Thursday in Review

Tonight's three stars
1. Marian Hossa - 2 G, 1 A, +2, 7 SOG, 27:10 TOI, shootout goal
2. Brian Gionta - 2 G, 1 A, +1, 7 SOG, 24:10 TOI
3. Sidney Crosby - 3 A, +1, 7 SOG, 24:05 TOI


Game Thoughts:
* Nashville blew a 2 goal lead in the final two minutes and 7 seconds but they pulled out a win in the shootout in a battle of the backups (Clemmenson and Mason)
* Heatley finally scores his first of the year but the Sens still lose. Redden has been held off the scoresheet for six straight games now and the Sens have just 10 goals on the year, the same number as Havlat and Smolinski combined. (I mistakenly said they had 10 last night but one was via shootout)
* Bob McKenzie is reporting on TSN that there may be problems with Spezza's back - what a nightmare start for the Sens. The only brightside is that Corvo returned tonight.
* Atlanta continues to look good, beating Washington in the shootout. What is most impressive is that they have 23 goals on the year and Kovalchuk only has one
* The only team more unhappy than Ottawa with their start is Philadelphia, who lost Forsberg to a wrist injury (severity unknown at this time but he did not return). I would be shocked if Clarke didn't make a move very soon as the Flyers desperately need scoring depth.
* Calgary continues to play below their capabilities, losing to Boston. Amidst rumours that he is on the trade block, Glen Murray had a two-goal night
* The Malkin show made a stop on the Island tonight and he didn't disappoint, with a goal and an assist. Crosby did his best not to be overshadowed by the rookie, putting up three points and landing a nice slash to Yashin's hand (poor Alex)
* Mike Dunham played well for the third straight game while Dipietro rested his injured groin
* LA was on the powerplay for most of their 4-0 win. The Kings may have a goaltending controversy of their own after Garon notched the shutout
* The Kings got four powerplay goals from Frolov, Kopitar, Brown and Cammalleri - all players that they have drafted and all 24 or under
* San Jose is up 5-1 (all powerplay goals). Carle, Cheechoo, Ehrhoff, Marleau, Michalek, and Thornton all have two+ point nights. Osgood got the start and gave up three goals on seven shots before giving way to Joey McDonald who is seeing his first NHL action with Hasek watching from the pressbox