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.
Just the one, that's right, one game in the NHL tonight.
ANAHEIM DUCKS @ DALLAS STARS
Dallas go into tonight's sole NHL fixture 6-3-1 in their last ten but find themselves bottom of the uber competitive Central Division on 24 points after Winnipeg won in New Jersey last night. Anaheim find themselves in quite the opposite situation, sitting atop the Pacific Division, joint for 2nd best in the league with St Louis on 37 points.
Dallas have been heavy reliant on the play of Benn, Seguin and whoever lines up with them, not to mention the excellence of Kari Lehtonen. Whilst the Ducks form is down to the usual suspects, Getzlaf, Perry and free agent pick up Dustin Penner.
The Stars are on a two game skid and the Ducks have own two in a row after a five game losing streak.
Stars is our daily look at the previous night's action in the NHL and who stood out amongst the rest.
Thanks to there only being two games tonight and they both started at a reasonable time this post is coming to you about 9-10 hours early.
FIRST STAR
Eric Staal - CAROLINA HURRICANES vs Ottawa Senators
Two assists and an empty netter for Eric Staal as the Canes rout the Sens 4-1. His first assist was a beauty of a feed pass to Toumo Ruutu who found himself in front of goal with just the goalie to look at. His 2nd was a straight forward pass down the wing and rookie Elias Lindholm did all the work.
SECOND STAR
Cam Ward - CAROLINA HURRICANES vs Ottawa Senators
The Senators took the lead 1:07 in to the first period. It was the 2nd shot of the game and for the Sens. So after giving up goal on two shots that early Cam Ward decided to turn into a brick wall. He saved all 34 or .972% of the rest of the shots Ottawa fired his way as captain Eric Staal led the team to the 4-1 win.
THIRD STAR
Jonas Gustavsson - DETROIT RED WINGS vs Buffalo Sabres
Like Cam Ward, Gustavsson gave up a goal in the first period and went on to slam the door in the face of the Sabres attack. Jonas finished 21/22 with a .955 SV%.
The goal, on otherwise a solid night.
Honourable Mentions
Ryan Miller once again did his best to shine bright like the diamond he is behind the turd known as the Buffalo Sabres defence. Going 31/33 with a .939 SV%.
