WHO CAN CLINCH TONIGHT?
--Anaheim (idle) can clinch the #4 seed in the West... If Dallas gets no points against Phoenix.
--Carolina can clinch the Southeast Division... If they beat Florida.
--Carolina can clinch a playoff birth... If they get one point against Florida and Philadelphia gets no points against New Jersey.
--New Jersey can clinch the #4 seed in the East... If they beat Philly OR If they get one point against Philly and the Rangers get one or no points against the Islanders OR If the Rangers get no points against the Islanders.
--Ottawa can clinch a playoff birth... If they get at least one point against Boston OR If Carolina gets one or no points against Florida OR If Philly gets one or no points against New Jersey.
--Boston can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat Ottawa and either Carolina gets one or no points against Florida or Philly gets one or no points against New Jersey OR If they get one point against Ottawa and Carolina gets no points against Florida.
--Philadelphia can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat New Jersey and Carolina gets no points against Florida.
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAME/S REMAINING)
WEST
1-p-DET--113 (4/6 CHI)
2-z-SJ--108 (4/6 @DAL)
3-z-MIN--97 (4/6 @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (4/5 @LA, 4/6 PHX)
5-x-DAL--95 (4/4 PHX, 4/6 SJ)
6-x-COL--93 (4/6 MIN)
7-x-CGY--92 (4/5 @VAN)
8-x-NSH--91 (4/4 @CHI)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-VAN--88 (4/5 CGY)
10-EDM--88
11-CHI--86 (4/4 NSH, 4/6 @DET)
12-PHX--80 (4/4 @DAL, 4/6 @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (4/5 @STL, 4/6 STL)
14-STL--75 (4/5 CBJ, 4/6 @CBJ)
15-LA--71 (4/5 ANA)
EAST
1-z-PIT--102 (4/6 @ PHI)
2-z-MTL--102 (4/5 @TOR)
3-CAR*--92 (4/4 FLA)
4-x-NJ--97 (4/4 @PHI, 4/6 NYR)
5-x-NYR--95 (4/4 NYI, 4/6 @NJ)
6-OTT--94 (4/4 BOS)
7-BOS--92 (4/4 @OTT, 4/5 BUF)
8-WAS--92 (4/5 FLA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-PHI--91 (4/4 NJ, 4/6 PIT)
10-BUF--88 (4/5 @BOS)
11-FLA--83 (4/4 @CAR, 4/5 @WAS)
12-TOR--83 (4/5 @MTL)
13-NYI--77 (4/4 @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (4/5 TB)
15-TB--71 (4/5 @ATL)
(p- Clinched Presidents Trophy, z-Clinched Division
Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Washington
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--92--81 (6-3-1)
2-WAS--92--81 (9-1-0)
Minnesota Clinched Northwest Division Title
Detroit Clinched Central Division Title
San Jose Clinched Pacific Division Title
Montreal Clinched Northeast Division Title
Pittsburgh Clinched Atlantic Division Title
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--112
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--106
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--97
4-Joe Thornton--SJ--96
5-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--95
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--65*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--47
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--43
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--67
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--66
3-Marc Savard--Bos--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--61
5-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--60
Plus/Minus
1-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
2-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +33
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +30
5-Duncan Keith--Chi +29
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--22
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--18
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--17
4-Thomas Vanek--Buf--17
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--17
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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Today in NHL History, April 4th
1944: Maurice Richard made his Stanley Cup Finals debut, getting an assist on the game winning goal, in a 5-1 Montreal Canadiens' victory over Chicago in Game One of the Finals.
1948: Rookie Red Kelly scored a goal and added two assists in the first period (including an assist on Gordie Howe's first NHL playoff goal) as Detroit beat the Rangers 4-2, in the 6th and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series, at N.Y.
1953: Former NHL center Blake Dunlop born in Hamilton, Ont. Dunlop played in the NHL 1973-74 through 1983-84 with Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Detroit.....Montreal's Jacques Plante became the fourth rookie goalie in NHL history to get a shutout in his first career playoff game, when he led the Canadiens to a 3-0 win at Chicago, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals.
1961: Montreal lost 3-0 at Chicago in Game Six of the Semi-Finals, and got knocked out of the playoffs, missing the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1949. The Black Hawks advanced to the Finals where they beat Detroit.
1968: Los Angeles Kings played their first Stanley Cup playoff game -- and beat the Minnesota North Stars, 2-1 at the Forum.....St. Louis Blues played their first NHL Stanley Cup playoff game, and beat Philadelphia 1-0. Jim Roberts scored the only goal (late in the third period), and Glenn Hall recorded his 6th (and final) career playoff shutout.
1971: Boston's Bobby Orr had two assists to finish the 1970-71 season with an NHL-record 102 assists along with two records for NHL defensemen: 37 goals and 139 points. Phil Esposito scored his seventh hat trick of the season (a record at the time) -- goals #74, 75, and 76 -- and added an assist. At the time 76 goals was the most in NHL history. Bruins won 7-2 over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.....Gordie Howe appeared in his 1,687th (and final) regular season game with the Red Wings, as the Rangers beat Detroit 6-0 at New York.
1973: Goaltender Cesare Maniago recorded his second career playoff shutout to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 3-0 win at Philadelphia, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals.....Chicago's Dick Redmond became just the second defenseman in modern NHL history to score a playoff hat trick. His three goals led the Black Hawks to a 7-1 playoff win over St. Louis, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals.
1974: Bernie Parent recorded his 12th shutout of the season in a 4-0 Flyers' win over the visiting N.Y. Islanders. It was also his 72nd start of the season, a new NHL record, and he extended his NHL-record for wins in a season to 46.
1976: The Seals beat the Kings 5-2, at the Oakland Coliseum in the final NHL game played in the San Francisco Bay area until the Sharks returned in October 1991.
1980: Mike Rogers picked up an assist, to become the first 100 point scorer in Hartford Whalers' history, in a 9-2 win over the Quebec Nordiques, at the Civic Arena in Hartford.
1982: Boston rookie Barry Pederson scored three straight goals (his first career hat trick) in the first period and added 4 assists, for seven points in a 7-2 Bruins win over Hartford. The seven points set a Bruins' record for most points by a rookie.
1986: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky had three assists to give him 214 points and broke his single-season record (212 points set in 1981-82) in a 9-3 Oilers' loss at Calgary.
1987: New York Islanders' Denis Potvin scored twice to become the first defenseman (and 21st player) in NHL history to score 1,000 career points. It came on a goal as the Islanders tied Buffalo, 6-6.
1990: Los Angeles' Larry Robinson entered his 18th consecutive year in the Stanley Cup playoffs, to set an NHL post-season record, when the Kings won 5-3 at Calgary, in Game 1 of the Smythe Division Semi-Finals.
1991: Brian Propp scored a power play goal at 4:14 of overtime, to give the Minnesota North Stars a 4-3 win at Chicago, in Game One of their Norris Division Semi-Final series.
1993: Ron Francis scored two goals and two assists to lead the Penguins to a 5-2 win against the Devils, at New Jersey. Penguins, with their 14th win in a row, tied the 1929-30 Boston Bruins for the second longest winning streak in NHL history.....San Jose set an NHL record with their 68th loss of the season, when the second-year Sharks lost to Calgary 4-3 at the Cow Palace in Daly City. The Sharks broke the record of 67 set by the Capitals in 1974-75.
2001: Dallas Stars won 5-1 against the visiting Nashville Predators to set an NHL record by outscoring opponents in 22 consecutive third periods, breaking the mark shared by the Quebec Nordiques (1980-81) and Winnipeg Jets (1989-90).
2003: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Marc Denis set an NHL record for most minutes played in one season (with 4,451) in a 5-5 tie against the visiting Detroit Red Wings. He broke the mark of 4,443 set by Martin Brodeur in 1995-96.
2004: Minnesota's Dwayne Roloson recorded his 16th career shutout as the Wild beat the visiting St. Louis Blues, 3-0.
1948: Rookie Red Kelly scored a goal and added two assists in the first period (including an assist on Gordie Howe's first NHL playoff goal) as Detroit beat the Rangers 4-2, in the 6th and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series, at N.Y.
1953: Former NHL center Blake Dunlop born in Hamilton, Ont. Dunlop played in the NHL 1973-74 through 1983-84 with Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Detroit.....Montreal's Jacques Plante became the fourth rookie goalie in NHL history to get a shutout in his first career playoff game, when he led the Canadiens to a 3-0 win at Chicago, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals.
1961: Montreal lost 3-0 at Chicago in Game Six of the Semi-Finals, and got knocked out of the playoffs, missing the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1949. The Black Hawks advanced to the Finals where they beat Detroit.
1968: Los Angeles Kings played their first Stanley Cup playoff game -- and beat the Minnesota North Stars, 2-1 at the Forum.....St. Louis Blues played their first NHL Stanley Cup playoff game, and beat Philadelphia 1-0. Jim Roberts scored the only goal (late in the third period), and Glenn Hall recorded his 6th (and final) career playoff shutout.
1971: Boston's Bobby Orr had two assists to finish the 1970-71 season with an NHL-record 102 assists along with two records for NHL defensemen: 37 goals and 139 points. Phil Esposito scored his seventh hat trick of the season (a record at the time) -- goals #74, 75, and 76 -- and added an assist. At the time 76 goals was the most in NHL history. Bruins won 7-2 over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.....Gordie Howe appeared in his 1,687th (and final) regular season game with the Red Wings, as the Rangers beat Detroit 6-0 at New York.
1973: Goaltender Cesare Maniago recorded his second career playoff shutout to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 3-0 win at Philadelphia, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals.....Chicago's Dick Redmond became just the second defenseman in modern NHL history to score a playoff hat trick. His three goals led the Black Hawks to a 7-1 playoff win over St. Louis, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals.
1974: Bernie Parent recorded his 12th shutout of the season in a 4-0 Flyers' win over the visiting N.Y. Islanders. It was also his 72nd start of the season, a new NHL record, and he extended his NHL-record for wins in a season to 46.
1976: The Seals beat the Kings 5-2, at the Oakland Coliseum in the final NHL game played in the San Francisco Bay area until the Sharks returned in October 1991.
1980: Mike Rogers picked up an assist, to become the first 100 point scorer in Hartford Whalers' history, in a 9-2 win over the Quebec Nordiques, at the Civic Arena in Hartford.
1982: Boston rookie Barry Pederson scored three straight goals (his first career hat trick) in the first period and added 4 assists, for seven points in a 7-2 Bruins win over Hartford. The seven points set a Bruins' record for most points by a rookie.
1986: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky had three assists to give him 214 points and broke his single-season record (212 points set in 1981-82) in a 9-3 Oilers' loss at Calgary.
1987: New York Islanders' Denis Potvin scored twice to become the first defenseman (and 21st player) in NHL history to score 1,000 career points. It came on a goal as the Islanders tied Buffalo, 6-6.
1990: Los Angeles' Larry Robinson entered his 18th consecutive year in the Stanley Cup playoffs, to set an NHL post-season record, when the Kings won 5-3 at Calgary, in Game 1 of the Smythe Division Semi-Finals.
1991: Brian Propp scored a power play goal at 4:14 of overtime, to give the Minnesota North Stars a 4-3 win at Chicago, in Game One of their Norris Division Semi-Final series.
1993: Ron Francis scored two goals and two assists to lead the Penguins to a 5-2 win against the Devils, at New Jersey. Penguins, with their 14th win in a row, tied the 1929-30 Boston Bruins for the second longest winning streak in NHL history.....San Jose set an NHL record with their 68th loss of the season, when the second-year Sharks lost to Calgary 4-3 at the Cow Palace in Daly City. The Sharks broke the record of 67 set by the Capitals in 1974-75.
2001: Dallas Stars won 5-1 against the visiting Nashville Predators to set an NHL record by outscoring opponents in 22 consecutive third periods, breaking the mark shared by the Quebec Nordiques (1980-81) and Winnipeg Jets (1989-90).
2003: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Marc Denis set an NHL record for most minutes played in one season (with 4,451) in a 5-5 tie against the visiting Detroit Red Wings. He broke the mark of 4,443 set by Martin Brodeur in 1995-96.
2004: Minnesota's Dwayne Roloson recorded his 16th career shutout as the Wild beat the visiting St. Louis Blues, 3-0.
Today in MLB History, April 4th
1911: The idea of selecting a Most Valuable Player is introduced. Hugh Chalmers, the automaker, offers a new car to the player in each league chosen M.V.P. by a committee of baseball writers.
1948: Philadelphia A's manager Connie Mack, who is 84-years-old, challenges Clark Griffith, the 78-year-old owner of the Senators, to a foot race from home plate to first base. The contest ends in a photo finish tie.
1974: In front a crowd of 52,000 at Riverfront Stadium on Opening Day in Cincinnati, Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth's all-time home run record of 714 by hitting a first-inning two-run homer off Jack Billingham. The Atlanta front office had considered keeping 'Hammerin' Hank' on the bench during road games so the slugger could try to equal the mark in front of the hometown fans, but commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered the Braves to put outfielder into the lineup for at least two of the three games.
1988: The Mets set an Opening Day record with six home runs in a 10-6 win over the Expos. Darryl Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds each connect twice for New York, with Strawberry's second blast (estimated at 525 feet) believed to be the longest ever hit at Olympic Stadium.
1989: On Opening Day, Tommy John ties record by playing in 26 seasons. The Yankee veteran hurler beats the Twins, 4-2 for his 287th win putting him 19th overall in career wins.
1994: A total of 56,706 fans attend Opening Day making it the largest crowd ever at new Yankee Stadium.....President Clinton throws out the first ball and 'El Presidente' Dennis Martinez throws the first pitch as the Indians defeat the Mariners, 4-3 In 11 innings in the first game ever played at Jacobs Field. With Bob Feller, the author of the only Opening Day no-hitter game in major league history in attendance, Mariner southpaw Randy Johnson holds the tribe hitless for the first seven innings.....Playing his 2,403rd game at first base, Indian infielder Eddie Murray becomes baseball's all-time leader in games played at that position.....On Opening Day at Wrigley Field, Cub rookie Tuffy Rhodes, who hit three home runs in all of 1993, becomes first player to homer in his first three at-bats starting the season. The three solo round-trippers are off Doc Gooden, the winning pitcher in the Mets 12-8 victory.
1998: Mark McGwire begins what will be a historic season homering in the fourth consecutive game to tie Willie Mays' National League record for most homers to start a season. Big Mac's three-run blast in the sixth inning helps the Cardinals beat the Padres, 8-6.
1999: Opening Day starts in Mexico, making it the first time baseball's first pitch comes outside the U.S. or Canada as the Rockies defeat the National League's defending champs Padres, 8-2.
2001: For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses is a major league record.....Throwing the earliest no-hitter in major league history, Hideo Nomo blanks the Orioles, 3-0 at Camden Yards in his first start in a Red Sox uniform. Second baseman Mike Lansing makes an outstanding play with one out in the ninth to preserve the Japanese-born hurler's second career no-hitter.
2003: At Cincinnati's new Great American Ball Park, Sammy Sosa becomes the first Latin American player and 18th overall to hit 500 career home runs.
1948: Philadelphia A's manager Connie Mack, who is 84-years-old, challenges Clark Griffith, the 78-year-old owner of the Senators, to a foot race from home plate to first base. The contest ends in a photo finish tie.
1974: In front a crowd of 52,000 at Riverfront Stadium on Opening Day in Cincinnati, Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth's all-time home run record of 714 by hitting a first-inning two-run homer off Jack Billingham. The Atlanta front office had considered keeping 'Hammerin' Hank' on the bench during road games so the slugger could try to equal the mark in front of the hometown fans, but commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered the Braves to put outfielder into the lineup for at least two of the three games.
