2009-12-10T03:03:39Z http://feeds.sbnation.com/rss/headlines/5 2009-12-10T03:03:39Z 2009-12-10T03:03:39Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/339110/53949_Islanders_Maple_Leafs_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala, of Finland, makes a save on New York Islanders' Frans Nielsen, (51) of Denmark, as Maple Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski, of Germany, defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/200222/53949_islanders_maple_leafs_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Frank Gunn - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>1 day ago:</strong> Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala, of Finland, makes a save on New York Islanders' Frans Nielsen, (51) of Denmark, as Maple Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski, of Germany, defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/339110/53949_Islanders_Maple_Leafs_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Jason Blake nets the game winner with 4:05 left in the third period as the Maple Leafs defeat the Islanders in Toronto 3-2. <p><i>For more news and analysis, visit SB Nation's <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Pension Plan Puppets</a> (Leafs) and <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Light House Hockey</a> (Islanders).</i></p> <p>Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54322/Jason_Blake">Jason Blake</a>'s tally late in regulation pushed Toronto over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NYI">New York Islanders</a>, 3-2, at Air Canada Centre.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54518/Francois_Beauchemin">Francois Beauchemin</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54283/Ian_White">Ian White</a> also lit the lamp for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/TOR">Maple Leafs</a>, who have won four of their last five. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54305/Vesa_Toskala">Vesa Toskala</a> stopped 30 shots for the win.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/72339/John_Tavares">John Tavares</a> posted both goals for the Islanders, who dropped the final three contests of a five-game road trip.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54851/Dwayne_Roloson">Dwayne Roloson</a>, who made a career-high 58 saves in a 4-3 overtime win in Toronto on November 23, took the loss after allowing three goals on 35 shots.</p> <p>Blake gave the Leafs a one-goal edge with 4:05 left in the contest. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54327/Mikhail_Grabovski">Mikhail Grabovski</a> pressured an Isles defenseman behind the net, and the loose puck slid into the slot. Blake found the puck and his initial shot was stopped by Roloson but he was able to chip the rebound home.</p> <p>Toronto failed to extend its lead with a power play shortly thereafter, but expertly checked away the final minutes to ice the victory.</p> <p>Beauchemin's one-timer from the point on a power play put the Leafs on top 6:03 into the contest, then White's blast from the left circle put Toronto up by two with 5:20 left in the first.</p> <p>Toskala maintained the two-goal lead with eight stops through a scoreless second period. But Tavares converted a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54146/Kyle_Okposo">Kyle Okposo</a> pass for a 5-on-3 power- play goal 1:31 into the third.</p> <p>Tavares posted another power-play goal, this time with 8:06 left in regulation, to knot the game, 2-2. Okposo again set up the score by finding the rookie alone in front.</p> <p>Toronto has won four of the last six meetings and three of the last four over New York at home...Tavares has accounted for all four Islander goals in their last two games.</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/9/1193981/maple-leafs-islanders-november-9th-score-recap-updates Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-10T02:53:18Z 2009-12-10T02:53:18Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/339162/53953_Capitals_Sabres_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, center, makes a save on Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich, right, as Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers assists on the play during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/200214/53953_capitals_sabres_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Don Heupel - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>1 day ago:</strong> Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, center, makes a save on Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich, right, as Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers assists on the play during the first period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Heupel) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/339162/53953_Capitals_Sabres_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Buffalo Sabres Snap The Six-Game Winning Streak Of The Washington Capitals With 3-0 Victory Wednesday Night <p>Alexander Ovechkin and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/WAS">Washington Capitals</a> could not solve <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54834/Ryan_Miller">Ryan Miller</a> as the Sabres broke their six-game winning streak, 3-0. Miller was the star of the game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/BUF">Buffalo Sabres</a>, making 35 saves. He has been the key for his team's success this season and leads the league with a 1.90 GAA and .935 SV%.&nbsp;</p> <p>Goals were scored by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55214/Henrik_Tallinder">Henrik Tallinder</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54506/Steve_Montador">Steve Montador</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55704/Nathan_Gerbe">Nathan Gerbe</a> for the Sabres. Gerbe's goal was the first of his career after he was just called up by the team for tonight's game. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55207/Derek_Roy">Derek Roy</a> had two assists on the night which gave him the team lead in points with 23.</p> <p>For the Capitals, Ovechkin had six shots on the night of his rematch against the Sabres after a controversial boarding call he took on a hit on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55212/Patrick_Kaleta">Patrick Kaleta</a> on Nov. 25. The Capitals attempted to make it a game in the third period, holding the Sabres to only four shots while putting 13 on net. