The Fifth Liners

The Pittsburgh Penguins won a titantic back and forth battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night for a 6-5 shootout win at the Consol Energy Center! From the very outset, things were far from straight foward and despite Chris Connor putting the Penguins ahead after 1.57 of the first period, James Van Riemsdyk soon made thing a tie game after he scored on the powerplay after 5 minutes. From there things got very tricky for the home team as Nazem Kadri gave Toronto the lead after 11 minutes. Less than 43 seconds into the next period- the Leafs hit Pittsburgh with a double blow as a crucial mistake by Marc-Andre Fleury as he attempted to pass the puck behind his net to Jayson Megna let in Van Riemsdyk for his second goal after only 13 seconds! Thirty seconds later Phil Kessel would score to put Toronto 4-1 in front and add to the home fans frustrations! Powerplay goals by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang midway through help raise spirits- but when Tyler Bozak popped up to score...

Boston have been playing well of late, quietly getting on with job. The result of which is a spot at the top of the Eastern Conference. Detroit's troubles this season have been well documented and last night the team had to go without superstar Pavel Datsyuk and dependable first-liner Todd Bertuzzi. On paper, this looked like another win for Boston. The first ten minutes were close, the Bruins looked dangerous when pushing and the Red Wings broke well, recently returned Darren Helm almost opened the scoring with a lightning fast breakaway, only to put the puck wide. Detroit's Johan Franzen then stepped up. The Mule set up the first and only goal of a penalty packed first period when his cross through the blue paint found Justin Abdelkader who tapped in the opener. This came straight after he stepped out of the penalty box after picking up a penalty for high-sticking on Zdeno Mt. Chara. Must have been a really high stick. The second period brought more goals for boys in ...

It seems that Washington's Czech fourth-liner isn't happy and wants out of the nation's capital. A few years ago Erat was the Nashville Predator's starting right winger, terrorising defences across the length and breadth of the NHL. But those days are gone, Erat was traded to the Washington Capitals in the 2013 trade deadline after waiving his no-trade clause and asking to move. It seems though that the grass is not always greener and Erat revealed to the Czech press (and subsequently the local press) that he's unhappy and wants to move on. "It's time for me to move on." He said. The Caps' GM; George McPhee has accepted that after averaging just 13 minutes ice time per game and totalling six points for the season, it's probably time to look elsewhere.

48 saves from James Reimer gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a much needed 2-1 shootout win over the Washington Capitals at the Air Canada Center last night. David Clarkson got the ball rolling when he deflected in Jake Gardiner's long shot after 10:08 of the second period. But Alexander Ovechkin then tied the game with 5 minutes remaining of the third to send matters to overtime! After an uneventful overtime, the game was pushed to a shootout where Grant Fehr gave the Caps an initial advantage when he deeked past Reimer but James Van Reimsdyk scored to level the shoot out. Niklas Backstrom then had his penalty shoot saved by the glove of Reimer which allow Joffrey Lupul to seal the win for the Leafs!

The Vancouver Canucks finally ended their five game winless streak with an impressive 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Rogers Arena. But when Matt Calvert scored with Columbus' very first shot after 2.47 of the 1st period, many Canucks fans must have thought this streak would be going to six games! Tom Sessito had a goal waived off for Vancouver before with 15 seconds left Daniel Sedin scored to tie the game at 1-1. A second period flurry ultimate would set the Canucks on their way and in a two minute flurry midway through, goals from Zack Kassian, Captain Henrik Sedin (although knocked in off Sergei Bobrovsky) and a stunning centre ice slap shot from Alex Edler pushed Vancouver 4-1 ahead after 14 minutes played! Daniel Sedin scored again after 9 minutes of the third to give Vancouver a more than comfortable cushion! Although Jannik Hansen missed a penalty shot when Bobrovsky easily saved his weak wrist shot! Artem Anisimov scored for Columbus with three minute...

It's been difficult for Detroit Red Wings fans recently. Of the ten games played so far in November, the Wings have lost seven of them, five of those at the Joe Louis Arena. Fans can almost forgive a road loss, but when a team comes to Detroit and wins? Well that hurts that little bit more. It's not like there was a shortage of goals either, in the seven losses, Detroit were only shutout by Nashville. For the season so far, the Wings are scoring 2.52 goals per game (average). Which is okay but it's not cup winning form. I met a Detroit fan today who'd stopped following the NHL a few years back. We reminisced about the days when Nicklas Lidstrom was a brick wall on the blue line, and how Detroit's Swedish contingent was unstoppable. Then we realised that those days are behind us. Lidstrom is retired and the Wings haven't found a replacement to fill that gap. I'm not entirely sure that anyone exists who's as good as Lidstrom was. There's hope t...

