Ducks' Pronger suspended 8 games for stomping on opponent's leg
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Anaheim's Chris Pronger was suspended eight games without pay Saturday by the NHL for stomping on the leg of Vancouver's Ryan Kesler.
It's the eighth career suspension for Pronger, who will miss the game against St. Louis on Saturday night. He'll be eligible to return April 6 for the regular-season finale at home against the Phoenix Coyotes.
The altercation occurred in the 4-1 win against the Canucks on Wednesday night when Pronger and Kesler became tangled behind the Vancouver net. As Pronger turned to head back up ice, replays show him stepping on Kesler's leg as the Canucks forward lay on the ice.
No penalty was called on the play. The NHL said a proper video angle wasn't available until Thursday night.
Pronger will forfeit $609,756 in salary, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
''I'd like to apologize to Ryan Kesler, the Vancouver Canucks, my teammates and the National Hockey League for my actions last Wednesday night,'' Pronger said in a statement on the Ducks' Web site. ''While I did not intend to injure Ryan, I respect the league's decision on this matter and look forward to returning to the ice and leading my teammates into the playoffs.''
Pronger's most recent ban of one game came during the Stanley Cup final with Ottawa in June when he elbowed Dean McAmmond in the head.
Earlier this season, the NHL suspended Minnesota's Chris Simon 30 games for stomping on the leg of Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu.
Saturday's Puck Bucks
By Scott Rickenbach
Grabbing Green on the Blue line
PHI/BOS – Joffrey Lupul returned against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday and the Flyers will take all the healthy bodies they can get right now. The key addition would be leading scorer Mike Richards who the Flyers are hopeful can return this weekend. Defenseman Randy Jones will miss this game for Philly while Boston could be without defenseman Zdeno Chara. With all the injury issues and the streaky play of these two clubs, this match-up could be a tough call as they battle it out for a playoff spot. The Bruins have won just once it their last seven games while Philly has won just twice in their last six games.
NAS/DET – Hot meets not in this match-up as the Red Wings have won five straight while the Predators have lost three straight. This series has been tight this season. Unlike last season when the Red Wings were 6-1-1 versus Nashville, this season’s series is knotted up at 2-2-1 thusfar. The Predators have been outscored 17-9 in losing four of their last five!
NJ/CO – Despite continuing to be dealt one injury issue after another, the Avalanche have now won 8 of their last 9 games. They also are a fantastic 8-1 in interconference action this season. However, the Devils have enjoyed the interconference action as well as they’re 6-3 against the Western Conference this season. This one could come down to the goaltending and that’s a tough call with both Jose Theodore and Martin Broduer playing very well between the pipes right now.
BUF/TOR – A surprising blowout win for the Sabres over Carolina last night could trigger a run for Buffalo. However, in a key divisional match-up tonight the Maple Leafs could hold the upper hand though as they have been off since Wednesday whereas the Sabres are in the second night of a back to back. The key issue in this match-up though is the availability of the Leafs captain and top player Mats Sundin.
VAN/DAL – The Canucks are once again in a scoring funk over their last three games and they are likely to have trouble rectifying that situation at Dallas. The Stars are not happy about blowing a 3-1 lead at Detroit on Thursday and losing 5-3. Look for Marty Turco to bounce back versus a team whom he has enjoyed a lot of recent success against.
NYI/MON – The Canadiens are 10-2 at home against the Islanders and they’ve won all three of their match-ups with New York this season. Coming off of a shutout loss in their most recent game means a big bounce back should be on tap for the Habs tonight. The Canadiens had scored 31 goals in their last eight games before the shutout.
NYR/TB – The Rangers had earned points in thirteen straight games before losing in regulation at Florida last night. Now, New York must deal with Tampa Bay and the second night of a back to back situation won’t help matters for the Rangers. The Lightning are 5-3-1 against the Rangers in the last 9 games played in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have won their last two games by a combined score of 11-5 and they have the scheduling advantage in this match-up.
LA/MIN – The Wild have lost three straight games in the shootout. They haven’t won a game in nearly two weeks but that victory came against Los Angeles and the Kings are struggling again. Los Angeles had won just once in their last eight games before coming up with an upset win over Nashville in their most recent game. Also, the Wild have enjoyed plenty of success in their recent meetings with Minnesota.
STL/ANA – The Ducks have won eight straight home games and should have no trouble with the Blues tonight. However, St Louis has won two of their three games with Anaheim this season. Don’t put too much weight into that though as the Blues have won just once in their last 12 games and they have particularly struggled on the road. This one could get ugly for St Louis with how dominant Anaheim’s J-S Giguere has been!
EDM/PHX – The Oilers have won six of their last eight meetings with the Coyotes and they’ve also won three of their last four meetings in Phoenix. The Oilers are also chasing the Coyotes for a playoff spot and Edmonton has certainly shown no signs of quit! The Oilers are coming off of a 5-1 loss to Colorado but they came into that game having won seven of their last eight. Phoenix has had trouble scoring goals and that could be a difference maker here as Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has struggled against the Oilers in his career and Edmonton has the more potent offense in this match-up.
