SBNation.com - NHL Friday: Devils beat Capitals, Red Wings top Canadienshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2014-01-25T08:00:03-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/51070952014-01-25T08:00:03-05:002014-01-25T08:00:03-05:00NHL AM Roundup: Canadiens, Capitals still sliding
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals are still going in the wrong direction, and not even Eric Nystrom's four-goal game was enough to get the Nashville Predators a win on Friday night. </p> <p>On New Years Day the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> were sitting pretty comfortably in playoff spots.</p>
<p>Both were in the top-three of their divisions, and the Canadiens were eight points up on the ninth-place team in the East.</p>
<p>Just a little more than three weeks later and things are looking bleak in both cities. Friday night did not help either situation.</p>
<p>The Canadiens were 4-1 losers in Detroit, while the Capitals offense continued to fire blanks and lost another top forward when <span>Mikhail Grabovski</span> had to exit in the first period after <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343380/mikhail-grabovski-injury-capitals-forward-leaves-game-after-twisting/in/5107095">awkwardly twisting his leg</a>. Looking at the standings after Friday and the Capitals are down to 13th place in the East while the Canadiens are now tied with Toronto for third place in the Atlantic Division and have just a five-point cushion over the No. 9 team in the conference.</p>
<p>Those are two ships going in the wrong direction.</p>
<p>Elsewhere on Friday, Eric Nystrom's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343758/eric-nystrom-scores-4-goals-for-predators">four-goal effort was not enough</a> for Nashville as it fell to Calgary in a shootout, 5-4, while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a> had to hold off a late Edmonton rally to escape with a 4-3 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a>.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Panthers</a> lost, but at least their young fans <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/1/24/5343098/the-florida-panthers-didnt-think-this-slide-through/in/5107095">could ride on a poorly planned slide outside of the arena</a>.</p>
<h4>All the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-scores">NHL Scores</a>
</h4>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> 2, Capitals 1</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Red Wings</a> 4, Canadiens 1</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> 3, Panthers 2</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Flames</a> 5, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> 4 (SO)</p>
<p>Coyotes 4, Oilers 3</p>
<h4>Five Questions</h4>
<h5>On Friday we asked you <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5341684/5-nhl-questions-devils-capitals-metropolitan-divison-standings-playoff-races/in/5107095">five burning questions</a> about the days games. These are your cool, soothing answers.</h5>
<h5>1. Can the Caps end their slide and regaining some footing in the division?</h5>
<p>Nope, and it was another dismal night for the offense as the Capitals fall to 0-5-2 in their past seven games. When Alex Ovechkin isn't in the lineup this team really looks bad.</p>
<h5>2. Can Jonas Gustavsson continue his stellar play for Detroit?</h5>
<p>He most certainly can. Detroit's backup was solid once again in the absence of starter <span>Jimmy Howard</span> as he turned aside 30 of the 31 shots he faced in Detroit's 4-1 win, out dueling Montreal's <span>Carey Price</span>.</p>
<h5>3. Can Matt Duchene bust out of his slump?</h5>
<p>If you count two assists in a 3-2 as busting out of a slump (and you should), then yes. Duchene helped the Avalanche race out to a 3-0 lead in Florida and that was just enough offense for Colorado.</p>
<h5>4. Will Michael Del Zotto turn things around in Nashville?</h5>
<p>The early returns in Nashville have been mostly positive to this point as Del Zotto played 18:20 on Friday and finished the night with a shot on goal and a plus-one. If nothing else, he wasn't on the ice for any of Calgary's four goals. So that's a start.</p>
<h5>5. How will <span>Jordan Eberle</span> respond to the trade rumors?</h5>
<p>With the Oilers out of the playoffs and seemingly getting worse rumors are starting to fly that the team could unload some players by the trade deadline and this offseason. Eberle's name has been one of the ones mentioned. He had an assist on Friday as the Oilers dug themselves a huge hole against the Coyotes by giving up four straight goals to start the game.</p>
<h4>Impact Moment</h4>
<h5>The one play or moment from Friday that is going to be making headlines over the next couple of days.</h5>