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54358/Jose_Theodore">Jose Theodore</a> took the loss for the Capitals after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54352/Semyon_Varlamov">Semyon Varlamov</a> was listed day-to-day with a lower body injury.</p> <p>For more visit SB Nation's <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die By The Blade</a> and <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/">Japers' Rink</a>.</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/9/1193951/sabres-capitals-november-9th-score-recap-updates Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-09T22:57:09Z 2009-12-09T22:57:09Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/126260/48248_Winter_Classic_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Boston Bruins center David Krejci walks on the baseball field at Fenway Park in Boston, Wednesday July 15, 2009. The National Hockey League announced that the Winter Classic hockey game on New Year's Day between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers will be played at Fenway Park. At rear left is Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Boucher. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/199978/48248_winter_classic_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Charles Krupa - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>4 months ago:</strong> Boston Bruins center David Krejci walks on the baseball field at Fenway Park in Boston, Wednesday July 15, 2009. The National Hockey League announced that the Winter Classic hockey game on New Year's Day between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers will be played at Fenway Park. At rear left is Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Boucher. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/126260/48248_Winter_Classic_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> SB Nation's Hockey Wilderness Interviews NBC and Versus analyst Eddie Olcyzk on all things Winter Classic http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2009/12/9/1193227/winter-classic-interview-with-ed Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-09T22:52:15Z 2009-12-09T22:52:15Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/330308/sawchuckscarface.gif"><img alt="Terry Sawchuk as he appeared in the March 4, 1966 issue of Life magazine." class="imported_asset" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/199970/sawchuckscarface_large.gif" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> </p> <p class="cap"> Terry Sawchuk as he appeared in the March 4, 1966 issue of Life magazine. </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/330308/sawchuckscarface.gif">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> SB Nation's Copper and Blue remembers Terry Sawchuk's influence on the game of hockey after Martin Brodeur ties his career shutout record. http://www.coppernblue.com/2009/12/9/1191918/sawchuk Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-09T04:17:33Z 2009-12-09T04:17:33Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/338046/53899_Islanders_Flyers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Philadelphia Flyers' David Laliberte (9) kicks for the puck after being knocked down by New York Islanders' Freddy Meyer (44) in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 6-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/199114/53899_islanders_flyers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Matt Slocum - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Philadelphia Flyers' David Laliberte (9) kicks for the puck after being knocked down by New York Islanders' Freddy Meyer (44) in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 6-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/338046/53899_Islanders_Flyers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> The Philadelphia Flyers found the scoring touch they have been missing as they beat the Islanders 6-2 Tuesday night in Philadelphia. <p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PHI">Philadelphia Flyers</a> losing five straight and eight of their last nine and scoring three goals or less in eight of those games, they found the scoring they were missing with a 6-2 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NYI">New York Islanders</a>. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55008/Mike_Richards">Mike Richards</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55007/Jeff_Carter">Jeff Carter</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55015/Claude_Giroux">Claude Giroux</a> each score two goals in the win while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/72339/John_Tavares">John Tavares</a> scored both of the Islanders goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Flyers found offense in all forms of play whether it be even strength, on the power play, and shorthanded as well. The Flyers are fourth in the league on the power play and it showed in this game as they went three for five on the power play. They were just as successful on the penalty kill as they held the Islanders to one power play goal in six attempts and scored a shorthanded goal as well. The Islanders did try and make a comeback and score two consecutive goals to close the gap to three in the second, but ultimately could not make the comeback.</p> <p>Flyers fans are understandably happy to see this effort from a team that has looked so lackluster in the last ten games. Travis Hughes from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2009/12/8/1192358/thats-more-like-it-flyers-rout">Broad Street Hockey</a> has this to say about the Flyers' effort:</p> <blockquote> <p>A major critique of the Flyers over the last few weeks was that the role players, the bottom two lines, were the best players on the ice for the team. You can't win games when your best players aren't your best players. Well, things changed tonight. The top line of Hartnell-Richards-Giroux was unbelievable. They had a ton of chemistry, a ton of pressure on the puck, and a ton of energy. They seemed to make things happen every time they hit the ice, and it's no shock that they put up seven points.