1988: The Mets set an Opening Day record with six home runs in a 10-6 win over the Expos. Darryl Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds each connect twice for New York, with Strawberry's second blast (estimated at 525 feet) believed to be the longest ever hit at Olympic Stadium.
1989: On Opening Day, Tommy John ties record by playing in 26 seasons. The Yankee veteran hurler beats the Twins, 4-2 for his 287th win putting him 19th overall in career wins.
1994: A total of 56,706 fans attend Opening Day making it the largest crowd ever at new Yankee Stadium.....President Clinton throws out the first ball and 'El Presidente' Dennis Martinez throws the first pitch as the Indians defeat the Mariners, 4-3 In 11 innings in the first game ever played at Jacobs Field. With Bob Feller, the author of the only Opening Day no-hitter game in major league history in attendance, Mariner southpaw Randy Johnson holds the tribe hitless for the first seven innings.....Playing his 2,403rd game at first base, Indian infielder Eddie Murray becomes baseball's all-time leader in games played at that position.....On Opening Day at Wrigley Field, Cub rookie Tuffy Rhodes, who hit three home runs in all of 1993, becomes first player to homer in his first three at-bats starting the season. The three solo round-trippers are off Doc Gooden, the winning pitcher in the Mets 12-8 victory.
1998: Mark McGwire begins what will be a historic season homering in the fourth consecutive game to tie Willie Mays' National League record for most homers to start a season. Big Mac's three-run blast in the sixth inning helps the Cardinals beat the Padres, 8-6.
1999: Opening Day starts in Mexico, making it the first time baseball's first pitch comes outside the U.S. or Canada as the Rockies defeat the National League's defending champs Padres, 8-2.
2001: For the first time since June 7, 1995, the Indians do not have a sellout crowd at Jacobs Field. The streak of 455 games of consecutive full houses is a major league record.....Throwing the earliest no-hitter in major league history, Hideo Nomo blanks the Orioles, 3-0 at Camden Yards in his first start in a Red Sox uniform. Second baseman Mike Lansing makes an outstanding play with one out in the ninth to preserve the Japanese-born hurler's second career no-hitter.
2003: At Cincinnati's new Great American Ball Park, Sammy Sosa becomes the first Latin American player and 18th overall to hit 500 career home runs.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April 3rd, Part II
WHO CAN CLINCH TONIGHT?
-Minnesota can clinch the Northwest Division... If they beat Calgary.
-Detroit can clinch the Presidents Trophy... If they get 1 point against Columbus OR if San Jose gets 1 or no points against Los Angeles.
-Anaheim (idle) can clinch the West #4 seed... If Dallas gets no points against Phoenix.
-Calgary can clinch a playoff birth... If they get at least 1 point against Minnesota OR if Nashville gets no points against St. Louis OR if Vancouver gets 1 or no points against Edmonton.
-Nashville can clinch a playoff birth... if they beat St. Louis and Vancouver gets 1 or no points against Edmonton.
-Pittsburgh (idle) can clinch the East Conference #1 seed... If Montreal gets no points against Buffalo.
-Carolina (idle) can clinch the Southeast Division... If Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
-New Jersey (idle) can clinch the East Conference #4 seed... If Rangers get no points against the Islanders.
-Rangers can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat the Islanders OR if they get 1 point against the Islanders and Washington gets 1 point against Tampa Bay OR if Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
-Ottawa can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat Toronto and Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--111 (4/3 CBJ, 4/6 CHI)
2-z-SJ--108 (4/3 @LA, 4/6 @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (4/3 CGY, 4/6 @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (4/5 @LA, 4/6 PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (4/3 @PHX, 4/4 PHX, 4/6 SJ)
6-x-COL--93 (4/6 MIN)
7-CGY--92 (4/3 @MIN, 4/5 @VAN)
8-NSH--89 (4/3 STL, 4/4 @CHI)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-VAN--88 (4/3 EDM, 4/5 CGY)
10-CHI--86 (4/4 NSH, 4/6 @DET)
11-EDM--86 (4/3 @VAN)
12-PHX--80 (4/3 DAL, 4/4 @DAL, 4/6 @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (4/3 @DET, 4/5 @STL, 4/6 STL)
14-STL--75 (4/3 @NSH, 4/5 CBJ, 4/6 @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (4/3 SJ, 4/5 ANA)
EAST
1-z-PIT--102 (4/6 @ PHI)
2-z-MTL--100 (4/3 BUF, 4/5 @TOR)
3-CAR*--92 (4/4 FLA)
4-x-NJ--97 (4/4 @PHI, 4/6 NYR)
5-NYR--93 (4/3 @NYI, 4/4 NYI, 4/6 @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (4/3 @TOR, 4/4 BOS)
7-BOS--92 (4/4 @OTT, 4/5 BUF)
8-PHI--91 (4/4 NJ, 4/6 PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--90 (4/3 TB, 4/5 FLA)
10-BUF--88 (4/3 @MTL, 4/5 @BOS)
11-FLA--83 (4/4 @CAR, 4/5 @WAS)
12-TOR--83 (4/3 OTT, 4/5 @MTL)
13-NYI--77 (4/3 NYR, 4/4 @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (4/5 TB)
15-TB--71 (4/3 @WAS, 4/5 @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--93--81 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--92--80 (5-5-0)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--92--81 (6-3-1)
2-WAS--90--80 (9-1-0)
Detroit Clinched Central Division Title
San Jose Clinched Pacific Division Title
Montreal Clinched Northeast Division Title
Pittsburgh Clinched Atlantic Division Title
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--110
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--106
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--95
4-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--94
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--63*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--47
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--42
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--66
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--64
3-Marc Savard--Bos--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--61
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--59
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--59
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--18
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--17
4-Thomas Vanek--Buf--17
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--17
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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
-Minnesota can clinch the Northwest Division... If they beat Calgary.
-Detroit can clinch the Presidents Trophy... If they get 1 point against Columbus OR if San Jose gets 1 or no points against Los Angeles.
-Anaheim (idle) can clinch the West #4 seed... If Dallas gets no points against Phoenix.
-Calgary can clinch a playoff birth... If they get at least 1 point against Minnesota OR if Nashville gets no points against St. Louis OR if Vancouver gets 1 or no points against Edmonton.
-Nashville can clinch a playoff birth... if they beat St. Louis and Vancouver gets 1 or no points against Edmonton.
-Pittsburgh (idle) can clinch the East Conference #1 seed... If Montreal gets no points against Buffalo.
-Carolina (idle) can clinch the Southeast Division... If Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
-New Jersey (idle) can clinch the East Conference #4 seed... If Rangers get no points against the Islanders.
-Rangers can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat the Islanders OR if they get 1 point against the Islanders and Washington gets 1 point against Tampa Bay OR if Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
-Ottawa can clinch a playoff birth... If they beat Toronto and Washington gets no points against Tampa Bay.
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--111 (4/3 CBJ, 4/6 CHI)
2-z-SJ--108 (4/3 @LA, 4/6 @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (4/3 CGY, 4/6 @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (4/5 @LA, 4/6 PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (4/3 @PHX, 4/4 PHX, 4/6 SJ)
6-x-COL--93 (4/6 MIN)
7-CGY--92 (4/3 @MIN, 4/5 @VAN)
8-NSH--89 (4/3 STL, 4/4 @CHI)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-VAN--88 (4/3 EDM, 4/5 CGY)
10-CHI--86 (4/4 NSH, 4/6 @DET)
11-EDM--86 (4/3 @VAN)
12-PHX--80 (4/3 DAL, 4/4 @DAL, 4/6 @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (4/3 @DET, 4/5 @STL, 4/6 STL)
14-STL--75 (4/3 @NSH, 4/5 CBJ, 4/6 @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (4/3 SJ, 4/5 ANA)
EAST
1-z-PIT--102 (4/6 @ PHI)
2-z-MTL--100 (4/3 BUF, 4/5 @TOR)
3-CAR*--92 (4/4 FLA)
4-x-NJ--97 (4/4 @PHI, 4/6 NYR)
5-NYR--93 (4/3 @NYI, 4/4 NYI, 4/6 @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (4/3 @TOR, 4/4 BOS)
7-BOS--92 (4/4 @OTT, 4/5 BUF)
8-PHI--91 (4/4 NJ, 4/6 PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--90 (4/3 TB, 4/5 FLA)
10-BUF--88 (4/3 @MTL, 4/5 @BOS)
11-FLA--83 (4/4 @CAR, 4/5 @WAS)
12-TOR--83 (4/3 OTT, 4/5 @MTL)
13-NYI--77 (4/3 NYR, 4/4 @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (4/5 TB)
15-TB--71 (4/3 @WAS, 4/5 @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--93--81 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--92--80 (5-5-0)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--92--81 (6-3-1)
2-WAS--90--80 (9-1-0)
Detroit Clinched Central Division Title
San Jose Clinched Pacific Division Title
Montreal Clinched Northeast Division Title
Pittsburgh Clinched Atlantic Division Title
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--110
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--106
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--95
4-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--94
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--63*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--47
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--42
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--66
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--64
3-Marc Savard--Bos--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--61
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--59
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--59
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +40
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +40
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--18
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--17
4-Thomas Vanek--Buf--17
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--17
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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
April 3rd
HAB'S PRICE NAMED NHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who backstopped the team to its first division title since 1992, posting a 7-3-0 record, 2.67 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and one shutout, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March.
Price edged Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner (6-9--15 in 15 games), Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (5-9--14 in 14 games), Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (4-10--14 in 15 games) and Los Angeles Kings goaltender Eric Ersberg (5-4-2, 2.31 goals-against average, .932 save percentage, two shutouts) for the award.
Price allowed two or fewer goals in five of his 10 starts including a 4-0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils on Mar. 11. In 39 appearances this season Price has posted a record of 22-12-3, a 2.64 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and three shutouts.
Montreal's first choice and the fifth overall selection at the 2005 Entry Draft, Price led the American Hockey League Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup Championship in 2007 capturing the MVP Award for the playoffs. The 6-3, 212-lb. Vancouver, British Columbia native backstopped Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2006, winning a gold medal.
Price joins previous 2007-08 Rookie of the Month winners Kane (October), Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom (November), Backstrom (December), Phoenix Coyotes center Peter Mueller (January) and Gagner (February).
SUNDIN TO MISS LAST 2 GAMES
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin, forced to sit out with a groin tear, will not play in the team's remaining two games this season.
Sundin, 37, has stated that he hasn't made any decision on his future but has repeatedly said that he intends to retire as a member of the Maple Leafs.
Toronto interim GM Cliff Fletcher has echoed those sentiments, saying that he hopes to bring Sundin back for another season.
He has been with the Maple Leafs since 1994, and had one of his better seasons with the team — scoring 32 goals and adding 78 points in 74 games.
Toronto has failed to qualify for the post-season for a third consecutive year.
PEDRO OUT 4-6 WEEKS
Pedro Martinez will be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks with what the New York Mets said was a mild strain of his left hamstring.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the Mets' game against the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night.
Martinez was injured Tuesday night, returned to New York and was examined by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
He allowed four runs in 3 1-3 innings during a 5-4, 10-inning defeat, limping off the mound after injuring himself during a pitch.
The Mets filled Martinez's roster spot by purchasing the contract of pitcher Nelson Figueroa from Triple-A New Orleans.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who backstopped the team to its first division title since 1992, posting a 7-3-0 record, 2.67 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and one shutout, has been named the NHL Rookie of the Month for March.
Price edged Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner (6-9--15 in 15 games), Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (5-9--14 in 14 games), Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (4-10--14 in 15 games) and Los Angeles Kings goaltender Eric Ersberg (5-4-2, 2.31 goals-against average, .932 save percentage, two shutouts) for the award.
Price allowed two or fewer goals in five of his 10 starts including a 4-0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils on Mar. 11. In 39 appearances this season Price has posted a record of 22-12-3, a 2.64 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and three shutouts.
Montreal's first choice and the fifth overall selection at the 2005 Entry Draft, Price led the American Hockey League Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup Championship in 2007 capturing the MVP Award for the playoffs. The 6-3, 212-lb. Vancouver, British Columbia native backstopped Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2006, winning a gold medal.
Price joins previous 2007-08 Rookie of the Month winners Kane (October), Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom (November), Backstrom (December), Phoenix Coyotes center Peter Mueller (January) and Gagner (February).
SUNDIN TO MISS LAST 2 GAMES
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin, forced to sit out with a groin tear, will not play in the team's remaining two games this season.
Sundin, 37, has stated that he hasn't made any decision on his future but has repeatedly said that he intends to retire as a member of the Maple Leafs.
Toronto interim GM Cliff Fletcher has echoed those sentiments, saying that he hopes to bring Sundin back for another season.
He has been with the Maple Leafs since 1994, and had one of his better seasons with the team — scoring 32 goals and adding 78 points in 74 games.
Toronto has failed to qualify for the post-season for a third consecutive year.
PEDRO OUT 4-6 WEEKS
Pedro Martinez will be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks with what the New York Mets said was a mild strain of his left hamstring.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the Mets' game against the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night.
Martinez was injured Tuesday night, returned to New York and was examined by Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
He allowed four runs in 3 1-3 innings during a 5-4, 10-inning defeat, limping off the mound after injuring himself during a pitch.
The Mets filled Martinez's roster spot by purchasing the contract of pitcher Nelson Figueroa from Triple-A New Orleans.
Today in MLB History, April 3rd
1901: After jumping back to the Giants, Christy Matthewson is accused by Connie Mack of reneging on his Philadelphia contract.
1923: Expelled players Happy Felsch and Swede Risberg, both who were indicted on fixing the 1919 World Series, file suit against the White Sox for back salary and $400,000 in damages.
1950: Considered a well-guarded secret, Mel Parnell reveals he pitched all but three of his 39 games with a sore elbow last season. The 27-year 'Dusty' finished the season 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA for the second-place Red Sox.
1961: Connie Mack Stadium (formerly known as Shibe Park) is sold and will be torn down after the 1963 season to make room for bowling alleys.
1966: After his name is picked from a hat in a special draft, Tom Seaver signs with the Mets for a reported $50,000 bonus.
1974: The Indians trade 17-year old Pedro Guerrero to Dodgers for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen.
1985: The owners' proposal of expanding the 1985 League Championship Series from the best-of-five games to best-of-seven is agreed to by the Players' Association .
1987: The Cubs trade starter Dennis Eckersley and minor leaguer Dan Rohn to the A's for three minor leaguers. The 'Eck' will become one of the game's top relievers in Oakland.
1989: In his first major league at bat, Ken Griffey Jr. doubles off of A's Dave Stewart.....With an 8-4 victory over Cardinals, the Mets win their 11th consecutive home opener. The Amazins' now have won on Opening Day in 18 of the last 20 seasons.
1994: In the first Sunday night major league season opener, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 6-4
2003: At 27 years, 249 days of age, Alex Rodriguez becomes the youngest player in major league history to hit 300 home runs. The Ranger shortstop's fifth inning three-run blast surpasses Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx's mark who had accomplished the feat at 27 years, 328 days of age.
2005: Alex Sanchez becomes the first major leaguer to be publicly identified under baseball’s new steroid policy. The Tampa Bay outfielder will be suspended for 10 days for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
1923: Expelled players Happy Felsch and Swede Risberg, both who were indicted on fixing the 1919 World Series, file suit against the White Sox for back salary and $400,000 in damages.
1950: Considered a well-guarded secret, Mel Parnell reveals he pitched all but three of his 39 games with a sore elbow last season. The 27-year 'Dusty' finished the season 25-7 with a 2.77 ERA for the second-place Red Sox.
1961: Connie Mack Stadium (formerly known as Shibe Park) is sold and will be torn down after the 1963 season to make room for bowling alleys.
1966: After his name is picked from a hat in a special draft, Tom Seaver signs with the Mets for a reported $50,000 bonus.