Last night whilst sat high up in the stands of the Air Canada Center in Toronto, I was witness to an offensive feast as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Islanders 5-2 in an entertaining game. The Leafs got off to a flying start when Trevor Smith beat Isles goalie Kevin Poulin after only 22 seconds played after great work by 1st star Joffrey Lupul The score remain this way for the rest of the period remainder but Jonathan Bernier was forced to make several impressive saves in net for Toronto! Mid way through the second period, Phil Kessel put the Leafs 2-0 up before Casey Cizikas gave the Isles a lifeline with 11.5 seconds left. Mason Raymond put Toronto firmly in charge after scoring a rebound early in the third period before a first leafs goal for David Clarkson pushed them 4-1 ahead! Frans Nielsen briefly gave New York hope with a goal late in the third before Kessel scored his second with 2.43 remaining. Bernier made 35 saves in net in an impressive performance but ...

It's a good time to be Ben Scrivens . The Canadian goaltender is currently defending the net for the LA Kings while regular first choice Jonathan Quick is out with a strained groin. He's been the back-up man at the back for the Kings since he was picked up in June this year, in a deal which saw Jonathan Bernier head to the leafs. This season so far he's played eight games, conceding seven goals. This gives him a .955% which is the best in the league after Petr Mrazek (who has 1.000% after one game). He also leads the way in shutouts. Three so far and on Monday was named the NHL's first star of the week. Ben Scrivens was an unrestricted free agent when the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him up in 2010, where he played his hockey at the ECHL's Reading Royals and the Toronto Marlies. He played his first NHL game in November 2011. Scrivens started his NHL career with a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets and made 38 saves. The LA Kings host the Tampa Bay Li...

Last night while in the wonderful city that is New York I had the pleasure of watching the Rangers entertain the LA Kings at MSG. Sadly the result wasn't to favour the home side as Ben Scrivens turned in a 1st Star performance for the Kings as he made 37 saves to record a second straight shut out win! Tyler Toffoli scored the games only goal after 1.23 of the second when his shot crept under Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers were slightly flat throughout and despite having six powerplays,the LA powerkill shut them down! But were cruelty robbed in the closing minutes when a controversial call went against NY. Everyone thought Dominic Moore had scored the tying goal with 2.41 remaining. As I went wild with celebration with my good friend Ossie and high fived fellow Rangers fans in the midst of goal buzzer sounding, we were then informed the goal was under review and shortly after it was announced that the officials judged Moore kicked the puck past Scrivens and the goal was waived of...

Not unlike an actual avalanche, the Colorado Avalanche has been fairly unstoppable recently. But, also like an avalanche, once they've run out of momentum, progress will grind to a halt*. The boys from Denver have now lost their last three games in a row and in last night's surprise 4-1 home defeat to the Florida Panthers , Superstar center Matt Duchene has suffered an apparent oblique injury. No word yet on whether the injury is serious our not. Duchene, who's current the Av's leading goal scorer was unable to finish the game. Duchene has scored 12 goals and has 8 assists this season. Colorado's home stand continues when the teams hosts the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. We wish him a speedy recovery. *Maybe. I'm no scientist.

Tonight's Eastern Conference match up saw Alain Vigneault's New York Rangers make the trip to Montreal to take on the Canadiens at the Bell Center. Cam Talbot took net duties for the Rangers but it was the Habs' Carey Price who saw most of the action in the first period, fending off 15 shots while Talbot was only needed seven times. Both goalies were called into action early in the second period. With the Habs down a man due to Diaz's delay of game penalty, the Rangers upped the ante and Zuccarello forced Price to make a great stretch save. Gionta then made a shorthanded run but was denied by an instinctive glove save by Talbot. Price was beaten though when at the end of a Rangers 5 on 3 powerplay; Ryan Callahan was able to power a slap shot to give the visitors the lead. The New York Rangers have taken a while to adapt to Alain Vigneault's new leadership style. Couple this with starting the seaon on an extended road trip due to the MSG's refurbishment and i...

