Welcome to Shaved Ice, the new daily blog for MiHockeyNow.com. Every morning, we will share a comprehensive summary of what’s happening in hockey around the Mitten – in the hopes of starting your day off right. Because let’s face it, what’s better than a little hockey in the morning?
Quick hits
On Friday, I had mentioned that I would be writing this from Las Vegas. However, due to complications with an airline that will not be named on here (though I want to), I’m still in the Mitten. Bummed, but there’s nothing wrong with having a few extra days at home.
Anyways…
- While many of you were watching the Tigers Saturday night, the Red Wings continued their undefeated start to the 2011-12 season. Johan Franzen scored with 49 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Red Wings a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Minnesota Wild. The win bumps the Wings’ record up to 4-0.
- While the Wolverines had the weekend off (hockey-wise, of course), the Spartans opened their CCHA season in Sault Ste. Marie. It wasn’t the start new coach Tom Anastos was hoping for – the Spartans lost both games by one-goal margins.
- The Whalers had three games in three nights this weekend, and finished with a 1-2 record. On Thursday, they lost 4-3 to rival Windsor. The Whalers rebounded to post a 6-3 win over Niagara on Friday, but lost 5-4 to Sarnia on Saturday.
- Plymouth was also active on the trade front. They traded Monroe native RJ Mahalak to Sarnia because they had too many over-aged players.
- Saginaw split their weekend games, losing to Sarnia 7-2 on Friday, and bouncing back for a 6-4 win over Niagara the next night.
Highlight reel
Outside the Mitten
The International Scouting Services released their October list of the top 30 draft-eligible players over the weekend. Click here to see who they think will go in the first round of next summer’s NHL draft. Spoiler – Rochester native and Michigan commit Jacob Trouba is at No. 7.
NHL scores from the weekend:
Friday –
- Hurricanes 4, Sabres 3
- Ducks 1, Sharks 0
Saturday –
- Leafs 3, Flames 2
- Avalanche 6, Canadiens 5
- Islanders 4, Rangers 2
- Kings 3, Flyers 2
- Sabres 3, Penguins 2
- Capitals 2, Senators 1
- Coyotes 4, Jets 1
- Panthers 3, Lightning 2
- Devils 3, Predators 2
- Stars 4, Blue Jackets 2
- Bruins 3, Blackhawks 2
- Canucks 4, Oilers 3
- Blues 4, Sharks 2
Sunday –
- Ducks 4, Blues 2
Check it
Our own Darren Eliot writes that the Lions and Tigers have a long way to go to catch up to what the Red Wings have built.
Next up
I’ll be back with more glorious hockey news tomorrow morning. And don’t forget, a new edition of Michigan Hockey Magazine comes out this week.