Kings Bay Hockey "Reapers" Champions!

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Reapers at it again in the Bay take down another title with a 2-1 series win.

The Lamps Light in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals!

Eleven total goals were scored in the game one battle of the Stanley Cup finals between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Black Hawks. A wild game that saw five lead changes and a 5-5 tie going into the final session.


The Black Hawks Tomas Kopecky would break the 5-5 tie at the 8:25 mark of the third period that would hold up to be the game winner as the Black Hawks took down game one and a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series. Monday night 5/31 the table is set for game two.


The Black Hawks would get goal scoring from five different skaters with Troy Brouwer leading the way with two goals scored. Unbelievably none of the Black Hawks first liners scored. The Black Hawks other goal scorers were Dave Bolland, Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kopecky. Kopecky was originally slated a healthy scratch the last five games and only got the nod to play because of a shoulder injury sustained to Andrew Ladd. Talk about an unlikely hero, but that's what it takes to win playoff hockey games.


In a poorly played defensive game by the Black Hawks the Philadelphia Flyers were able to run and gun with the more talented Hawks as their secondary scoring on both squads got the job done.


The Flyers got goal scoring from Ville Leino, Scott Hartnell, Danny Briere, Blair Betts and Arron Asham. Well at a look at game one of the series it looked like the Flyers were the better team and took the loss. That just shows how good this Black Hawk team really is. They didn't play their best game and still took the win. The Flyers will need to get scoring from their top line to beat this team as they didn't get any goals from that unit in game one. As the Black Hawks did get the job done with out their top line getting involved.


The Flyers pulled Michael Leighton after he let in goal number five, but they will go back to him in game two. Great opening battle for Hockey's biggest prize!

See the Crazy footage of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Orange Crush! The Philadelphia Flyers head to the Stanley Cup Finals!

With an 8-1 record in their last nine playoff games the Philadelphia Flyers will head into the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Black Hawks. The Flyers put away the Montreal Canadians on home ice taking the series down in five games, 4-1.


The Canadians Brian Gionta would open the scoring just :59 into play and get Montreal rolling quickly after not scoring a goal in the previous game.


Up to this point the Canadians have been perfect in games when facing elimination and went on to win the previous two series against the number one seeded Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. They trailed in both of those series 3-2 before winning games six and seven.


But things would soon change with the Canadians on a power play and with a loose puck heading back into the Montreal zone a foot race was on between a charging forward Mike Richards and defenseman Roman Hamrlik. Richards had a step on Hamrlik and this made Jaroslav Halak come out and try to play the puck before the two reached it. However they all reached the puck at the same time and would collide as the puck would trickle by all of them Richards would be the first to reach it and tuck it into the empty net to tie the game at one.


Period two would see the Philadelphia Flyers best outburst of the game with Arron Asham and Jeff Carter scoring two goals in a span of just 1:24 and a 3-1 Flyers lead.


The 3-1 lead would carry over into the third period and Scotty Gomez would make it a one goal game giving the Canadians some life but that life would soon end with time winding down and Jeff Carter would back hand an empty net goal home and put to bed the eight seeded Montreal Canadians Cinderella playoff run.


So here they are the seventh seeded Philadelphia Flyers who didn't clinch a playoff spot till the last day of the regular season with an overtime shoot out win over the New York Rangers. Then making history becoming only the third NHL team to come from a 0-3 series hole and winning it. Are the Philadelphia Flyers the team of destiny?


It's the Chicago Black Hawks and the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2010 Stanley Cup, two teams who haven't won since 1961 (Black Hawks) and 1975 (Flyers). History will be made!


See video of all NHL playoff games up to this point and much more all right here http://www.puckvideo.com

How Sweep it is! The Chicago Black Hawks head to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Eighteen years since being in a Stanley Cup Finals and 49 years since winning Lord Stanley the Chicago Black Hawks steam roll into the finals knocking off the number one seeded San Jose Sharks finishing off a four game sweep.

The Black Hawks await the winner of the Eastern Conference finalists which will be either the Philadelphia Flyers or the Montreal Canadians. They should face off against the Flyers who hold a 3-1 series lead and could close out the series at home tomorrow in Philadelphia.

After putting themselves in a two nothing hole the calm and always cool 2010 Chicago Black Hawks would cut the lead in half on a Brent Seabrook goal that was originally waived off but after video review it clearly went over the goal crease and it was a 2-1 game.

With time winding down in the second Dave Bolland would come from behind the net turn around and rip a wrist shot that would go over the shoulder of San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov at the 18:38 mark for a 2-2 game as the Black Hawks fans would erupt in glory, and just like that the game was tied at two going into the final session.

Dustin Byfuglien who was game three's hero scoring the game winning goal would also gain number one star status in game four as he would score the game winning goal again this time on the power play. NHL has made a history will be made of Dustin's Game three winning goal that can be viewed here. http://www.puckvideo.com/history-will-be-made-dustin-byfuglien.htm .

As the San Jose Sharks would try to push for the equalizer Kris Versteeg would ruin any chance of a come back and put an end to the Sharks season as he sailed in an empty net goal and the Chicago party was on.

It's the Chicago Black Hawks heading to the Stanley Cup Finals against the winner of the Flyers Canadians series and this star studded team will be a heavy favorite against either team they will play. These Black Hawks are just four wins away from what hasn't been done in the windy city in forty nine years, win a Stanley Cup. Four more wins, just four more!

See Video highlights of the Black Hawks and Sharks game four here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Hab you heard? Philadelphia Flyers up 3-1!

In Montreal the Canadians would do just the opposite of what they did in their home opener of the series putting up a performance worth forgetting while putting themselves in a 3-1 whole. In game 3 they came out flying with a barrage of 17 shots in the first period of play while posting 38 total for the game and taking a 5-1 win.


In today's game they only managed to get 17 total shots at Michael Leighton as they were able to only muster a shot on goal in the second. The out come would be a 3-0 loss and down 3-1 in the series. The Canadians will have their backs against the wall yet again, as they did in the pervious two series against the number one seeded Washington Capitals and the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins.


Claude Giroux would open the scoring as well as finish it on his second of the day as he sailed one into the empty net. Chris Pronger would tally an assist on a beautiful pass he threw cross rink to catch Ville Leino in stride for a break away as he was able to sneak it by the stretch out pads of Jarsalov Halek for a 2-0 Flyers lead. Pronger raked up the minutes as well putting a total of 31:07 in. His time, awareness and play making ability were good enough to get him number one star of the game honors.


Game five will head back to Philadelphia where the Flyers will have a chance to close the series out and head to the Stanley Cup Finals.
One game can make a world of a difference and the Flyers know that all too good. If they lose that shoot out the last game of the regular season to the New York Rangers, they are watching the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If they win one more game they will be playing in the Stanley Cup Finals!


See footage of Game 4 here:http://www.puckvideo.com

Flyers Fans Sing Oh La Oh La!

In Philadelphia the Montreal Candians showed a better effort in game two out shooting the Flyers 30-23 but still didn't have an answer for Flyer goalie Michael Leighton as he was able to record back to back shut outs in games one and two of the best of seven series.

The last time a Flyer goalie was good for back to back shut outs in the playoffs was 1975, the year Bernie Parnet did it and the Flyers won the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers hot hands with the sick were able to get the team on the board both on the power play. Danny Briere scoring his ninth of the playoffs on the power play in the first period of play as Simon Gagne was also able to connect in the second period also on a power play advantage cashing in on his sixth goal of the playoffs.

The Philadelphia Flyers would get their insurance goal in the third on a snap shot off the stick of Ville Leino that Montreal Canadians goalie Jaroslav Halak wish he could have back as the puck sailed right by him on a shot off the out side of the face off circle on a bad angle with just 9:36 remaining.

The Flyers would shut the door the rest of the way and were able to grab the 2-0 lead in the series. Game three is Thursday night in Montreal where the Canadian crowd will ready to support their team who ousted the first seeded Washington Capitals and defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

See video footage of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com/

The Eight seed forces a Game Seven! NHL Playoff Updates...

4/27/10 The eight seed forces a game seven! The eight seeded Montreal Canadians force a game seven against the league's best Washington Capitals. The Caps lead the series 3-1 but a 2-1 loss at home in game 5 and a 4-1 loss in Montreal last night have knotted the series a three. In game six it was all Canadians goalie Jaroslav Halak stopping 53 of 54 Capitals shots. The Caps out shot the Canadians 54-22 but were only able to get one goal by the hot Halak. What can the caps do in game seven? Keep shooting! Elsewhere the Boston Bruins eliminate the Buffalo Sabres. The sixth seeded Boston Bruins take care of the number three seeded Buffalo Sabres in six. Boston's center David Krejci put together a three point night with two goals and an assist as the Bruins were able to get four by Ryan Miller and hold off a late Sabres goal for a 4-3 win. The Bruins move on and will await their next opponent.

See All NHL Playoff Clips here; http://www.puckvideo.com

Coyotes force a game 7!

The Phoenix Coyotes fight off elimination on the road with a convincing win! There will be a game seven between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Detroit Redwings. The Coyotes forced a game seven getting goal scoring from five different skaters while the Wings were only good for two. Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was on his game making 31 saves in the contest. The Phoenix crowd will be pumped for the game seven match and the Coyotes will try to repeat yesterday's outing to move on. LA Kings eliminated! Taking a one goal lead into the final session wasn't good enough for the Kings to hold onto this one. K. Bieksa of the Canucks tied the game at two just 1:57 into the final session and Daniel Sedin would get the go ahead goal with just 2:03 remaining. An empty net goal would seal the deal for the Canucks and break the hearts of most of the 18,247 in attendance.

