Thursday February 12

There were 7 games on the NHL rotation Thursday night. Former Islanders lent their support in 4 of those contest. Here is a quick recap:

Florida winger Richard Zednik scored his 4th goal in as many games notching the first insurance goal as the Panthers thumped the host Carolina Hurricanes 5-0. During his current 4 game point scoring streak Zed has 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists). He now has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points on 43 games. Zed has been lights out with 4 goals on his last 9 shots (a .444 shooting percentage).


Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stood up to the challenge stopping 21 of 23 shots as the Red Wings doubled up on the visiting Minnesota Wild for a 4-2 home victory. On the verge of career loss #200, Ozzie has avoided that mark by winning his last 3 starts. With the win he improved to 18-4-6 on the season. Yet despite the rather impressive record, he has less than adequate stats with a 3.25 goals against average and an .881 save percentage. Clearly, it seems, the Wings' offense has carried Osgood through most of the season.

Phoenix center Olli Jokinen came out of hiding to record an assist as the Coyotes just barely fell to the visiting Vancouver Canucks 4-3. The helper snapped a 6 game point-less streak and now gives O-Jok 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) on 50 games. Jokinen, who early in the season was challenging winger Shane Doan for the team lead in every major category, has fallen off the path and sits 15 points behind the Doan. Powering the Canucks to the win was goalie Roberto Luongo who stopped 25 of 28 shots. After going winless in 5 games Luongo has turned it around with victories in each of his last 4 starts. Luongo is now 15-7-5 on the season with a .913 save percentage, a 2.62 goals against average and an impressive 5 shutouts.

Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi had the primary assist on the game winning powerplay tally as the Flames blanked the host Los Angeles Kings 2-0. With the helper Bert snapped a 4 game assist-less run. He now has 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points on 50 games. Bertuzzi is currently 4th on the Flames in points but is sporting a regrettable -12 rating. He has notched 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) this season on the man advantage.

Check in soon for more updates and recaps.