</p> </blockquote> <p>On the other side of the ice, the Islanders really did put together a poor effort on the ice. Even <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54154/Brendan_Witt">Brendan Witt</a>'s inspiring play after being hit by a car could not bring a level of effort that was needed to beat a desperate Flyers team. Islanders' blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2009/12/8/1192326/flyers-6-islanders-2-isles">Lighthouse Hockey</a>, had this to say about the effort put forth:</p> <blockquote> <p>This one was all stink from beginning to end, with a couple of trademark <a href="../../nhl/players/72339/John_Tavares" class="sbn-auto-link">John Tavares</a> poached powerplay goals thrown in to temporarily ease the pain. The Islanders didn't show up in the first half, their penalty kill was ineffective (as it always is in front of <a href="../../nhl/players/54859/Martin_Biron" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Biron</a>), and the powerplay didn't come to life until it was too late.</p> <p>Worst part is, the Islanders chose to lay an egg in a way that gets the Flyers out of their slump, hands them their first bit of affirmation under Peter Laviolette, and lets them leap the Isles in the Atlantic standings. Way to go, guys.</p> </blockquote> <p>The Islanders have two days to wash this game from their memories as they travel to Toronto to face off on Wednesday night while the Flyers can enjoy this win as they face the Ottawa on Thursday.</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/8/1192433/flyers-islanders-november-8th-score-recap Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-09T03:53:57Z 2009-12-09T03:53:57Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/338158/53907_APTOPIX_Islanders_Flyers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Philadelphia Flyers forward Arron Asham, from left, can't get a shot past New York Islanders defenseman Freddy Meyer and goalie Martin Biron in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 6-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/199082/53907_aptopix_islanders_flyers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Matt Slocum - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>1 day ago:</strong> Philadelphia Flyers forward Arron Asham, from left, can't get a shot past New York Islanders defenseman Freddy Meyer and goalie Martin Biron in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 6-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/338158/53907_APTOPIX_Islanders_Flyers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> <p><b>For more about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PHI">Flyers</a> and the Islanders, check out </b><a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Broad Street Hockey</a><b> and </b><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Lighthouse Hockey</a><b>, respectively.</b></p> <p>(<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/events/38392/recap/77935">Sports Network</a>) - A visit by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NYI">New York Islanders</a> proved to be the remedy Philadelphia needed to put the brakes on a five-game losing streak.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55008/Mike_Richards">Mike Richards</a> netted a short-handed goal and scored on the power play, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55007/Jeff_Carter">Jeff Carter</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55015/Claude_Giroux">Claude Giroux</a> also tallied twice to help the Flyers take a 6-2 decision at Wachovia Center and give Peter Laviolette his first win as head coach.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54767/Brian_Boucher">Brian Boucher</a> made 22 saves for Philadelphia, which has won 12 straight against its Atlantic Division rivals.</p> <p>Although Philadelphia won for just the second time in its last 10 outings -- with both victorious coming against the Isles -- the club did lose the services of No. 1 goaltender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71777/Ray_Emery">Ray Emery</a> for the foreseeable future. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren announced Emery is expected to miss a minimum of six weeks following surgery to repair a torn muscle in his lower abdominal wall. The operation will be performed Wednesday.</p> <p>Rookie <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/72339/John_Tavares">John Tavares</a> had a pair of power-play tallies for the Islanders, who fell to 1-3-0 on a five-game road trip that concludes Wednesday in Toronto. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54859/Martin_Biron">Martin Biron</a> allowed six goals on 37 shots in defeat.</p> <p>Islanders defenseman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54154/Brendan_Witt">Brendan Witt</a> played despite being hit by a truck Tuesday morning while crossing a street in downtown Philadelphia. No stranger to the rough stuff, the gritty Witt was out to pick up coffee when a truck made an illegal left turn and struck the veteran rearguard.</p> <p>Richards opened the scoring on the power play, drifting to the side of the net and redirecting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55026/Kimmo_Timonen">Kimmo Timonen</a>'s point shot at the 9:47 mark of the first period. He then fired a quick shot past Biron with 4:46 remaining in the opening frame and teammate <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54822/Danny_Briere">Danny Briere</a> in the penalty box for elbowing.</p> <p>It was 3-0 at 4:21 of the second period when Carter scored with the man advantage. Carter cradled a Briere feed at the side of the enemy cage and ripped a shot that squeezed under the right arm of Biron as he tried to seal off the post.</p> <p>After Carter made it 4-0 nearly three minutes later, Philadelphia was whistled for four consecutive penalties and the teenaged Tavares registered back-to- back power-play goals to cut the deficit in half.</p> <p>This year's top overall pick put New York on the board at 10:52 of the middle stanza, then was on the doorstep to tuck in a rebound with 5:05 remaining in the period.</p> <p>Giroux restored a three-goal edge for the home team, one-timing Richards' pass behind Biron with 2:31 to play in the second and Philadelphia on a power play. Giroux tipped in a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55009/Scott_Hartnell">Scott Hartnell</a> feed at 2:35 of the third period for a 6-2 Flyers advantage.</p> <p>Briere, Timonen and Hartnell each collected two assists...The six goals matched a season-high for the Flyers...