A hectic weekend later, FIW is back with all the updates you missed out on. We begin with Thursday night where 16 teams faced off in 8 exhibition competitions. Former Islanders were active in 7 of them. Let us take a look at their work effort from Thursday:
Bryan Berard, who is still looking to seal up a job on the Philadelphia blueline, assisted on an insurance goal against his old team as the Flyers blanked the visiting Islanders 4-0. One of Philly's camp invites, Berard is looking to continue an NHL career that has seen its share of ups and downs. We hope this former Calder Trophy winner gets offered a spot real soon.
Washington defenseman John Erkine assisted on the 4th Capitals goal as they dumped the visiting Carolina Hurricanes like a bad habit 5-2. Erskine is looking to play a full season for the first time in his career after logging 51 games with the Caps last season. Erskine has never played more than 60 games in any season since he started with the Dallas Stars during the 2001-02 campaign.
New York Rangers' backup goaltender Stephen Valiquette took the loss as the Blueshirts were downed by the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Vali surrendered all 4 Lightning goals on 22 shots as he clocked 59 minutes of ice time.
Colorado winger Ryan Smyth kept up his hot play as he scored another 2 points as the Avalanche beat the host Dallas Stars 4-2. Smyth had a goal only 40 seconds in to the 2nd period and then logged the primary assist on the powerplay game winner less than 6 minutes in to the 3rd to help lead the Avs' charge. Smyth has 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) over the last 2 preseason tilts.
Edmonton Oilers' d-man Denis Grebeshkov assisted on his team's 2nd goal, a powerplay tally, midway through the 2nd period and was awarded 2nd star of the game honor after logging over 24 minutes of ice time as the Oil beat the visiting Florida Panthers 3-2 in the SO. Grebeshkov's assist came on an extra man goal by fellow FI Robert Nilsson. The goal was Nilsson's first of the preseason.
Calgary d-man Adrian Aucoin has taken his few chances to shine in the preseason when he has had them. Aucoin had a powerplay assist on the Flames' first goal as they outplayed the visiting Phoenix Coyotes 3-1. Aucoin is poised to have a major bounceback season after being plagued by injuries over the last few years.
And finally, Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood received no decision as the Red Wings edged the host Boston Bruins 4-3. Complete statistical account of the game coud not be found but we do know that Osgood played about half of the game giving up one goal before giving way to prospect goalie Daniel Larsson. No shots or minutes could be located.
Check back for updates and news soon at FIW.
Center Jason Krog was waived by the Vancouver Canucks earlier in the week. We at FIW were pretty convinced he would make the big team. After clearing waivers, Krog was reassigned to Vancouver's AHL affiliate Manitoba. Since he was inked to a 1 way deal, Krog will receive the full $700K compensation he signed on for during the offseason but will not count against the salary cap. Krog was the AHL leading scorer during the 2007-08 season and will look to defend his title as a member of the Moose.
Defenseman Bryan Berard and center Jim Dowd who were both invites to the Philadelphia Flyers training camp were cut from the roster, as rumor has it. Philadelphia has rejected the services of these veterans in favor of a youth movement that has so far proven successful for this rapidly reforming franchise.
