Mid-August Updates

It has been a pathetically slow reaction time here at Former Islander Watch as we have been snoozing in these dog days of summer. Here are the recaps, signings and FI happenings for roughly the last month (i.e. July 18-August 18). Will the hockey season ever start? By the way, Santa Barbara is a beautiful city... so much more so than San Jose. However, at least San Jose has a successful hockey club with many Conference and Stanley Cup championships to their credit... oh wait. Here is the not so new news:

Stud defenseman Denis Grebeshkov got a big raise from the Edmonton Oilers on July 21 garnering a 1 year, $3.15 million deal - a compromise result that had both sides avoid the arbitration table for the 26 year old Restricted Free Agent. Talks had broken down on a longer term deal late last season and this was the stopgap measure put in place. Greb earned $1.5 million last season, a career year with 7 goals and 32 assists for 39 points on 72 games.

2008-09 1A/1B goalie for the Isles, Joey MacDonald, inked a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on August 10. Terms of the deal have yet to be released but the deal is probably a two-way signing since the Leafs currently appear to have two one-way goalies. Mac played in 49 games (46 starts) last season for the Isles recording a 14-26-6 record with a 3.37 goals against average, a .901 save percentage and 1 shutout. In 66 career games between the Isles and Detroit Red Wings MacDonald in 17-34-9 with a 3.31 goals against average, a .900 save percentage and 1 goose egg. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native, MacDonald joins his first Canadian squad.

Finally, winger Todd Bertuzzi inked a 1 year, $1.5 million dollar deal with a former team, the Red Wings on August 18. After spending a month and a half on the free agent list Bert was finally picked up for next season albeit at decreasingly declining contract amounts ($1.95 million last season with Calgary). Bert had 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) on 66 games last season with the Flames and came out storming but cooled off considerably in the last 2/3rds of the season. Originally drafted in the 1st Round, 23rd overall by the Isles in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft Bertuzzi has 624 points (255 goals, 369 assists) on 859 career games. Bert has played for the Isles, Canucks, Wings, Panthers, Ducks and Flames.

Check back soon with FIW for more updates and news.

Monday April 27

Two more series wrapped up on Monday as a mighty giant fell (San Jose) to a surprisingly good #8 seed (Anaheim) and a youthful troupe (Chicago) kicked out the pathetically pathetic (Calgary). There was only one Former Islander happening of note. Here goes:

Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi scored his team's lone goal as the Flames fell at home 4-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks. The 'Hawks took the series 4-2. Bert was all but invisible in the series as he snapped a 4 game point-less streak with the netter. He compiled a measly 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist) in the 6 games. The score snapped a 13 game playoff goal-less streak dating back to May 17, 2007 during Bertuzzi's brief stay with the Detroit Red Wings.

Check back soon with FIW as Tuesday will round out the first round.

Thursday April 16

By the end of the night each of the 16 playoff teams had a taste of the 2009 NHL playoffs. Former Islanders came out to help in 3 of the 4 Thursday night contests. Here is a quick look:

Boston captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara netted the game winning powerplay goal just over 11 minutes into the 3rd Period as the Bruins downed the visiting Montreal Canadiens 4-2. Chara scored for the 2nd time in his last 4 playoff games. The score was the first game winner in the postseason for Chara and the 3rd powerplay tally he has scored at this time of year making it 1 extra man goal in each of the last 3 playoffs he has been in. The Bs took an early 1-0 series lead in a flip-flop rematch of last seasons 1st round matchup.

Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced as the Red Wings took advantage of a key Columbus error to beat the visiting Blue Jackets 4-1. This capped off the BJs first franchise playoff game giving Detroit a 1-0 series lead. Ozzie continues his good playoff work winning for the 15th time in his last 19 postseason starts. The defending champs, the Wings jump out to an early 1-0 series lead.


Calgary left winger Todd Bertuzzi assisted on the short-lived game leading goal as the Flames fell 3-2 in OT to the host Chicago Blackhawks. Bert snapped a 3 game postseason point-less streak dating back to April 15, 2008 - the 3rd game of the Anaheim Ducks' first round series against the Dallas Stars. Bert now has 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 47 playoff games. Calgary falls in an early hole 1-0 to the 'Hawks.


Stay in touch with FIW as we will continue to track the progress of FIs in this race towards Lord Stanley's Cup.

