Two more favorites fall overseas, Atlantic rivals in action tonight

October 2, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

The surprises continued overseas with the Blackhawks and Red Wings each falling in the first of two games versus the Panthers and Blues respectively.

Both winners fought back from deficits earning 4-3 victories. First up was Florida and Chicago who faced off in Helsinki, Finland at a near capacity Hartwall Arena who were treated to a good game. The clubs split the first four goals with Patrick Kane, Michael Frolik, Dustin Byfuglien and Finn Ville Koistinen tallied. Following Patrick Sharp’s goal with 8:24 left in regulation, the Panthers’ top finisher David Booth struck to knot it at three with 2:21 to go.

Despite some strong play by Chicago in overtime outshooting Florida 5-1 (55-24 overall), Tomas Vokoun gave his team a chance to steal one. That it was native Koistinen’s shootout tally that held up was ironic as the Cats won the skill competition 2-1 with Steve Reinprecht also tallying while just Chicago captain Jonathan Toews did. An aggressive Vokoun preserved the victory with a great pokecheck on Kane. The Czech vet netminder finished with 52 saves, outplaying counterpart Cristobal Huet, who FAN 640′s Bill Waters referred to as “couldn’t stop a beachball.”

Pretty amusing stuff from the Toronto radio host.

In the second game, an old fashioned Norris battle took place at The Globe between the Blues and Red Wings. St. Louis fell behind 3-1 with Detroit getting goals off the sticks of Swede Jonathan Ericsson, Kirk Maltby (SHG) and gifted rookie Ville Leino (PPG). At that point, the Blues’ lone tally came from Jay McClement who starred on a checking line with Brad Winchester and bruiser B.J. Crombeen. The physical trio was largely responsible for the comeback combining for three goals and two assists including both helpers from McClement as he figured in Crombeen’s tying and Paul Kariya’s deciding markers. Kariya missed a good chunk of last year but got the comeback started with the first of a pair on the man-advantage from Andy McDonald and Keith Tkachuk. His winner was vintage stuff. After taking a T.J. Oshie pass, the dynamic left wing split the Wing D before burying a high shot shortside on Chris Osgood at 17:36 of the second- completing a three-goal barrage in 5:05.

Andy Murray’s club didn’t sit back with play even in the third. Detroit, who outshot their rival 34-23, still had plenty of opportunities including on one power play where they constantly pressured. However, Chris Mason was strong making some big glove saves. He also robbed Johan Franzen of a certain shorthanded tying goal off a nice Pavel Datsyuk set up. That calibre of goalkeeping was the difference with the St. Louis backstop making 31 stops to Osgood’s 19 in the win.

There also was a funny moment where TSN’s mics picked up a frustrated Maltby who was sent off for interference, referring to Crombeen’s fall as “a dive.” From reading lips, the gritty vet also had some other choice words while sitting in the box. Ultimately, his team fell short with both Datsyuk and Zetterberg shutout along with Franzen, who couldn’t believe he didn’t score.

On Day Two of the new season, there are four more teams in action including three Atlantic rivals with the Rangers visiting the defending champion Penguins while the new look Chris Pronger/Ray Emery Flyers pay a visit to Raleigh versus the Hurricanes. Philly-Carolina faces off after 7 while Rangers-Pittsburgh goes off probably at 7:45 due to the Cup banner ceremony which John Tortorella’s club will get an up close look at from the bench.

Sean Avery (right knee sprain) made the trip but will not suit up meaning that Enver Lisin will be in probably with fellow Russian rookie Artem Anisimov on the third line. Figure new alternate captain Ryan Callahan to slide in. Here’s the expected lineup for tonight:

Prospal-Dubinsky-Gaborik

Higgins-Drury-Kotalik

Lisin-Anisimov-Callahan

Brashear-Boyle-Voros

Staal-Girardi

Redden-Gilroy

Del Zotto-Rozsival

Lundqvist

Valiquette

We’ll have a recap when we get back from The Boss.