<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54146/Kyle_Okposo">Kyle Okposo</a> had two helpers for New York...Tavares leads all first-year players with 13 goals and 24 points...Philadelphia had been outscored 19-5 over its five-game slide...The Islanders were the last Eastern Conference team not to have yielded a short- handed goal this season...The Flyers have won eight straight over New York at home...Philadelphia improved to 12-4-1 when scoring first...The Flyers host Ottawa on Thursday.</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/8/1192451/flyers-islanders-2009-6-2 Eamonn Brennan 2009-12-09T01:10:49Z 2009-12-09T01:10:49Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/295618/52104_Sabres_Flyers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Philadelphia Flyers' Ray Emery, left, blocks a shot by Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198931/52104_sabres_flyers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Matt Slocum - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>26 days ago:</strong> Philadelphia Flyers' Ray Emery, left, blocks a shot by Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/295618/52104_Sabres_Flyers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Ray Emery will miss six weeks for the Philadelphia Flyers due to an abdominal tear. <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PHI">Philadelphia Flyers</a> have struggled this season. They have 27 points in 27 games which has them at 13th in the Eastern Conference. They have lost eight of their last nine games and fired head coach John Stevens a week ago.&nbsp; Now, the team finds out that number one goaltender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71777/Ray_Emery">Ray Emery</a> will miss six weeks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnphilly.com/pages/landing_09?Flyers-Place-Emery-on-Injured-Reserve=1&amp;blockID=100680&amp;feedID=704">with an abdominal wall tear</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>"The tests and MRIs &hellip; showed the tear in the abdominal wall," Holmgren said. "We tried to approach it through rehab and cortisone injections, but it wasn&rsquo;t progressing to the point where either us or Ray felt comfortable moving forward."</p> </blockquote> <p>Ray Emery has lost his last four games and not won since November 16th. That all can be attributed to Emery working through the injury.&nbsp; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54767/Brian_Boucher">Brian Boucher</a> will be the number one goaltender with the Flyers calling up <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/70703/Johan_Backlund">Johan Backlund</a> from the Adirondack Phantoms. Boucher was a good goaltender back in the early half of the decade and has the third longest shutout streak in NHL history. This season, Boucher is 2-5 with a 2.60 GAA and .902 SV%.</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/8/1192177/ray-emery-out-six-weeks-with Zachary Zielonka 2009-12-09T00:20:05Z 2009-12-09T00:20:05Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/332702/53689_Capitals_Flyers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom, from left, of Sweden, Dave Steckel, Mike Green and Alexander Semin, of Russia, celebrate after Steckel's goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Boucher in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Philadelphia. Washington won 8-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198874/53689_capitals_flyers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Matt Slocum - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>5 days ago:</strong> Washington Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom, from left, of Sweden, Dave Steckel, Mike Green and Alexander Semin, of Russia, celebrate after Steckel's goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Brian Boucher in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Philadelphia. Washington won 8-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/photo_images/332702/53689_Capitals_Flyers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> <p>After a couple of weeks away from No. 1 spot in our rankings, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/WAS">Washington Capitals</a> are back where they've been for most of the season. With <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54337/Alex_Ovechkin">Alex Ovechkin</a> out due to a two-game suspension (and knee injury), the Capitals outscored their opponents a combined 14-4 in two games. Ovi was back on the ice on Monday night; the Capitals shut-out the Lightning and have now won six in a row.</p> <p><i>Surprise of the week:</i> After inexplicably being left out of the top ten last week, the Kings are back in the No. 7 spot.</p> <p><i><b>PLEASE READ:</b></i> Western Conference rankings are determined by votes from Western Conference bloggers, Eastern Conference bloggers for Eastern rankings. The Top 10 Power Rankings are determined by a separate vote of Western and Eastern Conference bloggers.</p> <table class="__mce_add_custom__" align="center" border="6"> <tbody> <tr align="center"> <td colspan="6"><font size="+1"><b>NHL Top Ten Power Rankings</b></font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td></td> <td><b>Rank</b></td> <td><b>Last Wk</b></td> <td><b>Team</b></td> <td><b>Record</b></td> <td><b>Comments</b></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/was.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>1</td> <td>4</td> <td>Washington Capitals</td> <td>19-5-6</td> <td>The Capitals just keep rolling, with or without Alex Ovechkin.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/san.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>2</td> <td>1</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/SJS">San Jose Sharks</a></td> <td>19-7-5</td> <td>The Western Conference leaders have won just five of their last ten games.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/chi.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>3</td> <td>2</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/CHI">Chicago Blackhawks</a></td> <td>18-7-3</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/56131/Kris_Versteeg">Kris Versteeg</a> put the finishing touches on a defining OT win over the defending Stanley Cup Champions.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/pit.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PIT">Pittsburgh Penguins</a></td> <td>20-10-1</td> <td align="left">&nbsp;<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55428/Sidney_Crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> posted a ridiculous 11 points in three games before taking a night off for a nagging injury - a night that cost the Pens an extra point in OT.