<p>The Canadiens seem to be going through the motions right now and Michel Therrien seems to be pushing all of the wrong buttons. His latest experiment: Attempting to put <span>Douglas Murray</span>, his slowest and arguably worst defenseman this season, with reigning Norris Trophy winner <span>P.K. Subban</span>. It did not go well on Friday. The two spent nearly 10 minutes of 5-on-5 time together and were on the ice for two Detroit goals. There has to be something that can be done to get this team going, but holding your best player back by tying him down with one of the worst players on your team probably isn't it. The only thing this team has going for it right now is Carey Price <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343464/carey-price-glove-save">and his fantastic glove hand</a>.</p>
<h4>Stat of the Night</h4>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">San Jose Sharks</a> signed <span>Joe Thornton</span> and <span>Patrick Marleau</span> to brand new three-year contract extensions on Friday, keeping their core together for the foreseeable future. Here's an underrated part of Marleau's career and one that doesn't get enough attention when the same old, "Sharks can't get it done when it counts" narrative starts up. Since 2000, <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/play-index/ppl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=combined&year_min=2000&year_max=&age_min=0&age_max=99&birth_country=&franch_id=&is_active=&is_hof=&pos=S&handed=&c1stat=&c1comp=gt&c1val=&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=goals">no player in the NHL has scored more playoff goals</a> than Marleau's 55. Of course the Sharks have played a ton of playoff games over that stretch, but even when you look at it in a goals per game perspective he's still eight in the NHL (minimum 50 games played) over that stretch. He's just a really good player.</p>
<h4>Post to Post</h4>
<ul>
<li><span>Should the Washington Capitals trade <span>Mike Green</span>? Maybe eventually, <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/2014/1/24/5341120/washington-capitals-on-trading-mike-green">but not right now</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>The folks at PensBurgh have a pledge drive going on <a href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2014/1/23/5339398/pledge-drive-childrens-hospital-of-pittsburgh-foundation">that you should check out</a>. </span></li>
<li><span>Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are staying in San Jose. The<a href="http://www.fearthefin.com/2014/1/24/5341882/sharks-sign-thornton-marleau-to-3-year-contract-extensions"> reaction from the folks at Fear The Fin</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>Do <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5339092/nhl-coaches-fired-hired-changes">in-season coaching changes work</a>?</span></li>
<li><span>There will be <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343272/2014-winter-classic-record-attendance/in/5107095">no attendance record</a> for the NHL Winter Classic. And it's all mother nature's fault. </span></li>
</ul>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/25/5343832/nhl-scores-canadiens-capitals-eric-nystromAdam Gretz2014-01-24T23:39:53-05:002014-01-24T23:39:53-05:00Four-goal game for Nystrom
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-3fvu_3ukajp0cFSm9Aty-wpZEg=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27429793/20140124_jla_bb9_223.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Eric Nystrom had six goals this season entering play on Friday. He scored four goals against the Flames. </p> <p>Sometimes you just can't predict hockey.</p>
<p>Take for example the Nashville-Calgary game on Friday night where Predators forward Eric Nystrom became the fifth player this season to record a four-goal game joining the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Martin St. Louis, Tyler Seguin and Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl.</p>
<p>What makes it so unlikely is that entering play on Friday Nystrom had scored just six goals all season, had never scored more than two goals in a game in his career, and was the only Predator to score a goal in regulation during the game.</p>
<p>Here he is putting in No. 4 as he redirects the puck through the legs of Reto Berra to give the Predators a 4-2 lead.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3909003/nystromgoal.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Nystromgoal_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3909003/nystromgoal.gif"></a> <br id="1390624775625"></p>
<p>Unfortunately for Nashville the Flames would come back and tie the game to send it to overtime.</p>
<p>With less than a minute to play Nystrom nearly had a breakaway and a chance to score his fifth, but just couldn't handle the long-distance pass or beat his man.</p>
<p>The Predators would go on to lose in the shootout while Nystrom becomes just the 12th player since 1987 -- and the second this season, joining St. Louis -- to score four goals in a game and be on the losing team.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343758/eric-nystrom-scores-4-goals-for-predatorsAdam Gretz2014-01-24T23:06:09-05:002014-01-24T23:06:09-05:00AHL goalie fight
