Please post your thoughts, pictures and comments on tonight's games in this thread.
Montreal at Boston
Washington at NYR
Dallas at Columbus
Vancouver at Ottawa
NYI at TBL
SJS at STL
Colorado at Nashville
Edmonton at Minnesota
Full Version: NHL Game Night Thread
Columbus helps the Ducks by beating Dallas 2-1 
Thank you Ohio Farmers 
Thank you Ohio Farmers
TSN's Ice Chips
Steve Begin and Matt Hunwick were given Wednesday off for maintenance, according to coach Claude Julien. "That's all they were, that's why they were missing," the coach said. Defenceman Andrew Ference (groin) skated with the team again Wednesday, and participated in down-low drills, though he did not make any contact. Begin's absence meant that only the left wing spot was platooned on the fourth line, with Shawn Thornton and Paille splitting the duties. - Boston Globe
Goaltender Cristobal Huet was pressed into service after Antti Niemi suffered an illness and didn't dress for the game Wednesday. Dave Bolland played in his first game Wednesday night since undergoing back surgery Nov. 10. With Niemi out with an illness, Joe Fallon was recalled from AHL Rockford to serve as Huet’s backup against the Blues. - Chicago Tribune
Goalie Craig Anderson had the day off from practice Wednesday. Anderson will start in goal tonight. Coach Joe Sacco said it was a maintenance day for Anderson and a handful of others. The Avs say it is not out of the question right wing Milan Hejduk could play a game or two before the Olympic break. Hejduk (right knee) skated Wednesday. - Denver Post
With Niklas Kronwall nursing a tweaked left knee and sore ankle, Jonathan Ericsson returned to play one game after being benched. Brad May returned to the lineup and replaced Kirk Maltby, who hadn't sat since Nov. 28. Johan Franzen is slated to play Tuesday at St. Louis, exactly four months after he tore his left ACL. Andreas Lilja made his debut with Grand Rapids Wednesday. It was his first game action in more than 11 months. - Detroit Free Press
Centre Stephen Weiss and defencemen Bryan McCabe and Bryan Allen didn’t practice Wednesday. Pete DeBoer said they were given a 'maintenance' day for bumps and bruises. - Miami Herald
The Wild is uncertain who will start in goal. Niklas Backstrom was still not well enough to practice Wednesday. He has done little since a back injury flared up after he played against Columbus on Jan. 23. He's also been ill, and saw a doctor Wednesday morning. Backup Josh Harding did not practice Wednesday either. His hip injury led to the team's placing a call to minor league Houston on Tuesday, which led to Wade Dubielewicz's start in the Wild’s 4-2 loss in Dallas. - Star Tribune
Jaroslav Halak will start tonight for the Canadiens in Boston. - TSN
Defenceman Cody Franson is expected to miss at least two weeks with broken ribs. - Nashville Tennessean
Patrik Elias, recovering from a concussion suffered on Jan. 16, should be back as early as the weekend or Monday’s game in Philadelphia. It is possible that Elias, sidelined since suffering a concussion in Denver on Jan. 16, will practice with the team. Jamie Langenbrunner was unable to play during the third period of Tuesday night's loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto, but it wasn’t an injury that sidelined the right winger. It was the flu. - Star-Ledger
Brendan Witt cleared waivers. - TSN
The Sens held an optional skate on Thursday. During their franchise record 10-game winning streak, the Sens have allowed only 13 goals and have posted two shutouts. Elliott has won 8 straight games. - TSN
Michael Leighton made his first appearance since Jan. 14 on Wednesday. Leighton replaced Ray Emery, who had made eight straight starts after returning from an injury. Peter Laviolette said Emery would probably start Saturday night in Minnesota. - Philadelphia Inquirer
Joel Perrault cleared re-entry waivers. - TSN
