Morning Skate (12/22)

Ryan hits it up on a Tuesday....only two more nights of action before we all take two off for Christmas.

The Morning After:
Last night’s scores:
Sabres 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT)
Lightning 4, Islanders 2
Panthers 4, Flyers 1
Rangers 3, Hurricanes 1
Canadiens 4, Thrashers 3 (OT)
Devils 4, Penguins 0
Bruins 2, Senators 0
Avalanche 4, Wild 3
Sharks 4, Stars 2
Blues 7, Oilers 2
Coyotes 5, Blue Jackets 2
Predictions record: 7-3-1

My 3 stars from last night:
1. Martin Brodeur, NJ (35 Saves, Shutout)
Marty claimed shutout #104 to claim the NHL’s all-time record! It didn’t come easy, as he had to make 35 saves.
2. Ryan Malone, TB (2 Goals, 2 Assists)
Malone tallied 4 big points for the Bolts, including both 3rd period goals.
3. Tim Thomas, BOS (29 Saves, Shutout)
Boston got a key performance out of Thomas as he stoned Ottawa once again.
Honorable Mention: J. Halak, S. Upshall, M. Bergeron, T. Plekanec, P. Marleau, A. Steen, D. Roy
Dud of the Night:
Edmonton Oilers… The Oilers lost their fourth straight home game in unimpressive fashion. They were belted 7-2 by the Blues, and were dominated in the 3rd period for the third straight game. Pat Quinn’s club is reeling…
Honorable Mention: Terrible outings from Philly & Columbus
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Tonight’s Slate:
Sharks @ Blackhawks, 8:00 ET
Ducks @ Avalanche, 10:00
Predators @ Canucks, 10:30

Games of the Night:
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks
8:00 ET… TV: VERSUS, TSN2

Records:
Overall: Sharks (21-8-7) … Blackhawks (23-8-3)
Last Ten: Sharks (5-2-3) … Blackhawks (7-2-1)
Away/Home: Sharks (12-6-2) … Blackhawks (16-3-1)
Season Series: 2-0 Blackhawks

Players to watch:
SJ- Joe Thornton
Jumbo Joe continues to pile on his points lead, picking up a point in 15 of the last 16 games.
CHI- Duncan Keith
Keith had 3 assists in their last meeting, and has been dynamite at home this season.

Projected Goaltenders:
SJ- Evgeni Nabokov (Last night @ DAL: 36 Saves, 2 GA)
CHI- Cristobal Huet (09/10 stats: 16-7-2, 2.01 GAA)

Injury Report:
SJ- Brad Staubitz (face, doubtful), Jody Shelley (soreness, out)
CHI- Cam Barker (lower body, questionable), Ben Eager (upper body, questionable), Dave Bolland (back, out), Adam Burish (knee, out)

Game Thoughts:
The two Western Conference powers do battle in Chicago tonight! The ‘Hawks have the best home record in the league, and have shutout their opponent in 3 of the last 4 games. San Jose has won two straight, but are on the back half of a back-to-back. This should be another humdinger between the two, and I think the ‘Hawks pull it out.
Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Sharks 3 (SO)
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Nashville Predators @ Vancouver Canucks
10:30 ET… TV: Local Networks

Records:
Overall: Predators (22-11-3) … Canucks (20-16-0)
Last Ten: Predators (7-1-2) … Canucks (6-4-0)
Away/Home: Predators (10-5-2) … Canucks (14-6-0)
Season Series: 1-0 Predators

Players to watch:
NSH- Martin Erat
The last time these two met, Erat scored a hat trick. He has 15 points in December.
VAN- Mason Raymond
Raymond has turned it on lately, with 7 points in the last 6 games.

Projected Goaltenders:
NSH- Pekka Rinne (09/10 stats: 14-6-2, 2.75 GAA)
VAN- Roberto Luongo (09/10 stats: 16-12-0, 2.42 GAA)

Injury Report:
NSH- Jason Arnott (upper body, questionable), Jordin Tootoo (foot, out)
VAN- Alexander Edler (arm, out), Michael Grabner (ankle, out), Pavol Demitra (shoulder, out)

Game Thoughts:
Nashville is going for a Western Canada sweep in VanCity tonight, while the Canucks are looking to avoid their third loss in four games. They have not lost back-to-back home games all year. The Preds are hot right now, scoring 23 goals in the last four games. But I think the tides turn tonight, as the Canucks will play a more desperate game.
Prediction: Canucks 4, Predators 2

The rest of tonight’s predictions:
Ducks over Avalanche

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