Backstrom posted a .949 SV%, saving 37 shots from 39 and stopped 3 of 4 shooters in a 3-2 shootout win for the Wild over the Jets. Marty had 28 saves in a 2-1 defeat for the Devils in San Jose. Brodeur also pulled off a save of the week contender on Logan Couture.
Max Pacioretty, Dustin Penner, David Backes and James Neal were the night's top scorers each netting two goals.
Eric Boulton of the Islanders scored his first goal in 72 games in Philadelphia last night.
A few minutes into the 3rd period in Vancouver, Patrick Sharp had a shot from the blue line that hit all three posts. The Blackhawks went on to win 2-1 with goals from Shaw and Kruger.
MY PICKS
2-3 last night. Again the Canadiens win after I pick them to lose. I only got Anaheim and Chicago right.
It seems Saturday was all about the goalies showing us what they're all about. So, in a night that no skater recorded more than two points, all of Saturday's stars are goaltenders.
FIRST STAR
James Reimer - TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS vs Washington Capitals
Reimer had 49 saves from 50 shots against the Capitals, as the Leafs went on to win 2-1 in the shootout and condemn the Caps to a third straight loss. The goals were scored by David Clarkson and Alex Ovechkin.
This is the one, outstanding shot that beat Reimer.
SECOND STAR
Jonas Hiller - ANAHEIM DUCKS vs Phoenix Coyotes
The Ducks became the first team to inflict a regulation defeat on the Coyotes in Arizona this season, and Jonas Hiller played a big part in that. With 42 saves on 44 shots for a .955 SV% he helped the Ducks secure a 4-2 win.
THIRD STAR
Ben Scrivens - LOS ANGELES KINGS vs Colorado Avalanche
Scrivens was on the losing side last night but as he saved 32 shots before surrendering enough net for Jamie McGinn to win it for the Avs in overtime. Any other night and his .970 SV% would lift any team to a victory but the Kings came up against a Semyon Varlamov in brick wall form.
Honourable Mentions
Three more goalies will get a mention here. Cam Talbot, Niklas Backstrom and Martin Brodeur. Talbot shutout the Predators in a 2-0 win for the Rangers, but only faced 17 shots. Backstrom posted a .949 SV%, saving 37 shots from 39 and stopped 3 of 4 shooters in a 3-2 shootout win for the Wild over the Jets. Marty had 28 saves in a 2-1 defeat for the Devils in San Jose. Brodeur also pulled off a save of the week contender on Logan Couture.
Max Pacioretty, Dustin Penner, David Backes and James Neal were the night's top scorers each netting two goals.
Eric Boulton of the Islanders scored his first goal in 72 games in Philadelphia last night.
A few minutes into the 3rd period in Vancouver, Patrick Sharp had a shot from the blue line that hit all three posts. The Blackhawks went on to win 2-1 with goals from Shaw and Kruger.
2-3 last night. Again the Canadiens win after I pick them to lose. I only got Anaheim and Chicago right.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
The Night Ahead - Saturday 23rd November 2013
In "The Night Ahead" we take a look at a selection (well, five) of the upcoming games for the evening (early hours here in the UK) and add a preview and opinion on the match ups.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS @ MONTREAL CANADIENS
Both teams picked up wins last night. Sidney Crosby picked up his 250th NHL goal on the game winner against the Islanders whilst the Habs won in Washington. A win that included a first goal in 26 regular season and playoff games for David Desharnais.
It's the first meeting between the two this season. Back in March they fought out an epic 7-6 OT game at the Bell Centre with Pittsburgh coming out on top thanks to a Chris Kunitz goal.
The in form Penguins look amazingly strong right now. The Habs win last night was only their 4th in November.
I'll go Pens win.
OTTAWA SENATORS @ DETROIT RED WINGS
Daniel Alfredsson welcomes his former team to his new home in first meeting since free agent departure.
Alfie signing with Detroit and then saying he has a better chance at glory now probably takes silver for "departure that really hurt the fan base" in the 2013 offseason. Ilya Kovalchuk, I'm looking at you buddy. Alfie is doing fine in "HOCKEYTOWN" with three goals and two assists in 19 games this season. The Red Wings, like the aforementioned Canadiens, are having a November to forget. They narrowly beat the Carolina Hurricanes to snap a SEVEN game losing streak. Luckily for them five of those were either in overtime or a shootout which means despite the dip they still find themselves in a playoff spot, five points (see) ahead of the New York Rangers, currently the best team looking up in the East.
Ottawa are also on the outside looking in, which is strange when you consider what they did with so many injuries last year. Now Karlsson, Michalek and Spezza are all having solid minutes and playing every night they seem like they can't click. Is that the effect of the Alfredsson loss? They also lost veteran defenseman Sergie Gonchar to the Dallas Stars. Can two veterans leaving usurp the progress of the "pesky" Sens?
I'm taking Detroit in this one but should be wary that back in October the Sens routed them 6-1 at The Joe.
ANAHEIM DUCKS @ PHOENIX COYOTES
With the Ducks OT win against Tampa Bay last night they moved into 1st place in the West and the entire league. Phoenix have quietly gone about their business as the one of lesser covered teams in the league. Led by Martin Hanzal, Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata and Keith Yandle, on 19, 17, 17 & 17 points respectively, they have gone 8-1-2 in their last 11, the one regulation defeat? 5-2 to Anaheim......