Right wing Eric Godard and left wing Max Talbot are nursing groin injuries. Godard will be out until after the Olympic break. Talbot appears unlikely to play this weekend after leaving practice early Wednesday. Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz doesn't want to rush his return from something as delicate as abdominal surgery, but he indicated there is a legitimate chance he could play Saturday in Montreal. Kunitz practiced again with the team Wednesday at Mellon Arena and said his return should be near. But he doesn't feel 100 percent yet. Kunitz plans to skate Thursday and will likely practice with the team Friday. If he gets through that practice and feels well, he might play against the Canadiens. - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Marc-Edouard Vlasic stayed in San Jose to continue receiving therapy for his lower body injury. Dan Boyle traveled to St. Louis and could see action against the Blues. - Mercury News
C Paul Szczechura was put on waivers. - TSN
Mike Komisarek will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in Alabama next Wednesday. Komisarek compared the injury to Phil Kessel's and says he has spoken to Kessel about it. Komisarek said that missing the Olympics is "devastating." - TSN
Tanner Glass and Nolan Baumgartner are expected to be back in the lineup. - TSN
Goalie Michal Neuvirth has suffered a 'minor' lower-body injury. He is listed as day-to-day. - Washington Post
QUOTE
Steve Begin and Matt Hunwick were given Wednesday off for maintenance, according to coach Claude Julien. "That's all they were, that's why they were missing," the coach said. Defenceman Andrew Ference (groin) skated with the team again Wednesday, and participated in down-low drills, though he did not make any contact. Begin's absence meant that only the left wing spot was platooned on the fourth line, with Shawn Thornton and Paille splitting the duties. - Boston Globe Goaltender Cristobal Huet was pressed into service after Antti Niemi suffered an illness and didn't dress for the game Wednesday. Dave Bolland played in his first game Wednesday night since undergoing back surgery Nov. 10. With Niemi out with an illness, Joe Fallon was recalled from AHL Rockford to serve as Huet’s backup against the Blues. - Chicago Tribune Goalie Craig Anderson had the day off from practice Wednesday. Anderson will start in goal tonight. Coach Joe Sacco said it was a maintenance day for Anderson and a handful of others. The Avs say it is not out of the question right wing Milan Hejduk could play a game or two before the Olympic break. Hejduk (right knee) skated Wednesday. - Denver Post With Niklas Kronwall nursing a tweaked left knee and sore ankle, Jonathan Ericsson returned to play one game after being benched. Brad May returned to the lineup and replaced Kirk Maltby, who hadn't sat since Nov. 28. Johan Franzen is slated to play Tuesday at St. Louis, exactly four months after he tore his left ACL. Andreas Lilja made his debut with Grand Rapids Wednesday. It was his first game action in more than 11 months. - Detroit Free Press Centre Stephen Weiss and defencemen Bryan McCabe and Bryan Allen didn’t practice Wednesday. Pete DeBoer said they were given a 'maintenance' day for bumps and bruises. - Miami Herald The Wild is uncertain who will start in goal. Niklas Backstrom was still not well enough to practice Wednesday. He has done little since a back injury flared up after he played against Columbus on Jan. 23. He's also been ill, and saw a doctor Wednesday morning. Backup Josh Harding did not practice Wednesday either. His hip injury led to the team's placing a call to minor league Houston on Tuesday, which led to Wade Dubielewicz's start in the Wild’s 4-2 loss in Dallas. - Star Tribune Jaroslav Halak will start tonight for the Canadiens in Boston. - TSN Defenceman Cody Franson is expected to miss at least two weeks with broken ribs. - Nashville Tennessean Patrik Elias, recovering from a concussion suffered on Jan. 16, should be back as early as the weekend or Monday’s game in Philadelphia. It is possible that Elias, sidelined since suffering a concussion in Denver on Jan. 16, will practice with the team. Jamie Langenbrunner was unable to play during the third period of Tuesday night's loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto, but it wasn’t an injury that sidelined the right winger. It was the flu. - Star-Ledger Brendan Witt cleared waivers. - TSN The Sens held an optional skate on Thursday. During their franchise record 10-game winning streak, the Sens have allowed only 13 goals and have posted two shutouts. Elliott has won 8 straight games. - TSN Michael Leighton made his first appearance since Jan. 14 on Wednesday. Leighton replaced Ray Emery, who had made eight straight starts after returning from an injury. Peter Laviolette said Emery would probably start Saturday night in Minnesota. - Philadelphia Inquirer Joel Perrault cleared re-entry waivers. - TSN Right wing Eric Godard and left wing Max Talbot are nursing groin injuries. Godard will be out until after the Olympic break. Talbot appears unlikely to play this weekend after leaving practice early Wednesday. Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz doesn't want to rush his return from something as delicate as abdominal surgery, but he indicated there is a legitimate chance he could play Saturday in Montreal. Kunitz practiced again with the team Wednesday at Mellon Arena and said his return should be near. But he doesn't feel 100 percent yet. Kunitz plans to skate Thursday and will likely practice with the team Friday. If he gets through that practice and feels well, he might play against the Canadiens. - Pittsburgh Post Gazette Marc-Edouard Vlasic stayed in San Jose to continue receiving therapy for his lower body injury. Dan Boyle traveled to St. Louis and could see action against the Blues. - Mercury News C Paul Szczechura was put on waivers. - TSN Mike Komisarek will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery in Alabama next Wednesday. Komisarek compared the injury to Phil Kessel's and says he has spoken to Kessel about it. Komisarek said that missing the Olympics is "devastating." - TSN Tanner Glass and Nolan Baumgartner are expected to be back in the lineup. - TSN Goalie Michal Neuvirth has suffered a 'minor' lower-body injury. He is listed as day-to-day. - Washington Post 3 - Metropolit, G. (PPG, 17:06 in 2nd), Hamrlik, R. (17:45 in 2nd), Gionta, B. (00:00 in SO) Recchi, M. (PPG, 15:48 in 1st), Wheeler, B. (05:25 in 2nd) 
Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46), of the Czech Republic, is held back by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, of the Czech Republic, as Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak, right, of Slovakia, makes the save in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.
(AP)
6 - Gordon, B. (16:40 in 1st), Knuble, M. (04:41 in 2nd), Ovechkin, A. (PPG, 07:16 in 2nd), Ovechkin, A. (19:51 in 2nd), Poti, T. (PPG, 00:59 in 3rd), Backstrom, N. (PPG, 05:34 in 3rd)
5 - Callahan, R. (PPG, 08:58 in 1st), Prospal, V. (16:50 in 1st), Jokinen, O. (PPG, 12:19 in 2nd), Prospal, V. (PPG, 12:59 in 2nd), Dubinsky, B. (PPG, 18:48 in 2nd) 
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, blocks a shot on the goal from Washington Capitals' Alexander Semin (28), of Russia, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in New York.
(AP)
1 - Richards, B. (19:13 in 3rd)
2 - Stralman, A. (15:00 in 1st), Umberger, R. (EN, 18:52 in 3rd) 
Columbus Blue Jackets interim head coach Claude Noel, center, argues with a referee as Blue Jackets' Rick Nash, left, looks on during the third period of their NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio. Noel was named interim head coach after Ken Hitchcock was fired Wednesday.
(AP)
Columbus Blue Jackets' Derick Brassard, right, checks Dallas Stars' Steve Ott during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio.
(AP)
Columbus Blue Jackets' Steve Mason, left, makes a save against Dallas Stars' Loui Eriksson, of Sweden, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio.
(AP)
Columbus Blue Jackets' R.J. Umberger, front, shoots and scores while colliding with Dallas Stars' Jere Lehtinen, of Finland, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Columbus, Ohio.
(AP)
2 - Moulson, M. (15:26 in 1st), Sim, J. (09:12 in 2nd) 5 - Stamkos, S. (PPG, 14:15 in 1st), St Louis, M. (09:37 in 2nd), Lecavalier, V. (10:13 in 2nd), Stamkos, S. (11:49 in 3rd), Tanguay, A. (EN, 19:22 in 3rd) 
New York Islanders left winger John Tavares (91) get hit with a first-period slap shot in front of Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Antero Nittymaki (30), of Finland, during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Tampa, Fla.
