CANUCKS COULD BE WITHOUT LUONGO TONIGHT
Vancouver Canucks coach Alain Vigneault could be forced to start seldom-used backup goaltender Curtis Sanford for Friday's game in Minnesota if No. 1 Roberto Luongo remains in Florida.
Luongo left he NHL team early Thursday morning to be with his wife Gina, who was expected to give birth to the couple's first child.
If he's not able to rejoin the team in time for the 7pm Central Time faceoff, the Canucks were expected to recall Cory Schneider or Drew MacIntyre from their American Hockey League affiliate in Manitoba to back up Sanford.
Vancouver, losers of three in a row, occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Canucks have 86 points, two more than ninth-place Nashville and three ahead of the No. 10 Edmonton Oilers.
Luongo, who was pulled in the second period of Wednesday's 6-3 loss to Colorado after allowing five goals on 23 shots, is third in the NHL this season with a .921 save percentage.
In January, he left the Canucks and skipped the league all-star game to spend time with his wife.
In other Canucks news, centre Brendan Morrison will miss the remainder of the regular season and playoffs with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He was hurt two minutes into the second period of Wednesday's game as he was taken lightly toward the boards by Avalanche defenceman Ruslan Salei.
Friday, March 28, 2008
March 28th
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--108 (STL, NSH, @CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-x-SJ*--102 (@ANA, PHX, LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-MIN*--91 (VAN, COL, CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--96 (SJ, DAL, @LA, PHX)
5-DAL--90 (@LA, @ANA, @PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-CGY--90 (EDM, @VAN, @EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
7-COL--88 (EDM, @MIN, @VAN, MIN)
8-VAN--86 (@MIN, CGY, COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (@CBJ, @DET, @STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--83 (@COL, @CGY, CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--80 (@STL, CBJ, DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (@SJ, DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--79 (NSH, @CHI, @DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--72 (@DET, CHI, NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--66 (DAL, @SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--97 (NYR, @NYR, PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--96 (@BUF, @TOR, @OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--88 (ATL, @TB, @WAS, TB, FLA)
4-OTT--92 (@BOS, MTL, @TOR, BOS)
5-NJ--91 (PHI, @NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
6-NYR--91 (@PIT, PIT, @NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-BOS--88 (OTT, @BUF, @NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--88 (@NJ, @NYI, @PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--86 (@FLA, CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--83 (MTL, BOS, @TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-FLA--81 (WSH, @ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
12-TOR--80 (MTL, BUF, OTT, @MTL)
13-NYI--75 (PHI, NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--72 (@CAR, @TB, FLA, TB)
15-TB--69 (CAR, ATL, @CAR, @WAS, @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Vancouver
(2) San Jose vs (7) Colorado
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Calgary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) Ottawa vs (5) New Jersey
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--91--78 (4-2-4)
2-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
3-COL--88--78 (5-5-0)
4-VAN--86--77 (5-5-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--102--77 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--96--78 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--97--78 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--77 (4-5-1)
3-NYR--91--77 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--92--78 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--86--78 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--78 (7-2-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--103
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--45
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--108 (STL, NSH, @CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-x-SJ*--102 (@ANA, PHX, LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-MIN*--91 (VAN, COL, CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--96 (SJ, DAL, @LA, PHX)
5-DAL--90 (@LA, @ANA, @PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-CGY--90 (EDM, @VAN, @EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
7-COL--88 (EDM, @MIN, @VAN, MIN)
8-VAN--86 (@MIN, CGY, COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (@CBJ, @DET, @STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--83 (@COL, @CGY, CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--80 (@STL, CBJ, DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (@SJ, DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--79 (NSH, @CHI, @DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--72 (@DET, CHI, NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--66 (DAL, @SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--97 (NYR, @NYR, PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--96 (@BUF, @TOR, @OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--88 (ATL, @TB, @WAS, TB, FLA)
4-OTT--92 (@BOS, MTL, @TOR, BOS)
5-NJ--91 (PHI, @NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
6-NYR--91 (@PIT, PIT, @NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-BOS--88 (OTT, @BUF, @NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--88 (@NJ, @NYI, @PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--86 (@FLA, CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--83 (MTL, BOS, @TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-FLA--81 (WSH, @ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
12-TOR--80 (MTL, BUF, OTT, @MTL)
13-NYI--75 (PHI, NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--72 (@CAR, @TB, FLA, TB)
15-TB--69 (CAR, ATL, @CAR, @WAS, @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Vancouver
(2) San Jose vs (7) Colorado
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Calgary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) Ottawa vs (5) New Jersey
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--91--78 (4-2-4)
2-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
3-COL--88--78 (5-5-0)
4-VAN--86--77 (5-5-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--102--77 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--96--78 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--97--78 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--77 (4-5-1)
3-NYR--91--77 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--92--78 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--86--78 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--78 (7-2-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--103
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--45
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Today in NHL History, March 28th
1922: Toronto beat Vancouver Millionaires 5-1 in Game Five of the Finals, to become the 1922 Stanley Cup Champions. Babe Dye scored four goals for the Toronto St. Pats.
1929: Chicago Stadium opened its doors for the first time, with a boxing match.....Bruins and Rangers clashed in the first NHL Stanley Cup Final series between two U.S. based teams. Boston won 2-0, then won again 2-1 the next night to win their first championship. Rookie Tiny Thompson got his third career playoff shutout.
1937: Dave "Sweeney "Schriner and Nels Stewart scored three goals each to lead the NY Americans to a 9-4 win over the Black Hawks, in New York. Paul Thompson added a hat trick for Chicago.
1944: Doug Bentley became the first player in Black Hawks' history to score a hat trick in the playoffs. The three goals (and two assists) came in a 7-1 win over Detroit. Bentley followed it up with three more goals two days later against the Red Wings.
1954: Montreal's Emile Bouchard scored twice to become the NHL's all-time playoff point scorer among defensemen, as the Canadiens won 4-3 at Boston, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals
1967: Chicago's Stan Mikita set an NHL record for most assists in a season, when he picked up #60 in a 7-2 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Mikita broke his own record of 59 set in 1964-65. Also in that game, Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to score 1,500 career points, when he picked up an assist in his 1,396th career game.
1968: Philadelphia's rookie goaltender Doug Favell led the Flyers to a 2-0 shutout over St. Louis at a Flyers' "home game" at the Colisee in Quebec City. It was the 4th shutout of Favell's NHL career.
1973: Boston's Phil Esposito scored four goals and added an assist in a 6-3 Bruins' win over the Rangers, at New York. It was the 20th hat trick of Esposito's NHL career.
1974: Islanders' rookie defenseman Denis Potvin scored to set an NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman, as the Islanders lost 4-1 at Los Angeles. Potvin's 16th of the year broke the record of 15 set by Montreal's Guy Lapointe in 1970-71.....Los Angeles Kings beat the Islanders 4-1 to clinch the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Butch Goring had two goals, two assists, and his first penalty in a year!
1975: Washington recorded the only road victory in their first season, when Nelson Pyatt's 2 third period goals gave them a 5-3 win at Oakland. The win ended their NHL-record 37 game road losing streak. They finished the year 1-39-0 on the road.
1978: Harvey Bennett scored four goals (including his first career hat trick) to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 9-4 win over Vancouver at the Met Center.....Goaltender Ron Low recorded his third career shutout (and his only one with Detroit) in the Red Wings 7-0 win over the Sabres at the Olympia. Reed Larson scored a goal and four assists and rookie Paul Woods had a goal and two assists.
1980: Hartford's Blaine Stoughton became the first member of the Whalers to score 50 goals in an NHL season and second player (Bobby Hull was the other) to score 50 in both the WHA and NHL. #50 came in a 4-4 tie at Vancouver.
1982: Wayne Gretzky scored his 92nd goal of the season, an NHL record, as the Oilers won 6-2 at Los Angeles. Also in that game, Edmonton's Mark Messier and Dave Lumley scored within 24 seconds of the opening face off to set an NHL record for fastest two goals from the start of a game.
1987: Calgary's Joe Mullen was awarded a penalty shot against the Kings. Mullen scored against Al Jensen, but the goal was then disallowed --- Mullen had scored with an illegally curved stick! Flames won 4-3 at Los Angeles.....Detroit Red Wings got their first win in Philadelphia in 16 years (0-23-6) 5-1 over the Flyers. Greg Hanlon stopped 30 shots and was named the top star.
1988: Minnesota's Dino Ciccarelli scored twice to give him 300 goals in his NHL career as the North Stars tied 7-7 with the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.
1990: Islanders scored five goals in the final period to beat Toronto 6-3, in coach Al Arbour's 1,277th regular season game behind the bench. The game moved Arbour past Scotty Bowman into second place on the all time list behind Dick Irvin (1,437).
1991: Wayne Gretzky tied a Kings record (set by Bernie Nicholls in 1984-85) by scoring a point in his 25th straight game, a 6-5 win over the visiting Minnesota North Stars.....Al MacInnis scored a goal and three assists in the first period, to reach the 100 point mark in the Flames' 4-4 tie against Edmonton. MacInnis became the 4th defenseman in NHL history (and 1st in Flames history) to score 100 points in a season.....Goaltender Don Beaupre recorded his 10th career shutout as Washington won 3-0 at Philadelphia.
1992: Paul Ranheim had a goal and an assist, playing in his 200th career game as the Flames extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 9 straight games (7-0-2), with a 4-3 win over the North Stars.....Kevin Stevens set an NHL record for left wingers, with his 68th assist of the season, in the Penguins' 6-3 win over Montreal. Stevens broke the old mark of 67 set by Mats Naslund in 1985-86.
1993: Alexei Zhamnov scored a goal to make the Winnipeg Jets the first team in NHL history with four 20-goal rookies. Zhamnov joined Teemu Selanne, Evgeny Davydov and Keith Tkachuk. Jets tied 3-3 with the visiting Los Angeles Kings.....Ottawa Senators' veteran Laurie Boschman appeared in his 1,000th NHL game, a 3-1 loss at Buffalo
1995: Playing in his 1,000th regular season game, Detroit's Dino Ciccarelli picked up two assists. Ciccarelli became the 100th player in NHL history to reach the mark as the Red Wings won 6-4 over the visiting Mighty Ducks.
1996: Jaromir Jagr scored to make the Penguins the second team in NHL history to have teammates each with 60 or more goals in the same season. Jagr's 60th of the year came in a 3-2 win over the Panthers in Florida. Mario Lemieux finished the season with 69 goals.....Vancouver Canucks fired head coach Rick Ley, with six games remaining in the Canucks' schedule. General Manager Pat Quinn was announced as the replacement behind the bench.
1998: NHL linesman Gerard Gauthier officiated his 2,000th game as the Canadiens won 8-2 against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Gauthier became only the second official in NHL history to reach this milestone, joining Ray Scapinello.
1999: Colorado's Patrick Roy became the NHL's all-time winningest goaltender (regular season plus playoffs) when his 7-2 win over the visiting L.A. Kings gave him 506 career wins. He moved ahead of Jacques Plante, who retired with 505 combined wins.....Florida's Mark Parrish scored twice to become the first rookie to reach the 20-goal milestone in the 1998-99 season as the Panthers tied 2-2 at New Jersey.
2000: New York Rangers (struggling at 1-8-1 in their previous 10 games) fired president and GM Neil Smith and head coach John Muckler. Assistant coach John Tortorella took over as interim head coach (for the final 4 games of the season).....Tampa Bay became the second team in NHL history to lose 50 games for three straight seasons, when they dropped their 50th of the 1999-2000 season, 4-2 to the Dallas Stars. The Lightning tied the mark set by Pittsburgh 1982-83 thru 1984-85.
2001: Minnesota Wild had their 39th straight sellout crowd (18,568 in a 2-0 loss to Phoexnis) to set an attendance record for a first year expansion team. They broke the mark of 705,389 set in 1999-2000 by the Atlanta Thrashers.
1929: Chicago Stadium opened its doors for the first time, with a boxing match.....Bruins and Rangers clashed in the first NHL Stanley Cup Final series between two U.S. based teams. Boston won 2-0, then won again 2-1 the next night to win their first championship. Rookie Tiny Thompson got his third career playoff shutout.
1937: Dave "Sweeney "Schriner and Nels Stewart scored three goals each to lead the NY Americans to a 9-4 win over the Black Hawks, in New York. Paul Thompson added a hat trick for Chicago.