See Video Clips here http://www.puckvideo.com

Ottawa takes an Exit! Blow three goal lead!

4/25/10 The Next team to make an exit is the Ottawa Senators. Penguins move on as the Black Hawks pull off a stunner! The Ottawa Senators lead the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in period two with 10:12 remaining. The Penguins would get one back a minute later and would trail by two heading into the final session. The defending champions would never say die and fought back to get the two goals to tie the game at three and send the game into over time. Pascal Dupuis would get the game winner in the first over time to move the Penguins into the next round getting himself into great position and whipping a shot toward the goal. The Black Hawks were looking like they were going to go down 3-2 in the series trailing 3-2 in the game when Marian Hossa would take a five minute major boarding penalty. Being short handed didn't stop the Hawks as Patrick Kane would pick up a rebound and slam it into the goal to send this game into overtime. The Black Hawks would kill off the Major penalty in over time and out the box Marian Hossa would be the one to pick up a deflected puck and sail it into the empty net for the win. Black Hawks go up 3-2 in the series and look to close it out in Nashville.

See all NHL Highlights here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Canadians and Sabres fight off Elimination!

4/24/10 The Canadians and Sabres fight off elimination while the Redwings and Canucks take a 3-2 series lead. After blowing a two goal lead in the third period in game four the Buffalo Sabres were able to close out the game yesterday. Miller only gave up a goal while the Sabres put up four. The series moves back to Boston on Sunday where the Sabres will be in a do or die situation again. The Canadians were also able to force a game six with with goals in the first they were able hold off 37 Washington shots and Halak would only let one by his goal crease. The Canucks and Redwings would dominate play in game five and will both look to close out the series in game six.

All NHL Highlights http://www.puckvideo.com

Bruins and Caps go up 3-1 as the Kings try to do the same!

The Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals both go up 3-1 while the Kings try to do the same. Alex Ovechkin had two goals and an assist while Semyon Varlamov's great play between the pipes continued nailing down the win. The Caps can close out the series at home on Friday night with a win. The Buffalo Sabres would open a 2-0 lead and take it into the final session but the Bruins fought back. Scoring goals at 2:40 and 6:07 of the final session to get the game even as an extra session was needed. Well the first OT session wasn't enough and the second one would come. Sabres would take a too many men penalty and the Bruins would soon make them pay. Miroslav Satan would walk in patiently put the puck on his back hand and slide it by Ryan Miller for the winner. The Bruins now go up 3-1 in series and look to close it out in Buffalo, not going to be an easy task. The King power play continues to be hot! As of this update the Kings added two more power play goals in this game adding up to a 2-1 lead. The game is currently in period two as of this update. The Kings power play is now 9-14 in the series. Just crazy!

See all video highlights of games at http://www.puckvideo.com

The Fight for the Cup Begins!

The NHL Playoffs are about to kick off, the second season is ready to begin.

The 2009-2010 NHL season started off with 30 teams, we are down to the final 16.

Eight will represent the Western Conference and eight will represent the Eastern Conference.

The Eastern Conference Representatives are as follows, Capitals, Devils, Sabers, Penguins, Canadians, Flyers, Bruins and Ottawa.

The Western Conference boasts the Black Hawks, Sharks, Canucks, Predators, Redwings, Avalanche, Kings and Coyotes.

The Match ups are as follows in the East: The heavy favorites number one seeded Washington Capitals vs the eight seeded Montreal Canadians, Number two seeded New Jersey Devils vs the Number seven seeded Philadelphia Flyers, number three seeded Buffalo Sabers vs the numbers six seeded Boston Bruins and the number four seeded Pittsburgh Penguins vs the number five seeded Ottawa Senators.

Puck Video Predictions in the first round. Washington Capitals in five games, Philadelphia Flyers in seven games, Buffalo Sabers in six games and the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games as well.

Heading off to the west the repeat number one seeded San Jose Sharks will face the Colorado Avalanche, number two Chicago Black Hawks and the number seven seeded Nashville Predators will tangle, the number three seeded Vancouver Cancuks and the sixth seeded Los Angles Kings and the number four seeded Phoenix Coyotes will face the defending Western Conference Champions number five seed the Detroit Redwings.

Some good match ups in the West, But expect the San Jose Sharks to avenge their early check out from last season with a sweep over the Avalanche, Black Hawks will get by the Predators in five games, and now the good ones. The Kings and Cancuks will go to seven games with the home field advantage going the Cancuks way. The Redwings have been the hottest team in the league since the Winter Break, expect them to beat the upbeat Coyotes in six games.

So there you have it the round one match up for the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup playoffs with the predictions. We'll see you in round two but you'll see us before that as we'll have all game highlights posted on puck video.

Check out the featured Stanley Cup Playoff Video here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Holly Wood Script Ending For Rangers and Flyers!

It all came down to one more game, one more over time and one more shoot out to end the regular seasons of the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately it was the end of the season for one and moving onto the second season for the other.

With the Flyers controlling most of the play in the shots on goals department and puck possession time the Rangers goalie Hendrik Lundqvist would give his team a chance as he did all season long being voted the team MVP. Regulation and over time would end 1-1 but it was the Flyers who would take a 2-1 advantage in the shoot out and move onto the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Tied at 86 with the Rangers playing playoff hockey for about two weeks keeping their season alive with a 7-1-1 record the Flyers were doing the opposite going 3-7-1, on a downward spiral about to make an exit.

But the Flyers came out with a head full of steam in their would be final game of the season with a loss, out shooting the Rangers 18-4 after one period of play. Only problem was they ran into the King AKA Hendrik Lundqvist 18-18 on shots against after one period of play and holding a 1-0 lead that the Rangers Jody Shelley redirected in off a Michale Rozsival's slot.

A scoreless second period and the Rangers took their one goal lead into the final session. But shot after shot would hit The King and on shot 36 against with 13:06 remaining the game would be tied just like that.

The Flyers kept the pressure on the Rangers from their on in with a flurry of more shots on the King with one bouncing off of him then redirecting off the cross bar. Rangers would settle in from their and it was Brian Brocher who would have to make a huge save and both goalies would end regulation tied at one with their play.

The Rangers controlled puck possession in over time and had the shots on goal advantage even though the Flyers out shot them 47-25 over all in the game. Over time would come to an end and a shoot out would decide who would get into the playoffs.

Yes, I can hear people screaming. How can a shoot out end a game like this? But, it was the only way to end this game as if we were playing under the old rules the game would of ended in a tie and the Rangers would of lost out on a tie breaker to the Flyers.

But Rangers fans were happy going into a shoot out against the Flyers, NO? With Hendrink The King Lundqvist at the helm we were in the drivers seat. The problem here was Lundqvist already faced 47 shots, add some blocked shots in the mix and where asking a little to much from the man.

The Shoot Out would go 2-1 Flyers as the Flyer Celebration begin so did the New York Rangers summer.

See the Video Highlights of the Game here http://www.puckvideo.com

82 Games comes down to 60 minutes! The Rangers Playoff Push moves on!

One More Game! One More Win the Rangers do need!

The Playoffs have started for the New York Rangers and they head into game seven against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday afternoon after an impressive 4-3 win at the Garden. A game seven yes because the loser of the game will most likely back their bags for an early summer vacation unless they get help from other teams, which I would say is highly unlikely.

The Rangers started off the game against the Flyers with playoff jitters as Marc Staal would turn the puck over on an attempted pass up the middle early in the game that Flyers Captain Mike Richards would jump on and sail by Hendrik Lundqvist for a 1-0 lead only forty seconds into the game.

In the playoff atmosphere game the Rangers settled in a picked up their play quickly. The Rangers would get the equalizer on the power play when captain Chris Drury stuff home a Erik Christensen feed.

Brandon Prust and Jody Shelly the Rangers forth liners are looking like the best late season pickups as the two hooked up on the next goal giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead. The Rangers totally dominated period one heading into the first intermission up by a goal and out shooting the Flyers 12-4

The Rangers would make it a two goal lead in period two on a beautiful set up from Marion Gaborik. As Gaborik looked like he was rushing around the net with the puck he slid the biscuit back to Brandon Dubinsky as he roofed it in close for a 3-1 Rangers lead.

But here came the Flyers! The shot total would be different in period two as the Flyers would out shoot the Rangers in this session 13-7 that added up to two goals but more important tying the game at three.

Marian Gaborik would get the lead back for the Rangers just over two minutes later with wrist shot that would deflect off the Flyers defensemans stick and sail in. The goal would hold up to be the game winner as Hendrik Lundqvist would hold the Flyers down the rest of the way making many big saves in the final minutes of play notably a toe save he made in close that looked like it was going in.

The New York Rangers are now 7-1-1 making a furious playoff push. One of their best runs of the season will hopefully get them into the second season. Get in, and if they do with their hot momentum anything can happen.

Game 82, the final game of the season now means everything. Game seven of the regular season is this Sunday.

See the Video Highlights of this game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Alive! Alive! The 2009-10 New York Rangers season is still alive!!

The heart still beats on the 2009 2010 New York Rangers season with a dominating win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers won period one 3-0, took the same lead into period three and won the third 2-1 adding up to a 5-1 win.

The win sets up a home and home series with the Philadelphia Flyers who the Rangers trail by two points. The Rangers will need to take both games from the Flyers with at least one in regulation to move onto the second season. They can also get in if the Bruins lose their last three games of the regular season and they split with the Flyers.

Bottom line Rangers take care of business against the Flyers and they get into the playoffs and could finish off as high as sixth place. But yet again, take care of your own business.

