Friday April 3

There were half a dozen (6) games up for grab on 2nd to last Friday of the 2008-09 NHL season. Former Islanders aided in 5 of those contests. Here is a quick peek at the action:

Philadelphia winger Arron Asham assisted on the Flyers' 2nd goal as they bashed the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs 8-5. With 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 3 games Asham now has 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points on 72 games. For the 5th time Ash has notched 10 or more assists on a season. For the first time since December 10-19, 2005 Asham has recorded points in 3 or more consecutive games. During that particular span, while still with the Isles, he had 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) over a 4 game stretch.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched 3 assists including the singular assist on the game winning OT goal as the Sabres edged the host Washington Capitals 5-4. With 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) over the last 5 games Connolly now has 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) on 42 games. For the 2nd straight season and 5th time on his career Connolly has reached the 25+ assist mark. Caps' forward Viktor Kozlov recorded 2 assists including 1 on the powerplay. Koz snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points on 62 games. For the 3rd straight season and 6th time on his career Kozzer has recorded 25 or more helpers.

New Jersey backup goaltender Kevin Weekes, who was meant to give starter Martin Brodeur, suffered a leg injury only 1 minute into the 2nd Period as the Devils pulled out a 5-4 OT win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Weekes received no decision on the start and remains 7-5-0 on the season with a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average. The start was only the 2nd for Weekes since March 18.


Florida winger Richard Zednik had the primary assist on the lone Panthers' goal as they fell to the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 3-1 putting a serious dent in their playoff hopes. Zed now has 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points on 65 games.





Minnesota defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron had a powerplay assist on the game winning goal as the Wild blanked the wildly inconsistent and visiting Calgary Flames 4-0 as the Wild continue to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. MAB snapped an 8 game point-less streak and now has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points on 67 games. The powerplay helper was the 11th of the season for Bergeron, a new single season high for the offensive d-man.

Check back soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.