This is the sort of game that screams overtime and I'm taking the Ducks.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS @ VANCOUVER CANUCKS
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks go into enemy territory tonight. A rivalry born from recently intense playoff match ups. They head to the Pacific Northwest on shaky form. Sweeping away most teams that come their way, led by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa, they have also suffered thrashings at the hands of division rivals Nashville and Colorado.
Vancouver had an impressive win when they welcomed the Blue Jackets last night but before that it's not been a great time for them losing five in a row.
The Canucks might be back on form and depending on how the Blackhawks play this could be a tight fought classic or a rout. I'm going with the champs here.
COLORADO AVALANCHE @ LOS ANGELES KINGS
LA go into tonight having gone 7-1-2 in their last 10. The losses coming in regulation to Nashville, in a shootout to Buffalo, and in overtime in their last game at home to the New Jersey Devils.
It's the first meeting between the two this season. Colorado have been one of surprises this year and under new coach Patrick Roy, have enjoyed great defensive play and fantastic performances from their goalies.
They both have over 30 points this season and find themselves amongst the lower seeds in the playoff picture. A testament to the sheer strength of that conference this year.
Colorado's attack is led by Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny and captain Gabriel Landeskog. Number one draft pick Nathan McKinnon has also contributed well with three goals and ten assists. You wouldn't be surprised to here Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Mike Richards and Drew Doughty lead the way in goals and assists for LA.
Gotta take a home win in this one. Unless they get a stellar goalie performance Colorado seem to come unstuck against some of the leagues better teams.
Tonight's picks: Pittsburgh, Detroit, Anaheim, Chicago, LA.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS @ MONTREAL CANADIENS
Both teams picked up wins last night. Sidney Crosby picked up his 250th NHL goal on the game winner against the Islanders whilst the Habs won in Washington. A win that included a first goal in 26 regular season and playoff games for David Desharnais.
It's the first meeting between the two this season. Back in March they fought out an epic 7-6 OT game at the Bell Centre with Pittsburgh coming out on top thanks to a Chris Kunitz goal.
The in form Penguins look amazingly strong right now. The Habs win last night was only their 4th in November.
I'll go Pens win.
OTTAWA SENATORS @ DETROIT RED WINGS
Daniel Alfredsson welcomes his former team to his new home in first meeting since free agent departure.
Alfie signing with Detroit and then saying he has a better chance at glory now probably takes silver for "departure that really hurt the fan base" in the 2013 offseason. Ilya Kovalchuk, I'm looking at you buddy. Alfie is doing fine in "HOCKEYTOWN" with three goals and two assists in 19 games this season. The Red Wings, like the aforementioned Canadiens, are having a November to forget. They narrowly beat the Carolina Hurricanes to snap a SEVEN game losing streak. Luckily for them five of those were either in overtime or a shootout which means despite the dip they still find themselves in a playoff spot, five points (see) ahead of the New York Rangers, currently the best team looking up in the East.
Ottawa are also on the outside looking in, which is strange when you consider what they did with so many injuries last year. Now Karlsson, Michalek and Spezza are all having solid minutes and playing every night they seem like they can't click. Is that the effect of the Alfredsson loss? They also lost veteran defenseman Sergie Gonchar to the Dallas Stars. Can two veterans leaving usurp the progress of the "pesky" Sens?
I'm taking Detroit in this one but should be wary that back in October the Sens routed them 6-1 at The Joe.
ANAHEIM DUCKS @ PHOENIX COYOTES
With the Ducks OT win against Tampa Bay last night they moved into 1st place in the West and the entire league. Phoenix have quietly gone about their business as the one of lesser covered teams in the league. Led by Martin Hanzal, Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata and Keith Yandle, on 19, 17, 17 & 17 points respectively, they have gone 8-1-2 in their last 11, the one regulation defeat? 5-2 to Anaheim......
This is the sort of game that screams overtime and I'm taking the Ducks.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS @ VANCOUVER CANUCKS
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks go into enemy territory tonight. A rivalry born from recently intense playoff match ups. They head to the Pacific Northwest on shaky form. Sweeping away most teams that come their way, led by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa, they have also suffered thrashings at the hands of division rivals Nashville and Colorado.
Vancouver had an impressive win when they welcomed the Blue Jackets last night but before that it's not been a great time for them losing five in a row.
The Canucks might be back on form and depending on how the Blackhawks play this could be a tight fought classic or a rout. I'm going with the champs here.
COLORADO AVALANCHE @ LOS ANGELES KINGS
LA go into tonight having gone 7-1-2 in their last 10. The losses coming in regulation to Nashville, in a shootout to Buffalo, and in overtime in their last game at home to the New Jersey Devils.
It's the first meeting between the two this season. Colorado have been one of surprises this year and under new coach Patrick Roy, have enjoyed great defensive play and fantastic performances from their goalies.
They both have over 30 points this season and find themselves amongst the lower seeds in the playoff picture. A testament to the sheer strength of that conference this year.
Colorado's attack is led by Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny and captain Gabriel Landeskog. Number one draft pick Nathan McKinnon has also contributed well with three goals and ten assists. You wouldn't be surprised to here Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Mike Richards and Drew Doughty lead the way in goals and assists for LA.
Gotta take a home win in this one. Unless they get a stellar goalie performance Colorado seem to come unstuck against some of the leagues better teams.
Tonight's picks: Pittsburgh, Detroit, Anaheim, Chicago, LA.
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