Round one of the playoffs begins at the garden on Friday night, a must win!

The Rangers wasted no time to let the hockey world know the last two games of the season will count as Erik Christensen scored just 21 seconds into play to pump the team and the garden faithful.

Vinny Prospal would follow up a Olli Jokinen partial breakaway to make it a 2-0 game and then Marian Gaborik would dish off a beauty to Christensen as he would soon have his second of the night for a commanding 3-0 Rangers lead as they took the lead into the first intermission.

Jokinen and Voros would add goals in the final session as Dion Phaneuf would do the same for Toronto breaking Lundqvist's bid for the shutout, but the king was on his game in this one stopping 26 of 27 shots earning himself third star of the game.

Well here we are! After 80 games of play and two more wins away from getting into the playoffs. Will getting into the playoffs salvage a season with many downs? I can tell you this, with two more wins it will add a lot more excitement, hope and a sigh of relief. A loss and not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they did the previous four seasons will be a stamp of failure and add misery and pain to the long 82 game season.

See Video of the Rangers dominating the Maple Leafs here and possibly saving their season.http://www.puckvideo.com

NHL Eastern Conference "The Final Stand" Who will get in?

The Situation at hand, the Rangers have 82 points, the Flyers 84, the Bruins 84, Canadians 86 and the Atlanta Thrashers 81.

Games remaining Rangers 4, Flyers 3, Bruins 4, Canadians 3 and the Atlanta Thrashers 3.

Ok, now we'll go through each teams games left, home and away with the out comes of the matches and see who makes it into the second season. The final standings will be at the end of the article.

Atlanta Thrashers are at ninth place with 81 points and three games remaining. Well Atlanta, it looks like your hill will be the greatest to climb. With only three games left the teams you have to play are the New Jersey Devils at home, on the road against the Washington Capitals and at home again against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Your two home games are going to be ruff one's due to the fact the Penguins and Devils are still playing for something, the division title. Which means home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Capitals already clinched the President's trophy but I wouldn't expect them to sit back and lose the game on purpose. Prediction Atlanta finishes their last three games at 1-1-1 giving them a total of 84 points.

Next up the New York Rangers with 82 points. The Rangers have been the hottest team of the five teams looking to get into the final three playoff spots, however they are still on the out side looking in at ninth place. They do control their own destiny if they win the rest of their games out right as going four for four will get them in but it won't be easy with a home and home at the end of the season verses the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers four remaining games are home games against the Flyers and Maple Leafs and road games against the Buffalo Sabers and Flyers again. Prediction the Rangers will go 2-0-2 in their final four games and finish with 88 points.

The Boston Bruins have four games left and stand at 84 points, hence another team with a tuff schedule. They will have to play two road games against Alex Ovechkin and home games against the Buffalo Sabers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Bruins have been playing decent hockey lately snatching two much needed overtime victories against the Devils and Maple Leafs. Those two extra points could save their bid for the second season but maybe not. I see them going 2-2 in their final four and finishing up with 88 points.

The Philadelphia Flyers have 84 points with three games remaining. The Flyers have been on a downward spiral of late having goalie problems but picked up a huge win against the Detroit Redwings on Easter Sunday. The Redwings have been the hottest team in the league who haven't lost a game in regulation since Philly beat them 4-3. That game will give them motivation in their final three games but I see them going 1-1-1 in those games finishing up with 87 points.

Montreal Canadians have 86 points with three games remaining. They lead the pack and by my predictions so far it looks like they will only need three points out of their three remaining games to get a fresh start. Let see their schedule looks like this on the road against the Islanders, Hurricanes and the season finale at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs. All three of the teams the Canadians will face will not make the playoffs, however they will be trying to play spoiler. And all of these three teams have proved to be tuff opponents of late. Montreal will go 1-1-1 finish with 89 points and make the playoffs.

If my predictions are correct the final standings will go like this: Canadians with 89 points, Bruins with 88 points, Rangers with 88 points, Flyers with 87 points and the Thrashers with 84 points. Flyers and Thrashers miss the playoffs.

Follow all these teams down the stretch with video recaps: http://www.puckvideo.com

Determined to Make the Second Season!

After heading into the final session 1-0 against the Florida Panthers the Rangers record on the season was 0-24-2 when going into the third period trailing. They could never over come any goal deficit and would take the loss. Two points earned out of 26 games down a goal or more.

That wasn't the case in Florida against the Panthers. Marc Staal wasted no time to even the score at one just :18 into the infamous period for the Rangers when trailing. Staal's goal would be his third straight game he has produced a lamp lighter for the blue shirts. Staal's goal started from the Rangers end when he drove up the rink though traffic gained the zone and released a sharp wrister that beat Panthers goalie Scott Clemmenson.

Brandon Purst would give the Rangers their first lead of the game at 9:36 then the Captain Chris Dury would succeed 1:30 later to give the Rangers a strong 3-1 lead.

Especially the way Hendrik Lundqvist was playing or has been playing the King made many big saves early on in the contest to keep the scoreless until the Panthers got on the board in the second on a defensemans Keith Ballard's slap shot that beat Lundqvist hit the cross bar and dropped in.

Getting goals from Brandon Purst and Staal have really helped the Rangers on this current tear. 5-0-1 in their last six, getting a possible 11 points out of 12.

The play of late has put them in a tie for the final playoff spot with the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams have 82 points but the Flyers hold the tie breaker because they have more wins. The Rangers are also only two points behind the Boston Bruins and four points behind Montreal Canadians.

The Rangers, Bruins and Flyers all have four games left with Montreal and Atlanta having three. Right don't forget about Atlanta who trials the Rangers only by one but their hill will be the tuffest to climb.

The Rangers next two games are against the Sabers and the Maple Leafs, followed up by the final two games of the regular season round one of the playoffs against the Flyers.

See Video of this game here http://www.puckvideo.com

Rest and Destroy! Ranger playoff push is Alive!

The well rested New York Rangers brought some fire power to the sunshine state with an out burst of goals in the first adding up to a 4-0 lead after one. The Rangers would get another one by the crease in the final session as Henrik Lundqvist would tally his second shut out in nine game to close out the victory.

Desperate for points with only six games to go heading into the match and now only five the two points earned put the Rangers within two points of the Flyers and Bruins for the final playoff breath.

Trying not to focus on what the other teams are doing and taking care of your own business is what coach John Tortorella stressed in his pre game interview. But what's going on in the Eastern Conference he said it was hard not to look at what was going on around him with the teams the Rangers are chasing.

Taking care of their own business is what the Rangers have been doing of late as they have gotten nine of a possible ten points in their last five games.

Put the puck on goal and good things will happen as the Rangers proved that point in last night's play as two of the Rangers goals went in off of Tampa Bay Lightning players in the first. Vinny Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky were both credited with the Ranger goals that went off of a Lightning skate and stick to give the Rangers a 3 and 4 goal lead.

The other goal scorers were Brandon Purst, Marc Staal and Aaron Voros, unlikely contributors on offense helping the Rangers cause.

Now just five more to play, next up for the Rangers are the Florida Panthers. Another team out of the playoff picture that will try to play spoiler. It's Marian Gaborik's turn to have a big game as the Rangers big boys did it in Tampa.

Anything can happen with only five games to play and with five teams fighting for three playoff spots. Two points out of eight place and the Rangers are playing well with the Flyers and Canadians playing not so well. Let's all not forget who we are playing the last two games of the season.

Mark down the last two games of the season as round one of the playoffs.

For more on the Eastern Conference Playoff race with video hit http://www.puckvideo.com

Two Points earned but times a wasting!

The New York Rangers keep pace with the Atlanta Thrashers and Boston Bruins with a come from behind win over the New York Islanders. Boston and Atlanta their thing as well as the Eastern Conference Race is winding down.

After being dominated in the first period of play the Rangers would trail 2-0 heading into the second.

Things would change in the second session as it was the Rangers turn to dominate. While the Rangers were out shot 9-4 in the first they would out shoot their rivals 15-6 in period duce. The 15 shots would add up to three goals scored and a 3-2 lead by the time the period would come to a close.

The Rangers fire power kicked off on some puck play by Michael Del Zotto through the neutral zone as he dished it of to Vinny Prospal as he wristed a blazer towards the Iles goal for a 2-1 game. Olli Jokinen would even the game a two when he turned around on a loose puck on the top circle and surprised the Islander goal keep with a quick wrist shot that found all mesh for a 2-2 game.

Then goal number 40 of the season would come for Ranger forward Marian Gaborik. This is the second time Gaborik has hit the mark of 40 goals scored in a season. And just as important it gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead heading into the final session.

The Rangers would strike first in the third when Marc Staal would put home his sixth of the year for a 4-2 Rangers lead. That goal would eventually hold up to be the game winner as the Islanders would get one back with just 6:33 to go.

The Rangers were able to hold the one goal lead the rest of the way and leave the game with the two points.

Well here we are with just six games left in the season and trailing three teams by four points for a pass to the second season. Let's not forget Atlanta who is in ninth place ahead of the Rangers by two. So their are three playoff spots available and five teams fighting for them.

Every game is a must win for the Rangers and the next road stop will be in the sunshine state as the Rangers will meet both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. The the Sabers and Maple Leafs, finishing up with a home and home with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers are one of the teams the Rangers trial, the last game of the season could decide who gets in.

See Video of this clip here PUCKVIDEO.COM

NHL's New Hit to the Head Rule Approved!

NHL's Board of Governors Unanimously Approves Hit to the Head Rule!