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ppQsZrlWQvFO7bsbe2D6xdHvYLs=/0x359:3150x2459/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27428907/20140122_lbm_al8_209.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>We just missed out on a goalie fight in the NHL on Wednesday, but we did get one on Friday in the AHL.</p> <p>On Wednesday night <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> goaltender <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span> was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/22/5336824/goalie-fight-marc-andre-fleury-peter-budaj">stopped by the officials in his quest to take part in a goalie fight</a> with Montreal's Peter Budaj.</p>
<p>On Friday, the goaltender for Pittsburgh's AHL team, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's <span>Jeff Deslauriers</span>, managed to make up for it when he squared off in a bout with <span>John Gibson</span> (who, oddly enough, is <i>from</i> Pittsburgh) of the Norfolk Admirals.</p>
<p>The goalie fun starts around the 1:30 mark.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g_xc7ST4Bvk" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Norfolk would go on to win the game, 4-1.</p>
<p>(<a href="https://twitter.com/H_P_Hockey/status/426905985597177856">Video via Highland Park Hockey</a>)</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343682/goalie-fight-john-gibson-jeff-deslauriersAdam Gretz2014-01-24T21:29:25-05:002014-01-24T21:29:25-05:00Carey Price with the windmill save
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LTXoC7SMYVYdQAWnrKG7bhBxw2U=/0x66:600x466/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27425395/gyi0061835320.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>You're going to have to shoot it harder than this to beat Carey Price's glove hand. </p> <p>As has been the case for most of the season, <span>Carey Price's</span> teammates aren't giving him much help on Friday night in Detroit. He's facing a ton of rubber, and Michel Therrien's idea of pairing <span>P.K. Subban</span> with <span>Douglas Murray</span> is not working well on the blue line.</p>
<p>The result has been a 3-1 deficit after two periods and Price facing plenty of open looks from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Red Wings</a>.</p>
<p>Late in the second period he decided to go full windmill with this glove save on a blast from the top of the faceoff circle.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3908739/daglooove.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Daglooove_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3908739/daglooove.gif"></a> <br id="1390617066422"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So at least the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a> had that going for them.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=39275" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="39275-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343464/carey-price-glove-saveAdam Gretz2014-01-24T21:05:42-05:002014-01-24T21:05:42-05:00Grabovski leaves game after twisting leg
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R3-ejK5qPjslMKRy9RqN_ocZAWw=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27424481/20140112_lbm_sb4_217.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Washington Capitals lost another top forward on Friday night when Mikhail Grabovski awkwardly twisted his leg against the New Jersey Devils.</p> <p>Already playing without the NHL's leading goal-scorer, <span>Alex Ovechkin</span>, the last thing the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Capitals</a> need at this point is an injury to another top forward.</p>
<p>Unfortunately that is exactly what they received on Friday night when <span>Mikhail Grabovski</span> had to leave their game in New Jersey after falling in front of the net and awkwardly twisting his leg.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3908707/Grabovski.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Grabovski_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3908707/Grabovski.gif"></a> <br id="1390615584157"></p>
<p>That looked bad.</p>
<p>Grabovski played just six minutes before leaving the game. In 48 games this season he's scored 12 goals (third on the team) to go with 21 assists. With both he and Ovechkin out of the lineup the Capitals' offense has been pretty much nonexistent in New Jersey.</p>
<p>(Gif via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/capitalshill">CapitalsHill</a> of <a href="http://www.japersrink.com">Japers' Rink</a>)</p>
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<p>• <b>Olympics:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/15/5307708/canada-hockey-roster-replacements-winter-olympics-2014?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Injuries might alter Canada’s roster</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/2/5266288/winter-olympics-2014-team-usa-roster-analysis-bobby-ryan?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">USA roster analysis</a></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343380/mikhail-grabovski-injury-capitals-forward-leaves-game-after-twistingAdam Gretz2014-01-24T20:15:53-05:002014-01-24T20:15:53-05:00No attendance record for Winter Classic