VegasInsider.com
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- The fans at Mellon Arena will be treated to a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins when they take their seats on Sunday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Flyers lost 3-2 to the Bruins in OT last time out, as a -110 road pik'em. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Mike Richards and Daniel Briere scored for the Flyers.
Seven different players scored in the Penguins 7-3 pounding of the Sabres on Wednesday. The Penguins won the game as -155 favorites, while the 10 goals sailed OVER the posted over/under (6).
Tyler Kennedy, Jeff Taffe, Sergei Gonchar, Petr Sykora, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Minard and Kris Letang scored for the Penguins. Ty Conklin made 29 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games.
Pittsburgh has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 35-27-10
Pittsburgh: 40-24-7
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Ottawa are 3-7
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Atlanta, Tuesday, March 18
Pittsburgh at NY Rangers, Tuesday, March 18
Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- The Calgary Flames and the Chicago Blackhawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at United Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Jerome Iginla led Calgary with two goals in its 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night.
Atlanta cashed in as +130 home underdogs as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist on Friday as the Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 6-3.
The Hawks were winners as +115 road underdogs on that night, while the combined score went OVER the game's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Calgary has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Calgary: 36-25-10
Chicago: 34-31-7
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-3-1
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 4-4
After a loss are 6-4
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Columbus are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 10 games
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games at home
Chicago is 8-13-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Calgary
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Calgary at Columbus, Tuesday, March 18
Chicago home to Washington, Wednesday, March 19
Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The fans at RBC Center will be treated to a game between the Ottawa Senators and the Carolina Hurricanes when they take their seats on Sunday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Martin Gerber stopped 28 shots to earn the shutout as the Senators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Thursday night.
Ottawa won as +130 road underdogs as the teams played under the 6-goal total listed by sportbooks.
Scott Walker had the lone Carolina tally in their 7-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night.
The Sabres pulled out the victory as -120 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (6.5).
Current streak:
Ottawa has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 40-25-7
Carolina: 38-30-5
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Montreal are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Buffalo are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Carolina is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa home to St. Louis, Thursday, March 20
Carolina at Atlanta, Wednesday, March 19
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
- The fans at Verizon Center will be treated to a game between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals when they take their seats on Sunday.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Aaron Ward scored the game-winning goal in overtime on Saturday, as the Bruins got past the Flyers 3-2. The Bruins won the game as a -110 pik'em, while the five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Chuck Kobasew and Andrew Ference scored in regulation for the Bruins.
Brooks Laich scored twice on Friday to lead the Capitals to a 4-1 win over the visiting Atlanta Thrashers.
The Caps were winners as -250 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Washington has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 37-27-8
Washington: 34-30-8
Boston most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-2-2
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Calgary are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 10 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Boston
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Boston home to Montreal, Thursday, March 20
Washington at Nashville, Tuesday, March 18
Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty on Sunday when the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets meet at Nationwide Arena.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Red Wings were upset 3-1 by the Predators as -240 favorites last time out. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Niklas Kronwall scored the lone Detroit marker, and Chris Osgood made 24 saves in the loss.
Pascal Leclaire was yanked after allowing three goals on six shots in Columbus' 6-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
The Hawks were winners as +115 road underdogs on that night, while the combined score went OVER the game's posted total (5.5).
Team records:
Detroit: 47-19-6
Columbus: 31-29-11
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 6-3-1
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Nashville are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8
Columbus most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Calgary are 1-9
After playing Chicago are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Columbus
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Columbus
Detroit is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Columbus's last 21 games when playing at home against Detroit
Columbus is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Columbus home to Calgary, Tuesday, March 18
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Florida Panthers
- The division rival Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers are set to renew hostilities on Sunday when they meet at BankAtlantic Center.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Kari Lehtonen gave up four goals on 37 shots in Atlanta's 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
The Caps were winners as -250 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
Olli Jokinen had the game-winning goal on Friday night as the Panthers defeated the New York Rangers by a final score of 3-2.
The Panthers got the win as +110 home underdogs on that night, while the combined score fell UNDER the game's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Florida has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 31-34-8
Florida: 34-31-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Florida most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing NY Rangers are 6-4
After playing NY Rangers are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Florida
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta at Philadelphia, Tuesday, March 18
Florida home to Carolina, Thursday, March 20
Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks
- The Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at HP Pavilion.
Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Fernando Pisani, Marty Reasoner, and Joni Pitkanen all had a goal and an assist as the Oilers defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 5-2 on Saturday night.
Edmonton cashed as +145 road underdogs as the teams played over the 5.5-goal total set by oddsmakers.
Brian Campbell had a goal and an assist on Friday night to lead the Sharks to a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues.
The Sharks got the win as big -240 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score was a PUSH against the night's posted total (5).
Current streak:
San Jose has won 11 straight games.
Team records:
Edmonton: 35-32-5
San Jose: 42-21-8
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Phoenix are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
San Jose most recently:
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 3-3-2
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Edmonton is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Jose is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Next up:
Edmonton home to Phoenix, Tuesday, March 18
San Jose at Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 18