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/njd.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>5</td> <td>3</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NJD">New Jersey Devils</a></td> <td>20-7-1</td> <td>Congratulations, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54811/Martin_Brodeur">Martin Brodeur</a>.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/cgy.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>6</td> <td>6</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/CAL">Calgary Flames</a></td> <td>18-8-3</td> <td>The Flames scored just four goals last week, as they went 1-2-0 in three straight close games.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/los.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>7</td> <td>-</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/LOS">Los Angeles Kings</a></td> <td>18-10-1</td> <td>The Kings have their sights set on division-leading San Jose, now just four point back from the Sharks.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/buf.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>8</td> <td>7</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/BUF">Buffalo Sabres</a></td> <td>16-9-2</td> <td>The Sabres have slowed down now, going 4-5-1 in their last ten games.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/bos.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>9</td> <td>10</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/BOS">Boston Bruins</a></td> <td>15-9-5</td> <td>It was feast of famine for the Bruins this week, with two combined wins by eight goals and a demoralizing 5-1 loss to rival Montreal.</td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/atl.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>10</td> <td>9</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/ATL">Atlanta Thrashers</a></td> <td>15-9-3</td> <td>Two losses in the past three games have dampered enthusiasm a bit.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>Eastern Conference</h4> <p><i>Biggest Winner: </i>None.</p> <p><i>Biggest Loser</i>: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PHI">Philadelphia Flyers</a> (-3)</p> <table class="__mce_add_custom__" align="center" border="6"> <tbody> <tr align="center"> <td colspan="5"><font size="+1"><b>Eastern Conference Power Rankings</b></font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td></td> <td><b>Rk (Prv)</b></td> <td><b>Team</b></td> <td><b>Record</b></td> <td><b>SB Nation Blog</b></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/was.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>1 (2)</td> <td>Washington Capitals</td> <td>19-5-6</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Japers' Rink</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/pit.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>2 (3)</td> <td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td> <td>20-10-1</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">PensBurgh</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/njd.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>3 (1)</td> <td>New Jersey Devils</td> <td>20-7-1</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">In Lou We Trust</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/bos.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>4 (4)</td> <td>Boston Bruins</td> <td>15-9-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Stanley Cup of Chowder</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/buf.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>5 (6)</td> <td>Buffalo Sabres</td> <td>16-9-2</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Die By The Blade</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/atl.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>6 (5)</td> <td>Atlanta Thrashers</td> <td>15-9-3</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Bird Watchers Anonymous</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/ott.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>7 (7)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/OTT">Ottawa Senators</a></td> <td>14-10-4</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Silver Seven</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tam.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>8 (8)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/TAM">Tampa Bay Lightning</a></td> <td>11-10-8</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Raw Charge</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/nyi.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>9 (10)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NYI">New York Islanders</a></td> <td>11-11-7</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Lighthouse Hockey</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/nyr.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>10 (11)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NYR">New York Rangers</a></td> <td>14-14-1</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Blueshirt Banter</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/mon.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>11 (13)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/MON">Montreal Canadiens</a></td> <td>14-14-2</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Habs Eyes On The Prize</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/phi.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>12 (9)</td> <td>Philadelphia Flyers</td> <td>13-13-1</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Broad Street Hockey</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/fla.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>13 (12)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/FLA">Florida Panthers</a></td> <td>11-13-6</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Litter Box Cats</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tor.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>14 (14)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/TOR">Toronto Maple Leafs</a></td> <td>9-13-7</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Pension Plan Puppets</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/car.