Thursday February 26

There were a considerable 10 games on the NHL schedule on Thursday night. Former Islanders did not disappoint lending their support in 7 of those contests. Here is a look at the FI happenings:

Boston defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara recorded the lone assist on the Bs' third goal as the Bruins blanked the visiting Anaheim Ducks 6-0. Chara now has 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points on 62 games. Though it is unlikely he will surpass his single season high points total from last season (51) he could equal or surpass the 17 goals which were also a single season high.


Toronto winger Jason Blake notched 2 assists and scored a SO goal in the 2nd round as the Maple Leafs edged the host Isles 5-4. Each helper came on the special teams with one on the powerplay and the other shorthanded. Blakey now has 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points on 58 games. The shortie assist was Blake's first since before the lockout with his most recent on February 29, 2004 (ironically enough FIW's wedding day!) while still with the Isles. Since departing the Island Blake has 7 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 7 games against the Blue & Orange.

Buffalo winger Tim Connolly was stopped on his attempt in the 3rd round of the SO instantly ending the game as the Sabres fell to the host Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. Connolly has fallen off his point-per-game pace going scoreless in his last 2 outings. He now has 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points on 28 games.





Florida winger Richard Zednik had the primary assist on the game winning goal with only 7:10 remaining in play as the Panthers edged the free-falling New York Rangers 2-1 at Madison Square Garden. Zed snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points on 50 games. He remains only 5 goals away from career #200. Receiving the secondary assist on the winning tally was d-man Bryan McCabe. McCabe also snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and has 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points on 51 games.

New FI d-man Chris Campoli had a powerplay assist on the lone Senators goal as Ottawa was just barely downed by the visiting San Jose Sharks 2-1. Campy has been impressive so far with the Sens managing assists in 3 straight games to the tune of 4 helpers. He has notched 2 of those assists on the powerplay. Campoli now has 6 goals and 15 assists for 21 points on 54 games. For only the 2nd time Campy has notched 15+ assists on a season.

Phoenix center Olli Jokinen assisted on the lone Coyotes goal as they fell to the host Nashville Predators 4-1. O-Jok has 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) on 56 games and is facing a potential 20 point drop off from last season which would mean over the span of 2 seasons Jokinen's stats would have gone from the 90+ range to the 70+ range down to the low 50s.



Columbus winger Raffi Torres scored the only goal of the game as the Blue Jackets eked by the host Edmonton Oilers 1-0. Torres snapped a 3 game point-less stretch and now has 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points on 31 games. The game winner was the 2nd of the season for Torres and the 10th of his career.



Check in with FIW soon for more recaps, highlights and news.