That's right, it's not a typo. Miami. Whether you're fighting Jonathan Martin's corner or you think Richie Incognito is a kind-but-misunderstood soul, we can all agree that this is turning into the story that won't go away. MMA champ Jon Jones (MMA is that thing that Kronwall does to opposition skaters) said in an interview that "I'd kill him" and "someone tweet him, let him know I'd smoke him" if the two were to (somehow) get into a fight. Incognito has become the face of not only evil in football, but also all sport. As a result of rookie hazing being not cool anymore, the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves' Shabazz Muhammad no longer has to carry a Jonas Brothers bag.  All because of "that football thing". Incognito was suspended indefinitely for detrimental conduct, which can only last for four games unless league mandated. Incognito has now  filed a non-football injury grievance against the Miami Dolphins . The s...

It's all go in New York State. Buffalo Sabres today announced that GM Darcy Regier and head coach Ron Rolston have been fired. The decision was made after the team beat the 2012 Stanley Cup winning LA Kings on penalties. Go figure. Long term though, the Sabres have been struggling with suspensions and general ability to not concede goals. The team currently sits bottom of the league and change has been on the cards for a while. Former Sabre captain, legend and current Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine has been hired as director of hockey operations to sort things out. "It's going to take a team from top to bottom and we don't have all the pieces in place." LaFontaine said, confusing hockey with a Puzz 3D. He also said that he won't be taking the GM job, but will head the search.  Ted Nolan has been appointed as interim coach, tasked with changing the culture within the squad. Nolan last coached the team in 1997 when despite winning the Jack Adams award, he was ...

After leaving the Kings Vs Sabres game early with an injury, the LA Kings ' main goaltender Jonathan Quick has been sent back to the team's doctors in LA and will likely miss the rest of the New York road trip. The injury, through to be a hamstring or groin strain will keep Quick out for a few games. Ben Scrivens , who took to the ice to replace Quick in the Sabres game will stand between the sticks for the NY Islanders game tonight. Martin Jones has been called up from the AHL's Manchester Monarchs and will back up Scrivens. It's not known when Quick will return to the ice. While this isn't a huge worry for the Kings, who have a great back up in Scrivens, it is possibly a worry for the USA Olympic team, of which Quick is pretty much guaranteed to be the starting goalie. Or maybe he'll run it off and be playing next week. Either way, get well soon.

The Philadelphia Flyers, the Florida Panthers and the Buffalo Sabres aren't exactly having seasons to write home about. Going into last night's games, the teams had collectively only won 12 games (the same amount as the Phoenix Coyotes). Last night was a reminder that in the NHL, any team can beat any team on the night. Even Buffalo. Buffalo Sabres All three of the Buffalo Sabres' wins had come on the road and welcoming the in-form LA Kings to the First Niagra Center, it didn't look like a home win would be on the cards.  At the end of the first period, the 2012 Stanley Cup champions were a goal to the good after Justin Williams slipped the puck past Ryan Miller in the second minute of the game. The Kings held the lead until just over half way through regulation when Cody Hodgson found an equaliser for Sabres.  Hodgson became the Sabres two-goal hero when he took advantage of Justin Williams' hooking penalty to score a powerplay goal and give the Sab...

Hello fellow hockey fans! As Mike mentioned previous I am currently on Vacation in Canada for hockey season. I have recently left a wonderful 2 day trip to Toronto where a visit to the hockey hall of fame was made (Picture of me with the Stanley Cup will be up soon!) And last night in eating in none other than Wayne Gretzky's restaurant, where four games of hockey were played at once (did feel slightly like David Bowie in The Man who Fell to Earth). Though I did manage to dazzle a Sharks fan called Pat with hockey (if you read this mate- it was great speaking to you!) En route to Montreal now where I shall most likely be viewing Penguins v Flyers as the Habs are not playing. I'll also have the pleasure of watching Rangers v Kings at MSG when I reach New York on Nov 17 and finally Leafs v Islanders last the ACC on November 19. Will keep you update your on my travels in due course, until then take care and live large :-) Alex

Things are tight at the top of the Atlantic Division, as it stands there's only two points between the top three teams. The two Florida teams, while geographically close, are miles apart in the points race. The Tampa Bay Lightning are holding onto a slim lead at the top of the division, while the Florida Panthers are only avoiding only just avoiding the wooden spoon. From the Panthers' BB&T Centre to the Lightning's Tampa Bay Times Arena is only 245 miles by road, but based on this season's, performances so far, that distance might as well be 100,000 miles because it's difficult to see how the two teams are in the same league. What makes the difference in fortunes so unusual is that the two Florida teams' recent histories are freakishly similar. Both teams replaced their General Managers in 2010. Steve Yzerman coming into Tampa Bay and Dale Tallon taking the reigns at the Panthers. Further more, in 2013, both teams fired their Head Coaches. Guy ...

