3/31/12 – Studs & Duds
 

Bizarre Stat of the Night
The Senators and Flyers combined for just nine shots in the third period.

STUDS

Something's Bruin in Boston
The Bruins are gaining momentum slowly but surely as we head towards the playoffs. A 6-3 win over the Islanders saw Patrice Bergeron pickup two points, win 13 draws, and finish plus-3. David Krejci scored two goals, Milan Lucic and Zdeno Chara each had two assists and combined for a plus-6 rating, and Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand had three points and were both plus-3.

The Devil made them do it
New Jersey may not get a lot of national attention, but they could be a tough out in the post-season. Their 5-0 victory over Carolina on Saturday is evidence of that. Martin Brodeur recorded another shutout and ten Devils skaters had at least one point, while fifteen finished with a plus rating. Ilya Kovalchuk was the best of the bunch with three points and five shots.

Kings of the Castle
Los Angeles may have lost to the Minnesota Wild last night, but they picked up a crucial point in the Western Conference playoff race. Anze Kopitar won 15 draws and he and Dustin Brown each netted three points. Brad Richardson also came up large as he scored two of the Kings three goals. With the Dallas Stars stumbling LA is closing in a playoff spot.

Honourable Mention

It takes two
Ryan Malone, P.A. Parenteau, and R.J. Umberger each notched two goals Saturday. Leaving their respective teams pondering where that was when they were still in the race.

Michal Neuvirth
Big effort by Neuvirth turning aside 39 pucks and helping the Capitals to a vital two points.

Wildest game of the Night
Chicago blew a 4-0 lead against the Predators but still managed to pull out a 5-4 win late. Shea Weber had two goals and Ryan Suter had three assists for Nashville. While the Blackhawks Bryan Bickell, Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, and Patrick Sharp combined for 23 shots.

Mike Smith
Made a rock solid 44 saves for his second straight shutout and seventh total for the season.

Shark Attack
Huge win for San Jose as Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski each had two points and Antti Niemi had the shutout.

Milestones
The Coyotes Ray Whitney recorded his 1,000 point in a 4-0 Phoenix victory.

DUDS

Falling on the Sword
The Sabres have suffered back to back losses, including one to the Maple Leafs who last won a home game nearly two months ago and when the Penny was still in circulation. Ryan Miller has been average giving up eight goals over two games and the rest of the team looked uninterested as Toronto was the hungrier team.

Not so Super Stars
The Stars playoff hopes took a big hit as they had a dreadful showing against the Sharks. An uninspiring effort where they were shutout may ultimately cost Dallas a shot at spring hockey and propel San Jose into the dance.

Flames Extinguished
Calgary had just one plus player Saturday night and suffered their 16th overtime or shootout loss of the year. That stat alone is the main reason they won't be going to the playoffs.


Dishonourable Mention

Al Montoya
The Islanders are missing Evgeni Nabokov as Montoya gave up six goals in a loss to Boston.

Leafs Depth
Despite a Leafs much needed home win, Mike Brown and Carter Ashton were on the ice for all three Buffalo goals finishing minus-3.