Due to the fact that I am winning a lot more games than I anticipated I will be changing my sliders to OBG's set. I am hoping they will provide a bit more of a challenge. I will have some games posted with his sliders this morning.
The Nashville Predators' Steve Sullivan lead them into the unfriendly United Center to take on division rivals the Chicago Blackhawks. Nashville is currently leading the central division by 8 points over Detroit and 16 points over the Blackhawks. Chicago came into this one trying to gain 2 points and try to claw their way back to the top of the division.
The Hawks got off to a great start as Dustin Byfuglien was given way too much time in the high slot while on an early power-play. He beat Rinne over the glove to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead only a minute into the game. After Bouillon got into and won a fight against Patrick Sharp the Preds were able to gain some momentum and tie the game off a wicked slapper from Shea Weber. 1-1 going into the 2nd.
In the 2nd the game was back and forth with neither team being able to solve each other's goalie. But just after the 16th minute mark Arnott found Sulllivan wide open on the far side of Huet. Sullivan ripped a wrister short side on net and beat Huet giving the Preds a 2-1 lead going into the 3rd period.
The Preds came out fast in the 3rd netting an insurance goal only 23 seconds in. Jason Arnott found a loose puck in the crease behind Huet and was able to easily tap it in. The Preds would play a sound defensive game until about 5 minutes left in the game. The Preds would surrender their 2 goal lead late in the game and would be forced to go to overtime. Kris Versteeg was the hero for the Hawks in regulation by tying the game in the final minute and then continued to be the hero in the shootout netting the only goal by either team giving the Hawks a much needed 4-3 win.
Around the NHL
Injury: Simon Gagne will be out for 6 weeks with an MCL sprain.
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy Race:
1. Marian Gaborik - 24 goals
2. Alexander Ovechkin - 22 goals
3. Dany Heatley - 20 goals
4. Sidney Crosby - 18 goals
5. Steve Sullivan - 17 goals