Ilya Bryzgalov has finally found a new home after reaching a verbal agreement with the Edmonton Oilers for a one year deal. After enduring a tough 2012-13 season where he was released from his multi year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Russian goalie will be keen to make up for lost time! Curring Bryzgalov has features in over 425 NHL games and has recorded a win-loss record of 208-149-45. His career NHL goals against average stants at 2.55 with a save percentage of .913. The goaltender also has 30 career NHL shutouts since being selected 44th overall by Anaheim in 2007!

The Vancouver Canucks after nine straight defeats finally beat the San Jose Sharks 4-2 at the SAP Center last night to condemn the Sharks to a fourth straight defeat. But when Roberto Luongo knocked Joe Thornton's shot into his own net after only 1.17 of the first, all Canucks fans must of had that sinking feeling that this was going to be yet another wasted trip! But for once, Vancouver didnt fade away and only 3 minutes later Brad Richardson levelled the scores! This paved the way for an action packed rest of the period and Mike Santorelli put the Canucks ahead after 09.25 when he slotted past Niemi! Mike Brown latched onto a great assist to level the scores after 10.45 and once more we were at a tie game! San Jose then kept Luongo busy with several testing shots before Chris Higgins nudged the Canucks in front again with less than a minute left in the first! After 5 minutes of the second played, Zack Kassian redirected Kevin Bieksa's long range shot to give Vancouver...

The Philadelphia Flyers, to put it bluntly, aren't flying. In fact it's hard not to notice how badly the team is performing this season. Only Buffalo sits below the Flyers in the league. Many fingers across the internet are starting to point at Flyers captain Claude Giroux . Last season Giroux averaged a point per game, even more the season before that. So far this season? After 15 games, he's contributed seven points. All from assists. There's no doubt that assists are important, but the Flyers have scored the fewest goals in the league so far. The top five teams' first lines are averaging 15 goals each, while the Flyers' front line has scored seven. Now it's hard to compare the best teams in the league with Philadelphia, a team still being rebuilt, but Giroux has said this season that the Flyers are going to challenge for the Stanley Cup. If that's really going to happen, the Flyers are going to need a lot more goals. This is the thing. Gir...

The New York Rangers scored an impressive win last night at Madison Square Garden as they beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1! They were lucky not to fall behind after 20 seconds though when Henrik Lundqvist stopped Sidney Crosby's breakaway chance! He was also faced with challenging efforts from Tanner Glass and Marcus Niskanen, but the Swede's efforts kept things at a tie game! But in a late 1st period flurry, the Rangers took control as Ryan McDonagh scored on 18 minutes to give them the lead and this was then followed up just over a minute later when Derek Stepan put the Rangers 2-0 up! Into the second period and New York went further in front when Brian Boyle slammed past Marc-Andre Fleury to make things 3-0 after 13.10 played. Kris Letang gave Pittsburgh a solitary reply when he scored on a powerplay, but Pittsburgh would get no further than that! But Rangers captain Ryan Callahan restored their three goal advantage shortly after when he deflected in Carl Hagelin'...

Jordin Tootoo has been placed on waivers to free up some cap space for the Detroit Red Wings. The rest of the NHL (and I suppose the world) now has to noon tomorrow to pick up Tootoo or he'll be assigned to the Red Wings' AHL affiliate; the Grand Rapids Griffins. If Tootoo is sent to the Griffins, this won't necessarily be a bad thing for the Canadian forward. He'll get games, which is more than he was as a Detroit healthy scratch. Also the Griffins just won the Calder Cup, and that's a team I'd like to play for.

Former NHL forward Jason Arnott has called time on a glorious 18 year career that has taken in the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals to most notably the New Jersey Devils. He last played for St Louis in 2011/12, but has not played since. He did sign a contract with the New York Rangers in January this year but was not cleared by the team doctors. Since being drafted 7th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, he has gone on to record 417 goals and 938 points in 1,244 career games. The highlight of his career was a Stanley Cup win in 2000 with the Devils where he score d the championship clinching goal in game 6 against Dallas! Upon announcing his retirement, Arnott said in a statement "I would like to thank everyone who helped me throughout my NHL career, including my family, friends, teammates and fans. Playing in the NHL was my dream and I am very proud and appreciative of the fact I was able to play at the highest level for 19 years wit...