The NHL has been being attacked lately for being light on blind side hit's to the head suspensions. Latest case being an 8 game suspension James Wisniewski received for a blind side crushing hit to the head he landed on Chicago Black Hawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.

Seabrook with out the puck and not looking up received a hit from Wisniewski skating full speed then jumped with his elbows up landed the blow on Seabrook. Seabrook's body and facial expression were frozen as he went straight down to the ice.

It's get's better as Wisniewski and Seabrook were teammates for two season in Chicago. Wisniewski said he sent him a text the next day apologizing for the hit and didn't get a reply.

Chicago's head coach Joel Quenneville was furious over the attack and said you can kill a guy when you hit him without the puck, it's the most dangerous hit in the NHL. Also stating that was intent and he wanted to hurt him.

This is not the first time Wisniewski has been charged with this type of hit. A repeat offender and the NHL comes up with an eight game suspension. The Ducks are not going to make the playoffs this season they could of made a better statement with these types of hits by sitting Wisniewski for the rest of the season.

Well it took the NHL a week after the dangerous hit to the head to make up a new rule.

The Board or Governor's unanimously approved a rule prohibiting "a lateral, back-pressure or blind-side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact." Timing and details of implementation are being worked on by the NHL's Hockey Operations Department in conjunction with representatives of the National Hockey League Players' Association. Source of this info is from nhl.com.

See the hit to the head Wisiewski delivered on Seabrook here: http://www.puckvideo.com/james-wisniewski-suspended-8-games-head-hit.htm

A Funeral is close for the New York Rangers 2009-2010 season!

Another chance to gain points another wasted opportunity. The Rangers were supposed to go 3-0 on this current home stand but instead went 1-2. The four extra points would of made them an eight seeded team but instead dropped them down to tenth place over all in the conference.

Times a wasting as the exit to this season could be decided for sure on Sunday in Boston, the eight seeded team who the Rangers currently trail by three points. Not mathematically, but trailing by five points with only 11 games to go will be tuff.

The Bruins aren't making things easier on themselves either, they have also just dropped two of their last three games. A 3-0 stretch would of put their trailers away for good. So their is still a race as the Atlanta Thrashers have also got back into the mix taking over the ninth seed in a tie breaker of the Rangers. Both teams trail the Boston Bruins by three points.

The Rangers but up a good effort last night but would fall a goal short in a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. The effort was there for the Rangers last night, but goalie Hendrik Lundqvist had an unusual off night.

The case was just the opposite in their pervious game against the Montreal Canadians where Lundqvist was on his game but the Rangers were not. So a winning formula isn't rocket science to figure out.

Last night Marian Gaborik would get his scoring touch back having something to do with all the Rangers points posting a goal and two assists on the night earning number two star of the game.

But the game winner would be decided on a milestone goal for Paul Karyia netting his 400th career goal.

Rangers could only muster three more shots on goal trailing 4-3 with over eleven minutes to go and that would end the night for the Blue Shirts and possibly down the road of a disappointing season.

See Paul Karyia 400th career goal and the Rangers loss here:
http://www.puckvideo.com/paul-karyia-400th-career-goal-beats-rangers.htm

Devils over take the Atlantic while the Rangers will be fighting for their Playoff lives!

In just a span of 24 hours the Cross River Rivals New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers were both involved in two playoff atmosphere type games.

The Rangers facing off against the Hot Montreal Canadians had their hands full but were in the game for the most part because of their goalie Henrik Lundqvist who stopped 32 of 34 shots. The Canadians 35th shot of the game would be an empty net goal and a 3-1 victory over the blue shirts.

The teams were dead locked at one after two periods of play as Montreal peppered Lundqvist in the second out shooting the Rangers 18 to 5. Still it was the Rangers scoring the only goal of the period.

You knew on this night the only way to beat the King would be on a fluke goal as Sergei Kostitsyn pushed a shot towards the Rangers goal and it would redirect off Rangers forward Artem Anisimov and go past the goal crease for a 2-1 Canadians lead.

The loss threw a wrench in the Rangers playoff hopes as the Boston Bruins won their game against the Carolina Hurricanes and opened a three point lead on the Rangers with a game in hand on them as well for the final playoff spot.

As for the Devils their situation is a little different. They were going for the top seed in the Atlantic division trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins by two points going into last nights game.

The Devils have owed the defending Champions this season and this game would be no different as the Devils would win their sixth straight and sweep the season series from the Penguins in a cruising 5-2 win and take over the Atlantic Division.

The two teams have 87 points but the Devils own the tie breaker, they have one more fewer games played and one more win than the Penguins.

A tale of two teams from across the River, one is sailing high while the other is sinking low. How ever there is still time for the Blue Shirts to stick their heads out of the water, but not much.

See footage of these game here: http://www.puckvideo.com

Alex Ovechkin gets a two game suspension for Hit on Brian Campbell!

The man who not only dazzles when plays is a force on the ice that like's to take runs at opposing players.

The dangerous hit on the boards he left on Brian Campbell will make him watch his team play from the side lines for then next two games as Brian Campbell will miss the rest of the season.


A repeat offender in hit's like this Alex Ovechkin will receive the suspension with out pay, costing him a costly $232,645.40.


The hit slash shove close to the boards left Brian Campbell with a broken clavicle and broken ribs.

The refs handed Ovechkin a five minute major and a game misconduct for the incident.
This is Alex Ovechkin third Game Misconduct of the season.


Ovechkin plays with passion and an edge and is know for hit's like this but a hit that ended a players season should of been more stiffer than a two game suspension, especially being his third offense.


Capitals brass and Vice President George McPhee had no problem with how Ovechkin finished his hit and is upset with the suspension, unfortunately a player was injured on the play he said in a statement.


OK, the hit doesn't look that bad as the player fell off balanced and hit the boards awkwardly I think a three to five game suspension would of been more just and show the league is making a statement on repeat offenders.


Ovechkin will be missed but how deep is this team? After Ovechkin left this game the Chicago Black Hawks would open up a 3-0 lead, but the Capitals fought back to tie the game in regulation and then win it in overtime.


The Capitals are 6-2 without Ovechkin in the line up and have already clinched their division. A 3-5 game suspension would of fit the crime for the injuries occurred.

See footage of the the Ovechkin hit here: http://www.puckvideo.com/alex-ovechkin-gets-two-game-suspention-hit-campbell.htm

A Ve Ry! A Ve Ry!! A Ve Ry!!! A Ve Ry!!!!

Sean Avery Responds after being benched in Atlanta with one of his most complete games as a Ranger!

He hit people, He drew penalties, got under players skin and oh yeah he scored two goals.

Getting the nod for the number one star of the game Avery also helped his team get within a point of the Boston Bruins who are currently holding down the number eight seed for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

A face off won by the Rangers deep in the Flyers zone Avery charged straight for the Flyers goal and bounced on a loose puck that he back handed home to tie the game at one.

His second goal came off a turn over that Avery originally created that went to Chris Dury as Dury would feed the puck back to Avery he walked into the zone on the boards and made a quick release towards the Flyers goal that caught Philadelphia goalie M. Leighton off guard and sailed home giving the Rangers a much needed two goal lead.

Sam Rosen shouted Sean Avery with a Sunday special after the goal that gave the Rangers a commanding lead with time winding down.

The Rangers would eventually go on to win the game 3-1 and Avery was saluted by his coach and his teammates.

“The thing about his game that I liked is that he let his play do the talking, and I think that’s very important,” is what coach John Torteralla said about Sean also saying “Sean needs to realize that he is a really good player and let his play do the talking.”

Dury, Dubinsky and Lundqvist also praised Sean for his play in a desperate time of the season.

Sean and the Blue Shirts will have to continue their solid play against the Montreal Canadians on Tuesday night. A team that's ahead of them in the standings and with only 13 games left to play this is an almost must win for the team.

Get a closer look at Sean Avery on the piece E:60 did on him here.

http://www.puckvideo.com/sean-avery-e60-evil-genius.htm

Rangers make a case for the second season!

After being a healthy scratch in Atlanta, Sean Avery came out on fire against the Philadelphia Flyers. Scoring two big goals and helping the Rangers get a much need two points in the standings.

With the win the Rangers now only trial the eight place Boston Bruins by one point for the final playoff spot.

Playing like a team in need of points the Rangers put together back to back wins and were the better team in both games.

Flyers would have a good start to the game and open the scoring on a power play goal off of Danny Briere stick for a 1-0 Flyers lead just 4:13 into the game.

Two big saves by Lundqvist in the remainder of the first and the score would stay the same going into the first intermission.

The Rangers would pick up their play in the second period of play owing the shots on goal total, doubling the Flyers 12-6 but more important took a 2-1 lead into the locker room.

The two goals came on Avery's first of the game a back had and Michal Rozsival slap shot on the power play.

Rangers team defense played a very good well rounded game protecting their one goal lead but then Sean Avery would strike again with a quick unexpected wrist shot that surprised Flyers goalie M. Leighton. As the puck sailed in it gave the Rangers a much needed two goal cushion.

A couple of scrums the rest of the way including a second time around between Brandon Dubinsky and Mike Richards.

Big win for the Rangers who gained ground on the Flyers, Canadians and Bruins. The Rangers now trail the Canadians and Flyers by five points with a game in hand on Montreal. The two teams will face each other on Tuesday night and they will face Bruins next Sunday. Big games ahead that could make or break the season.

For more Rangers articles and Video Clips http://www.puckvideo.com

Did the Rangers save their Season in Atlanta?

