NHL Recap: Feb 22, 2013 – Chicago Record Setters, Luongo Blanks Preds, Malkin Injured
There were three eventful games in the NHL on a light Friday night. Here is a quick recap of each contest.
February 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against Florida Panthers center Tomas Kopecky (82) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
- Evgeni Malkin left the game after what looked like a whiplash effect when he was crashed into the boards by the Panthers’ Erik Gudbranson. As for the game, Florida took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Mike Weaver in the second period. Chris Kunitz answered that on a power play goal just over two minutes later, and then Matt Niskanen and Dustin Jeffrey scored in the third to give the Pens a 3-1 win.
- Roberto Luongo won a goaltending duel with Pekka Rinne as both goalies stopped 23 shots. The difference was the Canucks got 24 shots on Rinne, and Dale Wiese’s goal midway through the third period was the difference. Luongo has not lost in regulation all season as the Canucks goalie situation isn’t getting any clearer.
- The Blackhawks beat the Sharks 2-1 to sweep the season series, and in doing so set an NHL record for the most consecutive games from the start of a season with at least a point. The record stands at 17 and counting. Ray Emery moved to 7-0 on the season, allowing only a goal to Patrick Marleau. Viktor Stalberg scored from an impossible angle, banking it in off Antti Niemi from below the goal line to tie it up, and Brandon Saad scored shorthanded in the third for the winning goal. San Jose has won just once in 9 games, as their hot start has been wasted and they have slid to 6th in the West.
Well the league gets busy again on Saturday night with an even dozen games on the schedule, including the Battle of Ontario. Six of 7 Canadian teams are in action. Check back tomorrow for a full recap of all the games.