1974: The Indians trade 17-year old Pedro Guerrero to Dodgers for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen.
1985: The owners' proposal of expanding the 1985 League Championship Series from the best-of-five games to best-of-seven is agreed to by the Players' Association .
1987: The Cubs trade starter Dennis Eckersley and minor leaguer Dan Rohn to the A's for three minor leaguers. The 'Eck' will become one of the game's top relievers in Oakland.
1989: In his first major league at bat, Ken Griffey Jr. doubles off of A's Dave Stewart.....With an 8-4 victory over Cardinals, the Mets win their 11th consecutive home opener. The Amazins' now have won on Opening Day in 18 of the last 20 seasons.
1994: In the first Sunday night major league season opener, the Cardinals beat the Reds, 6-4
2003: At 27 years, 249 days of age, Alex Rodriguez becomes the youngest player in major league history to hit 300 home runs. The Ranger shortstop's fifth inning three-run blast surpasses Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx's mark who had accomplished the feat at 27 years, 328 days of age.
2005: Alex Sanchez becomes the first major leaguer to be publicly identified under baseball’s new steroid policy. The Tampa Bay outfielder will be suspended for 10 days for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Today in NHL History, April 3rd
1930: Montreal beat Boston 4-3 at the Forum, to win the 1930 Stanley Cup Championship in two straight games. For the defending Cup champ Bruins, who had the best regular season record (38-5-1), it marked their first back-to-back losses of the year.
1934: John Muckler born in Midland, Ontario. Muckler coached in the NHL with Minnesota, Edmonton, Buffalo,and the NY Rangers. He also served as the G.M. of Buffalo and Ottawa.
1937: New York Rangers' Dave Kerr got his second straight playoff shutout over the Montreal Maroons, a 4-0 win in the second and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series. Neil Colville had two goals and an assist in the game.
1939: Former NHL defenseman Darryl Sly born in Collingwood, Ont. Sly played in the NHL 1965-66 through 1970-71 with Toronto, Minnesota and Vancouver.
1945: Carl Liscombe scored four goals for the Red Wings in a 5-3 playoff win over Boston, in Game Seven of the Semi-Finals in Detroit. With the win, the Red Wings advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals vs Toronto.
1966: Toronto used three goalies in a game (for the first time in NHL history) in a 3-3 tie against Detroit. Johnny Bower played the 1st, Terry Sawchuk the second & Bruce Gamble the 3rd. Bower also took Punch Imlach's place as coach in the last period.....In the final game of the 1965-66 season, Chicago's Bobby Hull picked up an assist (during a 4-2 loss at Boston) to give him 97 points, the most ever by a player in one season. Hull broke Dickie Moore's NHL record of 96 points set in 1958-59.
1971: Gordie Howe scored his final goal as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, in a 4-1 win over Chicago. His 25 years of regular season play with Detroit included 786 goals, 1,023 assists, for 1,809 points.
1976: Darryl Sittler became the first 100 point scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs' history, when he picked up an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Bruins, in Toronto.
1977: Guy Lafleur extended his NHL-record point scoring streak to 28 games as Montreal won 2-1 at Washington. Lafleur scored 19 goals, 42 assists for a total of 61 points during the 28 game streak. Gretzky later broke the record with a 51 game streak.....Montreal's Steve Shutt set an NHL record for most goals in a season by a left-winger, when he scored his 60th of the season and added an assist, in a 2-1 win at Washington. With the win Montreal finished the season with a record of 60-8-12 and 132 points, an NHL record. The Canadiens became the first NHL team to win 60 games in a season, and set another NHL record with their 27th road victory.
1982: Buffalo's Gilbert Perreault scored a goal and added two assists to become the 16th player in NHL history to score 1,000 career points, as the Sabres won 5-4 at Montreal. Perreault also became the first Sabre to reach the 1,000 point plateau.....New York Islanders concluded their regular season home schedule with a record-tying 21-0-2 home undefeated streak as they beat Philadelphia 6-3. Bryan Trottier became the second player in team history to score 50 goals in a season.
1985: Toronto's Bill Derlago scored his fourth (and final) career hat trick and added two assists, as the Maple Leafs lost 9-7 to the North Stars, at Minnesota.
1988: Calgary's Gary Suter extended his team-record point scoring streak to 16 straight games in the Flames' 4-1 win over the visiting Minnesota North Stars. Suter scored 8 goals, 17 assists for a total of 25 points during the 16 game streak.....The Devils made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their move to N.J. in 1982, when John MacLean scored at 2:21 of overtime for a 4-3 win at Chicago, in the final game of the 1987-88 regular season.....Mario Lemieux became the fourth player in NHL history to score 70 goals in a season, as he led the Penguins to a 4-2 win over the Hartford Whalers. He was preceeded by Phil Esposito, Wayne Gretzky, and Jari Kurri.
1993: Mario Lemieux became just the second player in NHL history to score a goal against 22 teams in one season, when he connected for the Penguins in a 5-3 win over the Nordiques, in Quebec City.....Ottawa Senators lost 7-3 to the Whalers at Hartford, to set an NHL record with their 38th consecutive loss on the road, breaking the the mark of 37 set by the Washington Capitals in the 1974-75 season.
1997: Wayne Gretzky notched his 2,700th career NHL point with a goal in the Rangers' 5-4 win over Boston. The point gave Gretzy a lead of 850 points over Gordie Howe in NHL career scoring.
1998: Phoenix' Teppo Numminen had a goal and three assists (in a 6-3 Coyotes' win over the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen. Numminen moved ahead of Fredrik Olausson (335 points).
1999: Jacques Demers coached his 1,000th career NHL game, as the Tampa Bay Lightning won 4-3 against the visiting Washington Capitals.
2000: Brett Hull scored his 610th career goal to tie his father, Bobby, for 9th place on the NHL career list in the Stars 2-2 tie against the visiting Calgary Flames.....Nashville's Cliff Ronning set a team record for most goals in a season, when he picked up his 26th of the year in a 3-1 Predators' loss at Anaheim. Ronning broke the record of 25 goals set by Sergei Krviokrasov in 1998-99.
2001: Ron Tugnutt tied a modern NHL record for most victories by an expansion team goaltender, with his 21st win of the season, when the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the visiting Detroit Red Wings 2-1.....New Jersey's Martin Brodeur picked up his 40th win of the season with a 6-4 victory against the Capitals at Washington, to join Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk as the only goaltenders in NHL history to post three 40-win seasons.
2002: Lindy Ruff became the Buffalo Sabres' all-time leader in games coached, when he was behind the bench for game #405, a 1-1 tie against the visiting New York Islanders. He broke the mark of 404 games coached, set by Scotty Bowman.
2004: Toronto Maple Leafs became just the second team in NHL history to end a season with two straight shutouts, as Ed Belfour recorded his 10th of the year (and 75th of his career) in a 6-0 win at Ottawa.
1934: John Muckler born in Midland, Ontario. Muckler coached in the NHL with Minnesota, Edmonton, Buffalo,and the NY Rangers. He also served as the G.M. of Buffalo and Ottawa.
1937: New York Rangers' Dave Kerr got his second straight playoff shutout over the Montreal Maroons, a 4-0 win in the second and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series. Neil Colville had two goals and an assist in the game.
1939: Former NHL defenseman Darryl Sly born in Collingwood, Ont. Sly played in the NHL 1965-66 through 1970-71 with Toronto, Minnesota and Vancouver.
1945: Carl Liscombe scored four goals for the Red Wings in a 5-3 playoff win over Boston, in Game Seven of the Semi-Finals in Detroit. With the win, the Red Wings advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals vs Toronto.
1966: Toronto used three goalies in a game (for the first time in NHL history) in a 3-3 tie against Detroit. Johnny Bower played the 1st, Terry Sawchuk the second & Bruce Gamble the 3rd. Bower also took Punch Imlach's place as coach in the last period.....In the final game of the 1965-66 season, Chicago's Bobby Hull picked up an assist (during a 4-2 loss at Boston) to give him 97 points, the most ever by a player in one season. Hull broke Dickie Moore's NHL record of 96 points set in 1958-59.
1971: Gordie Howe scored his final goal as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, in a 4-1 win over Chicago. His 25 years of regular season play with Detroit included 786 goals, 1,023 assists, for 1,809 points.
1976: Darryl Sittler became the first 100 point scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs' history, when he picked up an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Bruins, in Toronto.
1977: Guy Lafleur extended his NHL-record point scoring streak to 28 games as Montreal won 2-1 at Washington. Lafleur scored 19 goals, 42 assists for a total of 61 points during the 28 game streak. Gretzky later broke the record with a 51 game streak.....Montreal's Steve Shutt set an NHL record for most goals in a season by a left-winger, when he scored his 60th of the season and added an assist, in a 2-1 win at Washington. With the win Montreal finished the season with a record of 60-8-12 and 132 points, an NHL record. The Canadiens became the first NHL team to win 60 games in a season, and set another NHL record with their 27th road victory.
1982: Buffalo's Gilbert Perreault scored a goal and added two assists to become the 16th player in NHL history to score 1,000 career points, as the Sabres won 5-4 at Montreal. Perreault also became the first Sabre to reach the 1,000 point plateau.....New York Islanders concluded their regular season home schedule with a record-tying 21-0-2 home undefeated streak as they beat Philadelphia 6-3. Bryan Trottier became the second player in team history to score 50 goals in a season.
1985: Toronto's Bill Derlago scored his fourth (and final) career hat trick and added two assists, as the Maple Leafs lost 9-7 to the North Stars, at Minnesota.
1988: Calgary's Gary Suter extended his team-record point scoring streak to 16 straight games in the Flames' 4-1 win over the visiting Minnesota North Stars. Suter scored 8 goals, 17 assists for a total of 25 points during the 16 game streak.....The Devils made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their move to N.J. in 1982, when John MacLean scored at 2:21 of overtime for a 4-3 win at Chicago, in the final game of the 1987-88 regular season.....Mario Lemieux became the fourth player in NHL history to score 70 goals in a season, as he led the Penguins to a 4-2 win over the Hartford Whalers. He was preceeded by Phil Esposito, Wayne Gretzky, and Jari Kurri.
1993: Mario Lemieux became just the second player in NHL history to score a goal against 22 teams in one season, when he connected for the Penguins in a 5-3 win over the Nordiques, in Quebec City.....Ottawa Senators lost 7-3 to the Whalers at Hartford, to set an NHL record with their 38th consecutive loss on the road, breaking the the mark of 37 set by the Washington Capitals in the 1974-75 season.
1997: Wayne Gretzky notched his 2,700th career NHL point with a goal in the Rangers' 5-4 win over Boston. The point gave Gretzy a lead of 850 points over Gordie Howe in NHL career scoring.
1998: Phoenix' Teppo Numminen had a goal and three assists (in a 6-3 Coyotes' win over the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen. Numminen moved ahead of Fredrik Olausson (335 points).
1999: Jacques Demers coached his 1,000th career NHL game, as the Tampa Bay Lightning won 4-3 against the visiting Washington Capitals.
2000: Brett Hull scored his 610th career goal to tie his father, Bobby, for 9th place on the NHL career list in the Stars 2-2 tie against the visiting Calgary Flames.....Nashville's Cliff Ronning set a team record for most goals in a season, when he picked up his 26th of the year in a 3-1 Predators' loss at Anaheim. Ronning broke the record of 25 goals set by Sergei Krviokrasov in 1998-99.
2001: Ron Tugnutt tied a modern NHL record for most victories by an expansion team goaltender, with his 21st win of the season, when the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the visiting Detroit Red Wings 2-1.....New Jersey's Martin Brodeur picked up his 40th win of the season with a 6-4 victory against the Capitals at Washington, to join Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk as the only goaltenders in NHL history to post three 40-win seasons.
2002: Lindy Ruff became the Buffalo Sabres' all-time leader in games coached, when he was behind the bench for game #405, a 1-1 tie against the visiting New York Islanders. He broke the mark of 404 games coached, set by Scotty Bowman.
2004: Toronto Maple Leafs became just the second team in NHL history to end a season with two straight shutouts, as Ed Belfour recorded his 10th of the year (and 75th of his career) in a 6-0 win at Ottawa.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 2nd, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--111 (4/2 @CHI, 4/3 CBJ, 4/6 CHI)
2-z-SJ--108 (4/3 @LA, 4/6 @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (4/3 CGY, 4/6 @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (4/5 @LA, 4/6 PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (4/3 @PHX, 4/4 PHX, 4/6 SJ)
6-x-COL--93 (4/6 MIN)
7-CGY--92 (4/3 @MIN, 4/5 @VAN)
8-NSH--89 (4/3 STL, 4/4 @CHI)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-VAN--88 (4/3 EDM, 4/5 CGY)
10-EDM--86 (4/3 @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (4/2 DET, 4/4 NSH, 4/6 @DET)
12-PHX--80 (4/3 DAL, 4/4 @DAL, 4/6 @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (4/3 @DET, 4/5 @STL, 4/6 STL)
14-STL--75 (4/3 @NSH, 4/5 CBJ, 4/6 @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (4/3 SJ, 4/5 ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--100 (4/2 PHI, 4/6 @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--100 (4/3 BUF, 4/5 @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (4/2 TB, 4/4 FLA)
4-x-NJ--95 (4/2 @BOS, 4/4 @PHI, 4/6 NYR)
5-NYR--93 (4/3 @NYI, 4/4 NYI, 4/6 @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (4/3 @TOR, 4/4 BOS)
7-BOS--91 (4/2 @NJ, 4/4 @OTT, 4/5 BUF)
8-PHI--91 (4/2 @PIT, 4/4 NJ, 4/6 PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--90 (4/3 TB, 4/5 FLA)
10-BUF--88 (4/3 @MTL, 4/5 @BOS)
11-FLA--83 (4/4 @CAR, 4/5 @WAS)
12-TOR--83 (4/3 OTT, 4/5 @MTL)
13-NYI--77 (4/3 NYR, 4/4 @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (4/5 TB)
15-TB--71 (4/2 @ CAR, 4/3 @WAS, 4/5 @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--93--81 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--92--80 (5-5-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--100--80 (7-2-1)
2-NJ--95--79 (4-5-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--80 (6-3-1)
2-WAS--90--80 (9-1-0)
Detroit Clinched Central Division Title
San Jose Clinched Pacific Division Title
Montreal Clinched Northeast Division Title
--The Detroit Red Wings can clinch the President's Trophy if they get at least one point against Chicago.
--The Pittsburgh Penguins can clinch the Atlantic Division tonight if they beat Philadelphia OR if New Jersey gets one or no points against Boston.
--New York Rangers (idle) can clinch a playoff birth tonight if Carolina gets no points against Tampa Bay.
--Boston Bruins can clinch a playoff birth tonight if they beat New Jersey AND Carolina gets no points against Tampa Bay.
--Philadelphia Flyers can clinch a playoff birth tonight if they beat Pittsburgh AND Carolina gets not points against Tampa Bay.
