The Columbus Blue Jackets rolled over the San Jose Sharks Monday, February 11th. The Blue Jackets opened up with a 1 – 0 lead after the first thanks to new Blue Jacket Brandon Dubinsky’s first goal. While the Sharks fought back to a two goal differential after two periods, the Blue Jackets put them away ending the game with a 6 – 2 win. The Sharks, who won their first 7 games are in a rut, losing their last 7 games.
While the San Jose Sharks in the Pacific Division are drowning, the Anaheim Ducks are riding high. The Ducks have won 4 in a row and currently lead the Pacific Division with a 6 point spread. The Ducks faced-off against the league leader the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, February 12th. Both teams had two goals a piece in regulation, neither scoring in the overtime, leaving the extra point to be decided by the shootout. Rookie netminder Viktor Fasth came up big, stopping two of three Blackhawks shots for the win. Fasth is currently 8-0-0 with a 1.78 goals against average and a .933 save percent average.
It is always fun to watch the New York Islanders take on the New York Rangers Thursday, February 14. While the Islanders are still very much in a building stage, and the Rangers are a well oiled machine, games like this always brings out the best in everyone. Just over three minutes in the game the Rangers got out to a 1 – 0 start. Needing to spark the team, Islanders Eric Boulton dropped the gloves against Rangers Arron Asham. The spark did not ignite right away as the Rangers took a 2 – 0 lead after the first period, but the Islanders came out and dominated the second period, scoring three goals. The two teams ended the second period at three goals a piece and neither team netted another goal in both the third period and the overtime. Evgeni Nabokov came up big for the Islanders stopping both Rangers’ shots while both Islanders scored to win 4 – 3. The Islanders are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference riding a two game winning streak.
If you do not know it already, the Chicago Blackhawks are the real deal this season. Sunday, February 17th game against the Los Angeles Kings became their 12th win of the season. The Blackhawks are 12-0-3 and currently lead the league with 27 points. Not quite persuaded of the Blackhawks dominance? Their +20 goal differential might add the cherry on top to the claim.