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6x3PNhAwNY7O2pVeJauM77WGCkU=/11x0:3986x2650/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27422835/460028339.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gregory Shamus</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It looks like the weather is going to keep the NHL from setting a world record for largest attendance at a hockey game. </p> <p>It seemed that the NHL was on its way to setting a world record for the largest attendance at a hockey game during the 2014 Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.</p>
<p>As it turns out, the good folks at Guiness are not going to give them the record according to a report from Nick Cotsonika of Yahoo! Sports.</p>
<p>And the weather may have been a reason why.</p>
<p>From Cotsonika.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Source: NHL will not get Guinness world record for hockey attendance at Winter Classic. (1)</p>
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotsonika/statuses/426880191667777536">January 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>NHL sold 105,491 tix, enough to break record. But fans were still entering in second because of weather. Not all tix were scanned. (2)</p>
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotsonika/statuses/426880556182163456">January 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Guinness would certify only fans whose tickets were scanned, plus some media and league officials. (3)</p>
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotsonika/statuses/426880764710359041">January 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Michigan keeps record of 104,173, set at Big Chill in 2010. NHL still shatters its own record. (4)</p>
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) <a href="https://twitter.com/cotsonika/statuses/426880997968203778">January 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Thanks, Mother Nature.</p>
<p>The Detroit and Ann Arbor areas were under a major snow storm on New Years Day, preventing many fans from getting to the game in a timely manner.</p>
<p>If nothing else, even though the NHL didn't get the world record for all of hockey, it still shattered its own record for a game which had previously been set during the inaugural Winter Classic in 2008 when the <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Sabres</a> hosted the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> at Ralph Wilson Stadium. More than 71,000 people attended that game.</p>
<p>The NHL continues its outdoor games this weekend when the <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a> and <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Kings</a> kick off the Stadium Series with a game at Dodger Stadium. Then next week the fun shifts to Yankee Stadium where the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> will play a pair of games against the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> and <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a>. In March, the <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Blackhawks</a> will host the Penguins at Soldier Field.</p>
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<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/23/5337078/nhl-power-rankings-2014-chicago-blackhawks?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Power rankings: Blackhawks, the superior bird</a></p>
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<p>• <b>Olympics:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/15/5307708/canada-hockey-roster-replacements-winter-olympics-2014?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Injuries might alter Canada’s roster</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/2/5266288/winter-olympics-2014-team-usa-roster-analysis-bobby-ryan?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">USA roster analysis</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/8/5288332/winter-olympics-hockey-rosters-usa-canada-decisions-2014?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Olympic rosters shouldn’t be built with NHL restraints</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=39275" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="39275-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5343272/2014-winter-classic-record-attendanceAdam Gretz2014-01-24T19:13:24-05:002014-01-24T19:13:24-05:00The Panthers didn't think this slide through
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R5CwP3ve-MuqCALwX5qUTn-h4pQ=/293x0:3707x2276/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27420277/20130916_jla_bm1_575.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>THERE ARE CHILDREN PRESENT.</p> <p>Hello, here is an inflatable slide outside the BB&T Center that lets you take a ride through a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther" target="_blank">Florida panther</a>'s ... digestive system:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Outside the Panthers arena. Um.... <a href="http://t.co/xQvZzgViem">pic.twitter.com/xQvZzgViem</a></p>