Playoff FIs: Western Conference

Let us take a look at the Former Islanders who should be gracing the NHL squads during the push for Lord Stanley's Cup - the pantheon of sports trophies. The glittering epitome of silver beauty. The greatest guerdon known to living man. Digression. The teams have been arranged by conference and according to rank. Here is the Western Conference:

Western Conference

#1 San Jose: The best team in the league and Stanley Cup favorite, the Sharks feature a lone FI in defenseman Brad Lukowich who wound his way to NorCal during the offseason trade that sent blueliner Dan Boyle packing from Tampa Bay. Luko suffered some major injury time playing in only 58 games this season. In those games he managed only 8 assists. We will have to wait and see if the true impact for Lukowich will be his presence on the blue line.

#2 Detroit: The perennial powerhouse Red Wings feature a lone FI, as well. A large part of the team's Cup-winning success from last postseason, goaltender Chris Osgood is going to try to regain last season's awesome form which may be a daunting task in light of his less than stellar season. Ozzie split time with Ty Conklin managing starts in only 44 games and appearances in 46. Over that span Osgood sported a 26-9-8 record which looks deceivingly good. Beneath the surface Ozzie surrendered an average of 3.09 goals per game while stopping shots at only an .887 clip, the latter of which being the worst of any season for the veteran goalie. He managed only 2 shutouts. Only time will tell if Osgood can find his true self.

#3 Vancouver: On the other side of the coin is stellar goalie Roberto Luongo who came back from injury to dominate the Northwest Division. Luongo went 33-13-7 on the season in 54 starts. At one point Lu had won 12 of 13 games helping the Canucks rise from potentially out of the playoffs to division champs. Lu pulled off a 2.34 goals against average, a .920 save percentage and a single season high 9 shutouts. Questionable to make it back for the playoffs is winger Taylor Pyatt who lost his fiancee to a car accident shortly before the end of the season. T-Py played in 69 games posting 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points. Also questionable is defenseman Rob Davison who played in only 23 games on the season with the 'Nucks recording 2 assists. Davison has not seen ice time with the team since February 10.

#4 Chicago: The fate of Blawkhawks' d-man Aaron Johnson is currently unknown for the playoffs but we will keep a watch on whether the blueliner makes an appearance. Johnson started the season off hot for the 'Hawks and then rapidly cooled off. With 7 points in the first 17 games of the season Johnson seemed poised for a big year but fell apart soon thereafter managing only 1 point in his next 21 games. Johnson only played in 38 games recording 3 goals and adding 5 assists for 8 points.

#5 Calgary: Calgary made some major moves during the season including the acquisition of center Olli Jokinen which, when you look at the record (8-11), not only caused a late season slump but also lost the Flames the division crown and home advantage in the first round. O-Jok headlines a trio of Flames' FIs which also includes winger Todd Bertuzzi and d-man Adrian Aucoin. Jokinen is making it to the playoffs for the first time in his 799 game NHL career though he backed into it via the trade north from Phoenix. Jokinen finished his weakest season in the last 6 years with 57 points (29 goals, 28 assists) on 76 games. Bertuzzi started the season off hot, a streak tempered by injuries and fatigue. He finished the season respectably with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) on 66 games. Bert is looking to regain some form in the playoffs. D-man Aucoin had another 30+ point season managing 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points on 81 games.

#6 St. Louis: With captain and d-man Eric Brewer out indefinitely following December back surgery the cinderella Blues feature no FIs.







#7 Columbus: Making their first appearance as a franchise in the NHL playoffs the Blue Jackets feature a trio of FIs. First off is winger Raffi Torres who was instrumental late in the season for the BJs. Torres scored 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points on 51 injury-shortened games but it was his 6 games winners, including 4 in March, that helped vault Columbus into the playoffs. Center Michael Peca played another grinder of a season scoring 4 goals and adding 18 assists for 22 points on 71 games. Of those goals scored by Peca 2 were game winners. Finally, late season pickup goalie Wade Dubielewicz will be warming the bench for rookie sensation Steve Mason. It is unlikely Dubie will see much playing time. During the season he started 2 games and appeared in 3 going 1-2-0 with an obese 3.56 goals against average and a sickly .870 save percentage.

#8 Anaheim: If it were not for a late trade the Ducks would not feature an FI, but alas they received center Petteri Nokelainen from the Bruins before the deadline. Noky played pretty well in his 17 games with the Ducks scoring 4 goals and adding 2 assists for 6 points. On the season the muscular winger had 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) on 50 games. Look for him to lead the Ducks' 3rd line in the first round of the playoffs.

Check back soon as we will be following all the matchups here at FIW.