Going into last night's game against the Atlanta Thrashers the Rangers trailed the Boston Bruins by five points. The five points separating the two teams equals an eight place entry to the second season which the Bruins now hold. The second season being the last spot available for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Desperation setting in for New York, they showed and proved in last night's play that they don't want to end the season early.

Vinny Prospal stepped up his game and put home two goals showing his emotion for the game as he sailed his pucks on through. Marian Gaborik broke his five game goal less steak hitting mesh and setting up two for a three point night. Prospal was also good for three points on the evening.

Henrik Lundqvist made the big saves when he had to and the Rangers stayed poised when the Thrashes made it a two goal game twice.

Ryan Callahan would end the game for good when he would toss a puck towards the Atlanta Thrashers empty net that would light the lamp and add up to a 5-2 Rangers victory.

Coach John Torteralla said after the Rangers win, nothing against the Atlanta Thrashers but the Rangers will be facing tuffer teams from hear on in. The Philadelphia Flyers are up next, but the Rangers will have two important games with the Montreal Canadians and the Boston Bruins. Those are the two teams the Rangers are trailing to get into the second season.

Mark those dates on your calendars because those games should decide the Rangers fate the rest of the way of this season. If they will be playing playoff hockey or if they will be heading home for the summer break early will depend what they do in those games.

The Playoff push continues as the NHL season move on.

To see video clips of this Ranges win http://www.puckvideo.com

Will the Red Wings Miss This Year's Playoffs?

In a game that was very important in the standings with the season winding down the Calgary Flames trailed the Detroit Redwings by a point before last nights game 3/9. The point difference between the two teams made for being an eight seed team and a ninth seeded team in the conference.

In front of 20,066 fans at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit the Redwings would take a 2-1 lead into period three. But Jerome Iginla who has been hot lately would knot the game a two at 5:45 of the third period. Rene Bourque would tally just 91 seconds later to give the Flames a 3-2 lead.

The third period was all Calgary Flames but the Red Wings would get a last chance to get the equalizer with their goalie pulled on the power play for a two man advantage that got spoiled when ex-Rangers Christopher Higgins would put home and empty net goal and a 4-2 Flames win.

After going to the Stanley Cup finals the last two seasons, losing last years cup to the Penguins and winning the season before that to those same Penguins the Detroit Redwings playoffs chances for the 2009-2010 season is in jeopardy.

Now trailing the Calgary Flames by a point in the Western Conference Standings both teams have the same number of games played and sixteen games each remaining.

The Nashville Predators hold down the seventh seed with seventy seven points with the Flames holding down the eight seed with seventy five for the final playoff spot. The Red Wings have seventy four points in ninth place.

Can the Red Wings miss this years second season? The 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Well if they do it will be the first time this has happened since the 1989-90 season. Wow! 20 years ago, 20 straight years in a row of playoff hockey. What a run! Looking ahead the Red Wings have to play the Flames one more time and the Nashville Predators twice. Those will be very big games indeed. Losses in those game could me an early exit and something the fans of Hockey Town Motor City haven't seen in twenty years.

To see the video recap of this game:
http://www.puckvideo.com

More Cheers for Ryan Miller than Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh!

Before the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabers met only two days after the Olympic Games break the Penguins honored all Olympic players and coaches involved in the 2010 Men's Ice Hockey Tournament on both teams rosters.

When they got up to the two Silver Medalist's representing the United States of American the Tournament MVP's name was announced. Ryan Miller!

The opposing teams player on the night of the game received a hefty and long standing ovation as so did Pittsburgh's own Brooks Orpik also representing the US.

When they announced and honored the Gold Medalist's from Canada Pittsburgh's own Marc Andre Fleury, the cheers were much less than Orpik and Miller.

Then they replayed the highlight of the game winning goal in Over Time called by Mike "Doc" Emrick in the Gold Game. Soon after the announcer went crazy announcing Sidneeeey Crosbyyyyyy! It sounded like the announcer was much more excited to say Crosby's name than his own fans were to cheer for him.

Of course you heard some cheers for Crosby showing respect, but Millers were much more louder and longer and I think you can tell by the expression on Crosby's face. See Video here for yourself.

The fans of Pittsburgh did the right thing! No, the only thing that should of been done. When Miller played in the Olympics he was representing his whole country, and last time I checked Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is part of his country. Even if was wearing the enemy's jersey on the night of the game as a Saber, way to go people of Pittsburgh!

See this Video Clip here of the Ovation:

http://www.puckvideo.com/ryan-miller-gets-louder-cheers-than-crosby-in-pittsburgh.htm

Rangers Fly High After the Winter Break!

After going into the Winter Break on a strong note with a powerful win over the Tampa Bay Lighting the Rangers explode in period two with a four goal out burst and take a 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.

With Marian Gaboirk and Michael Del Zotto out of the line up someone had to step up for New York and Silver Medalist Ryan Callahan's name would be mentioned though out the night with his stat sheet reading two goals, six shots, and five hits. Putting up two goals he just missed a hat-trick in the final session as Dubinsky and Avery were the other two lamp lighters in the game.

Rangers scored all their goals in period two and dropped them down like a hammer. After Callahan tied the game at one just :22 into period two they scored three more times in a span of 2:02 taking a four one lead.

Henrik Lundqvist locked down his four straight win at Ottawa with a 24 save outing on the evening only letting in a goal in the first period.

Good road win for the Rangers and with the win the Rangers move into a tie for the eight seed with the Boston Bruins. The Rangers will have to continue to stay hot down the stretch to make it into the playoffs. The schedule don't get any easy from here on in, next up for the blue shirts are the Penguins, Caps, Sabers and Devils. Ouch, all playoff teams ahead the next four games will be big ones.

To view footage of the game and more NY Rangers recaps http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA Hold Your head up high!

It's not just your game anymore Canada! Even with the United States loss to the Canadians in yesterday's overtime thriller for Gold, the match could of went either way.

In the highly anticipated game between the two countries the game exceeded it's expectations. Everyone in the two countries wanted this game and they got it! A game that no one who witnessed it will ever forget as they'll also remember where they were.

With my heart racing, stomach in a knot throughout most of the contest but when Zach Parise tied the game at two a burst of emotional joy hit as we celebrated like we scored the goals ourselves and were playing in the game.

The goal pushed the game into overtime where our joyous moment would soon turn to horror and tears as Sidney Crosby became a national hero.

No one gave Team USA a chance in this tournament and there they were in overtime playing for Gold!

Five wins and no losses up to that point in the competition as they never trailed in any of those games. Not bad for a bunch of hard working guys that were wrote off from the beginning.

Trailing for the first time in the Olympics down 2-0 in the Gold game the Americans showed heart, determination and the blue collar U.S. of A way as they battled to tie the game at two.

Just one goal short to a Country that is supposed to dominate the United States in this game. It should be like the US basketball team going against a Canadian basketball team. But it's not, and never will be again!

For more Olympic articles and footage http://www.puckvideo.com

We Want USA! We Want USA!

That was the Chant in Hockey Palace Area when Team Canada was up 3-0 to the Slovakia club. Those chants quickly disappeared when the Slovaks make it a two goal game with 8:25 remaining on the clock. That three goal lead would quickly evaporate to a one goal lead when the Slovakia's would strike again with 4:53 remaining.

This all Canadian crowd changed their tone and were in total disbelief of what was going on in the game.

With a all out try to get this game even with time winding down the huge underdog Slovaks pressured the hell out the Canadians. And their it was right at the door step a loose puck that would sail wide of the goal and finally ruin the come back. David almost put down the equalizer that could of put Goliath out of the tournament with an extra session if needed.

The Slovakian great Olympic run will still have a shot at a Bronze medal tonight against Finland for their efforts. And if their not burnt out after almost upsetting Canada they will take the Bronze with no problem.

Canada wants USA and now they will get their wish. Well they did have them in the preliminary round but the USA was victorious with a 5-3 win lead by their out standing goalie Ryan Miller.

USA is running on all cylinders now after a slow start that needed some cleaning up after only one practice together.

The two teams met in the 2002 Olympics in Salt lake city and now they'll meet again in Vancouver. One team will go home with Silver one team will take the Gold.

For more Olympic Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA Finish off the Finns! Shoot for Gold on Sunday!

After being held to only two goals scored on 44 shots against Switzerland and one of the two being an empty netter the American's bombard Finland in the first connecting six times on thirteen shots.

The Relentless American attack in the first proved to be their top 15 minutes of the tournament. After their forth straight tally Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff pulled himself from the game and Niklas Backstrum came in to relieve him. The results would be the same as Team USA Men's Ice Hockey squad would light the lamp two more times right off the bat.

The first goal of the game would be off a Finland misread as Miikka Kiprusoff would leave his crease to play a puck at the top of the circle their defenseman skated away from the puck. The on coming full speed ahead Phil Kessel made Kiprusoff make a bad decision with the puck that landed on Ryan Malone's stick as he fired into the empty net for a 1-0 US lead.

From their on Kiprusoff seamed rattled as Parise, Johnson and Kane would score. Kane would welcome Niklas Backstrom into the game scoring again only 2:23 later and Paul Stastny would do the same after another 15 tics for the whopping 6-0 lead.

Miller continues to be on his game! After putting all his 18 shots he faced aside US coach Ron Wilson gave his wall a break and let Bruins goal keep get some action. Tim Thomas would get his first action of the tournament and would allow one goal on seven shots. The lone Finland goal came off a shot that deflected off of a defesneman's skate and broke the US shut out streak with only 5:14 left on the clock.

Team USA has not trailed in this tournament and this team has only gotten better since their lone practice before the games started. A great group of guys that are playing for each other and not for themselves team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner stated. Also stating that this team believed in themselves as no one else did.