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--110
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--94
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--63*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--41
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--66
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--61
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--18
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--17
4-Thomas Vanek--Buf--17
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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
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--111 (4/2 @CHI, 4/3 CBJ, 4/6 CHI)
2-z-SJ--108 (4/3 @LA, 4/6 @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (4/3 CGY, 4/6 @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (4/5 @LA, 4/6 PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (4/3 @PHX, 4/4 PHX, 4/6 SJ)
6-x-COL--93 (4/6 MIN)
7-CGY--92 (4/3 @MIN, 4/5 @VAN)
8-NSH--89 (4/3 STL, 4/4 @CHI)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-VAN--88 (4/3 EDM, 4/5 CGY)
10-EDM--86 (4/3 @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (4/2 DET, 4/4 NSH, 4/6 @DET)
12-PHX--80 (4/3 DAL, 4/4 @DAL, 4/6 @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (4/3 @DET, 4/5 @STL, 4/6 STL)
14-STL--75 (4/3 @NSH, 4/5 CBJ, 4/6 @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (4/3 SJ, 4/5 ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--100 (4/2 PHI, 4/6 @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--100 (4/3 BUF, 4/5 @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (4/2 TB, 4/4 FLA)
4-x-NJ--95 (4/2 @BOS, 4/4 @PHI, 4/6 NYR)
5-NYR--93 (4/3 @NYI, 4/4 NYI, 4/6 @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (4/3 @TOR, 4/4 BOS)
7-BOS--91 (4/2 @NJ, 4/4 @OTT, 4/5 BUF)
8-PHI--91 (4/2 @PIT, 4/4 NJ, 4/6 PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--90 (4/3 TB, 4/5 FLA)
10-BUF--88 (4/3 @MTL, 4/5 @BOS)
11-FLA--83 (4/4 @CAR, 4/5 @WAS)
12-TOR--83 (4/3 OTT, 4/5 @MTL)
13-NYI--77 (4/3 NYR, 4/4 @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (4/5 TB)
15-TB--71 (4/2 @ CAR, 4/3 @WAS, 4/5 @ATL)
(z-Clinched Division Title, x-Clinched Playoff spot,
* Division Leader)
If the Playoffs started today...
WEST
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--93--81 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--92--80 (5-5-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--100--80 (7-2-1)
2-NJ--95--79 (4-5-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--80 (6-3-1)
2-WAS--90--80 (9-1-0)
Detroit Clinched Central Division Title
San Jose Clinched Pacific Division Title
Montreal Clinched Northeast Division Title
--The Detroit Red Wings can clinch the President's Trophy if they get at least one point against Chicago.
--The Pittsburgh Penguins can clinch the Atlantic Division tonight if they beat Philadelphia OR if New Jersey gets one or no points against Boston.
--New York Rangers (idle) can clinch a playoff birth tonight if Carolina gets no points against Tampa Bay.
--Boston Bruins can clinch a playoff birth tonight if they beat New Jersey AND Carolina gets no points against Tampa Bay.
--Philadelphia Flyers can clinch a playoff birth tonight if they beat Pittsburgh AND Carolina gets not points against Tampa Bay.
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--110
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--94
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--63*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--41
*Ovechkin is the first 60-goal scorer since '95-96
(Mario Lemieux--69, Jaromir Jagr--62)
Assists
1-Joe Thornton--SJ--66
2-Marc Savard--Bos--63
3-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--61
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +31
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--18
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--17
4-Thomas Vanek--Buf--17
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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
April 2nd
A.O, FLEURY, FRANZEN NAMED NHL 'THREE STARS' FOR MARCH
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the month of March.
First Star -- Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin led all NHL scorers in March with 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) and recorded a +17 rating in 14 games as the Capitals went 10-4-0 in pursuit of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin recorded points in 11 of 14 games, including nine multiple- point performances. He recorded goals in nine contests, including his 50th of the season against Boston, Mar. 3. Two of his goals were game-winners, against Boston, Mar. 3 and Calgary, Mar. 12. On Mar. 21 in Atlanta, he became the first player to notch 60 goals in a season since Pittsburgh’s Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr both did it in 1995-96. Entering play Tuesday night, Ovechkin leads the League in goals (62), points (109), power-play goals (21), game-winning goals (10) and shots (430).
Second Star -- Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins
Fleury posted a 9-1-1 record, 1.44 goals-against average, .951 save percentage and two shutouts in 11 games as Pittsburgh (46-26-8, 100 points) moved into first place in the Eastern Conference. He allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 games, including shutouts against Tampa Bay, Mar. 4 and New Jersey, Mar. 25. In 33 appearances this season, Fleury has posted a 18-9-2 record, 2.38 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts.
Third Star -- Johan Franzen, LW, Detroit Red Wings
Franzen tied for eighth among NHL scorers for the month with 18 points (14 goals, 4 assists) and recorded six game-winning goals in 13 games. He recorded goals in 11 of 13 games and points in 12 of 13 games. He recorded the game-winning goal against Buffalo, Mar. 2, St. Louis, Mar. 5 and 25 and Nashville, Mar. 9, 20 and 30. Franzen has appeared in 69 games for the Red Wings, recording 36 points (26 goals, 10 assists) with a team-leading eight game-winning goals. The Red Wings went 10-2-1 in March, improving their NHL-best record to 52-20-7, 111 points as they look to win their sixth Presidents’ Trophy.
OIL SIGN LERG FROM MSU
The Edmonton Oilers have signed free agent forward Bryan Lerg from Michigan State University.
Lerg signed a two-year deal worth $962,000, with $175,000 in bonuses.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound native of Livonia, Michigan has 20 goals and 19 assists in 42 games this year for the Spartans.
Lerg was a member of the U.S. under-18 team for two seasons.
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the month of March.
First Star -- Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin led all NHL scorers in March with 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) and recorded a +17 rating in 14 games as the Capitals went 10-4-0 in pursuit of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Ovechkin recorded points in 11 of 14 games, including nine multiple- point performances. He recorded goals in nine contests, including his 50th of the season against Boston, Mar. 3. Two of his goals were game-winners, against Boston, Mar. 3 and Calgary, Mar. 12. On Mar. 21 in Atlanta, he became the first player to notch 60 goals in a season since Pittsburgh’s Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr both did it in 1995-96. Entering play Tuesday night, Ovechkin leads the League in goals (62), points (109), power-play goals (21), game-winning goals (10) and shots (430).
Second Star -- Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins
Fleury posted a 9-1-1 record, 1.44 goals-against average, .951 save percentage and two shutouts in 11 games as Pittsburgh (46-26-8, 100 points) moved into first place in the Eastern Conference. He allowed two goals or fewer in 10 of 11 games, including shutouts against Tampa Bay, Mar. 4 and New Jersey, Mar. 25. In 33 appearances this season, Fleury has posted a 18-9-2 record, 2.38 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts.
Third Star -- Johan Franzen, LW, Detroit Red Wings
Franzen tied for eighth among NHL scorers for the month with 18 points (14 goals, 4 assists) and recorded six game-winning goals in 13 games. He recorded goals in 11 of 13 games and points in 12 of 13 games. He recorded the game-winning goal against Buffalo, Mar. 2, St. Louis, Mar. 5 and 25 and Nashville, Mar. 9, 20 and 30. Franzen has appeared in 69 games for the Red Wings, recording 36 points (26 goals, 10 assists) with a team-leading eight game-winning goals. The Red Wings went 10-2-1 in March, improving their NHL-best record to 52-20-7, 111 points as they look to win their sixth Presidents’ Trophy.
OIL SIGN LERG FROM MSU
The Edmonton Oilers have signed free agent forward Bryan Lerg from Michigan State University.
Lerg signed a two-year deal worth $962,000, with $175,000 in bonuses.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound native of Livonia, Michigan has 20 goals and 19 assists in 42 games this year for the Spartans.
Lerg was a member of the U.S. under-18 team for two seasons.
Today in MLB History, April 2nd
1931: Chattanooga Lookouts' pitcher Jackie Mitchell, a seventeen-year old girl, strikes out a good-natured Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig on six pitches in an exhibition game.
1952: In Denver, Giant's Monte Irvin breaks his ankle sliding into third during an exhibition game against the Indians.
1962: The Indians trade first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Dick Stigman to Twins for pitcher Pedro Ramos
1984: For the first time in ten years, the Mets lose on Opening Day bowing to the Reds, 8-1.
1995 Having the first 23 days of this season canceled and 252 games of the last season lost, the owners accept the players' March 31 unconditional offer to return to work. The players' decision to return to work is made after a U.S. District judge issues an injunction restoring terms and conditions of the expired agreement. Teams will play 144-game schedules.
1996: Due to renovations in the coliseum, the A's played their season opener in Las Vegas losing to the Blue Jays 9-6 in front of only 7,296 fans at Cashman Field.....Tiger first baseman Cecil Fielder steals the first base of his eleven-year career. The swipe of second comes in the 1,097th game 'Big Daddy's' has played in the majors establishing the longest duration a player has ever gone without a stolen base.
1997: For the first time in major league history, the salary of one player is more than the payroll of an entire team. The White Sox will pay Albert Belle $10 million for the season which is $928,333 more than the entire Pirate payroll.
2001: On Opening Day, Yankee fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time AL career strike out leader passing Walter Johnson as he Ks Royals Joe Randa for his 3,509 Junior circuit victim. Passing the 'Big Train, the 'Rocket' now takes over the seventh spot in major league history.....For the first time in major league history, a Japanese-born position player participates in a regular-season major league game. Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the seventh inning to ignite a two-run rally and bunts for a hit in the eighth in his Mariner debut at Safeco Field.
2002: In his major league debut, 6’-11” hurler Jon Rauch of the White Sox pitches a perfect 1.1 innings in a 7-4 loss to the Mariners at Safeco Field, the Louisville, Kentucky native, who was member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, becomes tallest pitcher to appear in a big league game.
2003 Mike Bordick's record streak for games and chances without an error by a shortstop ends as Yankee outfielder Bubba Trammell's third inning grounder tips off his glove. After converting a fielder's choice in the first inning he misplays his second chance of the game establishing 544 chances and 110 consecutive games without an error a new major league mark for shortstops.....According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Tigers become the first major league team to have four pitchers make their big league debuts during the same game. Starter 20-year Jeremy Bonderman, who gave up gives up six runs on nine hits in four innings, is followed by rookies Wilfredo Ledezma, Chris Spurling and Matt Roney in the 8-1 loss the Minnesota Twins.....Todd Zeile homers in first at-bat as a Yankee becoming the only major leaguer to hit a home run for ten different teams. In addition to homering with the Bronx Bomber, the infielder has also gone deep for the Cardinals, Cubs, Phillies, Orioles, Dodgers, Marlins, Rangers, Mets, and Rockies.
1952: In Denver, Giant's Monte Irvin breaks his ankle sliding into third during an exhibition game against the Indians.
1962: The Indians trade first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Dick Stigman to Twins for pitcher Pedro Ramos
1984: For the first time in ten years, the Mets lose on Opening Day bowing to the Reds, 8-1.
1995 Having the first 23 days of this season canceled and 252 games of the last season lost, the owners accept the players' March 31 unconditional offer to return to work. The players' decision to return to work is made after a U.S. District judge issues an injunction restoring terms and conditions of the expired agreement. Teams will play 144-game schedules.
1996: Due to renovations in the coliseum, the A's played their season opener in Las Vegas losing to the Blue Jays 9-6 in front of only 7,296 fans at Cashman Field.....Tiger first baseman Cecil Fielder steals the first base of his eleven-year career. The swipe of second comes in the 1,097th game 'Big Daddy's' has played in the majors establishing the longest duration a player has ever gone without a stolen base.
1997: For the first time in major league history, the salary of one player is more than the payroll of an entire team. The White Sox will pay Albert Belle $10 million for the season which is $928,333 more than the entire Pirate payroll.
2001: On Opening Day, Yankee fireballer Roger Clemens becomes the all-time AL career strike out leader passing Walter Johnson as he Ks Royals Joe Randa for his 3,509 Junior circuit victim. Passing the 'Big Train, the 'Rocket' now takes over the seventh spot in major league history.....For the first time in major league history, a Japanese-born position player participates in a regular-season major league game. Ichiro Suzuki, hitless in his first three at-bats, singles in the seventh inning to ignite a two-run rally and bunts for a hit in the eighth in his Mariner debut at Safeco Field.
2002: In his major league debut, 6’-11” hurler Jon Rauch of the White Sox pitches a perfect 1.1 innings in a 7-4 loss to the Mariners at Safeco Field, the Louisville, Kentucky native, who was member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, becomes tallest pitcher to appear in a big league game.
2003 Mike Bordick's record streak for games and chances without an error by a shortstop ends as Yankee outfielder Bubba Trammell's third inning grounder tips off his glove. After converting a fielder's choice in the first inning he misplays his second chance of the game establishing 544 chances and 110 consecutive games without an error a new major league mark for shortstops.....According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Tigers become the first major league team to have four pitchers make their big league debuts during the same game. Starter 20-year Jeremy Bonderman, who gave up gives up six runs on nine hits in four innings, is followed by rookies Wilfredo Ledezma, Chris Spurling and Matt Roney in the 8-1 loss the Minnesota Twins.....Todd Zeile homers in first at-bat as a Yankee becoming the only major leaguer to hit a home run for ten different teams. In addition to homering with the Bronx Bomber, the infielder has also gone deep for the Cardinals, Cubs, Phillies, Orioles, Dodgers, Marlins, Rangers, Mets, and Rockies.
Today in NHL History, April 2nd
1902: Former NHL defenseman Alex Smith born in Liverpool, England. Smith played in the NHL 1924-25 through 1934-35 with Ottawa, Detroit, Boston and the New York Americans.
1939: Rookie Mel Hill scored after 48 minutes of overtime to lead the Bruins to a 2-1 playoff win over the Rangers in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. It was Hill's third overtime goal in the Semi-Final series against New York, an NHL record.
1950: Former NHL right winger Fred Harvey born in Fredericton, N.B. Harvey played in the NHL 1970-71 through 1976-77 with Minnesota, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Detroit.
1966: Toronto coach Punch Imlach alternated goalies Terry Sawchuk and Bruce Gamble every five minutes for the entire game when the Rangers tied the Maple Leafs 3-3.
1967: Chicago's Stan Mikita picked up two assists to give him 97 points on the year, to tie Bobby Hull's NHL record for most points in a season (set in 1965-66). Black Hawks won 8-0 over the Rangers, at New York.....In the final game of the 1967 season, Chicago beat New York 8-0, giving the Black Hawks a total of 264 goals scored in 70 games -- a new NHL record. The old mark was 259. The current mark is 446 (by Edmonton in 80 games).....Boston rookie Bobby Orr completed his first NHL season with 13 goals, 28 assists, 41 points, and 102 penalty minutes, as the Bruins lost 5-2 to Toronto. Boston finished in sixth place, out of the playoffs.
1969: Bruins set a playoff record with six power play goals in a 10-0 win against Toronto in Boston. Phil Esposito had four goals (including 3 on power plays) and two assists, as the Bruins picked up their first playoff victory in 10 years. Also in that game Toronto's Forbes Kennedy set a Stanley Cup playoff record for most penalties in one game, with eight. Kennedy received 4 minors, two majors, a ten-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct.....Ted Irvine's goal just 19 seconds into overtime (a playoff record at the time) gave the L.A. Kings their first Stanley Cup playoff OT victory, a 5-4 win against the Seals at Oakland. It came in the second overtime playoff game in Kings' history.
1972: Bobby Hull scored his final goal as a member of the Chicago Black Hawks, #604 in a 6-1 win over Detroit at Chicago Stadium. It was his 50th goal of the season, and Hull became the first player to score 50 or more goals five times in his career.
1975: Goaltender Ken Dryden recorded his 18th career shutout, and Pete Mahovlich had three assists (including two within a span of :06) in the Canadiens' 6-0 win over the Penguins at the Forum.
1977: Marcel Dionne scored three times to become the first King (and 19th NHL player) to score 50 goals in a season, as the Kings beat the Minnesota North Stars 7-2 at the Forum. It was his 11th career hat trick.....Montreal's Guy Lafleur and Bob Gainey each had a goal and three assists as the Canadiens extended their NHL-record home undefeated streak to 34 games (28-0-6), with an 11-0 win over the Washington Capitals. Ken Dryden got his 36th career shutout. Also with the win, Montreal set a new NHL record for most wins in a season, with their 59th of the year. The Canadiens broke the old record of 58 wins, set by Montreal in 1975-76.....Bernie Federko scored his third career hat trick to lead the Blues to a 9-2 win over the Cleveland Barons in St. Louis.
