What you missed last night while your were playing FIFA 2010

Penguins beat the Islanders, 6-4: Even though the Isles lost, I'm glad that Malkin got out of his slump. It was a good attempt at a comeback by the Islanders, that was finally halted when Sutton hit Dupuis from behind. 5 and a game should be enough. Butch Goring was totally wrong, say Dupuis put himself in that position - its call protecting the puck and in every sport and forever in hockey, you put your body between the man and puck (or ball or whatever). If Okposo had scored on any of his 3 breakaways its a different game, but Brent Johnson stood tall or was long or whatever.

Thrashers beat the Maple Leafs, 4-3: Kovalchuk just rips slap shots. Seriously, he can do it from anywhere. And somehow, even though he has a full wind, it also counts a quick release.

Senators beat the Hawks, 4-1: Marian Hossa walked in on a breakaway and blew a slap shot by Brian Elliot. Elliot reacted like I do when I play roller hockey goalie and Zimm tears one at my head. That wasn't the nicest goal of the night though. The toe drag move-to-wrap around from Pat Regin was superb.

Rangers beat the Lightning, 8-2: Marion Gaborik did NOT have all 8 goals. Benson sent along this quote summarizing this game. I'm assuming its from Rick Tocchet, "The bus driver was the best thing we had.” I like Aaron Voros. The guy has been healthy scratch since last March. He gets in the line up and fights. Twice.

Flyers beat the BJs, 5-3: Jeff Carter's backhand is so good, he should just stop taking wrist shots.

Capitals beat the Red Wings, 3-2: Its like every game the Caps get scoring help from some one else. Last night it was David Steckel (jew?)

Ducks beat the Sabres, 5-4: The Ducks were up 4-0 in the first period, chased Lalime and and .... barely won this game.

Sharks beat the Kings, 4-1: Easy stat that will definitely be used during the next Sharks pre-game show: In the past 2 games the Sharks have outscored opponents, 14 to 2.

What you missed last night while you waiting for the Afghanistan elections to settle

Islanders beat the Oilers, 3-1: Brendan Witt had 2 goals in this game. Brendan Witt! While Witt was tearing it up offensively, Andy Sutton was laying down the law in the neutral and d-zone. Even after he had to fight after hitting Gagner or Cogliano he didn't shy away from hits later in the game. I'd mention that Khabibulin wasn't sharp, but if Brendan Witt scores, you know thats the case.

Kings beat the Coyotes, 5-3: Both the Coyotes and the Islanders were at home last night. I'd say the Vegas line on combined attendance was 12,498. I would have taken the under. Anyway, Jason LaBarbara got the start against his old team and let up the kind of goals that probably led to the Kings trading him away. Kopitar scored from a bad angle, however Doughty's game winner was the result of a super screen. Why isn't SLG (screens that lead to goals) a stat yet?

Flyers win over the Lightning, 6-2: This game was a 5 o'clock start because of the World Series. I watched the third when I got home from work and the crowd looked solid. I wonder if Mr. W made that double header. The Flyers dominated. No surprise. Stamkos is on a sneaky scoring streak. He sniped far post last night.

What you missed last night: Preseason version

Canucks beat the Islanders, 2-1: So last night after watching Roger Federers dissapointing wife, and then going to the gym and then watching some MNF, I finally could watch the Islanders first pre-season game. It was west coast in some super small west-coast canadian city.
As expected, it wasn't the most skilled of games and there were a few scraps.

Guys who stood out:

Corey Schnieder - the former goalie of the future for the Canucks who is now trade bait impressed in his half of play. The Islanders peppered him and he pitched the half-shut out with some great saves

Jeremy Reich - the guy wants to be the Islanders tough guy and he had 3 fights last night. He probably went 1-1-1. With the tinyness and youngness of the Islanders, he should probably get used to dropping the gloves often.

Sergei Shirokov - he had both Canuck goals. Both were off rebounds. Its nice to see a young russain go to the net hard.

Jon Sim - he scored the Isles goal with a sweet backhand in front. He also finished every hit and leads by example for the young guys.


Guys who stood out but for the wrong reason:


Andy Sutton - he's the worst big man fighter I've ever seen. When clearing out the front of the net or putting a shot on at the point he's stellar. He dropped the gloves with 5'11'' Rick Rypien and got dropped. Sutton is 6'7''