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dave Bolland has been ruled out indefinitely after suffering an ankle injury in their 4-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, where he was injured in the second when Zack Kassian accidentally trod his leg which caused it to break! Bolland was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in the off season and so far has racked up 6 goals and 10 points in his 15 games played at the Air Canada Center. Also the Leafs have placed center Tyler Bozak on the long term injury list, which is bound to affect their offensive options!

If you hadn't heard of Reto Berra before last night, you're not alone. Despite being drafted by St. Louis in 2006 (106 overall), the 26 year old stayed in his native Switzerland until he was included as part of the Jay Bouwmeester trade. Having played top level hockey in Switzerland and at Olympic level for his country, Berra wanted to gain experience playing in the US, and was assigned to the AHL's Abbotsford Heat. Calgary's affiliate. Berra's first taste of the NHL couldn't have come against a tougher team. Current Stanley Cup holders Chicago aren't quite the unstoppable force they were last season but any game at the United Center is always gonna be a trial by fire. After facing 44 shots and missing only two, I think we can safely say that we'll be seeing a lot more of Berra between the sticks. Calgary won the game 3-2 in overtime.

I think the Internet is angry at the goings-on in Buffalo. In case you can't make out the naff quality pic (sorry), it says: General manger - Fire Darcy Regier Head Coach - Fire Ron Ralston Hell hath no fury like an internet scorned.

The Patrick Kaleta issue is turning into a story which won't go away. After Kaleta's ten game suspension for his hit 'n Jack Johnson ran out, the Buffalo Sabres decided to place him on waivers, rather than allow him to return to the team. No other teams were in the market for the 27 year old so today he was assigned to the AHL's Rochester Americans. So what's next for the suspension prone forward? Aside from a big slice of humble pie, Kaleta has a good chance to turn his career around, although taking Matt Cooke's offer of help is probably best avoided.  This is mixed news for the Amerks, currently 11th in the Western Conference. Kaleta, when he's on his game is a handy right winger. The Angola, NY native last plated for the Amerks in the 07/08 season. Scoring one goal, and 109 penalty minutes in 29 games.  For Kaleta to turn over a new leaf, he's going to need to perform like an angel game after game. This here presents an issue. The Ame...

The Vancouver Canucks capped an emotional night at the Rogers Arena that saw the Number 10 jersey of Pavel Bure retired to the rafters with a great 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs ! James Reimer made a flurry of good stops in a row after 3 minutes to deny both Mike Santorelli and Chris Higgins from putting Vancouver in front, but then captain Henrik Sedin scored off an assist from Dan Hamhuis to put the Canucks ahead after 06:03 of the first period played. Early in the second period, Zack Kassian made it two when he scored a rebound off Reimer after only two minutes played before Chris Higgins put the Canucks firmly in the driving seat when his quick shot made it 3-0 after only five minutes played. Toronto offered little in offense but came close briefly when Phil Kessel had his stop stopped by Roberto Luongo, but they would get no closer than that before Hamhuis scored to complete the perfect night in British Columbia. But the score wasnt the real celebration as the Vanco...

The Washington Capitals should no signs of fading in the absence of star player Alexander Ovechkin last night as they hammered the Philadelphia Flyers 7-0 at the Wells Fargo Center! Things almost got off the wrong start for the visiting capitals when Steve Downie, who was making his debut after arriving from the Colorado Avalanche in mid week, almost beat Capitals goalie Braden Holtby in the opening seconds! But Niklas Backstrom got the party started when after he rifled a shot past Steve Mason after 17.28 to put the away side in front! But it was in the second period that the Capitals should their offensive capabilities and a five goal flurry would soon follow- Joel Ward pushed the advantage to 2-0 after less than 1.24 of the second before Jim Chimera made it three on a breakaway! After Steve Mason's poor display, he was pulled from net shortly after the third goal and replaced by back up Ray Emery. Sadly Emery would fare just as worse when Backstrom grabbed his second off...

Good news for Vancouver Canucks fans as Henrik and Daniel Sedin have sign new 4 year deals worth $28 million each! The twin brothers were in the final year of the 5 year deals which were due to expire in 2014 and could have meant them entering into free agency if terms couldnt be agreed. Since being drafted 2nd and 3rd overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, the pair have become a key part of the franchise and their free scoring ways contributed to the Canucks making the playoffs 11 times in as many years and it is great news to hear that they will official cement their place in Canucks history with this new deal! Upon announcing their new extension, GM Mike Gillis was quoted saying, "Few players in the history of this club have had more significant roles in contributing to the success of this team and to our community and we look forward to many more years with their positive influence leading the way." Thanks for brightning this grey Friday Henrik and Daniel- offici...