1980: Edmonton rookie Wayne Gretzky became the first teenager to score 50 goals in a season, when the 19-year-old first year NHL player scored for the Oilers in a 1-1 tie against the Minnesota North Stars, at Northlands Coliseum.....Guy Lafleur scored twice to become the first player in NHL history to get six straight 50 goal seasons, as the Canadiens beat the Red Wings 7-2, at Detroit. Lafleur broke the mark of 5 straight 50-goal seasons set by Phil Esposito.
1981: Capitals' Mike Gartner extended his team-record point scoring streak to 17 straight games as Washington won 3-2 at Boston. Gartner scored 17 goals, 9 assists for a total of 26 points during the 17 game streak.
1983: Dave Taylor became the third player in franchise history to get 500 points as a member of the Kings. The milestone came when Los Angeles beat the Minnesota North Stars 8-5, at the Forum.....New York Islanders' Mike Bossy scored a third period goal to become the first player in NHL history to get 60 or more goals for three straight seasons. The Islanders beat Pittsburgh 6-1.
1985: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky set an NHL record with his 34th career hat trick (and added an assist) as the Oilers beat the Kings 6-4 at Los Angeles. Gretzky broke the record of 33 career hat tricks, set by Mike Bossy two months earlier.
1986: Paul Coffey scored his 47th and 48th goals of the season, in an 8-4 win against Vancouver, to break Bobby Orr's NHL record for most goals by a defenseman. Coffey also picked up two assists as the Oilers won their 8th straight home game.
1988: Montreal Canadiens scored a club record three goals in 37 seconds in the first period, on their way to a 9-4 win against the Buffalo Sabres, at the Forum.
1989: Calgary's Joey Mullen set a new NHL record for most points in a season by a U.S. born player, when his goal and two assists in the Flames' 4-2 win over the Oilers gave him 110 points, three more than Jimmy Carson had with L.A. the previous year.....Washington Capitals' veteran Dale Hunter became the eighth player in NHL history to record 2,000 career penalty minutes. He reached the milestone in a 7-4 loss at New Jersey.....Kelly Hrudey became the first goaltender in NHL history to win 10+ games with two teams in one season, when he got his 10th victory with the Kings, a 5-4 win at Vancouver. Hrudey had won 18 games with the NY Islanders before being traded to L.A.
1993: Maine Black Bears' left winger Paul Kariya became the first freshman ever to win the Hobey Baker award, as the NCAA player of the year.
1994: Flyers' rookie Mikael Renberg set a record for Swedish rookies, when he scored his 38th goal of the year in a Flyers' 6-5 win against the Whalers, at Hartford. He broke the mark of 37 set by Jorgen Pettersson of St. Louis in 1980-81.....San Jose Sharks beat Vancouver 7-4, for their 77th point of the season (with a record of 31-33-15), which gave them a 53-point improvement over the previous season, the biggest turnaround by any team in NHL history.
1997: Dallas Stars won their 7th straight game, and ran their unbeaten streak to 9-0-2, with a 5-4 win over the visiting New York Islanders. The victory gave Dallas a club-record 100 points
2000: Ray Ferraro scored a goal and added two assists as the Thrashers ended an NHL record 17-game home winless streak (0-15-2) with a 5-4 win against the visiting New York Islanders.
2001: Goalie Evgeni Nabokov set a Sharks team record with his 31st victory of the year, when the San Jose beat the visiting Minnesota Wild 4-2. Trailing 2-0 after one period, the Sharks scored twice in 18 seconds early in the third for the win.....Mike Modano scored to become the first player in Dallas Stars franchise history to get 30 (or more) goals eight seasons with the team, during a 4-4 tie against the visiting Calgary Flames.....Colorado's Joe Sakic scored his 11th career hat trick as the Avalanche clinched the President's Trophy with a 5-3 victory against the visiting Edmonton Oilers.
2004: Toronto Maple Leafs set a franchise record with their 101st point of the season, a 2-0 win against the Sabres at Buffalo. Ed Belfour recorded the shutout (the 74h of his career).
1939: Rookie Mel Hill scored after 48 minutes of overtime to lead the Bruins to a 2-1 playoff win over the Rangers in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals. It was Hill's third overtime goal in the Semi-Final series against New York, an NHL record.
1950: Former NHL right winger Fred Harvey born in Fredericton, N.B. Harvey played in the NHL 1970-71 through 1976-77 with Minnesota, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Detroit.
1966: Toronto coach Punch Imlach alternated goalies Terry Sawchuk and Bruce Gamble every five minutes for the entire game when the Rangers tied the Maple Leafs 3-3.
1967: Chicago's Stan Mikita picked up two assists to give him 97 points on the year, to tie Bobby Hull's NHL record for most points in a season (set in 1965-66). Black Hawks won 8-0 over the Rangers, at New York.....In the final game of the 1967 season, Chicago beat New York 8-0, giving the Black Hawks a total of 264 goals scored in 70 games -- a new NHL record. The old mark was 259. The current mark is 446 (by Edmonton in 80 games).....Boston rookie Bobby Orr completed his first NHL season with 13 goals, 28 assists, 41 points, and 102 penalty minutes, as the Bruins lost 5-2 to Toronto. Boston finished in sixth place, out of the playoffs.
1969: Bruins set a playoff record with six power play goals in a 10-0 win against Toronto in Boston. Phil Esposito had four goals (including 3 on power plays) and two assists, as the Bruins picked up their first playoff victory in 10 years. Also in that game Toronto's Forbes Kennedy set a Stanley Cup playoff record for most penalties in one game, with eight. Kennedy received 4 minors, two majors, a ten-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct.....Ted Irvine's goal just 19 seconds into overtime (a playoff record at the time) gave the L.A. Kings their first Stanley Cup playoff OT victory, a 5-4 win against the Seals at Oakland. It came in the second overtime playoff game in Kings' history.
1972: Bobby Hull scored his final goal as a member of the Chicago Black Hawks, #604 in a 6-1 win over Detroit at Chicago Stadium. It was his 50th goal of the season, and Hull became the first player to score 50 or more goals five times in his career.
1975: Goaltender Ken Dryden recorded his 18th career shutout, and Pete Mahovlich had three assists (including two within a span of :06) in the Canadiens' 6-0 win over the Penguins at the Forum.
1977: Marcel Dionne scored three times to become the first King (and 19th NHL player) to score 50 goals in a season, as the Kings beat the Minnesota North Stars 7-2 at the Forum. It was his 11th career hat trick.....Montreal's Guy Lafleur and Bob Gainey each had a goal and three assists as the Canadiens extended their NHL-record home undefeated streak to 34 games (28-0-6), with an 11-0 win over the Washington Capitals. Ken Dryden got his 36th career shutout. Also with the win, Montreal set a new NHL record for most wins in a season, with their 59th of the year. The Canadiens broke the old record of 58 wins, set by Montreal in 1975-76.....Bernie Federko scored his third career hat trick to lead the Blues to a 9-2 win over the Cleveland Barons in St. Louis.
1980: Edmonton rookie Wayne Gretzky became the first teenager to score 50 goals in a season, when the 19-year-old first year NHL player scored for the Oilers in a 1-1 tie against the Minnesota North Stars, at Northlands Coliseum.....Guy Lafleur scored twice to become the first player in NHL history to get six straight 50 goal seasons, as the Canadiens beat the Red Wings 7-2, at Detroit. Lafleur broke the mark of 5 straight 50-goal seasons set by Phil Esposito.
1981: Capitals' Mike Gartner extended his team-record point scoring streak to 17 straight games as Washington won 3-2 at Boston. Gartner scored 17 goals, 9 assists for a total of 26 points during the 17 game streak.
1983: Dave Taylor became the third player in franchise history to get 500 points as a member of the Kings. The milestone came when Los Angeles beat the Minnesota North Stars 8-5, at the Forum.....New York Islanders' Mike Bossy scored a third period goal to become the first player in NHL history to get 60 or more goals for three straight seasons. The Islanders beat Pittsburgh 6-1.
1985: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky set an NHL record with his 34th career hat trick (and added an assist) as the Oilers beat the Kings 6-4 at Los Angeles. Gretzky broke the record of 33 career hat tricks, set by Mike Bossy two months earlier.
1986: Paul Coffey scored his 47th and 48th goals of the season, in an 8-4 win against Vancouver, to break Bobby Orr's NHL record for most goals by a defenseman. Coffey also picked up two assists as the Oilers won their 8th straight home game.
1988: Montreal Canadiens scored a club record three goals in 37 seconds in the first period, on their way to a 9-4 win against the Buffalo Sabres, at the Forum.
1989: Calgary's Joey Mullen set a new NHL record for most points in a season by a U.S. born player, when his goal and two assists in the Flames' 4-2 win over the Oilers gave him 110 points, three more than Jimmy Carson had with L.A. the previous year.....Washington Capitals' veteran Dale Hunter became the eighth player in NHL history to record 2,000 career penalty minutes. He reached the milestone in a 7-4 loss at New Jersey.....Kelly Hrudey became the first goaltender in NHL history to win 10+ games with two teams in one season, when he got his 10th victory with the Kings, a 5-4 win at Vancouver. Hrudey had won 18 games with the NY Islanders before being traded to L.A.
1993: Maine Black Bears' left winger Paul Kariya became the first freshman ever to win the Hobey Baker award, as the NCAA player of the year.
1994: Flyers' rookie Mikael Renberg set a record for Swedish rookies, when he scored his 38th goal of the year in a Flyers' 6-5 win against the Whalers, at Hartford. He broke the mark of 37 set by Jorgen Pettersson of St. Louis in 1980-81.....San Jose Sharks beat Vancouver 7-4, for their 77th point of the season (with a record of 31-33-15), which gave them a 53-point improvement over the previous season, the biggest turnaround by any team in NHL history.
1997: Dallas Stars won their 7th straight game, and ran their unbeaten streak to 9-0-2, with a 5-4 win over the visiting New York Islanders. The victory gave Dallas a club-record 100 points
2000: Ray Ferraro scored a goal and added two assists as the Thrashers ended an NHL record 17-game home winless streak (0-15-2) with a 5-4 win against the visiting New York Islanders.
2001: Goalie Evgeni Nabokov set a Sharks team record with his 31st victory of the year, when the San Jose beat the visiting Minnesota Wild 4-2. Trailing 2-0 after one period, the Sharks scored twice in 18 seconds early in the third for the win.....Mike Modano scored to become the first player in Dallas Stars franchise history to get 30 (or more) goals eight seasons with the team, during a 4-4 tie against the visiting Calgary Flames.....Colorado's Joe Sakic scored his 11th career hat trick as the Avalanche clinched the President's Trophy with a 5-3 victory against the visiting Edmonton Oilers.
2004: Toronto Maple Leafs set a franchise record with their 101st point of the season, a 2-0 win against the Sabres at Buffalo. Ed Belfour recorded the shutout (the 74h of his career).
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April 1st, Part III
THORNTON, ELLIS, KREJCI NHL 'THREE STARS' OF THE WEEK
San Jose Sharks centre Joe Thornton, Nashville Predators goaltender Dan Ellis and Boston Bruins centre David Krejci have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending March 30.
First Star -- Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks
Thornton tied for the lead among all scorers with eight points (seven goals, one assist) in four games as the Sharks (48-21-10, 106 points) clinched the Pacific Division title for the third time in franchise history. Thornton notched three goals and one assist in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, Mar. 25 and tallied two goals, including the overtime game-winner, in a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars, Mar. 27. He was held pointless in a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, Mar. 28 and finished the week with two goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-1 victory over Phoenix, Mar. 30. Thornton leads the Sharks and is fifth overall in League scoring with 93 points (28-65--93) in 79 games. His 65 assists place him first in the NHL ahead of Boston’s Marc Savard and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk, each with 63.
Second Star -- Dan Ellis, G, Nashville Predators
Ellis posted a 2-0-1 record with a 0.33 goals-against average, a .991 save percentage and two shutouts as the Predators (39-31-9, 87 points) kept their playoff hopes alive with five of a possible six points. In back-to-back starts against the Columbus Blue Jackets he made 36 and 43 saves, recording his fifth and sixth shutouts of the season as the Predators won 3-0, Mar. 25 and 2-0, Mar. 28. He finished the week with a 35-save effort in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Mar. 30. Ellis set a franchise record with a scoreless streak of 233:39 that began Mar. 22 against Chicago and ended with the overtime goal in Detroit. Ellis has appeared in 42 games posting a record of 22-10-3, with a 2.28 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and six shutouts.
Third Star -- David Krejci, C, Boston Bruins
Krejci tied for the League lead among scorers with eight points (three goals, five assists) as the Bruins (40-28-11, 91 points) gained seven of a possible eight points in the race for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. On Mar. 25, he recorded one goal and one assist in a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs and notched two assists in the return meeting with the Maple Leafs, a 4-2 victory on Mar. 27. Krejci tallied one goal and two assists in a 4-0 win over the Ottawa Senators, Mar. 29, and finished the week by recording one goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Mar. 30. In 53 games for the Bruins, Krejci has recorded 26 points (6-20--26).
KOIVU OUT FOR HABS FINAL 3 GAMES OF SEASON
Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu will sit out the last three games of the regular season, the NHL club said on Monday, and there's also a chance Koivu might not be ready to return by the time the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.
Koivu has a small bone fracture in his left foot after being struck on the foot by a shot during a 4-3 win in Buffalo last Friday.
The NHL's regular season ends on April 6. The playoffs begin later that same week on a date that has not been set.
Aside from Koivu, Montreal will also be missing defenceman Francis Bouillon for their game Tuesday night in Ottawa. Bouillon suffered a foot injury during a 4-2 loss Saturday night in Toronto.
Defenceman Mike Komisarek suffered a hip injury last week, and even though he skated on his own on Monday during practice, he is not expected back before the playoffs.
Fellow blue-liner Mark Streit, who also sat out Saturday's game in Toronto with a sore foot, should return before the post-season.
San Jose Sharks centre Joe Thornton, Nashville Predators goaltender Dan Ellis and Boston Bruins centre David Krejci have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending March 30.
First Star -- Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks
Thornton tied for the lead among all scorers with eight points (seven goals, one assist) in four games as the Sharks (48-21-10, 106 points) clinched the Pacific Division title for the third time in franchise history. Thornton notched three goals and one assist in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, Mar. 25 and tallied two goals, including the overtime game-winner, in a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars, Mar. 27. He was held pointless in a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, Mar. 28 and finished the week with two goals, including the game-winner, in a 3-1 victory over Phoenix, Mar. 30. Thornton leads the Sharks and is fifth overall in League scoring with 93 points (28-65--93) in 79 games. His 65 assists place him first in the NHL ahead of Boston’s Marc Savard and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk, each with 63.
Second Star -- Dan Ellis, G, Nashville Predators
Ellis posted a 2-0-1 record with a 0.33 goals-against average, a .991 save percentage and two shutouts as the Predators (39-31-9, 87 points) kept their playoff hopes alive with five of a possible six points. In back-to-back starts against the Columbus Blue Jackets he made 36 and 43 saves, recording his fifth and sixth shutouts of the season as the Predators won 3-0, Mar. 25 and 2-0, Mar. 28. He finished the week with a 35-save effort in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Mar. 30. Ellis set a franchise record with a scoreless streak of 233:39 that began Mar. 22 against Chicago and ended with the overtime goal in Detroit. Ellis has appeared in 42 games posting a record of 22-10-3, with a 2.28 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and six shutouts.
