Studs

Saved by Stamkos- Yet again Steven Stamkos came up large for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they needed him most. In the last 17 games going back to the beginning of February, Stamkos has 26 of his 80 points on the season. In that span he has had four game-winning goals including last night's goal which gave Tampa Bay the 4-3 overtime win. If Stamkos can remain hot into the playoffs and the goaltending improves, the Lightning could be a tough team to beat.

Columbus on a Streak- Columbus handed the Phoenix Coyotes another loss last night. After the Coyotes enjoyed Mike Smith's perfection in 11 games last month, they have now lost two in a row and the Blue Jackets have won two in a row. Rick Nash and Derick Brassard has particularly good nights offensively in front of Steve Mason as the Blue Jackets won 5-2.

Rekindled Kings- Former Philadelphia Flyers, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter's production last night was a great sign for the L.A. Kings. Carter had two goals and Richards has three assists as the Kings beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-2.

Duds

Along Came Early Season Luongo- When Vancouver Canucks goaltender, Roberto Luongo lasted only five minutes of game time against the Buffalo Sabres, the Canucks now look quite smart for holding on to Cory Schnieder at trade deadline. Luongo stopped four of seven shots and Schnieder came in relief, making 16 saves on 17 shots. The Canucks lost to Buffalo 5-3.

Sharks get the Blues treatment- The power shift from offensive teams like the San Jose Sharks to defensive teams like the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference was exemplified last night's 3-1 win for the Blues. The Blues went with Jaroslav Halak last night and kept the Sharks' big lines off the scoreboard. The only Shark with a goal was Torrey Mitchell scoring is sixth of the season. With so many teams being able to beat the Sharks with defense and a balanced attack, it appears that San Jose is no longer cream of the crop.

Bourque's Line- Talk about a major non-event for both the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs' acquired Rene Bourque who has done little in Montreal and Cammalleri in Calgary has done only a little more. Bourque is now a -15 on the season after last night's minus-2 night. It seems that a line of Bourque, Leblanc and Eller would be a pretty weak forward group defensively and sure enough they each ended with minus-2 ratings last night as the Toronto Maple Leafs won 3-1.

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Dobber Hockey Columbus Blue Jackets Forum Writer

Co-Commish of DTDL and UNFHL

Member of UHL, UDHL and LOFHL

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