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>15 (15)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/CAR">Carolina Hurricanes</a></td> <td>7-17-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Canes Country</font></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4 align="center"><b>Western Conference</b></h4> <p><i>Biggest Winner:</i>&nbsp; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/COL">Colorado Avalanche</a> (+4)</p> <p><i>Biggest Loser:</i>&nbsp; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/NAS">Nashville Predators</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/DAL">Dallas Stars</a> (-3)</p> <table class="__mce_add_custom__" align="center" border="6"> <tbody> <tr align="center"> <td colspan="5"><font size="+1"><b>Western Conference Power Rankings</b></font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td></td> <td><b>Rk (Prv)</b></td> <td><b>Team</b></td> <td><b>Record</b></td> <td><b>SB Nation Blog</b></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/chi.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>1 (1)</td> <td>Chicago Blackhawks</td> <td>18-7-3</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Second City Hockey</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/san.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>2 (2)</td> <td>San Jose Sharks</td> <td>19-7-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Fear The Fin</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/cgy.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>3 (3)</td> <td>Calgary Flames</td> <td>18-8-3</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Matchsticks and Gasoline</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/los.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>4 (5)</td> <td>Los Angeles Kings</td> <td>18-10-3</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Battle of California</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/col.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>5 (9)</td> <td>Colorado Avalanche</td> <td>17-9-6</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Mile High Hockey</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/pho.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>6 (7)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/PHO">Phoenix Coyotes</a></td> <td>18-11-1</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Five For Howling</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/nsh.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>7 (4)</td> <td>Nashville Predators</td> <td>16-11-2</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">On the Forecheck</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/det.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>8 (8)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/DET">Detroit Red Wings</a></td> <td>14-10-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Winging It In Motown</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/dal.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>9 (6)</td> <td>Dallas Stars</td> <td>13-8-8</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Defending Big D</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/van.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>10 (10)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/VAN">Vancouver Canucks</a></td> <td>16-13-0</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Nucks Misconduct</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/cls.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>11 11)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/CLB">Columbus Blue Jackets</a></td> <td>13-11-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">The Cannon</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/stl.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>12 (12)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/STL">St. Louis Blues</a></td> <td>12-11-5</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">St. Louis Game Time</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/min.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>13 (14)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/MIN">Minnesota Wild</a></td> <td>13-13-3</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Hockey Wilderness</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/edm.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>14 (15)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/EDM">Edmonton Oilers</a></td> <td>13-13-4</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">The Copper &amp; Blue</font></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/ana.gif" border="0" height="50" /></td> <td>15 (13)</td> <td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/ANA">Anaheim Ducks</a></td> <td>10-13-6</td> <td><font color="#0000ff">Battle of California</font></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/8/1192079/sb-nations-nhl-power-rankings-week Brandon Worley 2009-12-08T05:01:06Z 2009-12-08T05:01:06Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/337194/53855_Wild_Coyotes_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Minnesota Wild's Mikko Koivu (9), of Finland, gets his shot blocked by Phoenix Coyotes' Ilya Bryzgalov (30), of Russia, as Coyotes' Adrian Aucoin (33) helps defend in the second period during an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198105/53855_wild_coyotes_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Ross D. Franklin - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Minnesota Wild's Mikko Koivu (9), of Finland, gets his shot blocked by Phoenix Coyotes' Ilya Bryzgalov (30), of Russia, as Coyotes' Adrian Aucoin (33) helps defend in the second period during an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/337194/53855_Wild_Coyotes_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Ilya Bryzgalov made 28 saves to log his fourth shutout of the season, lifting Phoenix to its season-high fifth consecutive win, 2-0, over the Minnesota Wild. http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/events/39028/recap/77823 Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:40:21Z 2009-12-08T04:40:21Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/337098/53849_Avalanche_Blues_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Colorado Avalanche's Matt Hendricks (15), John-Michael Liles (4) and Adam Foote (52) congratulate goalie Peter Budaj after beating the St. Louis Blues in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in St. Louis. Budaj stopped all 35 shots that he faced as the Avalanche beat the Blues 4-0.