Third Star -- David Krejci, C, Boston Bruins
Krejci tied for the League lead among scorers with eight points (three goals, five assists) as the Bruins (40-28-11, 91 points) gained seven of a possible eight points in the race for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. On Mar. 25, he recorded one goal and one assist in a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs and notched two assists in the return meeting with the Maple Leafs, a 4-2 victory on Mar. 27. Krejci tallied one goal and two assists in a 4-0 win over the Ottawa Senators, Mar. 29, and finished the week by recording one goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Mar. 30. In 53 games for the Bruins, Krejci has recorded 26 points (6-20--26).
KOIVU OUT FOR HABS FINAL 3 GAMES OF SEASON
Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu will sit out the last three games of the regular season, the NHL club said on Monday, and there's also a chance Koivu might not be ready to return by the time the Stanley Cup playoffs begin.
Koivu has a small bone fracture in his left foot after being struck on the foot by a shot during a 4-3 win in Buffalo last Friday.
The NHL's regular season ends on April 6. The playoffs begin later that same week on a date that has not been set.
Aside from Koivu, Montreal will also be missing defenceman Francis Bouillon for their game Tuesday night in Ottawa. Bouillon suffered a foot injury during a 4-2 loss Saturday night in Toronto.
Defenceman Mike Komisarek suffered a hip injury last week, and even though he skated on his own on Monday during practice, he is not expected back before the playoffs.
Fellow blue-liner Mark Streit, who also sat out Saturday's game in Toronto with a sore foot, should return before the post-season.
April 1st, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--111 (@CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-z-SJ--106 (LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (@LA, PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (@PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-COL--91 (@VAN, MIN)
7-CGY--90 (@EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
8-VAN--88 (COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--87 (@STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--86 (CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (@DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--74 (NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (@SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--100 (PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--98 (@OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (@WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--93 (@NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-NYR--93 (@NYI, NYI, @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (MTL, @TOR, BOS)
7-BOS--91 (@NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--91 (@PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--88 (CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--86 (@TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-TOR--82 (BUF, OTT, @MTL)
12-FLA--81 (@ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
13-NYI--76 (NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (FLA, TB)
15-TB--71 (@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) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--91--80 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--90--79 (4-6-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--100--80 (7-2-1)
2-NJ--93--78 (4-5-1)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--98--79 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--92--79 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--79 (7-2-1)
2-WAS--88--79 (8-2-0)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--109
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--93
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--62*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--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--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--60
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +32
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Evgeni Malkin--Pit--16
5-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
6-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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
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--111 (@CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-z-SJ--106 (LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (@LA, PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (@PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-COL--91 (@VAN, MIN)
7-CGY--90 (@EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
8-VAN--88 (COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--87 (@STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--86 (CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (@DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--74 (NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (@SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--100 (PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--98 (@OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (@WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--93 (@NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-NYR--93 (@NYI, NYI, @NJ)
6-OTT--92 (MTL, @TOR, BOS)
7-BOS--91 (@NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--91 (@PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--88 (CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--86 (@TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-TOR--82 (BUF, OTT, @MTL)
12-FLA--81 (@ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
13-NYI--76 (NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--74 (FLA, TB)
15-TB--71 (@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) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) Ottawa
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--91--80 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--90--79 (4-6-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--100--80 (7-2-1)
2-NJ--93--78 (4-5-1)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--98--79 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--92--79 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--79 (7-2-1)
2-WAS--88--79 (8-2-0)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--109
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--93
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--62*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--52
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--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--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--60
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +32
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Evgeni Malkin--Pit--16
5-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
6-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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
Today in MLB History, April 1st
1911: All National League umpires are asked by league president Tom Lynch to provide evidence of vision tests.
1914: Rude Waddell, who once struck out a record 349 batters in one season, dies of tuberculosis at age 37.
1937: Reds' Babe Herman is sold to the Tigers.
1950: Pacific Coast League Hollywood Stars wear shorts and rayon shirts as their Opening Day uniform.
1962: University of Detroit basketball star, Dave DeBusschere signs with the White Sox as a pitcher.
1963: Duke Snider returns to New York as the Mets purchase him from the Dodgers.
1964: Cleveland's manager Birdie Tebbetts suffers a heart attack.
1982: The Mets trade outfielder Lee Mazzilli to Texas for rookie pitchers Ron Darling and Walt Terrell.
1987: The Cardinals deal three youngsters, outfielder Andy VanSlyke, catcher Mike LaValliere and pitcher Mike Dunne, to get Pirate backstop, Tony Pena.
1987: Mets phenom pitcher Doc Gooden avoids suspension for substance abuse by agreeing to enter a drug rehab facility.
1989: Former Yale University and National League president Bart Giamatti becomes seventh commissioner of major league baseball.
1996: The Opening Day game is postponed when umpire John McSherry suffers a fatal heart attack in the first inning of the season opener in Cincinnati.....Rallying from a 6-0 deficit, the Mets beat the Cardinals, 7-6, making it the biggest Opening Day comeback of the century.
1997: Setting a record for the most runs scored in one inning of an Opening Day contest this century, the Padres score 11 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning en route to a 12-5 rout of Mets. Chris Gomez, Rickey Henderson and Quilvio Veras lead the attack with back-to-back-to-back home runs.
2001: In the first major league game ever played Puerto Rico, the Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 8-1 in the major league season opener. Making his Texas debut, $252 million shortstop Alex Rodriguez gets the season's first hit and scores the first run, but also makes a throwing error on his first chance.
2005: Albert Pujols does not strike out in any of the 21 Cardinals spring training games. In his 68 plate appearances, the St. Louis first baseman finishes the exhibition season with a .458 batting average, six homers, and 20 RBI.
2006: A day prior to the start of the season, the White Sox ink Jose Contreras (15-7, 3.61 )to a $29 million, three-year contract extension. The 34-year-old Cuban native was the World Champ's most effective pitcher during the team's stretch run to the AL pennant posting an 11-2 mark following the All-Star game.
1914: Rude Waddell, who once struck out a record 349 batters in one season, dies of tuberculosis at age 37.
1937: Reds' Babe Herman is sold to the Tigers.
1950: Pacific Coast League Hollywood Stars wear shorts and rayon shirts as their Opening Day uniform.
1962: University of Detroit basketball star, Dave DeBusschere signs with the White Sox as a pitcher.
1963: Duke Snider returns to New York as the Mets purchase him from the Dodgers.
1964: Cleveland's manager Birdie Tebbetts suffers a heart attack.
1982: The Mets trade outfielder Lee Mazzilli to Texas for rookie pitchers Ron Darling and Walt Terrell.
1987: The Cardinals deal three youngsters, outfielder Andy VanSlyke, catcher Mike LaValliere and pitcher Mike Dunne, to get Pirate backstop, Tony Pena.
1987: Mets phenom pitcher Doc Gooden avoids suspension for substance abuse by agreeing to enter a drug rehab facility.
1989: Former Yale University and National League president Bart Giamatti becomes seventh commissioner of major league baseball.
1996: The Opening Day game is postponed when umpire John McSherry suffers a fatal heart attack in the first inning of the season opener in Cincinnati.....Rallying from a 6-0 deficit, the Mets beat the Cardinals, 7-6, making it the biggest Opening Day comeback of the century.
1997: Setting a record for the most runs scored in one inning of an Opening Day contest this century, the Padres score 11 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning en route to a 12-5 rout of Mets. Chris Gomez, Rickey Henderson and Quilvio Veras lead the attack with back-to-back-to-back home runs.
2001: In the first major league game ever played Puerto Rico, the Blue Jays defeat the Rangers, 8-1 in the major league season opener. Making his Texas debut, $252 million shortstop Alex Rodriguez gets the season's first hit and scores the first run, but also makes a throwing error on his first chance.
2005: Albert Pujols does not strike out in any of the 21 Cardinals spring training games. In his 68 plate appearances, the St. Louis first baseman finishes the exhibition season with a .458 batting average, six homers, and 20 RBI.
2006: A day prior to the start of the season, the White Sox ink Jose Contreras (15-7, 3.61 )to a $29 million, three-year contract extension. The 34-year-old Cuban native was the World Champ's most effective pitcher during the team's stretch run to the AL pennant posting an 11-2 mark following the All-Star game.
Today in NHL History, April 1st
1919: The final game for the 1919 Stanley Cup Championship was cancelled because of an epidemic of influenza sweeping America. It remains the only time in its history that the Stanley Cup was not awarded to a team.
1920: Ottawa Senators beat Seattle 6-1 in Game Five of the Finals, to become the 1920 Stanley Cup Champions.
1926: Maroons' Clint Benedict became the first NHL goalie to record three straight playoff shutouts, when Montreal won 3-0 over the visiting Victoria Cougars, in Game 2 of their Stanley Cup Championship series. It was Benedict's 10th playoff shutout
1943: Mud Bruneteau scored a hat trick and Sid Abel had a goal and 4 assists as the Red Wings beat the Bruins 6-2, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Detroit. The Red Wings went on to win the series in four games and the Stanley Cup.
1947: Montreal's Billy Reay scored four goals in the Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Bruins, at Boston in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals.
1952: Detroit had a 3-1 playoff win over the Maple Leafs at Toronto, to win their best of seven Stanley Cup series in four straight games. It was the first time in NHL history that the Leafs had lost a series in four straight.
1954: Gordie Howe scored two goals and an assist, and set a Stanley Cup playoff record for fastest goal from the start of a game (:09) in a 4-3 win over Toronto, in Game 5 of the Semi-Finals. Ted Lindsay scored the winner at 21:01 of overtime.
1958: Montreal's Maurice Richard scored his seventh (and final) career playoff hat trick as the Canadiens won 4-3 at Detroit, in the 4th and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series.
1976: Flyers extended their team-record home winning streak to 19 straight games, Bobby Clarke set a team record with five assists, Reggie Leach became just the second player in NHL history to score 60 goals in a season (Phil Esposito was the first to score 60 in a season) and the Flyers set a team record with 62 shots in an 11-2 win over Washington, at the Spectrum.
1978: Mike Bossy became the first NHL rookie to score 50 goals. He scored numbers 50 and 51 in the closing moments of the game to give the Islanders a 3-2 win over Washington.....Bill Barber scored two shorthanded goals on the same penalty -- :27 apart in the first, and Bobby Clarke had three assists to help the Flyers to a 4-2 win at Los Angeles.
1982: Pat Riggin led the Flames to an 11-0 shutout of the Colorado Rockies, for the biggest shutout win in Flames' team history. Lanny McDonald scored his 9th career hat trick and an assist and Guy Chouinard had a goal and four assists.
1984: Minnesota North Stars signed goaltender Jon Casey as a free agent, following his college career at North Dakota.....Boston Bruins won the NHL's Adams Division Title on John Blum's first NHL goal, as the Bruins won 3-1 over the Devils at New Jersey.
1987: Detroit's Dave Lewis became the 17th defenseman (and the 60th player overall) in NHL history to play in 1,000 career games. His Red Wings, however, lost to Philadelphia 2-1.
1989: Wayne Gretzky became the first player in NHL history to record 1,200 career assists, when he picked up three as the Kings beat Vancouver 6-4 in Los Angeles.....Montreal goalie Patrick Roy completed an unbeaten season at home, going 25-0-4, as the Canadiens tied the Flyers, 2-2.
1994: Capitals' Don Beaupre won the 253rd game of his NHL career, in a 2-1 win over the Devils, to move into 20th place on the all time list, passing Frank Brimsek.
2002: New Jersey's Ken Daneyko set an NHL record when his goal-less streak extended to 246 games, the longest in league history, in a 4-2 loss to the Islanders in New York. Daneyko broke the mark of 245 set by Rich Pilon.
2003: Ed Belfour became the 7th NHL goaltender to win 400 regular-season games, and Tomas Kaberle scored the winning goal at 2:44 of overtime and added two assists in the Maple Leafs 3-2 win over the Devils at New Jersey.
2004: Tampa Bay Lightning won their first Eastern Conference Championship, with a 4-3 win over the visiting Florida Panthers, following Boston's tie with Washington. Martin St. Louis scored twice in the final period for the win.....Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to play 30 overtime games in one regular season; they reached the milestone with a 3-3 tie against the visiting Washington Capitals.
1920: Ottawa Senators beat Seattle 6-1 in Game Five of the Finals, to become the 1920 Stanley Cup Champions.
1926: Maroons' Clint Benedict became the first NHL goalie to record three straight playoff shutouts, when Montreal won 3-0 over the visiting Victoria Cougars, in Game 2 of their Stanley Cup Championship series. It was Benedict's 10th playoff shutout
1943: Mud Bruneteau scored a hat trick and Sid Abel had a goal and 4 assists as the Red Wings beat the Bruins 6-2, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Detroit. The Red Wings went on to win the series in four games and the Stanley Cup.
1947: Montreal's Billy Reay scored four goals in the Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Bruins, at Boston in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals.
1952: Detroit had a 3-1 playoff win over the Maple Leafs at Toronto, to win their best of seven Stanley Cup series in four straight games. It was the first time in NHL history that the Leafs had lost a series in four straight.
1954: Gordie Howe scored two goals and an assist, and set a Stanley Cup playoff record for fastest goal from the start of a game (:09) in a 4-3 win over Toronto, in Game 5 of the Semi-Finals. Ted Lindsay scored the winner at 21:01 of overtime.
1958: Montreal's Maurice Richard scored his seventh (and final) career playoff hat trick as the Canadiens won 4-3 at Detroit, in the 4th and deciding game of their Stanley Cup Semi-Final series.
1976: Flyers extended their team-record home winning streak to 19 straight games, Bobby Clarke set a team record with five assists, Reggie Leach became just the second player in NHL history to score 60 goals in a season (Phil Esposito was the first to score 60 in a season) and the Flyers set a team record with 62 shots in an 11-2 win over Washington, at the Spectrum.
1978: Mike Bossy became the first NHL rookie to score 50 goals. He scored numbers 50 and 51 in the closing moments of the game to give the Islanders a 3-2 win over Washington.....Bill Barber scored two shorthanded goals on the same penalty -- :27 apart in the first, and Bobby Clarke had three assists to help the Flyers to a 4-2 win at Los Angeles.
1982: Pat Riggin led the Flames to an 11-0 shutout of the Colorado Rockies, for the biggest shutout win in Flames' team history. Lanny McDonald scored his 9th career hat trick and an assist and Guy Chouinard had a goal and four assists.
1984: Minnesota North Stars signed goaltender Jon Casey as a free agent, following his college career at North Dakota.....Boston Bruins won the NHL's Adams Division Title on John Blum's first NHL goal, as the Bruins won 3-1 over the Devils at New Jersey.
1987: Detroit's Dave Lewis became the 17th defenseman (and the 60th player overall) in NHL history to play in 1,000 career games. His Red Wings, however, lost to Philadelphia 2-1.
1989: Wayne Gretzky became the first player in NHL history to record 1,200 career assists, when he picked up three as the Kings beat Vancouver 6-4 in Los Angeles.....Montreal goalie Patrick Roy completed an unbeaten season at home, going 25-0-4, as the Canadiens tied the Flyers, 2-2.
1994: Capitals' Don Beaupre won the 253rd game of his NHL career, in a 2-1 win over the Devils, to move into 20th place on the all time list, passing Frank Brimsek.
2002: New Jersey's Ken Daneyko set an NHL record when his goal-less streak extended to 246 games, the longest in league history, in a 4-2 loss to the Islanders in New York. Daneyko broke the mark of 245 set by Rich Pilon.
2003: Ed Belfour became the 7th NHL goaltender to win 400 regular-season games, and Tomas Kaberle scored the winning goal at 2:44 of overtime and added two assists in the Maple Leafs 3-2 win over the Devils at New Jersey.
2004: Tampa Bay Lightning won their first Eastern Conference Championship, with a 4-3 win over the visiting Florida Panthers, following Boston's tie with Washington. Martin St. Louis scored twice in the final period for the win.....Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to play 30 overtime games in one regular season; they reached the milestone with a 3-3 tie against the visiting Washington Capitals.
