Welcome back after the extended weekend for many across North America as Canada celebrated Family Day and the United States celebrated Presidents Day by getting snowed in.
Chicago Blackhawks 5; St. Louis Blues 3
Central division showdown saw the current Stanley Cup champions earn the much needed two points from the Blues.
The Blues took the lead 2-0 after the first period of play and Blackhawks captian Jonathan Toews had something to say about that. The Blackhawks came back for the second period and scored four, giving them the 4-2 lead after 40 minutes of play. The third period saw Blues Alex Pietrangelo bring the Blues within one only to see their hopes of gaining at least a point going into overtime dashed as Marian Hossa scored an empty net goal with one second remaining in the game.
New York Islanders 5; Florida Panthers 1
Matt Moulson lead the charge against the Panthers as he scored twice in the first and then an empty netter in the third for a hat trick. The Panthers only goal came little over midway thought the third when Mike Santorelli score a power play goal.
Panthers Tomas Vokoun had 32 saves on the 36 shots he faced from the Islanders; while Islanders Al Montoya had 20 saves on the 21 shots he faced.
Washing Capitals 1; Pittsburgh Penguins 0
This may be an Ovechtrick of another sort; a more realistic sort.
The Penguins had three power play chances in the first period and one more in the second that they did not capitalize on. While a tripping call on Penguins Joe Vitale lead to a http://www.japersrink.com/2011/2/21/2006920/recap-capitals-1-penguins-0 power play goal by Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.
Not surprising that the three stars for the game went to Capitals rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth whom made 39 saves to earn the shutout against the Penguins, Alex Ovechkin for scoring the only goal of the game, and to Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury with his 23 saves.
Up into the Netting
NHL attendence records released (since lock out). Where does your team fall on the list?
Penguins trade Goligoski to the Stars for James Neal and Matt Niskanen.
Is there trouble a foot? Could the thrashers be heading to Quebec City? The Hockey Writers own Jim Neveau takes a look at the trouble brewing in Blueland.
Sheldon Sourary passed tough re entry waivers yesterday only to see himself placed back on waiver to be sent back to the minors.
Who do you think are some of the top undrafted players in the NHL? Did they make the cut?