1944: Doug Bentley became the first player in Black Hawks' history to score a hat trick in the playoffs. The three goals (and two assists) came in a 7-1 win over Detroit. Bentley followed it up with three more goals two days later against the Red Wings.
1954: Montreal's Emile Bouchard scored twice to become the NHL's all-time playoff point scorer among defensemen, as the Canadiens won 4-3 at Boston, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals
1967: Chicago's Stan Mikita set an NHL record for most assists in a season, when he picked up #60 in a 7-2 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Mikita broke his own record of 59 set in 1964-65. Also in that game, Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to score 1,500 career points, when he picked up an assist in his 1,396th career game.
1968: Philadelphia's rookie goaltender Doug Favell led the Flyers to a 2-0 shutout over St. Louis at a Flyers' "home game" at the Colisee in Quebec City. It was the 4th shutout of Favell's NHL career.
1973: Boston's Phil Esposito scored four goals and added an assist in a 6-3 Bruins' win over the Rangers, at New York. It was the 20th hat trick of Esposito's NHL career.
1974: Islanders' rookie defenseman Denis Potvin scored to set an NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman, as the Islanders lost 4-1 at Los Angeles. Potvin's 16th of the year broke the record of 15 set by Montreal's Guy Lapointe in 1970-71.....Los Angeles Kings beat the Islanders 4-1 to clinch the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Butch Goring had two goals, two assists, and his first penalty in a year!
1975: Washington recorded the only road victory in their first season, when Nelson Pyatt's 2 third period goals gave them a 5-3 win at Oakland. The win ended their NHL-record 37 game road losing streak. They finished the year 1-39-0 on the road.
1978: Harvey Bennett scored four goals (including his first career hat trick) to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 9-4 win over Vancouver at the Met Center.....Goaltender Ron Low recorded his third career shutout (and his only one with Detroit) in the Red Wings 7-0 win over the Sabres at the Olympia. Reed Larson scored a goal and four assists and rookie Paul Woods had a goal and two assists.
1980: Hartford's Blaine Stoughton became the first member of the Whalers to score 50 goals in an NHL season and second player (Bobby Hull was the other) to score 50 in both the WHA and NHL. #50 came in a 4-4 tie at Vancouver.
1982: Wayne Gretzky scored his 92nd goal of the season, an NHL record, as the Oilers won 6-2 at Los Angeles. Also in that game, Edmonton's Mark Messier and Dave Lumley scored within 24 seconds of the opening face off to set an NHL record for fastest two goals from the start of a game.
1987: Calgary's Joe Mullen was awarded a penalty shot against the Kings. Mullen scored against Al Jensen, but the goal was then disallowed --- Mullen had scored with an illegally curved stick! Flames won 4-3 at Los Angeles.....Detroit Red Wings got their first win in Philadelphia in 16 years (0-23-6) 5-1 over the Flyers. Greg Hanlon stopped 30 shots and was named the top star.
1988: Minnesota's Dino Ciccarelli scored twice to give him 300 goals in his NHL career as the North Stars tied 7-7 with the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.
1990: Islanders scored five goals in the final period to beat Toronto 6-3, in coach Al Arbour's 1,277th regular season game behind the bench. The game moved Arbour past Scotty Bowman into second place on the all time list behind Dick Irvin (1,437).
1991: Wayne Gretzky tied a Kings record (set by Bernie Nicholls in 1984-85) by scoring a point in his 25th straight game, a 6-5 win over the visiting Minnesota North Stars.....Al MacInnis scored a goal and three assists in the first period, to reach the 100 point mark in the Flames' 4-4 tie against Edmonton. MacInnis became the 4th defenseman in NHL history (and 1st in Flames history) to score 100 points in a season.....Goaltender Don Beaupre recorded his 10th career shutout as Washington won 3-0 at Philadelphia.
1992: Paul Ranheim had a goal and an assist, playing in his 200th career game as the Flames extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 9 straight games (7-0-2), with a 4-3 win over the North Stars.....Kevin Stevens set an NHL record for left wingers, with his 68th assist of the season, in the Penguins' 6-3 win over Montreal. Stevens broke the old mark of 67 set by Mats Naslund in 1985-86.
1993: Alexei Zhamnov scored a goal to make the Winnipeg Jets the first team in NHL history with four 20-goal rookies. Zhamnov joined Teemu Selanne, Evgeny Davydov and Keith Tkachuk. Jets tied 3-3 with the visiting Los Angeles Kings.....Ottawa Senators' veteran Laurie Boschman appeared in his 1,000th NHL game, a 3-1 loss at Buffalo
1995: Playing in his 1,000th regular season game, Detroit's Dino Ciccarelli picked up two assists. Ciccarelli became the 100th player in NHL history to reach the mark as the Red Wings won 6-4 over the visiting Mighty Ducks.
1996: Jaromir Jagr scored to make the Penguins the second team in NHL history to have teammates each with 60 or more goals in the same season. Jagr's 60th of the year came in a 3-2 win over the Panthers in Florida. Mario Lemieux finished the season with 69 goals.....Vancouver Canucks fired head coach Rick Ley, with six games remaining in the Canucks' schedule. General Manager Pat Quinn was announced as the replacement behind the bench.
1998: NHL linesman Gerard Gauthier officiated his 2,000th game as the Canadiens won 8-2 against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. Gauthier became only the second official in NHL history to reach this milestone, joining Ray Scapinello.
1999: Colorado's Patrick Roy became the NHL's all-time winningest goaltender (regular season plus playoffs) when his 7-2 win over the visiting L.A. Kings gave him 506 career wins. He moved ahead of Jacques Plante, who retired with 505 combined wins.....Florida's Mark Parrish scored twice to become the first rookie to reach the 20-goal milestone in the 1998-99 season as the Panthers tied 2-2 at New Jersey.
2000: New York Rangers (struggling at 1-8-1 in their previous 10 games) fired president and GM Neil Smith and head coach John Muckler. Assistant coach John Tortorella took over as interim head coach (for the final 4 games of the season).....Tampa Bay became the second team in NHL history to lose 50 games for three straight seasons, when they dropped their 50th of the 1999-2000 season, 4-2 to the Dallas Stars. The Lightning tied the mark set by Pittsburgh 1982-83 thru 1984-85.
2001: Minnesota Wild had their 39th straight sellout crowd (18,568 in a 2-0 loss to Phoexnis) to set an attendance record for a first year expansion team. They broke the mark of 705,389 set in 1999-2000 by the Atlanta Thrashers.
Today in MLB History, March 28
1977: After being benched, Ranger Lenny Randle attacks and fractures the cheekbone of his manager Frank Lucchesi. The Ranger skipper may have triggered the incident by calling Randle a punk.
1978: By releasing the aging superstar, the A's end the fifteen-year career of Dick Allen. The Wampum, Pennsylvania native finishes his stormy relationship with major league baseball with 351 HRs, 1,192 RBIs and .292 batting average.
1985: Sports Illustrated's April 1st edition tricks the nation as author George Plimpton weaves a fictitious tale of Sidd Finch, a Met rookie phenom who throws 168 mph fastball. Staged photographs and quotes from Mets in real life help to give the story a realistic edge.
1986: The Red Sox trade designated hitter Mike Easler to the Yankees for designated hitter Don Baylor
1988: The Yankees waive pitcher Phil Niekro four days shy of his 47th birthday.
1999: In Cuba, the Orioles beat the Cuban National team, 3-2 thanks to a Harold Baines 11th inning game-winning hit. It is the first time a U.S team has played in Cuba since the 1950's.
2002: The Cubs, in desperate need of a closer due to Tom Gordon's muscle tear, trade pitcher Julian Tavarez (10-9, 4.52) and three minor leaguers to the Marlins for Antonio Alfonseca (4-4, 28 saves) and right-hander Matt Clement (9-10, 5.05).
2003: The commissioner's office announces teams will pay tribute to the U.S. Armed forces during the seventh-inning stretch of all home openers by having `God Bless America' performed. Although the song been part of all games since the September 11th terrorist attacks, it will only be heard in major league ballparks at the homer openers, Sunday and holidays games.
1978: By releasing the aging superstar, the A's end the fifteen-year career of Dick Allen. The Wampum, Pennsylvania native finishes his stormy relationship with major league baseball with 351 HRs, 1,192 RBIs and .292 batting average.
1985: Sports Illustrated's April 1st edition tricks the nation as author George Plimpton weaves a fictitious tale of Sidd Finch, a Met rookie phenom who throws 168 mph fastball. Staged photographs and quotes from Mets in real life help to give the story a realistic edge.
1986: The Red Sox trade designated hitter Mike Easler to the Yankees for designated hitter Don Baylor
1988: The Yankees waive pitcher Phil Niekro four days shy of his 47th birthday.
1999: In Cuba, the Orioles beat the Cuban National team, 3-2 thanks to a Harold Baines 11th inning game-winning hit. It is the first time a U.S team has played in Cuba since the 1950's.
2002: The Cubs, in desperate need of a closer due to Tom Gordon's muscle tear, trade pitcher Julian Tavarez (10-9, 4.52) and three minor leaguers to the Marlins for Antonio Alfonseca (4-4, 28 saves) and right-hander Matt Clement (9-10, 5.05).
2003: The commissioner's office announces teams will pay tribute to the U.S. Armed forces during the seventh-inning stretch of all home openers by having `God Bless America' performed. Although the song been part of all games since the September 11th terrorist attacks, it will only be heard in major league ballparks at the homer openers, Sunday and holidays games.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
March 27th, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--108 (STL, NSH, @CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-x-SJ*--100 (DAL, @ANA, PHX, 2-LA, @DAL)
3-MIN*--91 (VAN, COL, CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--96 (SJ, DAL, @LA, PHX)
5-CGY--90 (EDM, @VAN, @EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
6-DAL--89 (@SJ, @LA, @ANA, 2-PHX, SJ)
7-COL--88 (EDM, @MIN, @VAN, MIN)
8-VAN--86 (@MIN, CGY, COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (@CBJ, @DET, @STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--83 (@COL, @CGY, CGY, @VAN)
11-PHX--80 (@LA, @SJ, DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
12-CHI--80 (@STL, CBJ, DET, NSH, @DET)
13-CBJ--79 (NSH, @CHI, @DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--72 (@DET, CHI, NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--66 (PHX, DAL, @SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-MTL*--96 (@BUF, @TOR, @OTT, BUF, @TOR)
2-x-PIT*--95 (NYI, NYR, @NYR, PHI, @ PHI)
3-CAR*--88 (ATL, @TB, @WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--91 (@NYR, PHI, @NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-OTT--91 (BUF, @BOS, MTL, @TOR, BOS)
6-NYR--89 (NJ, @PIT, PIT, @NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-PHI--88 (@NJ, @NYI, @PIT, NJ, PIT)
8-BOS--86 (TOR, OTT, @BUF, @NJ, @OTT, BUF)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--84 (@TB, @FLA, CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--81 (@OTT, MTL, BOS, @TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-FLA--81 (ATL, WSH, @ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
12-TOR--80 (@BOS, MTL, BUF, OTT, @MTL)
13-NYI--75 (@PIT, PHI, NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--70 (@FLA, @CAR, @TB, FLA, TB)
15-TB--68 (WAS, CAR, ATL, @CAR, @WAS, @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--91--78 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
3-COL--88--78 (5-5-0)
4-VAN--86--77 (6-4-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--100--76 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--96--78 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--95--77 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--76 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--89--76 (5-2-3)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--91--77 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--84--77 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--77 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--108 (STL, NSH, @CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-x-SJ*--100 (DAL, @ANA, PHX, 2-LA, @DAL)
3-MIN*--91 (VAN, COL, CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--96 (SJ, DAL, @LA, PHX)
5-CGY--90 (EDM, @VAN, @EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
6-DAL--89 (@SJ, @LA, @ANA, 2-PHX, SJ)
7-COL--88 (EDM, @MIN, @VAN, MIN)
8-VAN--86 (@MIN, CGY, COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (@CBJ, @DET, @STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--83 (@COL, @CGY, CGY, @VAN)
11-PHX--80 (@LA, @SJ, DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
12-CHI--80 (@STL, CBJ, DET, NSH, @DET)
13-CBJ--79 (NSH, @CHI, @DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--72 (@DET, CHI, NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--66 (PHX, DAL, @SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-MTL*--96 (@BUF, @TOR, @OTT, BUF, @TOR)
2-x-PIT*--95 (NYI, NYR, @NYR, PHI, @ PHI)
3-CAR*--88 (ATL, @TB, @WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--91 (@NYR, PHI, @NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-OTT--91 (BUF, @BOS, MTL, @TOR, BOS)
6-NYR--89 (NJ, @PIT, PIT, @NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-PHI--88 (@NJ, @NYI, @PIT, NJ, PIT)
8-BOS--86 (TOR, OTT, @BUF, @NJ, @OTT, BUF)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--84 (@TB, @FLA, CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--81 (@OTT, MTL, BOS, @TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-FLA--81 (ATL, WSH, @ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
12-TOR--80 (@BOS, MTL, BUF, OTT, @MTL)
13-NYI--75 (@PIT, PHI, NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--70 (@FLA, @CAR, @TB, FLA, TB)
15-TB--68 (WAS, CAR, ATL, @CAR, @WAS, @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--91--78 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
3-COL--88--78 (5-5-0)
4-VAN--86--77 (6-4-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--100--76 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--96--78 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--95--77 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--76 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--89--76 (5-2-3)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--91--77 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--84--77 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--77 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
March 27th
CROSBY SET TO RETURN TONIGHT
Injured Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will be back in the lineup Thursday when Pittsburgh visits the New York Islanders.
