The Fifth Liners

I'd almost forgotten about  John Scott's challenge on Loui Eriksson  that earned him some quality time with NHL disciplinarian-in-chief Brendan Shanahan.  The seven game ban was given because of the illegal check to the head, injury and Scott's no history of supplemental discipline. Because no history is somehow worse than a history of bad hits.  Scott has already missed three games and will give up $26,923.05. This is more bad news for the Buffalo Sabres, who are currently last in the league, having only won two of fourteen games. 

Some games are pretty, some are boring, and some are just tight. This was definitely the latter. The past few weeks have been tough for Detroit. Since defeating the Colorado Avalanche way back on the 17th, the team has lost at the hands (gloves?) of the Coyotes, Sharks, Senators and Rangers. Taking two overtime points from a possible eight. The Vancouver Canucks on the other hand have won four of their last five games, and despite a close loss to Washington are performing well under new coach John Tortorella.  Detroit's Luke Glendening is fast becoming a regular in the Wings' squad, what with the team's inability to remain injury free. Meanwhile Johan Franzen and Mikael Samuelsson were scratched for the game. The tight first period brought more penalties than goals, Vancouver's Dan Hamhuis was given a minor for holding Niklas Kronwall. Kronwall returned the favour five minutes later and was boxed for slashing Hamhuis. Vancouver was the first team to break...

Last night the Colorado Avalanche were dealt a swift blow when number 1 goalie  Semyon Varlamov was arrested for on second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault charges after a domestic incident in which he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend. He was remanded in a Denver Jail on Wednesday before he could stand trial where he kept separated from the other inmates due to his fame. Today a judge has allowed Varlamov to travel with the Avalanche on bail of $15,000 but a restraining order has been imposed whilst investigations continue. The Russian native will likely feature in tomorrow nights game against the Dallas Stars at the Pepsi Center! Upon release, Varlamov's agent, Paul Theofanous, said: "My client Semyon Varlemov is completely innocent of all of these charges." Whilst a spokesperson for the NHL has informed us," We will not comment unless or until we have a fuller understanding of all of the facts and circumstances related to the legal charges that ...

The Ottawa Senators are having a tough time of it recently. With each loss, that playoff spot keeps slipping away. Coming off the back of two homes losses (San Jose and Anaheim), the team needed to rekindle the same spirit that beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-1 a week ago. Current Stanley Cup holders Chicago aren't exactly having a walk in the park either. A few overtime losses means that the Blackhawks trail the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division chase. Last night the Blackhawks welcomed the Senators to the United Center and the high scoring affair meant that for either team to take the edge, the game would require something a bit special. Step up Jonathan Toews . Last night Toews earned the right to drink for free in any tavern in Chicago. Except that one in Chicago Fire, cos it isn't real. Andrew Shaw opened the scoring early in the first to give Chicago the lead, only for Milan Michalek to restore parity with one minute left on the clock. The game stayed tigh...

On Sunday, New York Islanders GM Garth Snow made a shock announcement when it was reveal that Islanders future star Matt Moulson had been traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a  Tomas Vanek! Despite the Islanders going 4-4-3 so far and gaining 8 points, Snow has decided the shake the tree and this decision has left widespread shock amongs each member of the Nassau Coliseum- particularly captain John Tavares who was close friend with Moulson. Moulson has made a great star to new life in upstate New York and last night he bagged two goals on his Sabres debut in a 4-3 loss to Dallas Stars! But Islander fans have been demanding an explanation for Snow's actions, finally now the GM has broken his silence. Click here to see Snows explanation

The Vancouver Canucks won a closely fought battle against the Washington Capitals last night win a 3-2 win at the Rogers Arena to make it four wins straight under John Tortorella! The home side were given a lucky break after Alex Ovechkin was given a penalty shot for the Capitals after less an a minute played, but Roberto Luongo was on hand to save it and save Vancouver from going behind! Zack Kassian then put the home side in front after 11.31 played but the Canucks were quickly pegged back when Jason Chimera made things a tie game after 14.36. In the second period there were no more goals, but both Luongo and Capitals goalie, Michal Neuvrith were kept busy making several excellent stops- Ovechkins bad luck in front of goal in this game continued when he hit a post! After only 1.52 of the third period played, Mikhail Grabovski scored to edge Washington in front, but Vancouver had no desire to the fans going home disappointed and Ryan Kesler hit home a rebound to make things a ...

Recently Alex observed that Phoenix look like a whole new team. He asked what that key ingredient was, and more importantly, can it last? Well, the Phoenix Coyotes are currently fifth in the Western conference, 7-3-2 is a respectable place to be for a team which, not long ago, thought it may have been playing its hockey in a different state. So what's led to this resurgence? Well firstly compare the team's performance to last season. After 12 games last season the Coyotes were 5-5-2. The difference being that so far, the team has won two more games than it did last season. Which is great, but it isn't groundbreaking. While the performances on the ice are to be admired, especially from the team's defenceman, I think it's maybe too early for the team to be planning its Stanley Cup victory party. Oliver Ekman-Larsson  is dominating and dictating the play and he's doing a damn good job.  However... It's still too early to bet the farm on the...