Saturday March 28

With the playoff pressure on Former Islander contributions have mysteriously tailed off. FIs helped out in only 4 of 11 contests on Saturdays continuing a recent streak of disappointing happenings. Here is a look at the slow FI day in question:

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko had a nice game tallying a goal and adding 2 assists, including the lone helper on the game winner, as the Penguins edged the visiting New York Rangers 4-3. Fedo earned the 1st star for his 3 point effort, his 2nd of the season. Tank snapped a 9 game point-less streak and a 15 game goal-less stretch with the points and now has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points on 59 games. Fedotenko has now had 30+ points in 6 straight seasons and 7 times on his 8 year career.

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had yet another good game scoring an unassisted powerplay goal and adding an assist on the game tying goal as the Sabres dumped the host Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in the SO. Connolly had a chance in the 1st of 6 rounds of the SO but was stopped on his attempt by Habs' goaltender Carey Price. With 2 points in each of his last 3 games Connolly is riding a point streak that has seen him notch 4 goals and 2 assists. TimCo failed to score the game winner for a 3rd straight game but was recognized for his effort with the 2nd star honor. He now has 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points on 41 games. Assisting on Montreal's 3rd goal which led to short-lived 3-2 lead was defenseman Mathieu Schneider. The netter, a powerplay score gave Montreal the advantage late in the 2nd Period. With an assist in each of the last 3 games Schneids now has 7 goals and 21 assists for 28 points on 62 games. Since joining the Habs Schneider has played impressively with 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 18 games including 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) on the man advantage.

Toronto winger Jason Blake had 2 assists as the Maple Leafs were felled in a home-based score-a-thon 7-5 to the Boston Bruins. Blake has had 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) over the last 4 games and now has 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points on 72 games. The diminutive winger is only 2 points shy of career #400. For the 2nd straight season Blakey has notched 35+ assists and is only 3 short of surpassing his single season best from last season. For only the 2nd time in his career, and first since the 2006-07 season, his last with the Isles, Blake has reached the 60+ point plateau. With one powerplay helper Blake has kicked his new single season high even further up to 13.

Back for only the 2nd game since suffering an injury on March 1 winger Todd Bertuzzi already began helping out. Bert had an assist on Calgary's 2nd goal as the Flames eked by the visiting Minnesota Wild 3-2. He now has 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points on 59 games. Receiving the secondary helper on the game winning goal was center Olli Jokinen. He snapped a 3 game point-less streak after a fiery (pardon the pun) start with the Flames. O-Jok now has 29 goals and 26 assists for 55 points on 69 games. Since joining Calgary Jokinen has 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games. For the 6th straight season Jokinen has managed 55 or more points.

Check back with FIW soon for more recaps, highlights and updates during this playoff push.

Sunday March 1

There were a half dozen (6) games up for grabs on Sunday as the NHL kicked off March, 2009. Former Islanders were not snoozing and kicked in help in 4 of those contests. Here is a brief recap:

Pittsburgh winger Miroslav Satan scored an insurance goal as the Penguins downed the host Dallas Stars 4-1. With 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) over the last 2 games Miro now has 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points on 64 games. Despite his offensive woes Satan is still 4th on the Pens in every major category (goals, assists and points). Receiving the secondary assist on the opening goal only 4 minutes into play was winger Ruslan Fedotenko. He has 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points on 47 games. For the 5th straight season and 6th time on his career Fedo has reach 15 or more assists.

Florida defenseman Bryan McCabe score a powerplay goal and added 3 assists (2 powerplay) for an impressive 4 point effort as the Panthers thumped the host Washington Capitals 6-2. Surprisingly McCabe received only the 2nd star honor but is riding a 3 game point streak to the tune of 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists). He now has 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points on 53 games. For the 5th time on his career McCabe has notched 30+ points. Netting Florida's 4th goal was winger Richard Zednik. He snapped a 5 game goal-less streak and now has 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points on 52 games.

Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi scored a late powerplay goal as the Flames were felled by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning in a score-a-thon 8-6. Bert snapped a 3 game point-less streak and a 7 game goal-less stretch with the tally. He now has 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points on 57 games. The game was career #850 for Bertuzzi who notched 15+ goals for the 8th season and the first time since the 2005-06 campaign while still with the Vancouver Canucks. The powerplay goal was the 6th of the year for Bert and the 98th of his career.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 19 of 20 shots as the Canucks downed the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1. Luongo won for the 10th the in his last 11 starts and improved to 21-8-5 on the season. Vancouver has surrendered only 2 goals over the last 2 games while netting 5.




Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Saturday February 21

There were an impressive 13 games on the NHL schedule on Saturday as teams battle for midseason points. Former Islanders kicked in their assistance in 7 of those tilts including contributions from new FI Chris Campoli. Here is a look:

Pittsburgh winger Ruslan Fedotenko knocked home 2 goals and added an assist to help lead the Penguins charge as they edged the host Philadelphia Flyers 5-4. It was only the 2nd 2 goal game of the season for Fedo who now has 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points on 43 games. Fedotenko received the 2nd star honor for his effort. For the 8th straight season Fedo has reached 25 or more points.


Newest Ottawa defenseman Chris Campoli had 2 assists as the Senators fell to the host Montreal Canadiens 5-3. In only his first game with the Sens Campy did something he had yet to do all season, notch 2 assists in a game. In fact, the last time he had 2 assists in a game was on November 10, 2007. Between the Isles and Sens Campoli now has 6 goals and 13 assists for 19 points on 52 games. Fellow FI teammate Mike Comrie failed to make an impact in his first game back in a Sens' sweater. Scoring Montreal's 3rd goal was recently re-acquired d-man Mathieu Schneider. He has 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 3 games with Montreal and is riding a 4 game 4 point (2 goals, 2 assists) scoring streak. Schneids now has 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points on 47 games. Assisting on the Habs' 4th and 5th goals was d-man Roman Hamrlik. He has 4 goals and 20 assists for 24 points on 59 games. For the 3rd straight season and the 12th time Hamr has 20+ helpers.

Hitting it big for the Coyotes was center Olli Jokinen who netted a hat trick to lead Phoenix to a 6-3 victory over the host Los Angeles Kings. The hat trick was the first for Jokinen as a Coyote and his first since February 27, 2007 while still with the Florida Panthers - a span of 153 games without a 3 goal night. O-Jok now has 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) on 54 games this season. For the 6th straight season Jokinen has reached 20 or more goals. Wrapping up the scoring with a late powerplay goal, after Jokinen had finished the hat trick on an empty net, was Kings' center Derek Armstrong. The tally snapped an 11 goal goal-less and point-less streak dating back to January 20. Army now has 4 goals and 1 assist for 5 points on 34 games. The powerplay goal was his first of the year and 19th of his career.

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stretched his winning streak to 8 games stopping 36 of 38 shots and 2 of 3 in SO as the Canucks skipped by the host Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2. Luongo is now 19-7-5 on the season with a .916 save percentage and a 2.56 goals against average. The 8 straight wins in the longest streak of Luongo's career passing a 7 game stretch from the 2006-07 campaign, his first season with Vancouver.


Consistent (offensively, not physically) Buffalo center Tim Connolly notched another assist as the Sabres handed the visiting New York Rangers a 4-2 loss. TimCo has 4 assists in the last 3 games and has 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points on 26 games. For the 2nd straight season and 6th time on his career Connolly has managed 15+ helpers. For his effort Connolly was rewarded with the 3rd star honor.


Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron assisted on the opening goal only 2:50 in to play as the Wild dumped the visiting Detroit Red Wings 5-2. Bergeron has 7 goals and 16 assists for 23 points on 47 games.





Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi scored a SO goal in the 1st round as the Flames edged the host Edmonton Oilers 3-2. Stopped on his attempt in round 2 was Oilers' winger Robert Nilsson. All-around player Jason Strudwick assist on Edmonton's second goal only 1:46 in to the 3rd Period. Strud snapped a 4 game point-less streak and now has 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points on 49 games. The assist continues to extend his single season high in helpers.

Check in soon for more updates at FIW.

Thursday February 19

There were an impressive 12 games on the NHL schedule Thursday night. Former Islanders helped out in 7 of those games with 12 FIs making the boxscore for some accomplishment. Here is a look at the busy FI night:

Back for the only the 3rd game since being injured in early January winger Ruslan Fedotenko is again making an impact for Pittsburgh. Fedo notched 2 assists including the sole helper on the game winning goal as the Penguins edged the visiting Montreal Canadiens in a FI heavy game. Fedo snapped a 4 game point-less streak and now has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points on 42 games. Earlier teammate Miroslav Satan staked the Pens to a 2-1 lead with his 15th goal of the season. Along with his 18 assists Satan now has 33 points on 59 games. For the 13th consecutive season Satan has scored 15+ goals. The netter snapped a 7 game goal-less streak. Playing in his first game with the Habs since being traded from the Atlanta Thrashers earlier in the week, d-man Mathieu Schneider scored a powerplay goal that briefly knotted the score at 2 a piece. The goal snapped a 12 game drought and gives Schneids 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points on 46 games. In his first 2 games with Montreal he has 2 points on 1 goal and 1 assist. Schneider now has 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) over his last 7 games. For the 19th straight season Schneider has managed to net 5 or more goals. Fellow d-man Roman Hamrlik assisted on the Habs' 3rd goal. The helper snapped a 4 game point-less streak and Hamr now has 4 goals and 18 assists for 22 points on 58 games.

