Hockey News: Hansen’s Hatty; Rangers Cruise

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Jannik Hansen’s Hat Trick Lifts Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were not gracious hosts Sunday night to the Chicago Blackhawks.  Jannik Hansen recorded a hat trick on an empty-net goal :43 remaining in the game, and Radim Vrbata scored his 10th of the season, lifting Vancouver over Chicago 4-1.

Ryan Millers turned away 24 or 25 Blackhawks’ shots enroute to his 13th win of the season.  Just to give an idea on how improved that is, Miller had 15 wins with the Buffalo Sabres last season through 40 games.  Sure the teams are much different talent wise and are heading in different directions, but nothing should be taken away from the start Miller has had this season.  He is now tied for the league lead in wins with Carey Price and Pekka Rinne.

Last night marked the 1,000th game of Daniel Sedin’s NHL career.

 

New York Rangers Cruise Past Canadiens

Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 21 shots he faced Sunday night against Montreal earning his fourth shutout of the season, as the Rangers beat the Habs 5-0.  Martin St. Louis added a goal and an assist in the win which was the Rangers second in a row.

“I think the last two games is probably as good as we’ve played all year.” – Henrik Lundqvist

Montreal who owns the best record in the NHL, has lost two out of their last four but will hope to get back to their winning ways as they prepare for a home-and-home against the NHL basement dweller Buffalo Sabres.  The Canadiens have been shutout each of their last three losses being outscored 14-0.

Will the real Montreal Canadiens please stand up [Eyes on the Prize].  Rangers blank Habs making it six straight shutout periods. [Blue Seat Blogs]

Blues’ Special Teams Special

The St. Louis Blues tallied two power play goals on Sunday night lifting them past the Winnipeg Jets 4-2.  David Backes and Jaden Schwartz scored the power play goals, with Ryan Reaves and Paul Stastny adding the other two.  The Blues have won two games in a row and sit atop the Western Conference Central Division with 29 points.  The Winnipeg Jets have dropped two straight and are now trailing the Blues by six points.

Bryan Little started the scoring on Sunday for Winnipeg, but they couldn’t hold onto their 2-goal lead.

 

Anaheim Downs Coyotes, 2-1

The Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks have been battling with each other for the top spot in the Pacific Division.  Both teams were in action on Sunday and both teams won.  What does that mean?  It means that the Ducks retain the top spot by just two points.

The Ducks were at home Sunday to face the Arizona Coyotes.  Patrick Maroon scored his first goal of the season and Kyle Palmieri added a goal for Anaheim as they defeated Arizona 2-1.  Keith Yandle scored in the losing effort for the Coyotes who have now lost three of four.

 

NHL News, Injuries, Suspensions, etc..

  • Clayton Stoner sits for Ducks with mump-like symptoms [NHL.com]
  • Viktor Tikhonov passed away at the age of 84. He was legendary Soviet Union Coach
  • All-Star voting has been opened but you can vote by clicking this link. [Allstarvote.com]
  • Jay Bouwmeester’s streak of 737 consecutive games ends