— adater (@adater) <a href="https://twitter.com/adater/statuses/426864489787834368">January 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>And just to confirm:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/emohrberg">@emohrberg</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/dmcstaples">@dmcstaples</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adater">@adater</a> Do you slide where I think you slide?"/ affirmative</p>
— adater (@adater) <a href="https://twitter.com/adater/statuses/426865915012341760">January 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>It looks to me like you go in the out door and out the in door, but it's tough to tell from that angle. Either way: gross! Have fun in the cat's rectum, kids!</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/1/24/5343098/the-florida-panthers-didnt-think-this-slide-throughSeth Rosenthal2014-01-24T12:16:09-05:002014-01-24T12:16:09-05:00Playoff races getting tighter: Friday preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L0aKZ1Ssp-iu_q1RIIZjdHglgbI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27396455/20131221_lbm_gb3_108.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Every game in the Metropolitan Division has major playoff implications, and Friday night's between Washington and New Jersey will be no different. </p> <h4>1. Can the Caps end their slide and regaining some footing in the division?</h4>
<p>About a month ago it was difficult to picture the Eastern Conference playoffs without Washington. But the Caps are just 8-9-6 since the start of December, and 0-4-2 in their last six. While Washington has taken a step back, the Metropolitan Division regressed, and the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Capitals</a> are now 13th in the East, and seventh in the Metro. Luckily for them, they only trail third place Columbus by four points. Their Friday night opponents, the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a>, are also in the thick of that race, a point ahead of Washington.</p>
<h4>2. Can Jonas Gustavsson continue his stellar play for Detroit?</h4>
<p><span>Jimmy Howard</span> has been battling injuries all season, but the <a href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Wings</a> have been able to lean on Gustavsson in his absence. With Howard now sidelined again <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/21/5331550/jimmy-howard-injury-red-wings-goalie-will-miss-1-week" target="_blank">after re-injuring his left knee</a>, Gustavsson is back in between the pipes. In his first start in Howard's most recent absence, the Wings downed the Blackhawks in a shootout. While Howard is only expected to miss a week after re-aggravating his injury, the Red Wings need to get points whenever they can, as the team is in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time in the last 22 seasons.</p>
<h4>3. Can Matt Duchene bust out of his slump?<br>
</h4>
<p>The <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Avalanche</a> has been a surprise team in Patrick Roy's first season, thanks in large to Matt Duchene. The 2014 Canadian Olympian leads Colorado in scoring, but has only registered seven points in the Avs last 13 games. While Colorado has still been playing winning hockey, Duchene's production has dipped, and he's looking to get back on track.</p>
<h4>4. Will Michael Del Zotto turn things around in Nashville?</h4>
<p>Once thought to be a top-flight prospect in the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a>' system, Del Zotto fell out of grace in New York, and was traded to the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Predators</a> for defenseman <span>Kevin Klein</span> earlier this week. In his Nashville debut, Del Zoto played a little over 13 minutes in a Predator win. Del Zotto's upside has also been in his offensive game, an area Nashville is looking for him to pitch in.</p>
<h4>5. How will <span>Jordan Eberle</span> respond to trade rumors?</h4>
<p>His name has been floated as a possible trade chip over the past week, as the 23-year-old forward is putting up steady numbers for the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a>. Never short on talent, things haven't been going well for Edmonton, although Eberle is riding a three-game goal streak. Eberle will be difficult to unload, after signing a six year, $36 million extension this offseason.</p>
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<p>• <b>Olympics:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/15/5307708/canada-hockey-roster-replacements-winter-olympics-2014?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Injuries might alter Canada’s roster</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/2/5266288/winter-olympics-2014-team-usa-roster-analysis-bobby-ryan?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">USA roster analysis</a></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2014/1/24/5341684/5-nhl-questions-devils-capitals-metropolitan-divison-standings-playoff-racesEvan Sporer