April 1st
LONG SEASON AHEAD FOR THE TWINS?
Even though the baseball season started overseas in Japan last week, and the Washington Nationals opened their new park in dramatic fashion with a walk-off extra-inning home run against the Atlanta Braves Sunday night in the US opener, the Baseball season is finally here and thus the Twins opener on a snowy Monday.
The Twins are coming off a 79-83 season, their first below .500 season in the Ron Gardenhire Era and first losing season since 2000. Depending on your point of view last season was a disappointing one considering the miracle run the season before in which they found new ways to win games late, including 22 of 24 in June and July that helped them win the Central Division with a 96-66. Oakland swept Minnesota in the Division Series, and I thought that the Twins were a better team then one to be swept in the first round, but in the same breath not one that was gonna go all the way and win the World Series. 2006 was a miracle season, but it was just that, and not one that would be duplicated in 2007 or any other season by any other team, even though several fans were expecting it.
2007 was a step back for Minnesota but not totally unexpected by those who are true baseball fans, and not the casual fan who just sees Baseball as a filler until the football season starts.
With the 2008 season starting for Twins and every other team, there are several questions surrounding the soon to move outdoor dome dwellers that myself and every other Baseball fan could and has spent the whole off season nitpicking.
The main question really is are the "New Look" Twins gonna be better or worse than last season?
As the season starts I would have to say that Minnesota will be an under .500 team for the second straight season.
While the Twins did make several moves, I don't know that you could say that those moves improved the team for this season, but instead filled some of the holes from the players they lost.
The biggest loss for the Twins was two-time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana. It was suggested in the local media that he would never win another Cy Young and that his better pitching days were behind him and the Twins should make a Frank Viola type trade for prospects, as when that trade was made in 1989 a few of the players played a key part in Minnesota winning the 1991 World Series.
It's funny how right after that talk started, the consensus of "Twins Fans" was that they should make a Viola type trade with Santana, as history might repeat itself, and that Francisco Liriano is a younger better version of Santana and he'll be able to step right in after missing all of '07 with Tommy John surgery, so it's a wash.
Of the players acquired in the trade with the Mets for Johan, only outfielder Carlos Gomez made the roster. Should history be repeated, I wouldn't go so far as to call it another miracle, but with a money pitcher like Santana, and another certain former Twins second baseman, the Mets are looking like the preseason favorite in the National League.
Liriano has yet to throw a regular season pitch post Tommy John surgery and isn't on the opening day active roster. When he does come back many would like to believe he'll be exactly the same pitcher who out-dueled Roger Clemens on that ESPN broadcast and went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 K's in 121 innings pitched in 2006. Until he makes his way onto the active roster and makes at least 20 starts the jury's still out.
With Matt Garza also traded to Tampa Bay and Carlos Silva lost to Seattle in free-agency the Twins are without 3/5 of their starting rotation from last year. Not to mention two pitchers who ate up 200+ innings in Silva and Santana. Say what you want about Silva, but he had an around .500 record and could be counted on for 6-7 innings a start and 200 a season.
Minnesota did sign Livan Hernandez to a one-year contract, and in a sense replaced Silva, but if it's just a fix for this season or not remains to be seen.
Delmon Young (Career .289 AVG, 16 HR, 103 RBI in 193 Games) and Carlos Gomez (Career .232 AVG, 2 HR, 12 RBI in 58 Games) are good young prospects and possible replacements for Torii Hunter, but of the two only Young last year played a full season and was runner up for rookie of the year. A full season this year will determine, mostly in Gomez's case, if he's ready or needs another year or two to develop.
--On a side note speaking of Hunter, what may be forgotten by most is that the Kansas City Royals offered him a five-year 80-million contract, and that he turned that down before signing with the Anaheim Angels (I still refuse to call them LA, as that would be like if St. Cloud had a pro sports team, but called themselves the Minneapolis _______).--
This season really comes down to what the Twins will get out of their starting rotation, and if Joe Mauer can play a full season (and tough it up and play when he's hurt).
As much as I'd like to say Minnesota is gonna have a better then .500 record this year, on opening day it looks as though it'll be hard for them to do so as everyone in the Central Division, including Kansas City, got better while the Twins were only able to fill holes left from last season departures.
There's a reason why the games aren't played on paper, and once June 1 comes we'll have a better idea of what sort of team the Twins are and can reevaluate the hand that Gardy has been dealt.
Even though the baseball season started overseas in Japan last week, and the Washington Nationals opened their new park in dramatic fashion with a walk-off extra-inning home run against the Atlanta Braves Sunday night in the US opener, the Baseball season is finally here and thus the Twins opener on a snowy Monday.
The Twins are coming off a 79-83 season, their first below .500 season in the Ron Gardenhire Era and first losing season since 2000. Depending on your point of view last season was a disappointing one considering the miracle run the season before in which they found new ways to win games late, including 22 of 24 in June and July that helped them win the Central Division with a 96-66. Oakland swept Minnesota in the Division Series, and I thought that the Twins were a better team then one to be swept in the first round, but in the same breath not one that was gonna go all the way and win the World Series. 2006 was a miracle season, but it was just that, and not one that would be duplicated in 2007 or any other season by any other team, even though several fans were expecting it.
2007 was a step back for Minnesota but not totally unexpected by those who are true baseball fans, and not the casual fan who just sees Baseball as a filler until the football season starts.
With the 2008 season starting for Twins and every other team, there are several questions surrounding the soon to move outdoor dome dwellers that myself and every other Baseball fan could and has spent the whole off season nitpicking.
The main question really is are the "New Look" Twins gonna be better or worse than last season?
As the season starts I would have to say that Minnesota will be an under .500 team for the second straight season.
While the Twins did make several moves, I don't know that you could say that those moves improved the team for this season, but instead filled some of the holes from the players they lost.
The biggest loss for the Twins was two-time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana. It was suggested in the local media that he would never win another Cy Young and that his better pitching days were behind him and the Twins should make a Frank Viola type trade for prospects, as when that trade was made in 1989 a few of the players played a key part in Minnesota winning the 1991 World Series.
It's funny how right after that talk started, the consensus of "Twins Fans" was that they should make a Viola type trade with Santana, as history might repeat itself, and that Francisco Liriano is a younger better version of Santana and he'll be able to step right in after missing all of '07 with Tommy John surgery, so it's a wash.
Of the players acquired in the trade with the Mets for Johan, only outfielder Carlos Gomez made the roster. Should history be repeated, I wouldn't go so far as to call it another miracle, but with a money pitcher like Santana, and another certain former Twins second baseman, the Mets are looking like the preseason favorite in the National League.
Liriano has yet to throw a regular season pitch post Tommy John surgery and isn't on the opening day active roster. When he does come back many would like to believe he'll be exactly the same pitcher who out-dueled Roger Clemens on that ESPN broadcast and went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 K's in 121 innings pitched in 2006. Until he makes his way onto the active roster and makes at least 20 starts the jury's still out.
With Matt Garza also traded to Tampa Bay and Carlos Silva lost to Seattle in free-agency the Twins are without 3/5 of their starting rotation from last year. Not to mention two pitchers who ate up 200+ innings in Silva and Santana. Say what you want about Silva, but he had an around .500 record and could be counted on for 6-7 innings a start and 200 a season.
Minnesota did sign Livan Hernandez to a one-year contract, and in a sense replaced Silva, but if it's just a fix for this season or not remains to be seen.
Delmon Young (Career .289 AVG, 16 HR, 103 RBI in 193 Games) and Carlos Gomez (Career .232 AVG, 2 HR, 12 RBI in 58 Games) are good young prospects and possible replacements for Torii Hunter, but of the two only Young last year played a full season and was runner up for rookie of the year. A full season this year will determine, mostly in Gomez's case, if he's ready or needs another year or two to develop.
--On a side note speaking of Hunter, what may be forgotten by most is that the Kansas City Royals offered him a five-year 80-million contract, and that he turned that down before signing with the Anaheim Angels (I still refuse to call them LA, as that would be like if St. Cloud had a pro sports team, but called themselves the Minneapolis _______).--
This season really comes down to what the Twins will get out of their starting rotation, and if Joe Mauer can play a full season (and tough it up and play when he's hurt).
As much as I'd like to say Minnesota is gonna have a better then .500 record this year, on opening day it looks as though it'll be hard for them to do so as everyone in the Central Division, including Kansas City, got better while the Twins were only able to fill holes left from last season departures.
There's a reason why the games aren't played on paper, and once June 1 comes we'll have a better idea of what sort of team the Twins are and can reevaluate the hand that Gardy has been dealt.
Monday, March 31, 2008
March 31st, Part II
NHL SEASON RACES
Playoff Standings
RANK-TEAM--PTS (GAMES REMAINING)
WEST
1-z-DET--111 (@CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-z-SJ--106 (LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (@LA, PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (@PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-COL--91 (@VAN, MIN)
7-CGY--90 (@EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
8-VAN--88 (COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--87 (@STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--86 (CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (@DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--74 (NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (@SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--99 (PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--98 (@OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (@WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--93 (@NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-OTT--92 (MTL, @TOR, BOS)
6-NYR--91 (@NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-BOS--91 (@NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--91 (@PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--88 (CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--86 (@TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-TOR--82 (BUF, OTT, @MTL)
12-FLA--81 (@ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
13-NYI--76 (NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--72 (FLA, TB)
15-TB--71 (@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) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey vs (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--91--80 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--90--79 (4-6-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--99--79 (8-2-0)
2-NJ--93--78 (4-5-1)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--98--79 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--92--79 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--79 (7-2-1)
2-WAS--88--79 (8-2-0)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--109
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--93
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--62*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--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--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--60
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +32
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
5-Duncan Keith--Chi +29
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Evgeni Malkin--Pit--16
5-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
6-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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
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--111 (@CHI, CBJ, CHI)
2-z-SJ--106 (LA, @LA, @DAL)
3-x-MIN*--95 (CGY, @COL)
4-x-ANA--98 (@LA, PHX)
5-x-DAL--93 (@PHX, PHX, SJ)
6-COL--91 (@VAN, MIN)
7-CGY--90 (@EDM, @MIN, @VAN)
8-VAN--88 (COL, EDM, CGY)
------------------------------------------------------------------
9-NSH--87 (@STL, STL, @CHI)
10-EDM--86 (CGY, @VAN)
11-CHI--84 (DET, NSH, @DET)
12-PHX--80 (DAL, @DAL, @ANA)
13-CBJ--80 (@DET, @STL, STL)
14-STL--74 (NSH, @NSH, CBJ, @CBJ)
15-LA--69 (@SJ, SJ, ANA)
EAST
1-x-PIT*--99 (PHI, @ PHI)
2-x-MTL*--98 (@OTT, BUF, @TOR)
3-CAR*--90 (@WAS, TB, FLA)
4-NJ--93 (@NYI, @BOS, @PHI, NYR)
5-OTT--92 (MTL, @TOR, BOS)
6-NYR--91 (@NYI, NYI, @NJ)
7-BOS--91 (@NJ, @OTT, BUF)
8-PHI--91 (@PIT, NJ, PIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
9-WAS--88 (CAR, TB, FLA)
10-BUF--86 (@TOR, @MTL, @BOS)
11-TOR--82 (BUF, OTT, @MTL)
12-FLA--81 (@ATL, @CAR, @WAS)
13-NYI--76 (NJ, NYR, @NYR)
14-ATL--72 (FLA, TB)
15-TB--71 (@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) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas
EAST
(1) Pittsburgh vs (8) Philadelphia
(2) Montreal vs (7) Boston
(3) Carolina vs (6) NY Rangers
(4) New Jersey vs (5) Ottawa
Division Races
RANK-TEAM--PTS--GP (L10)
NORTHWEST
1-MIN--95--80 (6-2-2)
2-COL--91--80 (5-4-1)
3-CGY--90--79 (4-6-0)
ATLANTIC
1-PIT--99--79 (8-2-0)
2-NJ--93--78 (4-5-1)
NORTHEAST
1-MON--98--79 (6-3-1)
2-OTT--92--79 (5-4-1)
SOUTHEAST
1-CAR--90--79 (7-2-1)
2-WAS--88--79 (8-2-0)
Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--109
2-Evengi Malkin--Pit--104
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--94
4-Pavel Datsyuk--Det--94
5-Joe Thornton--SJ--93
Maurice Richard Trophy (Goal Scoring Leader)
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--62*
2-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--50
3-Jarome Iginla--Cgy--49
4-Evengi Malkin--Pit--46
5-Henrik Zetterberg--Det--41
6-Brad Boyes--Stl--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--63
4-Henrik Sedin--Van--60
5-Evengi Malkin--Pit--58
6-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det--58
Plus/Minus
1-Nicklas Lidstrom--Det +41
2-Pavel Datsyuk--Det +41
3-Dany Heatley--Ott +32
4-Henrik Zetterberg--Det +31
5-Duncan Keith--Chi +29
Power-Play Goals
1-Alexander Ovechkin--Was--21
2-Olli Jokinen--Fla--17
3-Alex Kovalev--Mon--16
4-Evgeni Malkin--Pit--16
5-Ilya Kovalchuck--Atl--16
6-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-Patrick Kane--Chi--7 (7-9, 77.8%)
2-Joe Pavelski--SJ--7 (7-11, 63.3%)
3-Erik Christensen--Atl--6 (6-11, 54.8%)
4-Ales Hemsky--Edm--6 (6-16, 37.5%)
March 31st
LIGHTNING'S TAYLOR WON'T PLAY AGAIN
Lightning captain Tim Taylor won't play a final game for Tampa Bay before retiring after the regular season ends.
The 39-year old Taylor, who has missed the entire season after undergoing off-season hip surgery, has recently been practising with team. Lightning coach John Tortorella had talked with Taylor about returning for one contest at home
"I'm not coming back" Taylor said during a question-and-answer session with fans over the weekend. "I want to remember the good times. I want to remember playing hockey. I don't want Torts to send me out to play two shifts and I'll stand around."
Taylor has 73 goals and 94 assists in 746 career games. The two-time Stanley Cup winner provided key leadership when Tampa Bay won its only NHL championship in 2004.
Two potential replacements for team captain next season are Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.
"I think Vinny will be the next captain," Taylor said. "He's taken some great strides in the locker room.
Taylor plans to remain with the organization, spending most of his time working with prospects and minor leaguers.
Lightning captain Tim Taylor won't play a final game for Tampa Bay before retiring after the regular season ends.
The 39-year old Taylor, who has missed the entire season after undergoing off-season hip surgery, has recently been practising with team. Lightning coach John Tortorella had talked with Taylor about returning for one contest at home
"I'm not coming back" Taylor said during a question-and-answer session with fans over the weekend. "I want to remember the good times. I want to remember playing hockey. I don't want Torts to send me out to play two shifts and I'll stand around."
Taylor has 73 goals and 94 assists in 746 career games. The two-time Stanley Cup winner provided key leadership when Tampa Bay won its only NHL championship in 2004.
Two potential replacements for team captain next season are Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.
"I think Vinny will be the next captain," Taylor said. "He's taken some great strides in the locker room.
Taylor plans to remain with the organization, spending most of his time working with prospects and minor leaguers.
Today in MLB History, March 31st
1958: Indians Gene Woodling, Dick Williams and Bud Daley are traded to the Orioles for Larry Doby and Don Ferrarese.
1959: The Pacific Coast League proposal to use a designated hitter is voted down by the Professional Baseball Rules Committee. Prompted by the Cubs' college of coaches, the committee also rules each team must name a manager 30 minutes prior to the game.
1968: The AL's new franchise in Seattle chooses Pilots as its nickname.
1982: Rangers trade outfielder/first baseman Al Oliver to the Expos for outfielder/third baseman Larry Parrish and minor league first baseman Dave Hostetler.