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198080/53849_avalanche_blues_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Tom Gannam - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Colorado Avalanche's Matt Hendricks (15), John-Michael Liles (4) and Adam Foote (52) congratulate goalie Peter Budaj after beating the St. Louis Blues in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in St. Louis. Budaj stopped all 35 shots that he faced as the Avalanche beat the Blues 4-0.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/337098/53849_Avalanche_Blues_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Chris Stewart finished with two goals and an assist while Peter Budaj made 35 saves for his first shutout of the season, as the Colorado Avalanche blanked the St. Louis Blues 4-0. http://www.milehighhockey.com/2009/12/7/1190658/game-32-recap-avalanche-4-blues-0 Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:38:55Z 2009-12-08T04:38:55Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/336874/53834_Hurricanes_Penguins_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save on a shot by Carolina Hurricanes' Tom Kostopoulos (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198073/53834_hurricanes_penguins_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Gene J. Puskar - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>3 days ago:</strong> Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save on a shot by Carolina Hurricanes' Tom Kostopoulos (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/336874/53834_Hurricanes_Penguins_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Ray Whitney recorded a goal and an assist while goaltender Manny Legace was strong with 30 saves, as the Carolina Hurricanes earned their first road win of the season with a 3-2 triumph over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena. http://www.canescountry.com/2009/12/7/1190608/carolina-earns-first-road-win Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:37:47Z 2009-12-08T04:37:47Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/337078/53846_Flyers_Canadiens_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Philadelphia Flyers' Matt Carle trips on goaltender Brian Boucher as he is checked by Montreal Canadiens' Scott Gomez during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in Montreal. The Canadiens defeated the Flyers 3-1. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Paul Chiasson)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198069/53846_flyers_canadiens_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Paul Chiasson - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Philadelphia Flyers' Matt Carle trips on goaltender Brian Boucher as he is checked by Montreal Canadiens' Scott Gomez during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in Montreal. The Canadiens defeated the Flyers 3-1. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Paul Chiasson) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/337078/53846_Flyers_Canadiens_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Carey Price made 14 saves as Montreal downed Philadelphia, 3-1, at Bell Centre. http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/events/38391/recap/77803 Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:34:17Z 2009-12-08T04:34:17Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/337202/53857_Oilers_Panthers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Deslauriers blocks a shot by the Florida Panthers in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. The Oilers won 3-2 in a shoot out. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198065/53857_oilers_panthers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Alan Diaz - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Deslauriers blocks a shot by the Florida Panthers in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. The Oilers won 3-2 in a shoot out. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/337202/53857_Oilers_Panthers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> http://www.litterboxcats.com/2009/12/7/1190610/panthers-gain-point-in-3-2-so-loss Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:28:53Z 2009-12-08T04:28:53Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/336722/53812_Capitals_Lightning_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia celebrates with teammates after scoring a second period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198049/53812_capitals_lightning_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Chris O'Meara - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>3 days ago:</strong> Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia celebrates with teammates after scoring a second period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/336722/53812_Capitals_Lightning_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Alex Ovechkin returned from a two-game suspension to score two goals and Semyon Varlamov posted his second shutout of the season, as Washington won its sixth straight game, 3-0, over Tampa Bay. http://www.japersrink.com/2009/12/7/1190569/recap-caps-3-lightning-0 Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T04:27:13Z 2009-12-08T04:27:13Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/336986/53837_Thrashers_Maple_Leafs_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Toronto Maple Leafs' Alexei Ponikarovsky, center left, celebrates scoring a goal against Atlanta Thrashers with teammates, from left, Matt Strajan Tomas Kaberle and Phil Kessel during period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Chris Young)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198045/53837_thrashers_maple_leafs_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by CHRIS YOUNG - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>2 days ago:</strong> Toronto Maple Leafs' Alexei Ponikarovsky, center left, celebrates scoring a goal against Atlanta Thrashers with teammates, from left, Matt Strajan Tomas Kaberle and Phil Kessel during period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Chris Young) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/336986/53837_Thrashers_Maple_Leafs_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Alexei Ponikarovsky netted a pair of goals, as Toronto defeated Atlanta, 5-2, at Air Canada Centre. http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/12/7/1190519/maple-leafs-5-v-thrashers-2-today