Dec
01
2008
Already without the services of goaltender Roberto Luongo, the Vancouver Canucks saw their interim number one goalie leave tonight’s game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets early with apparent back spasms. Curtis Sanford did not return to the game following the first period, Sanford stopped all 11 shots he faced before his early exit. Rookie net-minder Cory Schneider took over for Sanford, stopping 15 of 18 shots but it wasn’t enough as the Blue Jackets came out on top with a final score of 3-2.
Columbus’ goaltender Steve Mason made 29 saves to improve to 6-2-1. Rick Nash continued his strong play of late by contributing two assists, including a beautiful feed to Kristian Huselius for the game winner. Nash now has four points in his last two games.
The Canucks suffered their third straight loss. No word on how many games, if any, Curtis Sanford may miss.
SL
Dec
01
2008
Sean Avery and the Dallas Stars are due to face Jarome Iginla and the Calgary Flames for the first time since Avery blasted the NHL’s marketing focus when he called Iginla “boring”. The teams will square off tomorrow night in Calgary. Adding another twist to the Avery flames; his former girlfriend, Elisha Cuthbert of Fox’s 24, is now dating The Flames’ all-star defenseman Dion Phaneuf. It looks like Avery could have his hands full, and no doubt the Calgary crowd will be calling for someone to step up to him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to remain unbeaten (they’re 1-0) under the Brian Burke regime. The Buds are on West Coast swing and face the Los Angeles Kings tonight. The Kings are a step ahead of the Leafs in terms of the rebuilding process, their young guns are firing on all cylinders right now. Jason Blake will be back in the lineup for Toronto after missing the last two contests as a result of getting his head taken off (cleanly) by The Thrashers’ Colby Armstrong.
The NHL named its 3 Stars for the past week, topping the list was Sidney Crosby who notched 9 points last week in just three games. Goaltender Jonas Hiller of the Anaheim Ducks was named the second star, while Chris Mason of the St. Louis Blues backstopped his way to the third star selection.
SL
