Crease to Crease
Welcome back to another edition of Crease to Crease here on MMOS! After a week off, the duo of Eddie McDonald and Chuckie Maggio return to give you the latest on what is happening around the National Hockey League.
Team of the Week
Eddie McDonald: Minnesota Wild
My team of the week is the Minnesota Wild. This team won all three games last week and is currently on a four-game winning streak. Each of the three wins were one-goal affairs, with different people stepping up late in each game. Zach Parise scored a late goal in regulation to force overtime, which went into a shootout and he had the decisive goal in the shootout in a win versus Toronto. The team blew a two-goal lead in the third period against Florida and got a game-winning goal from Charlie Coyle. Mikku Koivu scored both goals, including a late goal in a 2-1 win over Winnipeg. This team currently sits in second place in the Central Division, just two points behind the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chuckie Maggio: Washington Capitals
A 3-0 week that featured wins over Detroit and St. Louis showed that the Caps are still a team to reckon with in the East. With Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom’s production, add Braden Holtby’s play between the pipes, the Caps are still as powerful as ever.
Player of the Week
EM: Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin is tied for the league lead in goals with 17 after four goals in three games last week. Ovi led the Capitals to a 3-0 week record, and the team has climbed right back into the Metropolitan Division race. Pittsburgh is currently ahead of them by one point. If Ovechkin can keep scoring like he is, this team will be just fine.
CM: Brayden Schenn – Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers gained at least a point in their three games this week, and their young center is one of the main reasons for the success. His weekly total: Three goals and an assist, with two of the scores coming in a win against Pittsburgh. Look for Schenn to continue producing as the Flyers hope to overcome the early-season struggles.
Moment of the Week
EM: Jarmoir Jagr haunts his old team
On Sunday, the New Jersey Devils beat the Penguins 4-1. Two of the four goals came from the 41-year old former Penguin, Jarmoir Jagr. He is the active leader in different categories and is a big reason the Devils are still in the playoff race. A rejuvenated Jagr is what the Devils will need in order to compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup.
CM: Injury to Steven Stamkos
Stamkos’s injury means the first place Lightning lose their top scorer, but it also has Olympic implications. The loss of Stamkos really hurts Team Canada, who would have likely counted on him to be one of their top-3 scorers. The loss of Stamkos hurts both team and country, making the injury an unfortunate moment of the week.
What We’re Looking Forward to
EM: There are three games and a road trip I am looking forward to. The games: Chicago @ Colorado – Tuesday. Pittsburgh @ Washington – Wednesday, Colorado @ Los Angeles – Saturday. The Devils go on a three-game California road trip when it takes on Anaheim (Wednesday), Los Angeles (Thursday), and San Jose (Saturday).
CM: Penguins vs Capitals on Wednesday. The Wednesday Night Rivalry this week is definitely worth watching, as Crosby and Ovechkin face off once again. The two biggest stars in the National Hockey League always put on a show in their matchups and that means big ratings for NBC Sports. Look for Ovi and the Caps to take this one in a shootout.
