A Day in the NHL: Monday November 22

For a Sunday that looked like it might be a little slow, there were thrilling moments to be had including two games going to an extra seassion.

The Night that Was:

In probably the most thrilling affair of the day, the Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings tangled and went back and forth all day. Detroit took the initial lead on Johan Franzen’s ninth, but Calgary came back and tried to put it out of reach. Needless to say, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg wouldn’t let that happen. Datsyuk finished the game with three points, while Zetterberg had the goals to make it 4-3 Flames and later tie it. Then, just over a minute in to overtime, Nik Lidstrom snuck in from the point and tucked the game-winner home. Who said Detroit was too old? They’re leading the Western Conference after that win.

Not nearly as high-scoring, the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers went to OT locked up at ones. Michael Grabner had his third goal in 15 games for the Isles this season, but Nik Antropov tied it on the power play early in the third. Then, in overtime, Dustin Byfuglien scored the winner, his seventh, as all of Atlanta’s new captain contingency got in on the goal: Both Tobias Enstrom and Andrew Ladd assisted on the final goal.

Former Windsor Spitfire teammates Cam Fowler and Taylor Hall faced off when Edmonton visited Anaheim, and while both had a point, Hall’s side was victorious. Hall scored the Oilers’ second goal, while Fowler assisted on the Ducks’ first goal of the night. Anaheim would eventually tie it up, but third period goals from Ales Hemsky (two points) and Tom Gilbert sealed it.

The Phoenix Coyotes pushed the NHL’s longest active win streak to six games when Taylor Pyatt’s second of the game sunk his former team yesterday. Although the scoring didn’t get underway until the second, the Vancouver Canucks answered Phoenix’s first two goals with goals of their own. When Pyatt put home his second of the game early in the third though, it meant that Ilya Bryzgalov only had to outduel Roberto Luongo for 15 more minutes—which he did, stopping 25 of 27 shots.

What’s on Tonight?

A pretty full Monday night is in store with eight games. Toronto hosts the Dallas Stars on a rare Monday tilt for them, while Montreal and Philadelphia are set up for an always entertaining installment in that rivalry. Calgary’s suddenly potent offense (11 goals in two games) will be going against King Henrik on Broadway, while Ovie and the Caps take on the Devils, and Sid and the Pens take on the Panthers. Ottawa plays Los Angeles, Boston visits Tampa Bay, and expansion cousins Nashville and Columbus play each other as well.

The Injury Bug:

New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur will be resting his elbow again. Brodeur is expected to miss the next two weeks while resting the elbow that kept him out of action earlier this year. It’s bruised again and he’s expected to miss the Devils’ next five games.

Erik Karlsson missed practiced with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Word is he’s feeling fluish, making him a game-time decision Monday.

Ryan Miller tweaked his groin on Saturday, but it’s not too bad, at least according to Lindy Ruff. The team is off until Wednesday so it’s a “wait and see” kind of thing.

Speaking of groins, Teemu Selanne was out for Anaheim last night. His groin wasn’t 100% either.

The Florida Panthers’ Stephen Weiss (Questionable) and Rostislav Olesz (Doubtful) are also question marks for Monday’s action. Weiss’ ankle isn’t at full strength, while Olesz is dealing with a broken finger.

Rumours and News Around the League:

A minor trade yesterday: Philadelphia re-acquired Danny Syvret and forward Rob Bordson from the Anaheim Ducks yesterday. Going Anaheim’s way was another former London Knight in Patrick Maroon and David Laliberte

Marc Sacard has been cleared to return to non-contact practices. Obviously a great sign for him.

And Jarome Iginla has been assured he’ll be staying in Calgary this season. Some speculate if that’s why he’s been playing better the past couple of games. Who knows….but job security can do that for a person.

The Overlooked Fantasy Line of the Night:

It’s going to Jarome. Two goals and one assist against the Wings. A good game amidst a trying season for him.

Bryan Thiel is a columnist for TooManyMentOnTheSite.com and Hockey54.com—The Face of the Game! If you want to get in contact with Bryan, you can e-mail him at bryanthiel74@hotmail.com, or you can follow him on Twitter at BryanThiel_88.