Tuesday January 6

It was a crazy busy night on Tuesday as 22 teams faced off in 11 mid-season tilts as teams battle for points in the standings. Even at this juncture of the season it is becoming clear who the real contenders are for playoff spots and who are just idling along, yet the battles continue to be real nailbiters at times. Former Islanders are lending their support where they can. FIs made offensive impacts in 4 of those games. Here is a look at their accomplishments:

Washington forward Viktor Kozlov notched an assist on the lone Capitals' goal, a powerplay tally, then pocketed the lone goal of the SO to seal a 2-1 win for his team over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. Kozzer helped the Caps get on the board only 2:10 in to play while on an early man advantage. With his chance in the 1st Round of the SO Koz rocketed home a goal that would stand as the Capitals outscored the Fly Boys 1-0 in the breakaway frame. Kozlov is 17 for 35 (48.6%) on his career in the SO. Those 17 goals rank him 3rd all time since the institution of the SO. Kozlov received the 2nd star honor for his effort and now has 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points on 36 games.

Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe had a powerplay helper on the team's opening goal as the Panthers doubled up on the host Toronto Maple Leafs for a 4-2 victory. McCabe now has points in 3 consecutive games (1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points). He has 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points on 30 games with 11 (4 goals, 7 assists) from the man advantage. Also getting involved was Toronto winger Jason Blake who scored a shorthanded goal with 8 minutes remaining in play. Blake has had 2 goals in as many games and now has 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points on 36 games. For the 6th straight season Blake has reached the 10+ goal mark. The shortie was his first since December 30, 2005 - a span of 245 games (5 playoff) without such a goal! The shorthanded tally was the 9th of Blake's career.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth received the secondary assist on his team's first goal as the Avalanche edged the host Nashville Predators 2-1 for the win. Smyth snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and now has 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points on 40 games. The Avalanche are an impressive 15-4-1 (.775 win percentage) when Smyth records a point. When Smyth does not notch a point they are a lowly 5-15-0 (.250 win percentage).


Winger Todd Bertuzzi assisted on Calgary's 2nd goal as the Flames knocked off the mighty San Jose 5-2 for a home victory. The Flames picked apart the usually solid Sharks to extend their lead in the Northwest Division. Bert has points in 3 consecutive outings (2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points). Bertuzzi now has 11 goals and 20 assists for 31 points on 40 games. For the 2nd straight season and 11th time on his career Bert has notched 20+ helpers. Bertuzzi has also been an impact on the team's success helping them go 15-6-2 (.696 win percentage) in games in which he scores a point.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.