Philadelphia tough guy Arron Asham had the primary assist on the opening goal as the Flyers manhandled the visiting Buffalo Sabres 6-3. Asham has had 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) over the last 6 games and now has 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points on 52 games. For the 6th straight season Asham has reached 10 or more points. Assisting on the 3rd Buffalo goal, a powerplay tally, was center Tim Connolly. TimCo has 11 goals an 14 assists for 25 points on 25 games. For the 2nd straight season and 7th time on his career Connolly has reached 25 or more points.

Make it 7 in a row for Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo as he stopped 25 of 27 shots en route to a 5-2 Canucks' thumping over the host Ottawa Senators. Luongo has not been overwhelming but his has been consistent, as has been the entire Canucks' offense, en route to a 7-0-0 over the last 7 starts. Lu is now 18-7-5 on the season.



New Jersey backup goalie Kevin Weekes kept up his good play stopping 39 of 41 shots and 2 of 3 in the SO as the Devils edged the host Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Weekes has won his last 5 starts surrendering no more than 2 goals in any of those contest. He is now 7-4-0 on the season with a .924 save percentage and a 2.32 goals against average. His 7 wins surpasses his total of 6 from the last 2 seasons while with the New York Rangers and Devs.

Toronto winger Jason Blake had an assist and a SO goal in the 2nd of 3 rounds but it was largely wasted as the Maple Leafs fell to the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Blakey has 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points on 54 games. Blake is enjoying a 3 game point streak in which he has compiled 4 points on 2 goals and 2 assists.



Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin netted the game winning goal with 70 seconds remaining in OT as the Flames eked by the host Minnesota Wild 3-2. Aucoin now has 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points on 58 games. For the 2nd straight season and 6th time on his career Aucoin has reached double digit goals. The last time Aucoin had 10 or more goals in back-to-back seasons was between 1998-99 and 1999-2000 while still a member of the Canucks. Winger Todd Bertuzzi recorded the primary assist on that goal. Bert has 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) on 53 games. Over the last 3 tilts he has 5 assists.

Phoenix center Olli Jokinen had an assist and missed on his attempt in round #6 of 8 in the SO as the Coyotes edged the visiting Atlanta Thrashers 4-3. O-Jok has 17 goals and 20 assists for 40 points on 54 games. He has 3 helpers over the last 4 goals and remains only 2 points shy of career #500.




Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Tuesday February 17

There were 7 games on tap Tuesday night as 14 teams battled for midseason points. The chase for playoff spots is becoming furious and each win seems to be a matter of pride for most teams. Former Islanders are no strangers to helping recently and were involved in 5 of those games. Here is a quick recap of their efforts:

Buffalo center Tim Connolly had 2 assists including on the game winner and a powerplay helper as the Sabres downed the host Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Connolly, who recently saw a 5 game point streak snapped, got back on the boxscore and now has 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) on 24 games. Over the last 7 outings he has 8 points on 2 goals and 6 assists. He has 7 multi-point games this season and despite having already missed most of the season is already 7th among Sabres players in points. Assisting on the lone Leafs' goal, a powerplay effort, was winger Jason Blake. He now has 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points on 53 games. For the 6th straight season Blakey has reached the 45+ point mark. The extra man helper was his 10th of the season and for the 3rd time in the last 3 years Blake has reached that mark equaling his prior single season highs.

Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara had a powerplay helper on his team's 4th goal as the Bruins heartily defeated the host Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Chara now has 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points on 58 games. Chara now has 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists) with the man advantage this season making it 4 straight seasons hitting the 20+ mark in powerplay points.



