NHL Nightly Video Recap 10/22/2013
By Tim Redinger
Are the Buffalo Sabres the absolute worst team in the league right now? Their record sure does lend to it – but the potential is there for them to be better. While we sit idly by waiting for something to happen in Sabre Nation – the rest of the league continues playing meaningful hockey. Here is your video recap from last night.
Anaheim Ducks (7-2-0) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (7-3-0)
Oct 22, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) defends against Anaheim Ducks forward Saku Koivu (11) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Anaheim 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
There is no new Duck Dynasty in Anaheim as the Toronto Maple Leafs snap the Ducks winning streak at 7 – tying the franchise record in Anaheim. The 4-2 loss will only be a stumbling block for Anaheim.
Vancouver Canucks (6-4-1) vs New York Islanders (3-3-3)
Oct 22, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa (3) reacts after scoring the game-winning goal on New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) in front of New York Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald (47) during the overtime period of a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Canucks won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sixty minutes wasn’t enough for the Canucks as they needed extra time to dispatch the pesky Islanders in a high scoring battle. 4-4 after regulation, the ninth goal of the night was the clincher setting the Islanders back to .500.
New Jersey Devils (1-5-3) vs Columbus Blue Jackets (4-5-0)
Oct 22, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) looks to pass as Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (55) trails the play during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus beat New Jersey 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Finding wins in Buffalo is tough, but the same could be said about New Jersey, as the Columbus Blue Jackets cruise to a 4-1 win over the hapless Devils last night. Buffalo will have competition for the first overall draft pick if that’s what they are going for this year.
Edmonton Oilers (3-6-1) vs Montreal Canadiens (5-4-0)
Oct 22, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward David Perron (57) celebrates behind Montreal Canadiens forward Brian Gionta (21) after Ryan Jones (28) scored a goal during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
With so few teams North of the border – battles for the best team in Canada are few and far between – Edmonton wins this round 4-3 over the Montreal Canadiens.
Chicago Blackhawks (6-1-2) vs Florida Panthers (3-6-1)
Oct 22, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp (10) makes a goal against Florida Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom (25) in a shoot out at BB
I have a good friend who roots for both of these teams, as he is a Blackhawks fan since birth and a Florida fan by his current destination. There is no doubt he is happier when both teams get points, as Chicago skates to a shootout victory 3-2.
Nashville Predators (5-4-1) vs Minnesota Wild (4-3-3)
Oct 22, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding (37) makes a save during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Predators 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Harding gets the shutout as the Wild blank the Preds 2-0. The two points for Minnesota makes the race in the Central division that much more congested, as three teams are now tied with 11 points.
Washington Capitals (4-5-0) vs Winnipeg Jets (4-5-1)
Oct 22, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Martin Erat (10) scores the winning goal of the shootout on Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) at MTS Centre. Capitals win 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Another shootout as Washington travels to the Jets, but is able to overcome the jetlag and the extra hockey to beat the Jets 5-4.
Calgary Flames (4-3-2) vs Phoenix Coyotes (6-2-2)
Oct 22, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) shoots the puck up ice during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix doubles up on Calgary 4-2 as they beat their former Manitob based rivals. Mike Smith is more of a goal scoring threat than sixteen players on the Buffalo Sabres roster.