Wednesday November 19

With 3 games and teams loaded with Former Islanders Wednesday was destined to be an FI kind of night and it was. Five different FIs made contributions in those matchups. Here is a quick peek at the night's events:

It seems that it is now safe to say that Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara has arrived offensively this season. Chara rocketed home 2 powerplay goals and walked away with the 2nd star of the game as the Bruins overcame 3-1 and 4-2 deficits for a 7-4 victory over the visiting Buffalo Sabres. Chara has 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points on 19 games this season but has amped it up as of late with 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) over the last 7, a span in which the Bruins have gone 6-0-1. The 2 goal effort was the first for Chara since February 26 when he also netted a pair in Boston's 4-0 victory over the visiting Ottawa Senators. Seven of Chara's 9 points (2 goals, 5 assists) have come with the man advantage this year.

Vancouver winger Taylor Pyatt contributed 2 even strength assists including the primary helper on the game winner as the Canucks thumped the host New York Rangers 6-3. Pyatt snapped a mini 2 game point-less run and now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 19 games. The multi-point effort was his first since March 8 of last season when the Canucks downed the visting St. Louis Blues 4-2. Roberto Luongo kept up his not-losing-in-regulation streak with the victory stopping 39 of 42 shots faced. It was the first time Luongo had given up more than 2 goals in his last 7 starts but he was solid enough to improve to 11-5-2 on the season with a low 2.18 goals against average and a very healthy .928 save percentage. Luongo has not lost in regulation during this current 7 game run going 5-0-2 in the process. Also seeing net time was Rangers' backup Stephen Valiquette who posted a perfect half-shutout. Making his 4th appearance of the season, and first non-start appearance, Valiquette stopped all 15 shots he faced in 33 minutes of ice time. Vali earned a no decision leaving his record at 2-1-0 but he did raise his save percentage to .919 while dropping his goals against average to 2.21.

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov received an assist on his team's 3rd goal and also snagged the 3rd star of the game honor as the Capitals outmuscled the Anaheim Ducks for a 6-4 road win. Kozzer is riding a 3 game point scoring streak and now has 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on 13 games. Over the last 3 games Kozlov has netted a goal and added 3 helpers for 4 points.


Check back soon for more updates and recaps.