Felt like tackling other NHL topics and issues besides the typical Flames stuff today. Here goes:
- Atlanta Thrashers goon Eric Boulton was recently suspended for 6 games for his flagrant elbow on Lightning rookie Paul Ranger. According to TSN, Ranger suffered a fractured jaw and a concussion from the incident. I personally think that 6 games isn't a strong enough sentence for Boulton, especially considering the 21 minutes in penalties he racked up against Toronto earlier in the season during another Atlanta "thrashing" (9-1). Apparently, some heat has been directed at Atlanta coach Bob Hartley who has been accused of puposely sending out bruisers like Boulton to exact some measure of revenge on the opposing players when the game is well out of reach...TSN.ca has the story here.
- Ottawa's season-long unbeaten streak was ended last night when they lost to the surprising Carolina Hurricanes (3-2), who have won four of five recently. Ottawa is still an impressive 6-1, while Carolina moved to 5-2-1 and took over first place in the South East Division. The Hurricanes, who were widely considered to be one of the weakest teams in the league before the season commenced, have ridden the stellar play of Eric Staal, who has 13 points in 8 games so far this season. He is behind only Jaromir Jagr and Bryan McCabe on the NHL scoring list. Impressive! (Story here).
- Minnesota Wild have lost Gaborik to a groin injury again. Seems he reaggravated the injury that prevented him from starting the season. Gaborik was off to an impressive start, scoring 2 goals and 6 points in only 3 games played. He is out indefinately.
- Other injuries of note:
- Chicago Blackhawks are being felled by injury...as usual. Eric Daze has had back troubles already this year (of course). In addition, the Hawks will be without promising young center Tuomo Ruutu due to a sore back and forward Kyle Calder due to an infected elbow for a few games.
- The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are without #1 goalie JS Giguere and #1 center Sergei Federov and have just recently lost bright young star Ryan Getzlaf (formerly of Calgary Hitmen fame) to a strained shoulder. Bad news for the Ducks, but good news if you are a fan of the Kings (who play the Ducks tonight), or the Flames (who play them tomorrow night).
- The struggling Edmonton Oilers, on the heels of a 6 game losing streak, will be without Raffi Torres for the rematch tonight against Colorado. Torres was one of the lone bright spots during their embarrasing 7-1 loss to the Avalanche on the weekend. Torres managed to level a devastating open-ice hit against Brunette in the middle frame, which was one of the few hilites for Edmonton on the night. He is apparently suffering from a "gastrointestinal disorder"...which means he won't be out of the line-up very long.
For these and other injury updates and such, visit TSN ice chips....here.
Anyways, That's about it for now. I would like to know, though...when are the Predators going to lose? And when are the Penguins going to win...??