(AP)
1 - Wellwood, K. (PPG, 18:21 in 3rd) 3 - Michalek, M. (PPG, 01:34 in 1st), Spezza, J. (18:03 in 1st), Kelly, C. (EN, 19:19 in 3rd) 
Steve Bernier #18 of the Vancouver Canucks screens Brian Elliott #30 of the Ottawa Senators from a point shot that rings off the post in a game at Scotiabank Place on February 4, 2010 in Ottawa, Canada.
(Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
Vancouver Canucks' Kyle Wellwood, left, falls in front of Ottawa Senators goaltender Brian Elliott as Canucks' Rick Rypien (37) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Ottawa.
(AP)
Ryan Shannon #26 of the Ottawa Senators steals the puck away from Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks down low in a game at Scotiabank Place on February 4, 2010 in Ottawa, Canada.
(Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
Andrew Raycroft #30 of the Vancouver Canucks kicks a rebound out past a charging Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Canucks in a game at Scotiabank Place on February 4, 2010 in Ottawa, Canada.
(Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
4 - Marleau, P. (00:21 in 1st), Clowe, R. (07:53 in 1st), Setoguchi, D. (PPG, 16:54 in 2nd), Nichol, S. (15:12 in 3rd)
2 - Berglund, P. (PPG, 09:46 in 1st), Steen, A. (08:39 in 3rd) 
St. Louis Blues goalie Ty Conklin cools off after giving up his second goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Louis.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
San Jose Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss, of Germany, reaches out to try and knock away a loose puck as St. Louis Blues' Keith Tkachuk, top, looks on during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Louis.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
San Jose Sharks' Manny Malhotra (27) falls to the ice after getting tangled up with St. Louis Blues' David Backes (42) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Louis.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Blues' Alexander Steen, left, and San Jose Sharks' Jed Ortmeyer get tangled up as they chase a loose puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Louis.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
3 - McLeod, C. (16:39 in 1st), Duchene, M. (PPG, 13:59 in 2nd), Mercier, J. (18:42 in 3rd) 5 - Hornqvist, P. (PPG, 06:46 in 2nd), Ward, J. (07:49 in 2nd), Arnott, J. (14:22 in 2nd), Hornqvist, P. (PPG, 19:19 in 2nd), Sullivan, S. (PPG, 10:31 in 3rd) 
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kyle Quincey, left, and Nashville Predators right wing Patric Hornqvist, of Sweden, look for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.
(AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)
Nashville Predators center David Legwand (11) fights for the puck against Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny (26) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.
(AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)
Nashville Predators right wing Patric Hornqvist, left, of Sweden, positions himself in front of Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson (41) and Colorado Avalanche center Kyle Quincey, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010.
(AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)
Nashville Predators left wing Steve Sullivan (26) shoots the puck past Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson for a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010. Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson (44) and Predators right wing Martin Erat (10), of the Czech Republic, watch the play.
(AP Photo/Frederick Breedon)
2 - Comrie, M. (PPG, 06:41 in 2nd), Pouliot, M. (08:41 in 3rd) 4 - Havlat, M. (01:19 in 2nd), Miettinen, A. (03:41 in 3rd), Latendresse, G. (12:12 in 3rd), Havlat, M. (17:24 in 3rd) 
Minnesota Wild players watch as Wild goalie Josh Harding, center, is helped off the ice after appearing to aggravate a hip injury while diving to make the save on a shot by Edmonton Oilers' Marc Pouliot during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn.
(AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Deslauriers, right, stops the shot of Minnesota Wild center Eric Belanger during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn.
(AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Wild defenseman Shane Hnidy (34) slides in front of Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding to stop the shot of Edmonton Oilers center Marc Pouliot (78) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn.
(AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Wild right wing Antti Miettinen, left, of Finland, puts the puck over Edmonton Oilers goalie Jeff Deslauriers, center, for a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn. The Oilers' Taylor Chorney (41) moves in on the play.
(AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
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