A Big Blow

Yesterday, 2 teams played that were in the Eastern Conference race for 8th and 7th. Both were in good position to pad leads they had in those races, but both didn't come out ready for a challenge.

In the 1st game, the Carolina Hurricanes faced off against the New Jersey Devils on TSN. The Canes looked to get a win as the Isles were tied with them in points, but had played 2 less games.

Just 0:39 into the 1st period, the Devils struck with Scott Gomez potting his 11th to give New Jersey the early lead. Carolina came right back as David Tanabe scored 8 minutes after the Jersey goal. After a scoreless 2nd, the 3rd period started. The Devils wasted no time scoring just 0:40 seconds into the period to grab the lead 2-1. Zach Parise then scored to give the Devils a 2 goal lead in the game with just over 10 minutes left. Carolina looked to come back as Andrew Ladd scored 2:00 after the Devils cored to give the Canes a chance. But the Canes could not score another as the Devils beat the Canes 3-2. This was a big blow to Carolina as they had a chance to push away from 9th place Toronto and 10th place Rangers.

In another game, the New York Islanders faced the Ottawa Senators. The Isles had to fight some adversity as #1 goalie Rick Dipietro was out after colliding with the Habs Steve Begin on Tuesday. It was all Senators in this one as backup Mike Dunham showed some rust.

The Sens come out strong after a scoreless 1st scoring 2 early ones in the 2st courtesy of Chris Kelly and Joe Corvo. Then, in the 3rd Ottawa pulled away with 3 goals from Chris Neil, Dean McCammond and Jason Spezza. 3 goals that came within just 1:16. The Islanders could not come back from that. They did pot 2 late ones, but fell to the Sens none the less. This was huge as the Islanders could of really pulled away form the other teams in the playoff hunt.

This night was very big. It was good for Toronto and Montreal, but really hurt Carolina and New York. It should be interesting what happens next.