Crosby, who missed 27 of his team's 30 last contests and the last seven in a row with a sprained ankle, took part in Monday's pre-game skate but didn't end up playing against the Islanders. He also sat out Wednesday's 2-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Crosby said he feels much better than he did earlier in the month when he returned for three games, and he thinks there is less chance of aggravating the injury this time around.
He ranks second in team scoring with 22 goals and 67 points in 49 games this season, but the Penguins have hardly missed a beat without him. Pittsburgh sports a 16-8-4 in Crosby's absence, including 5-2 in the past seven, and have clinched a playoff spot.
SUTTER SIGNS WITH 'CANES
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed centre Brandon Sutter, the team's girst pick of the 2007 Entry Draft, to a three-year contract.
Sutter, selected with the 11th overall pick last summer, will join Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany.
"We're excited about signing Brandon," said Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford. "We look forward to his continued development, and watching him work his way toward playing with the Hurricanes."
Sutter just completed his third full season with Red Deer of the Western Hockey League and finished with team highs of 26 goals and 49 points. He posted 68 goals and 154 points in 205 regular-season WHL games.
The 19-year-old is the son of former NHL player and current New Jersey Devils head coach Brent Sutter.
SAVARD HAS BROKEN BACK
Boston Bruins leading scorer Marc Savard suffered a broken bone in his back after bring cross-checked by Canadiens forward Steve Begin in Boston 3-2 loss Saturday in Montreal.
According to the Boston Herald, the cracked bone is called a transverse process, one that protrudes from a vertebra and serves to attach muscles and ligaments. Savard sat out Tuesday's 6-2 win at Toronto, and will miss at least one more game with the injury.
In 74 games this year, Savard has posted 15 goals and 63 assists for a team best 78 points.
Injured Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will be back in the lineup Thursday when Pittsburgh visits the New York Islanders.
Crosby, who missed 27 of his team's 30 last contests and the last seven in a row with a sprained ankle, took part in Monday's pre-game skate but didn't end up playing against the Islanders. He also sat out Wednesday's 2-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Crosby said he feels much better than he did earlier in the month when he returned for three games, and he thinks there is less chance of aggravating the injury this time around.
He ranks second in team scoring with 22 goals and 67 points in 49 games this season, but the Penguins have hardly missed a beat without him. Pittsburgh sports a 16-8-4 in Crosby's absence, including 5-2 in the past seven, and have clinched a playoff spot.
SUTTER SIGNS WITH 'CANES
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed centre Brandon Sutter, the team's girst pick of the 2007 Entry Draft, to a three-year contract.
Sutter, selected with the 11th overall pick last summer, will join Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany.
"We're excited about signing Brandon," said Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford. "We look forward to his continued development, and watching him work his way toward playing with the Hurricanes."
Sutter just completed his third full season with Red Deer of the Western Hockey League and finished with team highs of 26 goals and 49 points. He posted 68 goals and 154 points in 205 regular-season WHL games.
The 19-year-old is the son of former NHL player and current New Jersey Devils head coach Brent Sutter.
SAVARD HAS BROKEN BACK
Boston Bruins leading scorer Marc Savard suffered a broken bone in his back after bring cross-checked by Canadiens forward Steve Begin in Boston 3-2 loss Saturday in Montreal.
According to the Boston Herald, the cracked bone is called a transverse process, one that protrudes from a vertebra and serves to attach muscles and ligaments. Savard sat out Tuesday's 6-2 win at Toronto, and will miss at least one more game with the injury.
In 74 games this year, Savard has posted 15 goals and 63 assists for a team best 78 points.
Today in NHL History, March 27th
1925: Montreal's Howie Morenz led the Canadiens to a 4-2 win over the Victoria Cougars with the second hat trick of his Stanley Cup playoff career.
1952: Toronto's Turk Broda became the first goaltender in NHL history to appear in 100 career playoff games, when he faced the Red Wings in a 1-0 loss, in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals in Detroit.
1973: Buffalo's Craig Ramsay played the first of 776 consecutive games -- the most by a player with one team (until the record was broken by Chicago's Steve Larmer in 1991-92). Sabres won 3-2 over the Islanders at New York.
1974: Lowell MacDonald scored his 4th career hat trick and Syl Apps had three assists to lead the Penguins to a 3-3 tie against the Minnesota North Stars at the Civic Arena.....Philadelphia Flyers Bernie Parent tied the NHL record for most wins in a season, as he picked up his 44th of the year in a 6-2 victory at St. Louis. Parent tied the record held by Terry Sawchuk.....Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win 50 (or more) games four straight seasons, when they got their 50th victory of the 1973-74 season, 3-2 over the Rangers, in New York.
1976: St. Louis' Red Berenson scored his 4th career hat trick and added an assist in the Blues' 6-3 win against the visiting Minnesota North Stars.....Montreal's Guy Lafleur scored twice to hit the 50 goal mark for the second time in his NHL career, as the Canadiens won 8-2 over the Kansas City Scouts, at the Forum. Teammate Steve Shutt scored his third career hat trick.
1982: Dino Ciccarelli became the second player in Minnesota North Stars history to get 100 points in a season, when he picked up an assist in a 6-5 win at Boston.....Detroit Red Wings ended their team-record 14 game losing streak with a 2-1 win at Toronto.....Vancouver coach Harry Neale was handed a 10-game suspension by the NHL for his involvement in an altercation with the crowd in Quebec City on March 20. Roger Neilson took over as coach, and led the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals.
1988: Mario Lemieux scored two shorthanded goals and added three assists to lead the Penguins to a 6-3 win over the Nordiques, in Quebec City. Lemeiuex also set an NHL record in the game by getting a point on 11 consecutive Penguins' goals.
1991: Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Red Wings 7-4 at Detroit to clinch their first Patrick Division Championship, in the team's 24th NHL season.....NHL named Scotty Bowman and Neil Armstrong as the newest members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Bowman in the "Builders" Dept and Armstrong in the "Officials" Dept.
1993: Sherry Ross became the first woman in NHL history to do play-by-play of a game, when she handled the first period of the 5-2 NJ Devils' win over Washington for WABC radio. Ross filled in for a late-arriving Gary Thorne.....Doug Gilmour's first of two assists gave him 118 points to set a new Toronto team record for most points in a season. He broke the old mark of 117 set by Darryl Sittler, and led the Leafs to a 6-2 win over the Oilers, at Edmonton.
1996: Toronto's Larry Murphy had a goal and an assist to become the 4th defenseman in NHL history to score 1,000 career points as the Maple Leafs won 6-2 at Vancouver.....Detroit's Chris Osgood ran his team-record undefeated streak to 21 games (19-0-2) with a 4-2 Red Wings' win over the visiting Bufalo Sabres. The streak ended with a loss in his next start (six days later).
1999: Mark Messier had two assists, including the 1,049th of his career, tying him with Gordie Howe for 4th on the all-time list as Vancouver won 5-1 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens.....Ray Bourque scored his 385th career NHL goal, to tie Paul Coffey as the highest goal scoring defenseman in NHL history. The milestone was Bourque's 10th goal of the season, and came in a 2-2 Bruins tie against the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2000: Doug Gilmour had a goal and three assists to lead the Sabres to a 5-1 win at Carolina. The four points gave Gilmour 1,301 in his NHL career. He became the 20th player in NHL history to record 1,300 career points.
2001: Bobby Holik scored a goal and added three assists as New Jersey won 7-1 against the Lightning at Tampa Bay. The win gave the Devils 100 points for the fifth straight season
2002: Chicago's Phil Housley became the fourth defenseman (and first U.S. born player) in NHL history to score 1,200 career points, when he picked up the game winning goal in a 4-1 Blackhawks win over the visiting Nashville Predators.
2003: Patrick Roy recorded his 66th (and final) career shutout and his 547th victory, tops in NHL history and 100 more than second-place Terry Sawchuk as the Avalanche won 3-0 against the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
1952: Toronto's Turk Broda became the first goaltender in NHL history to appear in 100 career playoff games, when he faced the Red Wings in a 1-0 loss, in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals in Detroit.
1973: Buffalo's Craig Ramsay played the first of 776 consecutive games -- the most by a player with one team (until the record was broken by Chicago's Steve Larmer in 1991-92). Sabres won 3-2 over the Islanders at New York.
1974: Lowell MacDonald scored his 4th career hat trick and Syl Apps had three assists to lead the Penguins to a 3-3 tie against the Minnesota North Stars at the Civic Arena.....Philadelphia Flyers Bernie Parent tied the NHL record for most wins in a season, as he picked up his 44th of the year in a 6-2 victory at St. Louis. Parent tied the record held by Terry Sawchuk.....Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win 50 (or more) games four straight seasons, when they got their 50th victory of the 1973-74 season, 3-2 over the Rangers, in New York.
1976: St. Louis' Red Berenson scored his 4th career hat trick and added an assist in the Blues' 6-3 win against the visiting Minnesota North Stars.....Montreal's Guy Lafleur scored twice to hit the 50 goal mark for the second time in his NHL career, as the Canadiens won 8-2 over the Kansas City Scouts, at the Forum. Teammate Steve Shutt scored his third career hat trick.
1982: Dino Ciccarelli became the second player in Minnesota North Stars history to get 100 points in a season, when he picked up an assist in a 6-5 win at Boston.....Detroit Red Wings ended their team-record 14 game losing streak with a 2-1 win at Toronto.....Vancouver coach Harry Neale was handed a 10-game suspension by the NHL for his involvement in an altercation with the crowd in Quebec City on March 20. Roger Neilson took over as coach, and led the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals.
1988: Mario Lemieux scored two shorthanded goals and added three assists to lead the Penguins to a 6-3 win over the Nordiques, in Quebec City. Lemeiuex also set an NHL record in the game by getting a point on 11 consecutive Penguins' goals.
1991: Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Red Wings 7-4 at Detroit to clinch their first Patrick Division Championship, in the team's 24th NHL season.....NHL named Scotty Bowman and Neil Armstrong as the newest members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Bowman in the "Builders" Dept and Armstrong in the "Officials" Dept.
1993: Sherry Ross became the first woman in NHL history to do play-by-play of a game, when she handled the first period of the 5-2 NJ Devils' win over Washington for WABC radio. Ross filled in for a late-arriving Gary Thorne.....Doug Gilmour's first of two assists gave him 118 points to set a new Toronto team record for most points in a season. He broke the old mark of 117 set by Darryl Sittler, and led the Leafs to a 6-2 win over the Oilers, at Edmonton.
1996: Toronto's Larry Murphy had a goal and an assist to become the 4th defenseman in NHL history to score 1,000 career points as the Maple Leafs won 6-2 at Vancouver.....Detroit's Chris Osgood ran his team-record undefeated streak to 21 games (19-0-2) with a 4-2 Red Wings' win over the visiting Bufalo Sabres. The streak ended with a loss in his next start (six days later).
1999: Mark Messier had two assists, including the 1,049th of his career, tying him with Gordie Howe for 4th on the all-time list as Vancouver won 5-1 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens.....Ray Bourque scored his 385th career NHL goal, to tie Paul Coffey as the highest goal scoring defenseman in NHL history. The milestone was Bourque's 10th goal of the season, and came in a 2-2 Bruins tie against the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2000: Doug Gilmour had a goal and three assists to lead the Sabres to a 5-1 win at Carolina. The four points gave Gilmour 1,301 in his NHL career. He became the 20th player in NHL history to record 1,300 career points.