It's Canada vs the United States for Gold on Sunday! A rematch of the 2002 Olympics where Canada would win on American soil. What a great way to finish off this Olympic run would be for the Americans to do the same on Canadian grounds.

For more Olympic and NHL articles http://www.puckvideo.com

A let down as the Super Powers Collide at the Olympics!

The Super Powers of Hockey go at it but there was no signs of a great game.

A clash of the titans was expected in the Canadian Russian battle but only one team showed up to play in this much hyped epic event.

As the all Canadian fan base shouted WE WANT RUSSIA! After a dominating win against the Germans this match was set in stone. And as everyone thought this game would be for GOLD it was an elimination game of who would go home with nothing.

And that team would be the Alex Ovechkin and the Super Russian squad. But kryptonite would be dealt to this All Star squad that's first line boasted Ovechkin, Malkin and Semin.

But this fast and much talented line would look ordinary against this Canadian team.

Did the Americans awake this sleepy Giant? After a dismal preliminary round outing, the Canadians went 1-1-1 while losing to the United Sates this Canadian team has dominated in both their elimination round matches.

Beating Germany 8-2 and the Russians 7-3 this team enters the final four going on all cylinders getting their grind on!

The Canadian team didn't waste no time to get this game in gear scoring only 2:21 into play on a goal off Getzlaf sick for a 1-0 Canada lead. Canada would go up by two on the power play as Boyle would connect on feed from San Jose forward D. Heatley and P. Marleau. Only :46 later Canada would continue their dominance and go up by three on a R. Nash goal. The two teams would trade goals the rest of the way in the first and the Canadians would take a dominating 4-1 lead into the second in front of a much pleased audience.

Period two would see more of the same as Canada would add another three goals to the Russians two for a 7-3 lead going into the final session.

Period three wouldn't see a goal scored and Canada would send the Russians packing in the elimination game to their respective teams in the NHL and KHL.

The defending GOLD Men's Ice Hockey Champions were eliminated by the Finnish team and they are next up for Canada.

Canada has done nothing put focus on their next opponent as questions were asked about GOLD. They will not over look this over achieving Slovakian team lead by New York Rangers scoring leader Marian Gaborik

The Final four is here! USA vs Finland and Canada vs Slovakia. North America is dreaming for another USA CANADA battle for Gold as so is NBC. But today's game brings another short lived test two these two teams facing elimination.

Every Shift, Every Second, Every Play will be important! The call of need is here! Who will rise to the occasion?

For more NHL and Olympic articles and Video http://www.puckvideo.com

Team USA dominate but just get by the Swiss!

Shots on goal read 18-4 after a period of play, 32-8 after two periods of play in favor of the United States but the score board would still read 0-0. Enter the out standing Mighty Ducks Switzerland goaltender Jonas Hillar.

Usually when an underdog team hangs around with you two long the unthinkable happens. A devastating loss, and in this case a long ride home across the boarder as the US headed into the elimination round with a 3-0 record and the top seed in the tourney.

But 2:08 into period three Zach Parise would relieve a frustrated US squad on the power play when he would deflect a Brian Rafalski slap shot from the point and breath a sigh of relief into his pressuring counter parts. After 33 shots on goal number 34 would find it's way home and make for 1-0 USA lead.

Then the goalie on the other side of the rink wearing red white and blue would have to make his presence know to hold down a lead. After only seeing eight shots though two periods of play, Switzerland would throw eleven shots at him in the final session looking for the equalizer. A few of those eleven were good quality scoring chances with time winding down at the end of the game as Miller would turn them aside in another nerve wrecking ending.

Parise would ruin any chance of this game going past regulation when he would sail an empty net goal home for his second of the night but more important a US win and march his fellow Americans into the final four.

Parise was the best forward for the United States scoring both the teams goals and making his presences know on all parts of the ice. Doing the scrappy work, which he is know for he finishes off his hit's, fore checking and back checking the man is the most complete forward on the squad as he can finish too.

Ryan Miller's 19 saves and no goals allowed were good enough for the first USA shut out since Mike Richter did it in the 2002 games against Germany.

The US are now four wins and zero losses in the tournament as they move into the medal round. They will have at least a shot a bronze being one of the final four teams. Did I just say bronze? Two more wins and they can say GOLD!

For more Olympic articles and Video. http://www.puckvideo.com

Canada Regroups in Ousting Over Germany!

After taking a 5-3 defeat to the Americans the Canadians avenge their loss at the hands of the over matched Germans. With an 8-2 final, they set up a huge battle on ice between Alex Ovechkin and the Russians.

Canada was all over the German club from the drop of the puck out shooting them 14-4 in the first but would only leave the period with a 1-0 lead on a Joe Thornton goal.

But unlike in the game against the Americans the Canadians would finish their chances in the second. Scoring three straight goals in a span of only 6:18.

Canada's first goal of the period which lead to a 2-0 lead was off the sick of Shea Weber as he unleashed a cannon from the point that would actually go though the mesh of the net and the play would have to be reviewed to see if it did go in. But there was no question to the goal as this blazing shot from the point went right though the netting.

Jerome Iginla would put home the next two Canadian goals that would add up to a 4-0 lead.

The Germans would get one back on a wrap around attempt for a 4-1 game as they started getting some shots on goal. Only being out shot by one in the period they still trailed by three in the game. Down three goals the Germans new it would be a tuff feat to come back from as they haven't scored more than three goals in a game during the tournament.

Crosby, Richards, Niedermayer and Nash would all tally in the third to put this game well away for an 8-2 whipping.

Roberto Luongo made his return between the pipes after Martin Broduer's under par outing to the US. He will be in goal again against the Russians. Luongo faced a total of 23 shots letting in two while Canada put up 39 shots on goal putting home eight.

The Hockey world will all be watching when the two Hockey powers go at it. Who you ask? The Russians and the Canadians. While many expected this game would be for Gold, it comes three rounds early. One of these two teams will go home with nothing.

Weather it's the Penguins and Capitals or the Canadians vs the Russians this is the Super Bowl of Hockey! Crosby vs Ovechkin in a best vs best battle. Winner will move on the Loser goes home or in Canada's case they won't have to travel to far with a loss.

For more Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com

Twist those Pucks it's Miller Time!

Team USA beats Canada 5-3 in a edge of your seater, heart skipping, nerve wrecking battle that lived up to it's billing. Or did it? Oh Canada who's supposed to be the favorites in this tournament just got by Switzerland with a shoot-out win and then took an L to the huge underdog Americans.

But you should never under estimate the heart of an American! Period. Via 1980 Olympics, this is far and beyond an 1980 Olympics team. Yes, this is a young American team, but all these American players are professionals who are in the NHL. I am far from shocked that this team won this game and especially when you have a goalie by the name of Ryan Miller who stopped 42 of 45 Canadian shots.

The American NHL'ers not the collage kids got on the board just forty one seconds in on a Brian Rafalski goal deflected off a Canadian skate.

Eric Staal would tie the game at one on a little deflection that Brent Seabrook would wrist towards the American goal that would tie the game at one.

But Rafalski would strike again on an ill advised clear by Marty Broduer who took a baseball like swing at the puck that Rafalski intercepted and buried to give the American team a 2-1 lead. That would be the forth consecutive goal scored by Rafalski for the US of A scoring the last two goals against Norway then the first two against these Canadians.

Canada would get even in the second on an US miss clear attempt and Canada's leading scorer in Olympic play would make them pay as all American eyes were fixated on the puck they left Dany Heatly all alone in front as he banged it home and evened the score.

New York Rangers Captain would give Team USA their goal lead back on with pressure in front of the Canada goal that left Broduer flopping around that Dury pounced on a rebound and threw one into the empty net that lead to a 3-2 American lead going into the final session.

Americans who would start the third on a power play because of a late Canadian penalty at the end of the second weren't able to connect on that power play but they would on their forth power play attempt and third consecutive that Team USA Captain Jamie Langenbrunner would redirect off of, Yes Brian Rafalski's slap shot from the point for a 5-3 USA lead.

Canada would see Power Play opportunities of their own and the Canadian Poster boy Sidney Crosby would
make it a one goal game with time winding down and Canada would keep on pressing from there on in to try and get that equalizer.

As Canada would pull Marty Marty for the extra attacker US would clear the puck and an all out heart play of the game would be made by Livonia, Michigan native Ryan Kesler who would dive for a puck with a Canadian defender ahead of him that he would shoot towards the empty net that would make it past the goal crease for a Team USA 5-3 lead and ultimately the win.

What a great game of hockey displayed tonight in a playoff like atmosphere match between the two rivals.

US Hockey wins the group A division and get's a bye into the Quarter Finals. All I got to say is WOW, but not a 1980 wow!!!

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Two Games Two Wins for the USA Squad!

Team USA moves to 2-0 in tournament play with a 6-1 win over Norway but there is still a need for this team to improve. With the heavily favored Canadians and Russians they must get better to compete against those teams.

With the final score stating 6-1 you would think the US killed this Norway team. But that wasn't the case as Team USA scored three of those goals in the final six minutes of play. Don't get me wrong the third period was a very good period for the American team out shooting the Norway team 16-2 in the final session as Norway were trying to get back into the game. But turnovers again in periods one and two would make you think the more skilled teams will capitalize on these turnovers.

Then again Ryan Miller will be there to protect and defend as he has been great in the limited work he has seen. With only 26 total shots at him in the two games played he made the big stops in both games that he had too. It will be Miller time on Sunday night as the Canadians will have a test for this man. The winner of the game will get a bye in the second round of play.