Florida winger Richard Zednik kept up his hot play with a powerplay goal and an assist as the Panthers blanked the visiting New Jersey Devils 4-0. Zed now has 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points on 46 games. Over the last 7 games he has 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. For the 2nd straight season and 9th time on his career Zednik has reached the 25+ point mark. Assisting on the game winning goal was d-man Bryan McCabe. He snapped a 5 game pointless streak and also has 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) on 47 games. For the 8th time on his career has has recorded 25 or more points on a season. For the 9th consecutive season and 12th time on his career he has notched 15+ helpers.

Colorado winger Ryan Smyth scored his team's 2nd goal as the Avalanche pulled off a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Ottawa Senators. Smyth has 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points on 58 games. Smyth is 2nd on the Avs in goals scored and 1st in assists and points.




Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo stopped 38 of 41 shots in the first 65 minutes and all 3 shots faced in the SO as the Canucks edged the host Calgary Flames 4-3. Luongo has won his last 6 starts while surrendering just under 3 goals per game, a fairly unimpressive figure. Unlike prior winning streaks by Luongo we have not seen shutouts or overwhelming flashes of brilliance, just consistency. Luongo is now 17-7-5 on the season with a .914 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against average. This is the longest winning streak for Luongo since December 26, 2006 to January 7, 2007 while in his first season with the 'Nucks. During that streak Luongo won 7 straight starts and similarly racked up no shutouts. Missing on his shot in the 3rd Round of the shootout was Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi.

Check back soon for more updates at FIW.

Saturday February 14

It was a happy St. Valentine's Day for 9 teams and a less than happy one for 9 others as 18 teams faced off in three-quarter dozen games on Saturday. Former Islanders kicked in their help in a whopping 7 of those contests. Here is the breakdown:

Tough winger Arron Asham snapped an 18 game goal-less streak scoring against his old squad as the Philadelphia Flyers thumped the visiting Isles 5-1. Asham now has 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points on 50 games. Over the last 4 games Asham has 2 points on 1 goal and 1 assist.




Edmonton winger Robert Nilsson capped the game with a SO goal in the 2nd round as the Oilers edged the host Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Up 1-0 after one and a half rounds of SO action Nilsson had the chance to seal the victory with a goal. He summarily did capping a tight contest which saw the Kings tie it at 2 with only 26 seconds remaining in regulation.



Toronto winger Jason Blake scored 2 goals including the game winner and sealed up the first star honor as the Maple Leafs downed the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2. Blake now has 21 goals and 23 assists for 44 points on 52 games. Over the last 4 games Blakey has racked up 6 points on 4 goals and 2 assists. The game winner was the 4th for Blake in the last 8 games and his 5th of the season. For the 5th time in the last 6 seasons Blake has recorded 20+ goals. The winning tally was the 23rd of Blake's career.

Columbus center Michael Peca assisted on the opening goal for the 2nd straight game as the Blue Jackets thumped the host Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Peca now has 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points on 51 games.





Boston captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara scored the tying goal as the Bruins were felled by the host Nashville Predators 3-2 in SO. Chara snapped a 3 game point-less streak and now has 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points on 57 games. Chara inched closer to career goal #100 with the netter and is now only 2 goals shy of that mark.



Minnesota d-man Marc-Andre Bergeron had the secondary assist on the Wild's 2nd goal as Minny blew a 3-0 lead to fall 5-3 to the visiting Ottawa Senators. Bergeron snapped a 5 game point-less streak and now has 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points 45 games. The assist was career point #150 for MAB and came in his 312th game. For the 5th time on his career Bergeron has notched 15 or more helpers.


Calgary winger Todd Bertuzzi had a field day recording 4 even strength assists to lead the Flames' charge and seal the first star honor as the Flames downed the host Phoenix Coyotes 7-5. Bert now has 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points on 51 games. With 17 less games played than last season Bertuzzi has already surpassed his 40 point output while with the Anaheim Ducks. For the 2nd straight season and 8th time on his career Bert has reached the 40+ point mark. As well, this was the 8th season in which Bertuzzi has recorded 25 or more helpers. The 4 points was the most for Bertuzzi since October 6, 2006 during his brief stint with the Florida Panthers. That game was the opening contest for the Panthers' 2006-07 campaign and Bertuzzi scored a goal and 3 assists in the first of only 7 games in South Florida. Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin scored the Flames' 2nd goal. Aucoin has 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points on 56 games. The goal snapped a 6 game point-less streak and Aucoin has notched 25+ points for the 2nd straight season and 8th time on his career. Phoenix center Olli Jokinen recorded an assist on Phoenix's 3rd goal. O-Jok now has 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points on 51 games. He has had 2 assists in the last 2 games.

Check in soon for more updates and recaps at FIW.

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.