2001: Bobby Holik scored a goal and added three assists as New Jersey won 7-1 against the Lightning at Tampa Bay. The win gave the Devils 100 points for the fifth straight season
2002: Chicago's Phil Housley became the fourth defenseman (and first U.S. born player) in NHL history to score 1,200 career points, when he picked up the game winning goal in a 4-1 Blackhawks win over the visiting Nashville Predators.
2003: Patrick Roy recorded his 66th (and final) career shutout and his 547th victory, tops in NHL history and 100 more than second-place Terry Sawchuk as the Avalanche won 3-0 against the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
Today in MLB History, March 27
1935: With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded at Asahi Field, Russell Hinaga singles plating the winning run to give the San Jose Asahis a 3-2 victory over the visiting Tokyo Giants. The visitors will avenge their loss to the ‘Morning Suns’, a Japanese American semi-pro team, the following season.
1973: Twins' pitcher Jim Perry becomes the first player to use the '10 and 5 rule' when he okays his own trade to the Tigers for minor league pitcher Dan Fife and cash.
1973: Two days before his 29th birthday, the Braves release former 30-game winner Denny McLain. In a career which spanned ten years, McLain compiled a 131-92 record with an ERA of 3.39
1982: The Mariners sign 43-year old Gaylord Perry to a one-year contract. The 'Ancient Mariner' needs only three victories to reach the 300 win mark.
1987: The Mets trade catcher Ed Hearn, pitcher Rick A. Anderson and pitching prospect Mauro Gozzo to the Royals for David Cone and minor leaguer Chris Jelic.
1989: Sports Illustrated exposes Pete Rose's gambling activities. The article alleges 'Charlie Hustle' bet from the Riverfront dugout using hand gestures with an associate.
1992: The Brewers trade Gary Sheffield to the Padres for pitcher Ricky Bones and minor leaguers Jose Valentin and Matt Mieske.
2002: After being told he would not be an everyday player, thirty-seven year old Jose Canseco is given his release by the Expos. The 1988 American League MVP, who needs 38 homers to reach 500, batted .258 and hit 16 home runs for the White Sox last season while appearing in 76 games.
1973: Twins' pitcher Jim Perry becomes the first player to use the '10 and 5 rule' when he okays his own trade to the Tigers for minor league pitcher Dan Fife and cash.
1973: Two days before his 29th birthday, the Braves release former 30-game winner Denny McLain. In a career which spanned ten years, McLain compiled a 131-92 record with an ERA of 3.39
1982: The Mariners sign 43-year old Gaylord Perry to a one-year contract. The 'Ancient Mariner' needs only three victories to reach the 300 win mark.
1987: The Mets trade catcher Ed Hearn, pitcher Rick A. Anderson and pitching prospect Mauro Gozzo to the Royals for David Cone and minor leaguer Chris Jelic.
1989: Sports Illustrated exposes Pete Rose's gambling activities. The article alleges 'Charlie Hustle' bet from the Riverfront dugout using hand gestures with an associate.
1992: The Brewers trade Gary Sheffield to the Padres for pitcher Ricky Bones and minor leaguers Jose Valentin and Matt Mieske.
2002: After being told he would not be an everyday player, thirty-seven year old Jose Canseco is given his release by the Expos. The 1988 American League MVP, who needs 38 homers to reach 500, batted .258 and hit 16 home runs for the White Sox last season while appearing in 76 games.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
March 26th, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, STL)
2-x-SJ*--100 (ANA, 2-DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
3-CGY*--90 (MIN, 2-VAN, 2-EDM)
4-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-MIN--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 2-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--86 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (DET, CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
10-EDM--83 (MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--80 (SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-x-MON*--96 (OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-x-PIT*--95 (2-NYR, 2-PHI, NYI)
3-CAR*--88 (WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--91 (MON, 2-BOS, BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--89 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYI)
8-BOS--86 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--84 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--75 (NJ, PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--68 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
2-MIN--89--77 (3-3-4)
3-VAN--86--76 (6-4-0)
4-COL--86--77 (5-5-0)
5-EDM--83--77 (8-2-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--100--76 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--95--77 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--76 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--89--76 (5-2-3)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--91--77 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--84--77 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--77 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, STL)
2-x-SJ*--100 (ANA, 2-DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
3-CGY*--90 (MIN, 2-VAN, 2-EDM)
4-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-MIN--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 2-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--86 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--84 (DET, CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
10-EDM--83 (MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--80 (SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-x-MON*--96 (OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-x-PIT*--95 (2-NYR, 2-PHI, NYI)
3-CAR*--88 (WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--91 (MON, 2-BOS, BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--89 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYI)
8-BOS--86 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--84 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--75 (NJ, PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--68 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-CGY--90--77 (5-4-1)
2-MIN--89--77 (3-3-4)
3-VAN--86--76 (6-4-0)
4-COL--86--77 (5-5-0)
5-EDM--83--77 (8-2-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--100--76 (8-0-2)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--95--77 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--76 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--89--76 (5-2-3)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--91--77 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--88--77 (8-1-1)
2-WAS--84--77 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--77 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--107
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--93
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--91
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--61*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--65
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--60
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
March 26th
NHL PLAYING TO 97% CAPACITY THIS MONTH
Fueled by unprecedented League-wide competition for playoff spots and positions, the NHL is on pace to obliterate its March attendance records. A per-game average of 17,900 fans -- 97% of capacity -- has filled NHL arenas this month. The existing March record average of 17,331 was set last season.
The late-season surge has ensured another season of record NHL attendance. The 2007-08 per-game average of 17,194 is running 1.7% ahead of the 2006-07 campaign, which concluded with a record figure of 16,961. The NHL will surpass 20 million in total attendance for the seventh consecutive season and will, for the first time in its 90-season history, conclude the regular season with a per-game average in excess of 17,000.
ROY, 7 OTHERS SUSPENDED FOR JUNIOR BRAWL
The son of former NHL goalie Patrick Roy was suspended for seven games on Tuesday for his actions during a weekend brawl in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game.
Quebec Remparts goaltender Jonathan Roy was also fined $500 for his behaviour Saturday against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
Roy skated to the opposite end of the ice during the second period brawl and pounded opposing goalie Bobby Nadeau, who was unwilling to fight and covered up during the assault.
Roy then gave the middle finger with both hands to fans at the Georges-Vézina Centre.
Patrick Roy, the team's coach, was suspended five games for his conduct.
"The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League finds the events which took place over the course of last weekend’s games deplorable and unacceptable," said league commissioner Gilles Courteau. "We are deeply troubled by the incidents. In closing, I’d like to warn organizations that these types of incidents will not be tolerated and that should any more occur, steep fines will be handed out.
Remparts defenceman Maxime Lacroix was suspended for three games after hitting an opposing player while he was still down. Quebec's Marc-Oliver Vallerand was suspended for two games for his role in the melee.
Chicoutimi loses a trio of players to suspension, as well as their coach.
Antoine Roussel received one game for instigating a fight, Charles-Antoine Messier was suspended two games, and most seriously, Sébastien Rioux will miss his team’s next six games for leaving the penalty box to join the fray.
Coach Richard Martel received a two-game suspension, and both clubs were fined $4,000 by the league.
For his part, Jonathan Roy apologized for his actions toward the fans.
"I acted in a way that is not acceptable for an athlete," he told reporters. "I gave the finger to the crowd and then, after the game, I made unacceptable comments in front of the cameras. I acted out of adrenalin and frustration."
Chicoutimi beat Quebec in the game, 10-1
Fueled by unprecedented League-wide competition for playoff spots and positions, the NHL is on pace to obliterate its March attendance records. A per-game average of 17,900 fans -- 97% of capacity -- has filled NHL arenas this month. The existing March record average of 17,331 was set last season.
The late-season surge has ensured another season of record NHL attendance. The 2007-08 per-game average of 17,194 is running 1.7% ahead of the 2006-07 campaign, which concluded with a record figure of 16,961. The NHL will surpass 20 million in total attendance for the seventh consecutive season and will, for the first time in its 90-season history, conclude the regular season with a per-game average in excess of 17,000.
ROY, 7 OTHERS SUSPENDED FOR JUNIOR BRAWL
The son of former NHL goalie Patrick Roy was suspended for seven games on Tuesday for his actions during a weekend brawl in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game.
Quebec Remparts goaltender Jonathan Roy was also fined $500 for his behaviour Saturday against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
Roy skated to the opposite end of the ice during the second period brawl and pounded opposing goalie Bobby Nadeau, who was unwilling to fight and covered up during the assault.
Roy then gave the middle finger with both hands to fans at the Georges-Vézina Centre.
Patrick Roy, the team's coach, was suspended five games for his conduct.
"The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League finds the events which took place over the course of last weekend’s games deplorable and unacceptable," said league commissioner Gilles Courteau. "We are deeply troubled by the incidents. In closing, I’d like to warn organizations that these types of incidents will not be tolerated and that should any more occur, steep fines will be handed out.
Remparts defenceman Maxime Lacroix was suspended for three games after hitting an opposing player while he was still down. Quebec's Marc-Oliver Vallerand was suspended for two games for his role in the melee.
Chicoutimi loses a trio of players to suspension, as well as their coach.
Antoine Roussel received one game for instigating a fight, Charles-Antoine Messier was suspended two games, and most seriously, Sébastien Rioux will miss his team’s next six games for leaving the penalty box to join the fray.
Coach Richard Martel received a two-game suspension, and both clubs were fined $4,000 by the league.
For his part, Jonathan Roy apologized for his actions toward the fans.
"I acted in a way that is not acceptable for an athlete," he told reporters. "I gave the finger to the crowd and then, after the game, I made unacceptable comments in front of the cameras. I acted out of adrenalin and frustration."
Chicoutimi beat Quebec in the game, 10-1
Today in MLB History, March 26
With baseball season underway, and the hockey season winding down, the 'Crease' will soon be making the transition from hockey to baseball, and to start the transition is a new addition "Today in MLB History"
1936: Tigers sign Hank Greenberg for $20,000 and Red Ruffing comes to terms with the Yankees for $12,000.
1951: During a spring exhibition game against the University outfielder Southern California at Bovard Field, Mickey Mantle hits a home run which is estimated to travel 650 feet. The rookie's performance, which includes a single, triple and another homer, is one of the highlights of the Yankees' first ever West Coast trip.
1957: Yankee manager Casey Stengel is arrested and is released on $50 bail after he allegedly curses at and kicks a newspaper photographer during an exhibition game in St. Petersburg.
1974: The Red Sox release future Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Luis Aparicio as well as pitcher Bobby Bolin.
1977: After thirteen years in Boston, infielder Rico Petrocelli is released by the Red Sox.
1981: The Phillies trade Bob Walk to the Braves for outfielder Gary Matthews.
2000: In 17.6 seconds the Kingdome is demolished into a mound of rubble over 65 feet high thanks to 21.6 miles of detonation cord and 5,800 holes filled with gelatin dynamite.
2002: Miller Park's retractable roof will only be used on a limited basis at the start of season as engineers try to eliminate persistent noise coming from the year-old roof.
2003: Three days prior to Opening Day, the YES Network claims Cablevision has pulled out of a proposed deal signed 17 days ago which would have provided televised Yankee games nearly three million cable subscribers in the NYC metropolitan area. According to a YES Network press release, the giant cable company failed to sign a finalized version of the hand-written document that both parties exchanged on March 12, but Cablevision president ,James L. Dolan, said when YES sent him a revised typewritten draft on two days later, the document contained alterations that he found unacceptable.
2006: The insurance claim filed by the Astros in January to get back approximately $15.6 million of Jeff Bagwell's $17 million guaranteed contract is denied by the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. The insurers cite no adverse change in 37-year old first baseman's condition between the end of last season and the Jan. 31, 2006 policy.
1936: Tigers sign Hank Greenberg for $20,000 and Red Ruffing comes to terms with the Yankees for $12,000.
1951: During a spring exhibition game against the University outfielder Southern California at Bovard Field, Mickey Mantle hits a home run which is estimated to travel 650 feet. The rookie's performance, which includes a single, triple and another homer, is one of the highlights of the Yankees' first ever West Coast trip.
