- In Vancouver a 4-3 SO victory was buzzing with FI noteworthies. Roberto Luongo stretched his season high win total to 37 as he stopped 28 of 31 shots. He also stopped 4 of 6 in the shootout frame. Bryan Smolinski tallied his second assist in as many games with the Canucks and contributed one of the three SO goals for Vancouver. Another Canuck SO goal came from an FI who has to be nearing retirement, Trevor Linden.
- In Detroit a third period comeback turned into a loss as Colorado beat the Redwings 4-3 in the OT frame. Mathieu Schneider contributed 2 assists including the secondary on the tying goal. Schneider now has 14 points in his last 10 games. Also of note was the so-so play of Chris Osgood who stopped 23 of 27 shots. In the wake of Hasek's thigh injury Osgood's time should increase. He is currently 7-3-4 for the Redwings this season.
- Mike York had a rare night as he scored the opening goal for the Flyers in Philadelphia's 4-3 SO loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Since his trade to the Flyers from the Islanders York has managed only 3 goals in 24 games. At his current pace he will fall almost 30 points short of his prior season total of 52.
- Jeff Hamilton gets no official credit for his SO goal last night but his help was huge for the Blackhawks. His last ditch effort goal extended the frame and allowed for the capper in Chicago's 4-3 SO victory over Ottawa at the United Center. After being rejected by the Islanders last offseason Hamilton's having a bit of a career rebirth with 26 points in 55 games on the season. Soon enough though he might be missing his recently traded partner and fellow FI Smolinski.
Islanders/Rangers tonight at 7:00 from Madison Square Garden. Watch it if you can. Otherwise the rest of the NHL lays fallow tonight. Until next time keep yours eyes on the boxscores.
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