The US would jump out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Kessel, Dury and Kane but Norway would get back into it with a Short Handed goal making for a 3-1 game in the second and moving into the third.

A USA dominated third and with coach Ron Wilson's line shake up at the end of the final period the United States put together three quick goals. Did Coach Wilson strike some team chemistry among the bunch? Whatever he did the team responded quickly and put this game away and that's the bottom line.

The US will have a two days off leading up to the big game on Sunday night as they will work on their weak points displayed so far. The power play and transition game as well as being more smarter with the puck will be points needed to be worked on.

It's the home and heavily favored Canadians vs the United States of American for the division on Sunday night! A game not to be missed. I have a feeling the all Canadian crowd will let USA know of their presence.

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OH Canada Hold your Breath!

Team Canada skated to a 3-2 overtime shoot-out win over the Swiss! Canada's poster boy Sidney Crosby was the hero scoring the lone goal in the shoot-out on his second attempt in the grueling goaltending battle.

Team Switzerland beat Canada in the 2006 Olympics and came very close to repeating the feat again in the 2010 Games. In the best game thus far in Men's Ice Hockey play I have to admit I was on the edge of my seat in this one. Great Hockey Period!

Team Switzerland with only two NHL'ers among their squad and a big underdog in the match, their key to their point earned in the standings was Anaheim Mighty Ducks starting goalie NHLer Jonas Hiller. One of the two NHL players on the Swiss squad. Forget the Shoot-out he was the star of the game keeping his heavily over matched team in this game and giving his countrymen a chance.

Huge saves while the game was tied at two Hiller made. Canada exploded with a of flurry of shots with his catching glove stopping play. Jonas Hiller faced 47 total shots in the memorable game.

Canada built a 2-0 lead on goals by San Jose Sharks Stars Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. But the determined Swiss team made it a one goal game at the 8:59 mark and capitalized on a Chris Pronger retaliation hit with the refs arm up for a penalty, the Swiss forward threw the puck at the net and it would deflect off a Canadian skate with only :10 to tie the game at two.

Period three would see a barrage of Canadian shots on goal out shooting their opponents 18-3. Jonas was the difference if I already didn't mention that in this article. Words described BIG BIG BIG.

Switzerland would escape the third period and actually out shoot Canada in the four on four over time session 3-1 and just like in the NHL a shoot out was needed.

Oh did we forget to mention Martin Broduer played goal for Canada tonight? Well if we did he was good for stopping all four of the Swiss shoot-out attempts and stopping 22 of 24 in regulation and overtime.

Did he just get the nod for the huge game against the US of A on Sunday night? Or will Canada go back to Roberto Luongo?

Broduer's play in the game against the Swiss, his seniority, reputation, 3 Stanley Cups and a Gold Medal should get him approved for the game against the Americans.

The winner get's a bye in round two of the Tournament.

Is it Luongo or Broduer? Will Mark Andre Flurey get a start? Canada's goaltending is deep and something to talk about.

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Canada Tee's off in front of home crowd!

Canada Makes a Statement!

Coming off a disappointing finish in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team Canada has one agenda on it's mind. And that is GOLD! Anything less would be a another disappointment Olympic outing especially this year because they are in front of their own.

After a scoreless first period team Canada would unleash their weapons. Starting off the onslaught was Jerome Iginla on the power play off a Sidney Crosby feed. Canada's next goal would come off a Chris Pronger blast from the point that Dany Heatley would redirect in for a 2-0 Canadian lead.

Norway's best chance to score a goal would be on a 5-3 power play opportunity where they did move the puck well and the few chances they had Roberto Luongo was there.

Soon after Canada would kill off the two minor power plays and wasted no time to strike again. Mike Richards would fake one way from behind the Norway goal then come back around and slam it home on his second attempt.

Canada was full speed ahead from there on taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room. As they dominated in the second they did the same in the third adding another five goals on their way to a 8-0 win in their opener.

Canada's lamp lighters were Jerome Iginla who was good for a hat-trick while Dany Heatley had two. Richards, Getzlaf and Perry would also put home a goal each in the win.

Roberto Luongo turned away all of Norway's 15 shots on goal getting the shut-out. Luongo got the starting nod as everyone thought it would be Marty Broduer, I think Canada's coaching staff made the right decision going with the younger Luongo who has been on his game of late for the Canucks. But it wouldn't of mattered who Canada placed between the pipes last night as the out come would of been the same.

Canada's speed, size and depth showed in this match as this team did exactly what they wanted to do in their first outing. Come out and dominate! Canada dominated in their opener and the Swiss team is up next who lost to the USA earlier in the day. Another game Canada should roll though as the big one from the preliminary round will be played on Sunday night.

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Sloppy but Team USA take 3-1 Win !

The Men's Ice Hockey opener for the 2010 Winter Olympics kicked off today and the first match was between the United States and Switzerland. USA were able to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first add two in the second and skate to a 3-1 win. However the team was sloppy through parts of the game leading to many odd man rushes that the Swiss just didn't hit the net on and couldn't capitalize.

The Americans did it with their big boys in scoring department, not the guys who you expected to score in Zach Parise, Patrick Kane and Peter Stastny but literally their big boys with Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone and David Backes applying the goals for the American team.

Bobby Ryan got the American squad on the board at the end of first with a blazing wrist shot that sailed by Jonas Hiller, the two are teammates on the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

USA took the 1-0 lead into the locker room and put together a good second period. Period two David Backes put on a rush of speed flying around the Swiss defenseman and tucked one in past the pads of Hiller that was the highlight goal of the game. Tampa Bay Lightning power forward Ryan Malone would make it a 3-0 game poking in a Suter blast from the point on the power play.

Although Ryan Miller didn't have much work facing a total of 15 shots, he did make a couple of key saves including a big save that lead to the David Backes rush and goal. The one goal he did let in third period was a mistake of his own that he tried to poke check but the puck bounced over his stick and rolled in on his pad to put the Swiss on the board and ruining his bid for the shut out. The last Team USA shut out was in 2002 by Mike Richter against Germany.

Team USA only had one full practice together as a team and at times in this game it showed. Lucky for them they faced off against the Swiss who aren't one of the dominating teams on paper in the tournament. Lack of practice and putting on the Red White and Blue the team showed signs of being nervous. The young USA defense turned the puck over too many times that lead to odd man rushes. Teams like Canada and Russian will turn those mistakes into goals.

Next up for the US is Norway on Thursday, another game they should win and as these games go by I believe this group will get tighter and stronger or trouble lurks ahead. No Olympic games are automatic as every game will be a test, Team USA's biggest test will be Sunday night in the highly anticipated rivalry match against Canada.

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The Rangers are Red Hot and now they have to take a Break!!

The Olympic break couldn't of come at a more worse time for the Blue Shirts now that this team is moving on all cylinders. This reminds me of the last Olympic break four years ago when the Rangers were playing very well going into the break, came back, stumbled into playoffs and finally checked out in four games to the New Jersey Devils. That season the Rangers had a ton of players going to play in the Olympics and that may of caused fatigue down the stretch of the regular season and the four extra post season games they played.

This years strong finish would start after trailing 2-0 going into period two and it looked like we were due for a big let down. The Rangers would storm back for five unanswered goals, sparked by some big Henrik Lundqvist saves and a beautiful Sean Avery penalty shot goal to get the team on the board as the rest of the team would follow and stepped up as well.

Erik Christensen would score two goals big goals, Prospal keeps scoring and added an assist in his two point game. And finally Captain Chris Dury would finish off the Lightning with an empty net goal, a mile stone point for Chris his 600th total career point!

The Rangers did this without their number one scorer and one of their best defenseman. Both still out with laceration injury's, Gaborik and Del Zotto won't mind the break as it will give their wounds more time to heel. Although Gaborik will be headed for the Olympic tournament his injury is still listed as day to day.

This Ranger team is starting to excel, and to me it seems like it started in the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes. In that game they were down three zip and stormed back for two goals in third and came very close to tying the game. The next night they won a big game in Colorado. Since those games the Rangers haven't lost a game by more than a goal and head into the Olympic break 3-1 in their last four. Beating all three teams that are ahead of them in the standings including the Devils and Penguins.

Don't get me wrong I'm looking very forward to watching the Olympics this year but it's a very tuff time to send key players away in a huge tournament when their regular teams are fighting for their lives to get into second season. The guys not going to play in the tournament now have to stand idle and stop playing.

A great finish for the Blue Shirts, but we'll have to wait till March 2nd to see them play again. With the win the Rangers tie the Lightning for ninth place and have a game in hand on the eight place Canadians who they are only a point behind. I hope the break won't slow this team down when play resumes in March with only 20 more games to go they'll have to stay strong and consistent as they have been of late to make it to the second season.

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Banged up Blue Shirts find a way to win!

Find a way to win is an under statement with Marian Gaborik not being able to continue in last nights game due to his deep thigh laceration sustained in practice, then Michael Del Zotto going down with the same type of injury with a skate to rib also causing a cut.

The Rangers picked up their game up on every level and they could of clearly won this game in regulation as they were the better team on the ice that night.

Olli Jokenin officially became a Ranger! Stating before last nights game he needed to have a big game and he did just that. Not only did he hook up a secondary assist on Chris Dury feed to Brandon Dubinsky's goal tying the game at one. Olli was good for the game winner in the Over Time session earning the Blue Shirt the much needed two points.

Chris Dury defined the letter C on his chest in this game and showed signs of a legendary former Ranger captain who's number eleven is retired. I'm not by far comparing the two, but when you do the things Chris did last night it made me feel very good who is currently wearing the C on his chest on this team. See this Clip here!