1957: Yankee manager Casey Stengel is arrested and is released on $50 bail after he allegedly curses at and kicks a newspaper photographer during an exhibition game in St. Petersburg.
1974: The Red Sox release future Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Luis Aparicio as well as pitcher Bobby Bolin.
1977: After thirteen years in Boston, infielder Rico Petrocelli is released by the Red Sox.
1981: The Phillies trade Bob Walk to the Braves for outfielder Gary Matthews.
2000: In 17.6 seconds the Kingdome is demolished into a mound of rubble over 65 feet high thanks to 21.6 miles of detonation cord and 5,800 holes filled with gelatin dynamite.
2002: Miller Park's retractable roof will only be used on a limited basis at the start of season as engineers try to eliminate persistent noise coming from the year-old roof.
2003: Three days prior to Opening Day, the YES Network claims Cablevision has pulled out of a proposed deal signed 17 days ago which would have provided televised Yankee games nearly three million cable subscribers in the NYC metropolitan area. According to a YES Network press release, the giant cable company failed to sign a finalized version of the hand-written document that both parties exchanged on March 12, but Cablevision president ,James L. Dolan, said when YES sent him a revised typewritten draft on two days later, the document contained alterations that he found unacceptable.
2006: The insurance claim filed by the Astros in January to get back approximately $15.6 million of Jeff Bagwell's $17 million guaranteed contract is denied by the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. The insurers cite no adverse change in 37-year old first baseman's condition between the end of last season and the Jan. 31, 2006 policy.
Today in NHL History, March 26th
1915: Barney Stanley scored four goals as the Vancouver Millionaires won their only Stanley Cup Championship, with a 12-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.
1919: In the longest game in Stanley Cup Finals history, the Canadiens and Metropolitans played 100 minutes of overtime without scoring a goal. Goalies were Georges Vezina and Harry Holmes. It was the first 0-0 tie in NHL playoff history.
1927: Despite losing 4-3 to the visiting Boston Bruins on the final night of the season, the New York Rangers won the NHL's American Division Championship (with a record of 25-13-6) in their first season in the league.
1931: Stewart Adams scored at 19:20 of overtime to lead the Black Hawks to a 2-1 win over Toronto, in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals. It was the first win, and first overtime goal in Chicago playoff history.
1939: Marty Barry scored the 2nd power play overtime goal in NHL history (at 7:47 of OT) to give the Red Wings a 1-0 win over Montreal, in the 3rd and final game of their Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals. Tiny Thompson got his 7th & final playoff shutout.....A record playoff crowd of 16,981 jammed Boston Garden to watch the Bruins beat the Rangers, 4-1 in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. Milt Schmidt led the scoring with two goals.
1950: Toronto's rookie defenseman Tim Horton played in his first career NHL game when the Maple Leafs lost 5-3 to the Rangers, at New York.....Detroit's Ted Lindsay set an NHL record for most assists in a season, when he picked up his 55th of the year in a 5-4 Red Wings' loss to the visiting Chicago Black Hawks. Lindsay broke the record of Elmer Lach, who had 54 assists in 1944-45.....Montreal set an NHL record with their 19th tie of the season, and Maurice Richard scored a goal to become the 4th NHL player to get 250 career goals in a 3-3 at Bosto
1961: Glenn Hall had 53 saves, and Murray Balfour scored twice, including the winner at 52:12 of OT to give the Black Hawks a 2-1 win over Montreal, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. Balfour scored the 8th power play OT goal in NHL history.
1970: Rookie Tony Esposito broke Harry Lumley's 16-year-old "modern" NHL record of 13 shutouts in a season. His 14th led the Black Hawks to a 1-0 win over the Red Wings at Detroit. Esposito finished with 15 shutouts in his first full NHL season.
1974: Bob Berry became just the second player in L.A. Kings history to score 100 career goals. He reached the milestone in a 5-1 loss to the North Stars in Minnesota.
1975: Kings' Dave Hutchison became just the second player in NHL history to be called for a "triple minor" in the Kings' 5-1 win over Washington. Hutchison was called for charging (two minutes) and roughing (four minutes) at 6:48 of the second.
1977: Phil Russell set a team team record with eight penalties in the Black Hawks' 7-2 win over the Minnesota North Stars. He picked up six minors, a misconduct and a game misconduct on the night.
1979: Gil Perreault and Rick Dudley scored goals 35 seconds apart with less than eight minutes remaining, to give the Sabres a 4-2 win at St. Louis, and a then-club record of four consecutive road victories.
1981: Pierre Larouche scored his 9th career hat trick and added an assist, and Mark Napier had a goal and three assists as the Canadiens extended their home unbeaten streak to 24 games (22-0-2) with an win 8-2 against Calgary
1985: Edmonton's Jari Kurri became the third player in NHL history to score 70 goals in a season. He picked up #70 in a 7-5 win over the Islanders at New York.
1986: Minnesota North Stars' center Neal Broten became the first U.S. born player to score 100 points in a season. He reached the century mark with two assists in a 6-1 North Stars' victory at Toronto.
1987: Philadelphia's Mike Keenan became the first coach in NHL history to win 45 games in each of his first three seasons, when the Flyers had a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1988: Calgary Flames beat Vancouver 6-1 to win their first Smythe Division Championship, ending Edmonton's six year reign as Division Champs. Brad McCrimmon led the scoring with a goal and two assists.
1989: Washington beat the Islanders 3-2, to clinch their first Patrick Division championship. Dino Ciccarelli scored his 9th goal in his third week with the team, as the Capitals extended their team-record home winning streak to 7 straight games.
1990: Goaltender Jon Casey became the first goalie in North Stars' history to win 30 games in a season, as Minnesota won 5-4 over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1991: Cam Neely scored twice, for his second straight 50 goal season, in a 7-4 Bruins' win over the Nordiques in Quebec City. Neely became the 18th player in NHL history to get back-to-back 50 goal seasons.
1992: Mario Lemieux and Rick Tocchet each had two goals and four assists, as Lemieux recorded his 600th NHL assist, to lead the Penguins to a 7-3 win over Vancouver, at the Civic Arena.
1994: Mario Lemieux became the 21st player in NHL history to hit the 1,200 point plateau when he had a goal and an assist in the Penguins' 5-3 loss to Calgary.....Toronto's Mike Gartner scored twice to become the first player in NHL history to get 30 or more goals in 15 straight seasons. They came in the Maple Leafs' 6-3 win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1996: Winnipeg's Keith Tkachuk scored four goals for the first time in his NHL career (his second career hat trick), and added an assist as the Jets won 8-2 at Dallas.
2002: Dan Cloutier set a Vancouver franchise record with his 7th shutout of the season, a 4-0 win over the visiting L.A. Kings. He broke the mark of 6 shared by Gary Smith and Garth Snow. Also Trevor Linden played in his 1,000th career NHL game.
1919: In the longest game in Stanley Cup Finals history, the Canadiens and Metropolitans played 100 minutes of overtime without scoring a goal. Goalies were Georges Vezina and Harry Holmes. It was the first 0-0 tie in NHL playoff history.
1927: Despite losing 4-3 to the visiting Boston Bruins on the final night of the season, the New York Rangers won the NHL's American Division Championship (with a record of 25-13-6) in their first season in the league.
1931: Stewart Adams scored at 19:20 of overtime to lead the Black Hawks to a 2-1 win over Toronto, in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals. It was the first win, and first overtime goal in Chicago playoff history.
1939: Marty Barry scored the 2nd power play overtime goal in NHL history (at 7:47 of OT) to give the Red Wings a 1-0 win over Montreal, in the 3rd and final game of their Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals. Tiny Thompson got his 7th & final playoff shutout.....A record playoff crowd of 16,981 jammed Boston Garden to watch the Bruins beat the Rangers, 4-1 in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. Milt Schmidt led the scoring with two goals.
1950: Toronto's rookie defenseman Tim Horton played in his first career NHL game when the Maple Leafs lost 5-3 to the Rangers, at New York.....Detroit's Ted Lindsay set an NHL record for most assists in a season, when he picked up his 55th of the year in a 5-4 Red Wings' loss to the visiting Chicago Black Hawks. Lindsay broke the record of Elmer Lach, who had 54 assists in 1944-45.....Montreal set an NHL record with their 19th tie of the season, and Maurice Richard scored a goal to become the 4th NHL player to get 250 career goals in a 3-3 at Bosto
1961: Glenn Hall had 53 saves, and Murray Balfour scored twice, including the winner at 52:12 of OT to give the Black Hawks a 2-1 win over Montreal, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. Balfour scored the 8th power play OT goal in NHL history.
1970: Rookie Tony Esposito broke Harry Lumley's 16-year-old "modern" NHL record of 13 shutouts in a season. His 14th led the Black Hawks to a 1-0 win over the Red Wings at Detroit. Esposito finished with 15 shutouts in his first full NHL season.
1974: Bob Berry became just the second player in L.A. Kings history to score 100 career goals. He reached the milestone in a 5-1 loss to the North Stars in Minnesota.
1975: Kings' Dave Hutchison became just the second player in NHL history to be called for a "triple minor" in the Kings' 5-1 win over Washington. Hutchison was called for charging (two minutes) and roughing (four minutes) at 6:48 of the second.
1977: Phil Russell set a team team record with eight penalties in the Black Hawks' 7-2 win over the Minnesota North Stars. He picked up six minors, a misconduct and a game misconduct on the night.
1979: Gil Perreault and Rick Dudley scored goals 35 seconds apart with less than eight minutes remaining, to give the Sabres a 4-2 win at St. Louis, and a then-club record of four consecutive road victories.
1981: Pierre Larouche scored his 9th career hat trick and added an assist, and Mark Napier had a goal and three assists as the Canadiens extended their home unbeaten streak to 24 games (22-0-2) with an win 8-2 against Calgary
1985: Edmonton's Jari Kurri became the third player in NHL history to score 70 goals in a season. He picked up #70 in a 7-5 win over the Islanders at New York.
1986: Minnesota North Stars' center Neal Broten became the first U.S. born player to score 100 points in a season. He reached the century mark with two assists in a 6-1 North Stars' victory at Toronto.
1987: Philadelphia's Mike Keenan became the first coach in NHL history to win 45 games in each of his first three seasons, when the Flyers had a 3-2 OT win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1988: Calgary Flames beat Vancouver 6-1 to win their first Smythe Division Championship, ending Edmonton's six year reign as Division Champs. Brad McCrimmon led the scoring with a goal and two assists.
1989: Washington beat the Islanders 3-2, to clinch their first Patrick Division championship. Dino Ciccarelli scored his 9th goal in his third week with the team, as the Capitals extended their team-record home winning streak to 7 straight games.
1990: Goaltender Jon Casey became the first goalie in North Stars' history to win 30 games in a season, as Minnesota won 5-4 over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1991: Cam Neely scored twice, for his second straight 50 goal season, in a 7-4 Bruins' win over the Nordiques in Quebec City. Neely became the 18th player in NHL history to get back-to-back 50 goal seasons.
1992: Mario Lemieux and Rick Tocchet each had two goals and four assists, as Lemieux recorded his 600th NHL assist, to lead the Penguins to a 7-3 win over Vancouver, at the Civic Arena.
1994: Mario Lemieux became the 21st player in NHL history to hit the 1,200 point plateau when he had a goal and an assist in the Penguins' 5-3 loss to Calgary.....Toronto's Mike Gartner scored twice to become the first player in NHL history to get 30 or more goals in 15 straight seasons. They came in the Maple Leafs' 6-3 win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1996: Winnipeg's Keith Tkachuk scored four goals for the first time in his NHL career (his second career hat trick), and added an assist as the Jets won 8-2 at Dallas.
