Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Detroit Red Wings (5-4-0) @ Vancouver Canucks (4-4-2)
In a tight matchup between two of the biggest teams in the West, the Red Wings entered Vancouver tonight to try and inch closer to the division lead the Nashville Predators currently hold in the Central. Whereas the Vancouver Canucks are trying to simply get some distance between themselves and the red hot Dallas Stars.
The first period opened, much to the surprise of Red Wings fans, with an on time start. Valtteri Filppula (4) opened the scoring on Roberto Luongo just 90 seconds into the opening period. On a breakaway he beat Luongo dead to rights during a line change, the goal was unassisted. There would be no further scoring in the first, despite shots piling up for both sides. Detroit had 12 shots, Vancouver had 17.
In the second, it was much the same as both goaltenders found a rhythm and turned away multiple opportunities, including two powerplay chances on each side. However, with 5 minutes left, Jan Mursak (1), the injury replacement for Mikael Samuelsson, burned Luongo on a one time slap shot from the faceoff dot. Vancouver wouldn’t go away however, they scored with just 42 seconds left on a wrist shot from just inside the blue line by Chris Higgins (2).
The third period, it seemed as if both teams had settled in, as defense took over once more. The Wings continued limiting Vancouvers chances, despite being shorthanded three more times. However, with just under five minutes left, Henrik Sedin (3) got off a very bad angle shot from the goal line, and somehow beat Howard to tie it up.
However the Red Wings Captain, Henrik Zetterberg (2), refused to let momentum shift to the home team, 50 seconds later, with four minutes remaining in the game, he stole the puck from the Vancouver defense at their blue line, didn’t make a move on Luongo, and still burned him with a sharp wrister glove high to ice the game.
DET 3 – 2 VAN
Three Stars:
- Jimmy Howard (G) – 2.00 GAA, .952 SV%, 42 SA
- Henrik Zetterberg (C) – 1G, 1A, 2 PTS, 2 HITS, 4 SHOTS, +2
- Valtteri Filppula (LW) – 1G, 0A, 1 PTS, 2 HITS, 1 SHOTS, +2
Notes: Detroit suffers a huge loss however, as Johan Franzen (RW) will miss 8-9 weeks with a broken left hand. Mikael Samuelsson will be able to return before the teams next game against Calgary on the 1st, however he will be given until the 5th to nurse his sore groin when the team returns home. The team will call up Gustav Nyquist (LW) to replace Franzen in the interim. He will play on a line with Zetterberg and Cleary, while Filppula moves to play alongside Datsyuk and Bertuzzi.
Other games in the BNHL:
Colorado (3-5-1) @ Edmonton (4-4-0)
The Avalanche, in their quest to not fall completely behind in the Northwest division race, failed miserably in their attempt. As Edmonton shut them out. EDM 2 – 0 COL
Carolina (5-4-0) @ New Jersey (1-5-1)
The Devils just can’t catch a break, as they continue their miserable season opening by tallying another loss to the Hurricanes. CAR 4 – 1 NJD
Nashville (6-3-1) @ San Jose (2-4-2)
The Sharks are determined to turn their already losing season around, but it won’t start with the Central leading Predators, who throw up 5 goals and chase Niemi. NSH 5 – 1 SJS
Montreal (3-4-2) @ Calgary (3-3-2)
The Flames started the year with three straight victories, and turn to an East rival to break their 5 game losing skid, but le Canadiens have seemingly righted the ship, and continue their win streak with a shootout victory. MON 3 – 2 CGY SO
Phoenix (3-4-0) @ Chicago (4-3-0)
The Blackhawks looked to keep the Predators in their sights, however they were caught looking ahead and got beaten by Mike Smith and the Coyotes. PHX 3 – 1 CHI
Buffalo (5-2-1) @ Boston (7-1-1)
After getting their first loss to the Ducks, the Bruins have been on a crusade. Putting up ten goals in two games. The Sabres just couldn’t match their rivals. BOS 4 – 2 BUF
Anaheim (4-3-2) @ Toronto (3-2-2)
After a four game losing streak, the Maple Leafs may have turned a corner, they welcome the Ducks, and roast some fowl. TOR 3 – 2 ANA
Los Angeles (5-3-0) @ St. Louis (5-3-0)
Some alarm bells may be going off for coach Darryl Sutter, as his goaltending has given up 15 goals in the past four games. The Blues hang on for a win. STL 4 – 3 LAK
Dallas (5-3-1) @ Philadelphia (3-4-1)
The Stars continue to make me feel smart, as I picked them as a sleeper team to make the playoffs this year, and possibly win their division. Well, they are currently leading it and have played very strong. They hammer Bryzgalov for 5 goals. DAL 5 – 2 PHI
Ottawa (6-1-2) @ New York Islanders (5-4-0)
The Senators continue to play very tough hockey, led by Captain Alfredsson, who had two goals, they do fall however to the upstart Islanders, who are out to make a statement this year perhaps. NYI 3 – 2 OTT
League News:
– CHI C Marcus Kruger will be injured for 2-3 months with a pulled groin.
– Calgary and Tampa Bay make a game changing trade.
– Tampa Bay Lightning send RW Martin St. Louis and D Mattias Ohlund to Calgary Flames
– Calgary Flames send C Max Reinhart and 2013 1st Round Draft Pick to Tampa Bay Lightning
– Calgary send D Mattias Ohlund to waivers per roster limitations
– Phoenix Coyotes claim D Mattias Ohlund off waivers from Calgary Flames