Sean Keeley 2009-12-08T02:37:55Z 2009-12-08T02:37:55Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/336870/53833_Devils_Sabres_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="53833_devils_sabres_hockey" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/198629/53833_devils_sabres_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by David Duprey - AP </p> <p class="cap"> New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur celebrates the shut-out with Devils' Andy Greene (6) during the third period of the NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo, N.Y., Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. The Devils won 3-0. (AP Photo/ David Duprey) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/photo_images/336870/53833_Devils_Sabres_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Martin Brodeur Ties All-Time Shutout Record <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54811/Martin_Brodeur">Martin Brodeur</a>&nbsp;tied the record for most shutouts in NHL history with a 3-0 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/BUF">Buffalo Sabres</a> tonight. &nbsp;It's up for debate what some of Brodeur's other records mean, like the all-time wins record because of the addition of shootouts, but no one ever thought that Terry Sawchuk's shutout record would ever be touched. &nbsp;</p> <p>If you look at the list of names in the top five on the shutout list, no modern goalie is on there but Brodeur. &nbsp;The NHL Network compared the feat it to Lou Gehrig's record of consecutive games played, and like Cal Ripken breaking that record, Brodeur is on the verge of doing the impossible. &nbsp;Or at least very, very improbable.</p> <p>Congratulations to Brodeur who is one of the greatest modern athletes no one outside of hockey knows.&nbsp;</p> http://www.sbnation.com/2009/12/7/1190507/martin-brodeur-ties-sawchuk-at-103 Tyler Bleszinski 2009-12-07T04:36:08Z 2009-12-07T04:36:08Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/335970/53777_Senators_Ducks_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Ottawa Senators defenseman Filip Kuba (17), of Czech Republic, and his teammates celebrate after Kuba scored a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. The Senators won 4-3 in an overtime shootout. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/196796/53777_senators_ducks_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Jae C. Hong - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>3 days ago:</strong> Ottawa Senators defenseman Filip Kuba (17), of Czech Republic, and his teammates celebrate after Kuba scored a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. The Senators won 4-3 in an overtime shootout. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/335970/53777_Senators_Ducks_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Daniel Alfredsson scored the game-winner in the second round of the shootout, as the Ottawa Senators edged the Anaheim Ducks, 4-3, in a hard-fought battle at the Honda Center. http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/events/38385/recap/77698 Sean Keeley 2009-12-07T03:31:12Z 2009-12-07T03:31:12Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/335874/53772_Red_Wings_Rangers_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Detroit Red Wings Tomas Holstrom (96) hugs teammate Dan Cleary (11) after Cleary scored the go ahead goal late in the third period of an NHL hockey game while the New York Rangers Vinny Prospal (20) skates away at Madison Square Garden in New York, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Detroit won the game 3-1.(AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/196702/53772_red_wings_rangers_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Paul J. Bereswill - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>4 days ago:</strong> Detroit Red Wings Tomas Holstrom (96) hugs teammate Dan Cleary (11) after Cleary scored the go ahead goal late in the third period of an NHL hockey game while the New York Rangers Vinny Prospal (20) skates away at Madison Square Garden in New York, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Detroit won the game 3-1.(AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/335874/53772_Red_Wings_Rangers_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> Dan Cleary scored the game-winning goal late in the third period, as the Detroit Red Wings scored three unanswered goals to down the New York Rangers, 3-1, at Madison Square Garden. http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2009/12/6/1188778/rangers-recap-detroit-2-rangers-1 Sean Keeley 2009-12-05T20:50:03Z 2009-12-05T20:50:03Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/289782/51881_Penguins_Bruins_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Photo" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/195306/51881_penguins_bruins_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Winslow Townson - AP </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/289782/51881_Penguins_Bruins_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> http://www.pensburgh.com/2009/12/5/1186855/sidney-crosby-injured-for-tonights Brandon Worley 2009-12-04T23:05:48Z 2009-12-04T23:05:48Z <div class="photo-tpl photo-tpl-dot_com"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/40455/45909_Flyers__Penguins_Hockey.jpg"><img alt="Philadelphia Flyers coach John Stevens works behind Mike Knuble during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a first-round NHL playoff hockey game in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23, 2009. The Flyers won 3-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)" class="ap_photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/194571/45909_flyers__penguins_hockey.jpg" /></a> <div class="photo-meta"> <p class="by clearfix"> by Gene J. Puskar - AP </p> <p class="cap"> <strong>7 months ago:</strong> Philadelphia Flyers coach John Stevens works behind Mike Knuble during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a first-round NHL playoff hockey game in Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23, 2009. The Flyers won 3-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) </p> </div> <p class="more-link"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/40455/45909_Flyers__Penguins_Hockey.jpg">View full size photo &raquo;</a></p> </div> http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2009/12/4/1186102/john-stevens-fired Aaron Lerner