2002: Dan Cloutier set a Vancouver franchise record with his 7th shutout of the season, a 4-0 win over the visiting L.A. Kings. He broke the mark of 6 shared by Gary Smith and Garth Snow. Also Trevor Linden played in his 1,000th career NHL game.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
March 25th, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
2-x-SJ*--99 (ANA, 2-DAL, 2-PHX, 2-LA)
3-MIN*--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
4-x-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-CGY--88 (MIN, 3-VAN, 2-EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 3-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--86 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-EDM--83 (MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
10-NSH--82 (DET, 2-CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--78 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (2-DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-x-MON*--96 (OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-PIT*--93 (NJ, 2-NYR, 2-PHI, NYI)
3-CAR*--87 (2-WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (PIT, 2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--89 (MON, 2-BOS, 2-BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--88 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, PHI, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYR, NYI)
8-BOS--84 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--82 (2-CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, 2-OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL, TB)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--75 (NJ, PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--66 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, FLA, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
(2) San Jose vs (7) Vancouver
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Calgary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Montreal @ (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh @ (7) Philadelphia
(3) Carolina @ (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey @ (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--89--77 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--88--76 (5-4-1)
3-VAN--86--75 (6-4-0)
4-COL--86--77 (5-5-0)
5-EDM--83--77 (8-2-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--99--75 (9-0-1)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--93--76 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--75 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--88--75 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--89--76 (4-5-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--87--76 (8-2-0)
2-WAS--82--76 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--76 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--106
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--91
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--90
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--60*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--48
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--64
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--59
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--57
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +39
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Todays NHL Schedule (Central Time)
(5) Senators @ (10) Sabres 6pm
(2) Penguins @ (4) Devils 6pm
(9) Capitals @ (3) Hurricanes 6pm
(7) Flyers @ (6) Rangers 630pm
(8) Bruins @ (12) Maple Leafs 630pm
(11) Panthers @ (15) Lightning 630pm
(13) Blue Jackets @ (10) Predators 7pm
(1) Red Wings @ (14) Blues 730pm
(7) Canucks @ (6) Flames 8pm
(2) Sharks @ (12) Coyotes 930pm
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
2-x-SJ*--99 (ANA, 2-DAL, 2-PHX, 2-LA)
3-MIN*--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
4-x-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-CGY--88 (MIN, 3-VAN, 2-EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 3-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--86 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-EDM--83 (MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
10-NSH--82 (DET, 2-CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--78 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (2-DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-x-MON*--96 (OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-PIT*--93 (NJ, 2-NYR, 2-PHI, NYI)
3-CAR*--87 (2-WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (PIT, 2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--89 (MON, 2-BOS, 2-BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--88 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, PHI, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYR, NYI)
8-BOS--84 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--82 (2-CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, 2-OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL, TB)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--75 (NJ, PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--66 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, FLA, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
(2) San Jose vs (7) Vancouver
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Calgary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Montreal @ (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh @ (7) Philadelphia
(3) Carolina @ (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey @ (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--89--77 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--88--76 (5-4-1)
3-VAN--86--75 (6-4-0)
4-COL--86--77 (5-5-0)
5-EDM--83--77 (8-2-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--99--75 (9-0-1)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--93--76 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--75 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--88--75 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--96--77 (7-2-1)
2-OTT--89--76 (4-5-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--87--76 (8-2-0)
2-WAS--82--76 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--76 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--106
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--91
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--90
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--60*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--48
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--64
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--59
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--57
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +39
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Todays NHL Schedule (Central Time)
(5) Senators @ (10) Sabres 6pm
(2) Penguins @ (4) Devils 6pm
(9) Capitals @ (3) Hurricanes 6pm
(7) Flyers @ (6) Rangers 630pm
(8) Bruins @ (12) Maple Leafs 630pm
(11) Panthers @ (15) Lightning 630pm
(13) Blue Jackets @ (10) Predators 7pm
(1) Red Wings @ (14) Blues 730pm
(7) Canucks @ (6) Flames 8pm
(2) Sharks @ (12) Coyotes 930pm
March 25th
OVECHKIN, TOSKALA, BRIERE NHL 'THREE STARS' OF THE WEEK
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala and Philadelphia Flyers centre Daniel Briere have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending March 23.
FIRST STAR -- ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Named the NHL's 'First Star' for the second time in three weeks and for the third time this season, Ovechkin led all scorers with seven points (three goals, four assists) in three games as the Capitals (37-31-8, 82 points) won two of three games to start their six-game road trip. Ovechkin notched one goal and two assists in a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators Mar. 18, becoming the first player in franchise history to record multiple 100-point seasons and the fastest NHL player to reach 300 career points since Peter Forsberg in 1997-98. Ovechkin closed the week with two goals and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Mar. 21, reaching the 60-goal mark for the first time in the NHL since Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in 1995-96. Ovechkin leads the League in goals (60), points (106), power-play goals (21), game-winning goals (10) and shots (410).
Second Star -- Vesa Toskala, G, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toskala posted a 3-0-0 record with a 2.00 goals-against average and .940 save percentage as the Maple Leafs (35-31-10, 80 points) kept their playoff hopes alive with three road victories. He stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win over the New York Islanders Mar. 18, made 35 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres Mar. 21 and closed the week with a 32-save effort in a 5-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators Mar. 22. Toskala has posted a record of 32-22-6 with a 2.60 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and three shutouts in 62 appearances this season
Third Star -- Daniel Briere, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Briere recorded six points (three goals, three assists) as the Flyers (38-28-10, 86 points) posted three consecutive victories and climbed to seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Briere notched one assist in a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Mar. 18, tallied two goals in a 4-3 shootout win over the New York Rangers Mar. 21 and notched one goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders Mar. 23. Briere ranks second on the Flyers in scoring with 68 points (29 goals, 39 assists) in 75 games.
NHL FREE AGENT DAY TO REMAIN JULY 1
The National Hockey League Players' Association has turned thumbs down on an NHL request to move the beginning of free agency from July 1 to July 7. The league had wanted a switch to avoid conflicts with both the Canada Day holiday (July 1) in Canada as well as Independence Day (July 4) in the United States.
But the NHLPA feels moving the free-agency period will create a negative ripple effect on other key dates.
"When you move the free agency date, even by six days, it impacts other marketplace dates and has the potential to prejudice certain players who are actively in the contract signing/arbitration window," NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly said. "After consulting with various players and agents, it was not even a close call."
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala and Philadelphia Flyers centre Daniel Briere have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending March 23.
FIRST STAR -- ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Named the NHL's 'First Star' for the second time in three weeks and for the third time this season, Ovechkin led all scorers with seven points (three goals, four assists) in three games as the Capitals (37-31-8, 82 points) won two of three games to start their six-game road trip. Ovechkin notched one goal and two assists in a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators Mar. 18, becoming the first player in franchise history to record multiple 100-point seasons and the fastest NHL player to reach 300 career points since Peter Forsberg in 1997-98. Ovechkin closed the week with two goals and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Mar. 21, reaching the 60-goal mark for the first time in the NHL since Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in 1995-96. Ovechkin leads the League in goals (60), points (106), power-play goals (21), game-winning goals (10) and shots (410).
Second Star -- Vesa Toskala, G, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toskala posted a 3-0-0 record with a 2.00 goals-against average and .940 save percentage as the Maple Leafs (35-31-10, 80 points) kept their playoff hopes alive with three road victories. He stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win over the New York Islanders Mar. 18, made 35 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres Mar. 21 and closed the week with a 32-save effort in a 5-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators Mar. 22. Toskala has posted a record of 32-22-6 with a 2.60 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and three shutouts in 62 appearances this season
Third Star -- Daniel Briere, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Briere recorded six points (three goals, three assists) as the Flyers (38-28-10, 86 points) posted three consecutive victories and climbed to seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Briere notched one assist in a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Mar. 18, tallied two goals in a 4-3 shootout win over the New York Rangers Mar. 21 and notched one goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders Mar. 23. Briere ranks second on the Flyers in scoring with 68 points (29 goals, 39 assists) in 75 games.
NHL FREE AGENT DAY TO REMAIN JULY 1
The National Hockey League Players' Association has turned thumbs down on an NHL request to move the beginning of free agency from July 1 to July 7. The league had wanted a switch to avoid conflicts with both the Canada Day holiday (July 1) in Canada as well as Independence Day (July 4) in the United States.
But the NHLPA feels moving the free-agency period will create a negative ripple effect on other key dates.
"When you move the free agency date, even by six days, it impacts other marketplace dates and has the potential to prejudice certain players who are actively in the contract signing/arbitration window," NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly said. "After consulting with various players and agents, it was not even a close call."
Today in NHL History, March 25th
1922: Toronto goaltender John Roach blanked the Vancouver Millionaires 6-0, in the first shutout in Stanley Cup play by an NHL rookie.
1924: Montreal beat Calgary 3-0 in Game Two of the Finals (played in Ottawa), to become the 1924 Stanley Cup Champions. Georges Vezina got the shutout as the Canadiens won their first Cup since the formation of the NHL in 1917-18.
1937: Lionel Conacher of the Montreal Maroons took the NHL's first penalty shot in the playoffs. He was stopped by the Bruins' Tiny Thompson who went on to shut out the Maroons 4-0, in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals in Boston.
1941: Toronto's Nick Metz became the first NHL player to get three assists in one period of a playoff game; they came in the second period of a 7-2 Leafs win over Boston, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals, in Toronto. Metz also scored a goal.
1951: Detroit's Alex Delvecchio played in his first NHL game, rookie goalie Terry Sawchuk earned his 11th shutout of the season and the Wings became the first NHL team to get 100 points in a season, with a 5-0 win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
1952: Detroit's Terry Sawchuk recorded his first of four shutouts in the 1952 playoffs (and the second of his playoff career) in the Red Wings' 3-0 win over Toronto, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals at the Olympia.....Maurice Richard scored twice and added an assist to lead the Canadiens to a 5-1 playoff win over the Bruins in Montreal, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. It was Richard's 8th straight game with a goal, tying his own NHL playoff record.
1957: Hap Day resigned as General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was replaced by a "Committee of Seven" (including Stafford Smythe, John Bassett and George Gardiner) for the 1957-58 season.
1962: Bobby Hull became the third player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season, tying the NHL record shared by Maurice Richard and Bernie Geoffrion, as Chicago lost 4-1 to the Rangers at New York.
1968: Toronto Maple Leafs purchased defenseman Pat Quinn from the St. Louis Blues.
1970: Pittsburgh goaltender Les Binkley recorded his 9th career shutout, and Ken Schinkel had two assists as the Penguins beat the visiting Minnesota North Stars 2-0, to end a 10 game winless streak (0-7-3).
1972: Gerry Cheevers extended his NHL-record unbeaten streak to 32 straight games (24-0-8) when the Bruins tied the Black Hawks 5-5 at Boston Garden. John Bucyk led the scoring with a goal and two assists. The record ended with a loss in his next game. Also in that game, Bobby Hull became just the second player in NHL history to score 600 career goals.
1978: Chuck Arnason scored his first career hat trick in the Cleveland Barons' 4-4 tie against the Islanders, in New York
1979: Goaltender Tony Esposito recorded his 67th career shutout as the Black Hawks won 3-0 over the Colorado Rockies at Chicago Stadium.
1980: Minnesota's Bobby Smith scored his first NHL hat trick as the North Stars extended their team-record winning streak to 6 straight games, with a 7-2 win against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.....Charlie Simmer became the second player in NHL history to score a goal against 20 teams in one season, when he connected for the Kings in a 5-2 win over the Rockies, in Colorado.
1982: Wayne Gretzky scored two goals and two assists to become the first player in NHL history to score 200 points in a season. The four points gave Gretzky 203 points for the 1981-82 season, and came in a 7-2 Oilers' win at Calgary. He also set an NHL record for fastest two shorthanded goals, scoring twice in :27 in the second period.....Boston's Barry Pederson became the fifth rookie in NHL history to score 40 goals. Bruins won 5-1 over the visiting Sabres, extending their home winning streak against Buffalo to seven games.
1987: New Jersey's Aaron Broten had a goal and four assists, and Pat Verbeek scored his second career hat trick as the Devils won 8-2 over the Rangers, at New York.....New Jersey won 8-2 over the Rangers to earn a franchise record 60 points in one season. Kirk Muller picked up five assists in the game to tie the Devils' single-game assist mark set by Greg Adams on October 10, 1985.
1988: Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux scored two goals & three assists in a 5-2 win over Montreal, and brought his point total to 155, the highest single-season total by any player in NHL history except Wayne Gretzky. Phil Esposito had 152 in 1970-71.
1991: St. Louis' Adam Oates picked up four assists as the Blues beat the North Stars 5-4 at Minnesota.
1993: Buffalo's Grant Fuhr became just the second goaltender in NHL history to win 10 or more games with two teams in one season, when the Sabres won 6-4 at Chicago. Fuhr had previously won 13 games with Toronto before being traded to Buffalo.
1994: Brett Hull scored his 21st career hat trick, including his 50th goal of the season as the Blues won 5-3 over Dallas in St. Louis. Hull reached the 50-goal mark for the fifth consecutive season.