After finishing off his clean check on Matt Cooke making Matt feel the boards hard and as both players fell, Cooke quickly got up and started running his mouth standing over Dury. Dury quickly got up and dropped the gloves with Cooke wasting no time swinging his fists. Dury had the edge in the beginning of the battle but Cooke took it at the end as Michal Rozsival would defend his Captain and pull Cooke off Dury during the end of the fight that lead to a third man in penalty, however the Rangers would still wind up with a man advantage. See this Clip here!


Rangers would get two back to back power play opportunities after the fight and it would be two power plays the team would want to forget. No short handed goals against but the Rangers let the Penguins get some good scoring chances up a man.

Besides the bad power play chances the Rangers second period was a very good one out shooting the Penguins 13-6 in the second and 2-0 in the goals department taking a 2-1 lead into the third.

The Ranger killer this season Sidney Crosby would tie the game in the third for his second of the night scoring goals 40 and 41 his career high.

But Crosby's two goal night would be spoiled by Olli's over time winner and an all out New York team effort. Short on defense and Offense this team stepped up in every way they could and took home two points on the road against the defending champs. See this Clip here!

This Ranger team is playing well even though their record of late don't show for it in the last few battles. They were in all of those games and lost all those games by a goal since playing Phoenix and in most of those games they were the better team.

There is one more game before the Olympic break and it's on home ice against a team that is ahead of the Rangers in the standings. The game against the Lightning will have a playoff atmosphere to it as this Blue Shirt team is playing like they know what's at stake.


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Another Ranger Under Achiever makes an Exit!

Just about a week ago the Rangers acquired new blood from the Calgary Flames in Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The men who made their exits in the exchange were high hopefuls who did nothing on broad way, Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgens.

Joining the crew of exits is Donald Brashear, not by trade but by wavier's.

Brashear who came to New York on July 1st from Washington in an off season signing when the Rangers lost Colton Orr to Toronto.

Upsetting to most Brashear was finished before he started when he came to New York because of the cheap shot he gave Blair Betts in the seven game series against the Capitals. No one wanted this guy and could understand Sather's move. In my opinion his worst signing.

When Brashear started this season for the Blue Shirts he was getting into a fight almost every game and was losing everyone of them. His best days of throwing punches are way behind him as he stands at the age of 38.

It was more like Aarron Voros was the intimidator for the Rangers this season as he put in his share of fighting majors.

With the signing of Prust the Rangers added another guy who likes to mix it up and that more than likely put an end to Brashear short lived career in New York.

Donald's donning of the Ranger sweater lasted 36 games where he tallied one assist for a point, was a -9 and registered 73 Penalty Minutes.

I'm happy to see Donald make an exit as I was Kotalik and Higgins. But at least Higgins and Kotalik got us something in return. A total waste of money spent and cap space wasted for an over the hill fighter that will probably get paid to sit the rest of the season out.

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Del zotto Penalty Leads to a NY Rangers Loss!

Two teams in a playoff hunt, two teams needing points, two teams from different conferences and the Road team leaves with two points.

After a game where Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch rivals the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.

The problem with this game was the Gaborik less Rangers running into a brick wall by the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions getting the best of him.

Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the of the net and take the goal lead into the second.

Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second that he would poke home as Jokinen was credited with the assist.

After the Rangers tied the game at one Del Zotto would take a hooking penalty that he didn't agree with and let the referee know. His comments about the call lead to a un-sportsman like penalty and a double minor for the Rangers.

As the Rangers did a great job in killing the penalty the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty to make for a 2-1 lead.

Del Zotto left the penalty box slow heading back to bench and he knew his coach would have words for him as you can see Tortorella's anger, he gave Del Zotto an ear full and benched him the rest of the period although he started him at the beginning of the third. Afterwards Tortorella would say Del Zotto has been one of his best defenseman this season, plus the Rangers needed his offense ability down a goal in the third.

Well the Rangers did come out strong in the final session throwing a barrage of shots at the Predators net minder Dan Ellis equaling 18, but they couldn't find the back of the net on any of those chances.

Another one goal loss for the Blue Shirts, in games I have got to say they have played well in. But as these games are flying by quick the Rangers need to find a way to get points.

The Rangers last four games have all been lost by one goal. The Rangers could of easily of found a way to win some of those games but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt where all teams are fighting to either better their positioning or get in.

The Rangers are still on the out side looking in with two more games before the Olympic break. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. Then they finish up at the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning a very big game as the two teams are only separated by four points. Tampa Bay holds the eight spot, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.

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The Super Bowl of Hockey!

Alex Ovechkin Vs Sidney Crosby a 12:00 matinee on the day of the Super Bowl. All I got to say is WOW! I hope the Super Bowl is as good as this game was. The two NHL heavy weights went at it and as the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins opened up a 4-1 lead with Sidney Crosby having two goals it looked like the Capitals 13 game win streak would come to an end. But no the Washington Capitals rallied back to tie the game powered by an Alex Ovechkin hat-trick. The game would need an extra session and with the Caps on a power play Ovechkin wound up for the blast that beat Marc Andre Fleury hitting the post it came back out and Mike Knuble would poke it in for the game winner.

What a match! It's great that we get to see the best of the best playing each other so many times in a season and last seasons playoff match that went to seven games that the Pens took then went on to the win the Stanley Cup. It's not like when we had Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemiuex in the league and only got to see them play against each other in All Star Games and once during the regular season.

Well now we have it, the two best players in the world and we get to see it more often prime time like today on NBC, on the day of the Super Bowl. Wait this was the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl of hockey when these two teams go at it.

The Penguins took a two nothing lead on two Sidney Crosby goals in period one taking that lead into the second.

The Capitals would counter in the second on an Ovechkin break away goal only to see the Penguins Jordan Stall bang home two straight lamp lighters for a 4-1 Penguins lead.

Under three minutes to go the Washing Capitals Eric Fehr was able to place a wrist shot home and make for a two goal game going into the the final session or was it the final session?

Alex Ovechkin being the first NHL player to reach 40 goals this season with his goal in the second period, would score goal 41 at the 6:51 to make it a one goal game. With under ten minutes to play goal number 42 would come and the game would be even just like that as Ovechkin would finish off his hat-trick.

The game would stay tied at four the rest of the way and OT was need to settle the Hockey Super Bowl.

What a great day for hockey and with the come from behind win the Capitals win their 14th straight game just three games shy of 17, the NHL record.

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New York and Calgary a done deal!

After trade talks were on hold between the Flames and Rangers the two teams pull the trigger on the deal that could help both teams who have been a struggling of late.

In coming for the New York Rangers are forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust while Forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will be departing.

The Flames have been horrible in their last ten with a record of 1-7-2, the Rangers were just as bad going 3-7. Despite the teams two records in their last ten games both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Rangers are currently tied for seventh with 57 points in the Eastern Conference as the Flames are tied for eight place with 62 points.

I wouldn't say both teams involved in the trade aren't looking for a quick fix but more of a shake up with players in the deal having under achieving seasons.

Kotalik signed a three year deal with the Rangers last summer for 9 million. He scored just eight goals and fourteen assists in 45 games. Higgins came to New York in deal with the Canadians for Scotty Gomez. Higgins struggled from the start with the Rangers and only registered 14 points in his 55 games played.

Jokinen was good for 35 points with the Flames this season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 contests. Jokinen was a 30 goal scorer four times in his 11 year NHL career who is now at the age of 31. Jokinen contract expires at the end of this year.

Prust is know as a bruiser as he led the flames with 98 penalty minutes with 18 fighting majors under his belt.

Rangers look to get some scoring and tuff ness out of the deal while the Flames inherit two good players looking to turn their poor seasons around. With the pressure of playing in New York maybe new threads and a different atmosphere can turn around Higgins and Kotalik's seasons.

I like the deal on both sides of the coin, especially if the Rangers can sign Jokinen after the season ends and maybe Prust can fill the shoes of missing presence of Colton Orr.

Jokinen and Prust learned 15 minutes after their game last night against the Flyers they have been moved, they packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles. Both are expected to play tonight for New York.

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The rookie and the Goal Scorer!

Marian Gaborik would put home a goal in each period for a hat-trick while rookie goalie Chad Johnson gets his first NHL win coming up big between the pipes beating the Avalanche 3-1. With the win the Rangers snap a five game losing streak and earn an important two points in the standings.

With the Rangers down 3-0 the night before in Phoenix after two periods of play they put together two late goals for an impressive come back that fell short. Marian Gaborik would also hit a post late in the third of that game that kept the Rangers down a goal. A inch shy of a tie game.

Well the tuff play in the last minutes of that game seemed like it carried over into Colorado as the Rangers put together a solid team win.

Johnson getting his second straight start in goal due to the flu stricken Henrik Lundqvist made many big saves on the night and stopped 34 of 35 shots. With the Blue Shirts up 3-0 late into the third Cody McLeod would get the Avalanche their first goal of the night on a back hand at 12:39 of the final session breaking Johnson's bid for the shut-out.

Gaborik who scored his 30th goal of the season in Phoenix scored goals number 31, 32 and 33 in Colorado. Gaborik said you feel better playing with a lead as Tortorella said you can see he was skating well in his first two shifts on the evening.

Rangers special teams have clicked on the Penalty Kill. Going six for six against Colorado they went seven for seven against the Coyotes the night before.

Great game for New York as they get back to that eight spot with the win and are a game over .500. Next up is the tuff Los Angles Kings ending their three game road trip then back home to face the mighty Washington Capitals.

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