Thursday, March 6, 2008

Wednesday March 5

A dozen teams battled in 6 games around the NHL on Wednesday night. Former Islanders are trying to help keep their teams above water as the playoff picture becomes a little less murky. Let us look at the FI work effort:

* Defenseman Alexei Zhitnik assisted on Atlanta's final goal as the Thrashers fell to the visiting Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. Zhitnik is mired in the worst offensive season of his career with only 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points on 65 games. During the 1999-2000 season with Buffalo Zhitnik managed 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) on 74 games but this season, his first full one with Atlanta, Zhit is struggling to get his name on the boxscore. It is especially surprising considering he had such a strong showing last season (79 games, 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points) in stints with the Isles, Flyers and Thrashers.

* As the Washington Capitals strengthen their case for a playoff spot Viktor Kozlov is also proving that he can be a solid set up man. Kozlov had 2 assists including 1 on the game winner as the Caps beat the host Buffalo Sabres 3-1. Kozzer has 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points on 67 games. He current has a 4 game point streak in which he has notched 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points. For only the 4th time on his career Kozlov has 30+ helpers on a season, his first since 2002-03 when he had 34 with the Panthers.

Look here soon for more FI news and updates.

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