1997: Hartford Whalers announced that they would move from Connecticut, following the 1996-97 season.
1999: Dallas Stars beat the Kings 2-1 in Los Angeles in their 27th consecutive road game where they allowed three goals or less (three games short of the record of 30 games set by the 1952-53 Detroit Red Wings).
2001: Jaromir Jagr became the first player in team history to appear in 800 games as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins; he reached the milestone in a 4-2 victory at New Jersey. Robert Lang led the scoring with a goal and three assists.
2003: Detroit goaltender Curtis Joseph recorded his 40th career shutout in the Red Wings 4-0 win against the visiting Minnesota Wild.
1924: Montreal beat Calgary 3-0 in Game Two of the Finals (played in Ottawa), to become the 1924 Stanley Cup Champions. Georges Vezina got the shutout as the Canadiens won their first Cup since the formation of the NHL in 1917-18.
1937: Lionel Conacher of the Montreal Maroons took the NHL's first penalty shot in the playoffs. He was stopped by the Bruins' Tiny Thompson who went on to shut out the Maroons 4-0, in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals in Boston.
1941: Toronto's Nick Metz became the first NHL player to get three assists in one period of a playoff game; they came in the second period of a 7-2 Leafs win over Boston, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals, in Toronto. Metz also scored a goal.
1951: Detroit's Alex Delvecchio played in his first NHL game, rookie goalie Terry Sawchuk earned his 11th shutout of the season and the Wings became the first NHL team to get 100 points in a season, with a 5-0 win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
1952: Detroit's Terry Sawchuk recorded his first of four shutouts in the 1952 playoffs (and the second of his playoff career) in the Red Wings' 3-0 win over Toronto, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals at the Olympia.....Maurice Richard scored twice and added an assist to lead the Canadiens to a 5-1 playoff win over the Bruins in Montreal, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. It was Richard's 8th straight game with a goal, tying his own NHL playoff record.
1957: Hap Day resigned as General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was replaced by a "Committee of Seven" (including Stafford Smythe, John Bassett and George Gardiner) for the 1957-58 season.
1962: Bobby Hull became the third player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season, tying the NHL record shared by Maurice Richard and Bernie Geoffrion, as Chicago lost 4-1 to the Rangers at New York.
1968: Toronto Maple Leafs purchased defenseman Pat Quinn from the St. Louis Blues.
1970: Pittsburgh goaltender Les Binkley recorded his 9th career shutout, and Ken Schinkel had two assists as the Penguins beat the visiting Minnesota North Stars 2-0, to end a 10 game winless streak (0-7-3).
1972: Gerry Cheevers extended his NHL-record unbeaten streak to 32 straight games (24-0-8) when the Bruins tied the Black Hawks 5-5 at Boston Garden. John Bucyk led the scoring with a goal and two assists. The record ended with a loss in his next game. Also in that game, Bobby Hull became just the second player in NHL history to score 600 career goals.
1978: Chuck Arnason scored his first career hat trick in the Cleveland Barons' 4-4 tie against the Islanders, in New York
1979: Goaltender Tony Esposito recorded his 67th career shutout as the Black Hawks won 3-0 over the Colorado Rockies at Chicago Stadium.
1980: Minnesota's Bobby Smith scored his first NHL hat trick as the North Stars extended their team-record winning streak to 6 straight games, with a 7-2 win against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.....Charlie Simmer became the second player in NHL history to score a goal against 20 teams in one season, when he connected for the Kings in a 5-2 win over the Rockies, in Colorado.
1982: Wayne Gretzky scored two goals and two assists to become the first player in NHL history to score 200 points in a season. The four points gave Gretzky 203 points for the 1981-82 season, and came in a 7-2 Oilers' win at Calgary. He also set an NHL record for fastest two shorthanded goals, scoring twice in :27 in the second period.....Boston's Barry Pederson became the fifth rookie in NHL history to score 40 goals. Bruins won 5-1 over the visiting Sabres, extending their home winning streak against Buffalo to seven games.
1987: New Jersey's Aaron Broten had a goal and four assists, and Pat Verbeek scored his second career hat trick as the Devils won 8-2 over the Rangers, at New York.....New Jersey won 8-2 over the Rangers to earn a franchise record 60 points in one season. Kirk Muller picked up five assists in the game to tie the Devils' single-game assist mark set by Greg Adams on October 10, 1985.
1988: Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux scored two goals & three assists in a 5-2 win over Montreal, and brought his point total to 155, the highest single-season total by any player in NHL history except Wayne Gretzky. Phil Esposito had 152 in 1970-71.
1991: St. Louis' Adam Oates picked up four assists as the Blues beat the North Stars 5-4 at Minnesota.
1993: Buffalo's Grant Fuhr became just the second goaltender in NHL history to win 10 or more games with two teams in one season, when the Sabres won 6-4 at Chicago. Fuhr had previously won 13 games with Toronto before being traded to Buffalo.
1994: Brett Hull scored his 21st career hat trick, including his 50th goal of the season as the Blues won 5-3 over Dallas in St. Louis. Hull reached the 50-goal mark for the fifth consecutive season.
1997: Hartford Whalers announced that they would move from Connecticut, following the 1996-97 season.
1999: Dallas Stars beat the Kings 2-1 in Los Angeles in their 27th consecutive road game where they allowed three goals or less (three games short of the record of 30 games set by the 1952-53 Detroit Red Wings).
2001: Jaromir Jagr became the first player in team history to appear in 800 games as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins; he reached the milestone in a 4-2 victory at New Jersey. Robert Lang led the scoring with a goal and three assists.
2003: Detroit goaltender Curtis Joseph recorded his 40th career shutout in the Red Wings 4-0 win against the visiting Minnesota Wild.
Monday, March 24, 2008
March 24th, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
2-x-SJ*--99 (ANA, 2-DAL, 2-PHX, 2-LA)
3-MIN*--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, 2-EDM)
4-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-CGY--88 (MIN, COL, 3-VAN, 2-EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 3-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--84 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, CGY, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--82 (DET, 2-CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
10-EDM--81 (2-MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--78 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (2-DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-MON*--94 (2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-PIT*--93 (NJ, 2-NYR, 2-PHI, 2-NYI)
3-CAR*--87 (2-WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (PIT, 2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--89 (2-MON, 2-BOS, 2-BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--88 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, PHI, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYR, NYI)
8-BOS--84 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--82 (2-CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, 2-OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL, TB)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--73 (NJ, 2-PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--66 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, FLA, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
(2) San Jose vs (7) Vancouver
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Cangary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Montreal vs (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh vs (7) Philadelphia
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey vs (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--89--76 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--88--75 (6-3-1)
3-VAN--86--75 (6-4-0)
4-COL--84--76 (5-5-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--99--75 (9-0-1)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--93--75 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--75 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--88--75 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--94--76 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--89--75 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--87--76 (8-2-0)
2-WAS--82--76 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--76 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--106
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--91
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--90
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--60*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--48
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--64
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--59
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--57
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +39
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Todays NHL Schedule (Central Time)
(2) Penguins @ (13) NY Islanders 6pm
(5) Senators @ (1) Canadiens 630pm
(6) Flames @ (8) Avalanche 830pm
(3) Wild @ (10) Oilers 830pm
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--106 (NSH, CBJ, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
2-x-SJ*--99 (ANA, 2-DAL, 2-PHX, 2-LA)
3-MIN*--89 (VAN, CGY, 2-COL, 2-EDM)
4-ANA--94 (SJ, DAL, PHX, 2-LA)
5-DAL--89 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-PHX, LA)
6-CGY--88 (MIN, COL, 3-VAN, 2-EDM)
7-VAN--86 (MIN, 3-CGY, 2-COL, EDM)
8-COL--84 (2-MIN, 2-VAN, CGY, EDM)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--82 (DET, 2-CBJ, CHI, 2-STL)
10-EDM--81 (2-MIN, VAN, 2-CGY, COL)
11-CHI--80 (2-DET, NSH, 2-CBJ, STL)
12-PHX--78 (2-SJ, ANA, 2-DAL, LA)
13-CBJ--77 (DET, 2-NSH, 2-CHI, 2-STL)
14-STL--72 (2-DET, 2-NSH, 2-CBJ, CHI)
15-LA--66 (2-SJ, 2-ANA, DAL, PHX)
EAST
1-MON*--94 (2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
2-PIT*--93 (NJ, 2-NYR, 2-PHI, 2-NYI)
3-CAR*--87 (2-WAS, FLA, 1-ATL, 2-TB)
4-NJ--91 (PIT, 2-NYR, BOS, 2-PHI, NYI)
5-OTT--89 (2-MON, 2-BOS, 2-BUF, TOR)
6-NYR--88 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, PHI, 2-NYI)
7-PHI--86 (2-NJ, 2-PIT, NYR, NYI)
8-BOS--84 (NJ, 2-OTT, 2-BUF, 2-TOR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--82 (2-CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
10-BUF--81 (2-MON, 2-OTT, 2-BOS, TOR)
11-FLA--81 (CAR, 2-WAS, 2-ATL, TB)
12-TOR--80 (2-MON, OTT, 2-BOS, BUF)
13-NYI--73 (NJ, 2-PIT, 2-NYR, PHI)
14-ATL--70 (CAR, 2-FLA, 2-TB)
15-TB--66 (2-CAR, 2-WAS, FLA, 2-ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Colorado
(2) San Jose vs (7) Vancouver
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Cangary
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Montreal vs (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh vs (7) Philadelphia
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey vs (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--89--76 (3-3-4)
2-CGY--88--75 (6-3-1)
3-VAN--86--75 (6-4-0)
4-COL--84--76 (5-5-0)
PACIFIC
1-SJ--99--75 (9-0-1)
2-ANA--94--77 (6-3-1)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--93--75 (7-3-0)
2-NJ--91--75 (5-4-1)
3-NYR--88--75 (6-2-2)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--94--76 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--89--75 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--87--76 (8-2-0)
2-WAS--82--76 (7-3-0)
3-FLA--81--76 (8-1-1)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--106
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--102
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--91
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--90
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--60*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--48
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--44
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--64
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--59
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--57
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +39
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
5-Thomas Vanek--Buf--16
Short-Handed Goals
1-Daniel Alfredsson--Ott-7
2-Patrick Sharp--Chi--7
3-Rene Bourque--Chi--5
4-Mike Richards--Phi--5
Shootout Goals
1-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
2-Patrick Kane--Chi--6 (6-8, 75%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Todays NHL Schedule (Central Time)
(2) Penguins @ (13) NY Islanders 6pm
(5) Senators @ (1) Canadiens 630pm
(6) Flames @ (8) Avalanche 830pm
(3) Wild @ (10) Oilers 830pm
March 24th
CROSBY MAY RETURN TONIGHT
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby plans to accompany the Penguins on a brief road trip that starts Monday and could play for the first time since March 9.
The Pens meet the New York Islanders on Monday night and the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday before returning home to face the Islanders again Thursday.
Crosby took part in the Penguins' pre-game skate Saturday but did not play during a 7-1 victory over New Jersey that moved Pittsburgh into the Atlantic Division lead.
He was the NHL's leading scorer when he badly sprained his right ankle while sliding hard into the boards Jan. 18 against Tampa Bay.
He missed 21 games before coming back against the Lightning on March 4, playing three games until pain returned in his ankle. He sat out Pittsburgh's last five games.
ROY'S SON INVOLVED IN QMJHL BRAWL
In Junior Canadian hockey there's no love lost between the Quebec Remparts and Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL, and Saturday's game was no different.
With the Remparts behind 7-1 at the end of the second period of a playoff game, a brawl broke out that saw Quebec head coach Patrick Roy's son, Jonathan Roy, one of three netminders for the Remparts, skate down the ice to fight Saguenéens goalie Bobby Nadeau.
Roy escaped the two officials that were trying to hold him back and caught up to Nadeau, who refused to retaliate while Roy punched him several times.
He then instigated a second fight with Chicoutimi defenceman Sébastien Rioux, a display of aggression that recalled his father's infamous fights with Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood.
The teams logged a total of 118 penalty minutes as Chicoutimi, playing at home, trounced Quebec 10-1 to even up the messy playoff series at 1-1.
NHLPA SETTLES WITH SASKIN
According to the Globe and Mail, the National Hockey League Players' Association has reached a financial settlement with former executive director Ted Saskin.