1993: Bill White, the first black to serve as a league president, resigns from his NL post. The former Cardinal first baseman will remain at the job until March of 1994.
1994: Mets trade hard-luck righthander Anthony Young to the Cubs for shortstop Jose Vizcaino. Young holds the major league record for the most consecutive losses by a pitcher.....The White Sox assign NBA superstar Michael Jordan to Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern League.
1996 For the first time in history, the major league season opens in March with Mariners beating the White Sox in 12 innings, 3-2.
1998 In front of a sellout crowd of 47,484 at Bank One Ballpark, the Arizona Diamondback lose to the Rockies, 9-2. The seven run difference matches the '62 Mets and the '77 Mariners for the most-lopsided lost by an expansion team in their first game.....The Brewers play their inaugural game as a National League team and lose to the Braves at Turner Field, 2-1. Milwaukee is the first team since the inception of the American League in 1901 to switch leagues. All-time home run leader and fan favorite, Hank Aaron, helps to mark Milwaukee's historic return to the National League with a rare on-the-field appearance.
2005 The Orioles and MLB agree on a deal which will allow Nationals games to be televised. A joint venture backed by MLB will allow fans in the Baltimore-Washington area to enjoy telecasts of both franchises and will ensure the Orioles fans in the nation’s capitol will still have an opportunity to watch their ‘Birds’.
1959: The Pacific Coast League proposal to use a designated hitter is voted down by the Professional Baseball Rules Committee. Prompted by the Cubs' college of coaches, the committee also rules each team must name a manager 30 minutes prior to the game.
1968: The AL's new franchise in Seattle chooses Pilots as its nickname.
1982: Rangers trade outfielder/first baseman Al Oliver to the Expos for outfielder/third baseman Larry Parrish and minor league first baseman Dave Hostetler.
1993: Bill White, the first black to serve as a league president, resigns from his NL post. The former Cardinal first baseman will remain at the job until March of 1994.
1994: Mets trade hard-luck righthander Anthony Young to the Cubs for shortstop Jose Vizcaino. Young holds the major league record for the most consecutive losses by a pitcher.....The White Sox assign NBA superstar Michael Jordan to Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern League.
1996 For the first time in history, the major league season opens in March with Mariners beating the White Sox in 12 innings, 3-2.
1998 In front of a sellout crowd of 47,484 at Bank One Ballpark, the Arizona Diamondback lose to the Rockies, 9-2. The seven run difference matches the '62 Mets and the '77 Mariners for the most-lopsided lost by an expansion team in their first game.....The Brewers play their inaugural game as a National League team and lose to the Braves at Turner Field, 2-1. Milwaukee is the first team since the inception of the American League in 1901 to switch leagues. All-time home run leader and fan favorite, Hank Aaron, helps to mark Milwaukee's historic return to the National League with a rare on-the-field appearance.
2005 The Orioles and MLB agree on a deal which will allow Nationals games to be televised. A joint venture backed by MLB will allow fans in the Baltimore-Washington area to enjoy telecasts of both franchises and will ensure the Orioles fans in the nation’s capitol will still have an opportunity to watch their ‘Birds’.
Today in NHL History, March 31st
1923: Ottawa's 18-year-old King Clancy played all six positions (including goalie for two minutes when Clint Benedict got a penalty) when the Senators beat Edmonton 1-0 in Game Two of the Finals, to become the 1923 Stanley Cup Champions.
1927: Montreal's Howie Morenz scored at 12:05 of overtime as the Canadiens beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0, in the first all-NHL Stanley Cup Playoff overtime game ever played. Rookie George Hainsworth recorded his first playoff shutout.
1936: Hall of Famer Bob Pulford born in Newton Robinson, Ont. Pulford played in the NHL 1956-57 through 1971-72 with Toronto and Los Angeles, and later coached the Kings and Black Hawks, before becoming Chicago's GM.
1949: Former NHL goalie Gilles Gilbert born in St. Esprit, Que. Gilbert played in the NHL 1969-70 through 1972-73 with Minnesota, Boston and Detroit.
1951: Boston and Toronto played in the last Stanley Cup Playoff Game to end in a tie. The teams were at 1-1 through one overtime (in Game 2 of their Semi-Final series) when existing Toronto laws made it illegal to begin another period after midnight.
1956: Montreal Canadiens trailed Detroit 4-2 after two periods, but scored 4 straight goals in the third (outshooting the Wings 18-5) to beat the Red wings 6-4, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Montreal.
1965: Former NHL goalie Tom Barrasso born in Boston, Mass. Barrasso played in the NHL 1983-84 through 2002-03 with Buffalo, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa, Carolina, Toronto and St. Louis.
1971: Gordie Howe became the first Red Wings' player to be honored with a "Night" in an opponent's rink, when the Maple Leafs honored him at Maple Leaf Gardens. Detroit tied 2-2 with Toronto.
1973: Boston's Bobby Orr scored his third career hat trick to become the first player in NHL history to score 100 points for four straight seasons. The milestone came in a 7-3 Bruins' loss at Toronto.....Chicago's Stan Mikita became the second player in franchise history (and the 9th in NHL history) to score 400 goals. The milestone came as the Black Hawks lost 4-2 at Detroit.....Philadelphia Flyers tied the NHL record for most goals in one period, with eight in the second period of a 10-2 win over the Islanders, in Philadelphia.....Montreal's Jacques Lemaire scored a penalty shot goal and added three assists to lead the Canadiens to a 5-1 win over the Rangers, in Montreal.
1979: Toronto's Lanny McDonald scored his 5th career hat trick as the Maple Leafs won 6-2 over the Minnesota North Stars.....Montreal Canadiens became just the second team in NHL history to win 50 (or more) games four straight years; their 50th victory of 1978-79 came in a 5-3 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.
1982: Edmonton's Mark Messier scored twice to become the second player in team history to score 50 goals in a season. The milestone, along with an assist came in a 7-3 Oilers' win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
1984: Flames set a team record with six goals in the second period, during a 10-3 win over the Minnesota North Stars. With the victory, Calgary extended their home undefeated streak against the North Stars to 9 straight games (6-0-3).....Mike Bossy became the first player in NHL history to record seven straight 50 goal seasons, when he scored his 50th and 51st of the year, in a 3-1 Islanders win, at Washington. Bossy broke the mark of 6 straight 50-goal seasons by Guy Lafleur.
1988: New York Islanders held a "Denis Potvin" night in a pre-game ceremony before a game against Washington, and won 7-3 over the Capitals. Mikko Makela led the scoring with a goal and three assists for New York.
1989: Joe Mullen became the fourth player in Calgary Flames history to score 50 goals in a season as the Flames beat Winnipeg 4-1, to extend their home undefeated streak against the Jets to 7 games (6-0-1).
1990: Minnesota's Brian Bellows tied a club record with his 55th goal of the season as the North Stars won 6-3 at St. Louis. The goal also extended Bellows' team-record goal scoring streak to 10 straight games. Also in that game, Brett Hull scored twice to set a new NHL record for most goals by a right wing (72). Hull's 72 were one more than Jari Kurri, who scored 71 for the Oilers in 1984-85.....Brent Sutter scored twice and added two assists to lead the Islanders to a 6-2 win over the Flyers, in New York. The win put the Islanders into the playoffs, and knocked Philadelphia out, for the first time since 1971-72.....John Tanner made his NHL debut in goal for the Nordiques (in a 3-2 loss to the Hartford Whalers) to make Quebec the first team in NHL history to use 7 goalies in one season. The '34 Americans and '80 Oilers had each used 6 goalies in one season. Also in that game, Quebec Nordiques' Joe Sakic became the first player in NHL history to score 100 points in a season while playing on a last place team, when he scored a goal.
1991: Boston's Chris Nilan set an NHL record with 10 penalties in one game (six minors, two majors, a misconduct and a game misconduct) in a 7-3 win over the Hartford Whalers, at Boston Garden.
1994: Jeremy Roenick scored a goal to become the first player in Chicago Blackhawks history to get 100 points for three consecutive seasons. The milestone came in a 6-3 loss to the visiting Washington Capitals.
1995: Cliff Ronning scored his 250th point as a member of the Vancouver Canucks in a 6-1 win over the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
1996: Detroit's Paul Coffey had three assists (in the Red Wings' 8-1 win over the visiting St. Louis Blues) to become the eighth NHL player and first defenseman to score 1,400 career points. Also in that game, St. Louis Blues' Grant Fuhr extended his NHL record for consecutive starts in goal, and set an NHL record with his 76th appearance of the season, but then left the game with a third period injury.....Sharks' rookie Jan Caloun scored, to give him his first five NHL goals on just six career shots (in five games). It came in a 4-2 San Jose loss to the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
1997: Mario Lemieux scored his 610th NHL goal to tie Bobby Hull for 6th place on the NHL's all-time list as the Penguins won 4-3 over the visiting Florida Panthers. Lemieux also picked up an assist.
2003: Manny Fernandez recorded his 8th career shutout as the Wild scored three power-play goals for a 3-0 win over the visiting Calgary Flames.....Patrick Roy became the first goaltender in NHL history to play 60,000 minutes, as the Avalanche extended their home unbeaten streak to 16 games with a 3-1 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2004: Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff recorded his 7th career shutout, and the Flames clinched their first playoff berth in 8 years, with a 1-0 win over the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. It was the 187th shutout in the NHL in 2003-04, a new all-time record.....S.J. Sharks set a franchise record with their 10th win of the month, 3-0 over the Kings in Los Angeles. Evgeni Nabokov recorded his 9th shutout of the year (the 26th of his career) as the Sharks clinched their 2nd Pacific Division Championship.
1927: Montreal's Howie Morenz scored at 12:05 of overtime as the Canadiens beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0, in the first all-NHL Stanley Cup Playoff overtime game ever played. Rookie George Hainsworth recorded his first playoff shutout.
1936: Hall of Famer Bob Pulford born in Newton Robinson, Ont. Pulford played in the NHL 1956-57 through 1971-72 with Toronto and Los Angeles, and later coached the Kings and Black Hawks, before becoming Chicago's GM.
1949: Former NHL goalie Gilles Gilbert born in St. Esprit, Que. Gilbert played in the NHL 1969-70 through 1972-73 with Minnesota, Boston and Detroit.
1951: Boston and Toronto played in the last Stanley Cup Playoff Game to end in a tie. The teams were at 1-1 through one overtime (in Game 2 of their Semi-Final series) when existing Toronto laws made it illegal to begin another period after midnight.
1956: Montreal Canadiens trailed Detroit 4-2 after two periods, but scored 4 straight goals in the third (outshooting the Wings 18-5) to beat the Red wings 6-4, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Montreal.
1965: Former NHL goalie Tom Barrasso born in Boston, Mass. Barrasso played in the NHL 1983-84 through 2002-03 with Buffalo, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa, Carolina, Toronto and St. Louis.
1971: Gordie Howe became the first Red Wings' player to be honored with a "Night" in an opponent's rink, when the Maple Leafs honored him at Maple Leaf Gardens. Detroit tied 2-2 with Toronto.
1973: Boston's Bobby Orr scored his third career hat trick to become the first player in NHL history to score 100 points for four straight seasons. The milestone came in a 7-3 Bruins' loss at Toronto.....Chicago's Stan Mikita became the second player in franchise history (and the 9th in NHL history) to score 400 goals. The milestone came as the Black Hawks lost 4-2 at Detroit.....Philadelphia Flyers tied the NHL record for most goals in one period, with eight in the second period of a 10-2 win over the Islanders, in Philadelphia.....Montreal's Jacques Lemaire scored a penalty shot goal and added three assists to lead the Canadiens to a 5-1 win over the Rangers, in Montreal.
1979: Toronto's Lanny McDonald scored his 5th career hat trick as the Maple Leafs won 6-2 over the Minnesota North Stars.....Montreal Canadiens became just the second team in NHL history to win 50 (or more) games four straight years; their 50th victory of 1978-79 came in a 5-3 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.
1982: Edmonton's Mark Messier scored twice to become the second player in team history to score 50 goals in a season. The milestone, along with an assist came in a 7-3 Oilers' win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
1984: Flames set a team record with six goals in the second period, during a 10-3 win over the Minnesota North Stars. With the victory, Calgary extended their home undefeated streak against the North Stars to 9 straight games (6-0-3).....Mike Bossy became the first player in NHL history to record seven straight 50 goal seasons, when he scored his 50th and 51st of the year, in a 3-1 Islanders win, at Washington. Bossy broke the mark of 6 straight 50-goal seasons by Guy Lafleur.
1988: New York Islanders held a "Denis Potvin" night in a pre-game ceremony before a game against Washington, and won 7-3 over the Capitals. Mikko Makela led the scoring with a goal and three assists for New York.
1989: Joe Mullen became the fourth player in Calgary Flames history to score 50 goals in a season as the Flames beat Winnipeg 4-1, to extend their home undefeated streak against the Jets to 7 games (6-0-1).
1990: Minnesota's Brian Bellows tied a club record with his 55th goal of the season as the North Stars won 6-3 at St. Louis. The goal also extended Bellows' team-record goal scoring streak to 10 straight games. Also in that game, Brett Hull scored twice to set a new NHL record for most goals by a right wing (72). Hull's 72 were one more than Jari Kurri, who scored 71 for the Oilers in 1984-85.....Brent Sutter scored twice and added two assists to lead the Islanders to a 6-2 win over the Flyers, in New York. The win put the Islanders into the playoffs, and knocked Philadelphia out, for the first time since 1971-72.....John Tanner made his NHL debut in goal for the Nordiques (in a 3-2 loss to the Hartford Whalers) to make Quebec the first team in NHL history to use 7 goalies in one season. The '34 Americans and '80 Oilers had each used 6 goalies in one season. Also in that game, Quebec Nordiques' Joe Sakic became the first player in NHL history to score 100 points in a season while playing on a last place team, when he scored a goal.
1991: Boston's Chris Nilan set an NHL record with 10 penalties in one game (six minors, two majors, a misconduct and a game misconduct) in a 7-3 win over the Hartford Whalers, at Boston Garden.
1994: Jeremy Roenick scored a goal to become the first player in Chicago Blackhawks history to get 100 points for three consecutive seasons. The milestone came in a 6-3 loss to the visiting Washington Capitals.
1995: Cliff Ronning scored his 250th point as a member of the Vancouver Canucks in a 6-1 win over the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
1996: Detroit's Paul Coffey had three assists (in the Red Wings' 8-1 win over the visiting St. Louis Blues) to become the eighth NHL player and first defenseman to score 1,400 career points. Also in that game, St. Louis Blues' Grant Fuhr extended his NHL record for consecutive starts in goal, and set an NHL record with his 76th appearance of the season, but then left the game with a third period injury.....Sharks' rookie Jan Caloun scored, to give him his first five NHL goals on just six career shots (in five games). It came in a 4-2 San Jose loss to the visiting Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
1997: Mario Lemieux scored his 610th NHL goal to tie Bobby Hull for 6th place on the NHL's all-time list as the Penguins won 4-3 over the visiting Florida Panthers. Lemieux also picked up an assist.
2003: Manny Fernandez recorded his 8th career shutout as the Wild scored three power-play goals for a 3-0 win over the visiting Calgary Flames.....Patrick Roy became the first goaltender in NHL history to play 60,000 minutes, as the Avalanche extended their home unbeaten streak to 16 games with a 3-1 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2004: Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff recorded his 7th career shutout, and the Flames clinched their first playoff berth in 8 years, with a 1-0 win over the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. It was the 187th shutout in the NHL in 2003-04, a new all-time record.....S.J. Sharks set a franchise record with their 10th win of the month, 3-0 over the Kings in Los Angeles. Evgeni Nabokov recorded his 9th shutout of the year (the 26th of his career) as the Sharks clinched their 2nd Pacific Division Championship.
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