The eport indicates Saskin, who was fired last year for allegedly reading private e-mails of NHL players, was paid $400,000 in the settlement.
Saskin had about $6.5 million remaining on his contract when he was fired with cause.
While Saskin's successor Paul Kelly confirmed a settlement had been ''consummated,'' he would not comment on the amount.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby plans to accompany the Penguins on a brief road trip that starts Monday and could play for the first time since March 9.
The Pens meet the New York Islanders on Monday night and the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday before returning home to face the Islanders again Thursday.
Crosby took part in the Penguins' pre-game skate Saturday but did not play during a 7-1 victory over New Jersey that moved Pittsburgh into the Atlantic Division lead.
He was the NHL's leading scorer when he badly sprained his right ankle while sliding hard into the boards Jan. 18 against Tampa Bay.
He missed 21 games before coming back against the Lightning on March 4, playing three games until pain returned in his ankle. He sat out Pittsburgh's last five games.
ROY'S SON INVOLVED IN QMJHL BRAWL
In Junior Canadian hockey there's no love lost between the Quebec Remparts and Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL, and Saturday's game was no different.
With the Remparts behind 7-1 at the end of the second period of a playoff game, a brawl broke out that saw Quebec head coach Patrick Roy's son, Jonathan Roy, one of three netminders for the Remparts, skate down the ice to fight Saguenéens goalie Bobby Nadeau.
Roy escaped the two officials that were trying to hold him back and caught up to Nadeau, who refused to retaliate while Roy punched him several times.
He then instigated a second fight with Chicoutimi defenceman Sébastien Rioux, a display of aggression that recalled his father's infamous fights with Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood.
The teams logged a total of 118 penalty minutes as Chicoutimi, playing at home, trounced Quebec 10-1 to even up the messy playoff series at 1-1.
NHLPA SETTLES WITH SASKIN
According to the Globe and Mail, the National Hockey League Players' Association has reached a financial settlement with former executive director Ted Saskin.
The eport indicates Saskin, who was fired last year for allegedly reading private e-mails of NHL players, was paid $400,000 in the settlement.
Saskin had about $6.5 million remaining on his contract when he was fired with cause.
While Saskin's successor Paul Kelly confirmed a settlement had been ''consummated,'' he would not comment on the amount.
Today in NHL History, March 24th
1920: Ottawa's Clint Benedict recorded the first of his 15 career playoff shutouts, with a 3-0 win over the Seattle Metropolitans, in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Championship, in Ottawa. The 15 shutouts was a record that held until 2001 (Patrick Roy).
1928: Montreal became the 1st NHL team to end a season with consecutive shutouts, as George Hainsworth had his 13th of the year in a 4-0 win over the visiting Senators. The next team to end a season with consecutive shutouts would be Toronto in 2003-04.
1936: Mud Bruneteau scored as Detroit beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0 at 116:30 of overtime -- 5 hours and 51 minutes after the opening faceoff, in the longest game in NHL history. Goalie Norm Smith made 89 saves for the Red Wings.....Tiny Thompson made 35 saves for his 5th career playoff shutout, and Boston took only 12 shots on goal in a 3-O win over Toronto in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series, at Boston Garden. Eddie Shore had a goal and an assist in the game.
1955: Montreal Captain Emile Bouchard established a new record by playing in his 102nd career Stanley Cup game, breaking the mark of 101 set by former Toronto goalie Turk Broda. Montreal won 3-1 over Boston, in Game 2 of the Semi-Finals at the Forum.....Former NHL defenseman Pat Price born in Nelson, B.C. Price played in the NHL 1975-76 through 1987-88 with the New York Islanders, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Quebec, the New York Rangers and Minnesota.
1957: Gordie Howe had two assists in the final game of the 1956-57 season, a 4-1 Red Wings' win over Toronto in Detroit, to finish with 44 goals, 45 assists, 89 total points, and his 5th scoring title and Art Ross Trophy.
1971: "Jean Beliveau Night" was celebrated at the Forum in Montreal. As a result, a fund was organized for underpriviledged children. Canadiens won 5-3 over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers, with Beliveau picking up an assist.
1974: Rookie goaltender Mike Veisor recorded the first shutout of his NHL career to lead the Black Hawks to a 6-0 win over the Minnesota North Stars, at Chicago Stadium.....Ken Hodge scored his 100th point of the season, with an assist in the Bruins 6-3 win over the Canadiens in Boston. Hodge became just the third player in NHL history (after Esposito and Orr) to record more than one 100 point season.
1976: New York Rangers signed free agent goalie Gilles Gratton. Gratton played 41 games with the Rangers, and had a GAA of 4.22 .
1977: Bruins rookie Mike Milbury broke a 50-year-old team record when he picked up a major and a misconduct in the Bruins' 6-2 home loss to the Flyers. The penalties raised his season total to 166 minutes, one more than Eddie Shore had in 1926-27.
1981: Goaltender Mario Lessard set an L.A. Kings record for most wins in a season, when he picked up his 34th victory of the year in a 4-3 win over the North Stars at Minnesota. Lessard made 65 saves in the game (Kings were outshot 68-19).
1984: Marcel Dionne became the 53rd player in the NHL's 67-year history to play in 1,000 games, as the Kings beat Detroit 9-7 in Los Angeles.....Boston's Ray Bourque became just the 6th defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals in a season, as the Bruins won 5-2, at Montreal.
1990: Minnesota's Neal Broten scored his 6th career hat trick and added an assist to lead the North Stars to a 7-6 win over the Bruins, at Boston.....Pat LaFontaine became the third player in Islanders' history to score 50 goals in a season, when he got two goals in a 5-5 tie at Edmonton. LaFontaine joined Mike Bossy & Bryan Trottier as Islanders' 50-goal scorers.
1991: Steve Larmer picked up an assist to become the third player in Blackhawks history to get 100 points in a season, as Chicago extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 12 straight games (10-0-2) with a 5-4 win over the North Stars.
1991: Steve Larmer picked up an assist to become the third player in Blackhawks history to get 100 points in a season, as Chicago extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 12 straight games (10-0-2) with a 5-4 win over the North Stars.
1992: Goaltender Kirk McLean earned his club record 38th win, and rookie Pavel Bure had two goals and an assist to lead the Canucks to a 4-2 win against the North Stars, at Minnesota.....Quebec's Joe Sakic extended his team-record consecutive game assist streak to 12 straight games in the Nordiques' 5-2 win over the visiting New York Islanders. Sakic scored 15 assists during the 12 game streak.....Pittsburgh's Kevin Stevens scored his 50th goal of the season to become the first player in NHL history to get 50+ goals and 200 penalty minutes in the same season -- it came in a 4-3 Penguins' loss at Detroit.
1993: Eric Lindros scored the third hat trick of his rookie season to lead the Flyers to a 5-4 win over the Rangers at New York. Lindros' 35th goal set a franchise rookie record, breaking Brian Propp's mark of 34 set in 1979-80.
1998: Neal Broten, Max McNab, John Mayasich and Peter Karmanos were awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy, at a ceremony in St. Paul Minnesota.....A record was set when 38 players were involved in 19 trades that took place at the annual NHL trade deadline. 21 of the league's 26 teams made one or more moves at the dealine.
2001: Columbus' Espen Kutsen set a team record with five points - all assists - in the Blue Jackets 6-4 win against the visiting Calgary Flames.
2003: Toronto's Mats Sundin played in his 1,000th NHL game, a 3-2 loss to the Bruins at Boston.
1928: Montreal became the 1st NHL team to end a season with consecutive shutouts, as George Hainsworth had his 13th of the year in a 4-0 win over the visiting Senators. The next team to end a season with consecutive shutouts would be Toronto in 2003-04.
1936: Mud Bruneteau scored as Detroit beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0 at 116:30 of overtime -- 5 hours and 51 minutes after the opening faceoff, in the longest game in NHL history. Goalie Norm Smith made 89 saves for the Red Wings.....Tiny Thompson made 35 saves for his 5th career playoff shutout, and Boston took only 12 shots on goal in a 3-O win over Toronto in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series, at Boston Garden. Eddie Shore had a goal and an assist in the game.
1955: Montreal Captain Emile Bouchard established a new record by playing in his 102nd career Stanley Cup game, breaking the mark of 101 set by former Toronto goalie Turk Broda. Montreal won 3-1 over Boston, in Game 2 of the Semi-Finals at the Forum.....Former NHL defenseman Pat Price born in Nelson, B.C. Price played in the NHL 1975-76 through 1987-88 with the New York Islanders, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Quebec, the New York Rangers and Minnesota.
1957: Gordie Howe had two assists in the final game of the 1956-57 season, a 4-1 Red Wings' win over Toronto in Detroit, to finish with 44 goals, 45 assists, 89 total points, and his 5th scoring title and Art Ross Trophy.
1971: "Jean Beliveau Night" was celebrated at the Forum in Montreal. As a result, a fund was organized for underpriviledged children. Canadiens won 5-3 over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers, with Beliveau picking up an assist.
1974: Rookie goaltender Mike Veisor recorded the first shutout of his NHL career to lead the Black Hawks to a 6-0 win over the Minnesota North Stars, at Chicago Stadium.....Ken Hodge scored his 100th point of the season, with an assist in the Bruins 6-3 win over the Canadiens in Boston. Hodge became just the third player in NHL history (after Esposito and Orr) to record more than one 100 point season.
1976: New York Rangers signed free agent goalie Gilles Gratton. Gratton played 41 games with the Rangers, and had a GAA of 4.22 .
1977: Bruins rookie Mike Milbury broke a 50-year-old team record when he picked up a major and a misconduct in the Bruins' 6-2 home loss to the Flyers. The penalties raised his season total to 166 minutes, one more than Eddie Shore had in 1926-27.
1981: Goaltender Mario Lessard set an L.A. Kings record for most wins in a season, when he picked up his 34th victory of the year in a 4-3 win over the North Stars at Minnesota. Lessard made 65 saves in the game (Kings were outshot 68-19).
1984: Marcel Dionne became the 53rd player in the NHL's 67-year history to play in 1,000 games, as the Kings beat Detroit 9-7 in Los Angeles.....Boston's Ray Bourque became just the 6th defenseman in NHL history to score 30 goals in a season, as the Bruins won 5-2, at Montreal.
1990: Minnesota's Neal Broten scored his 6th career hat trick and added an assist to lead the North Stars to a 7-6 win over the Bruins, at Boston.....Pat LaFontaine became the third player in Islanders' history to score 50 goals in a season, when he got two goals in a 5-5 tie at Edmonton. LaFontaine joined Mike Bossy & Bryan Trottier as Islanders' 50-goal scorers.
1991: Steve Larmer picked up an assist to become the third player in Blackhawks history to get 100 points in a season, as Chicago extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 12 straight games (10-0-2) with a 5-4 win over the North Stars.
1991: Steve Larmer picked up an assist to become the third player in Blackhawks history to get 100 points in a season, as Chicago extended their home undefeated streak against Minnesota to 12 straight games (10-0-2) with a 5-4 win over the North Stars.
1992: Goaltender Kirk McLean earned his club record 38th win, and rookie Pavel Bure had two goals and an assist to lead the Canucks to a 4-2 win against the North Stars, at Minnesota.....Quebec's Joe Sakic extended his team-record consecutive game assist streak to 12 straight games in the Nordiques' 5-2 win over the visiting New York Islanders. Sakic scored 15 assists during the 12 game streak.....Pittsburgh's Kevin Stevens scored his 50th goal of the season to become the first player in NHL history to get 50+ goals and 200 penalty minutes in the same season -- it came in a 4-3 Penguins' loss at Detroit.
1993: Eric Lindros scored the third hat trick of his rookie season to lead the Flyers to a 5-4 win over the Rangers at New York. Lindros' 35th goal set a franchise rookie record, breaking Brian Propp's mark of 34 set in 1979-80.
1998: Neal Broten, Max McNab, John Mayasich and Peter Karmanos were awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy, at a ceremony in St. Paul Minnesota.....A record was set when 38 players were involved in 19 trades that took place at the annual NHL trade deadline. 21 of the league's 26 teams made one or more moves at the dealine.
2001: Columbus' Espen Kutsen set a team record with five points - all assists - in the Blue Jackets 6-4 win against the visiting Calgary Flames.
2003: Toronto's Mats Sundin played in his 1,000th NHL game, a 3-2 loss to the Bruins at Boston.
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