Newsmakers in the NHL is a weekday morning attempt to clear yesterday's rebounds and look to the day ahead.Thrashers 5, Rangers 4: When you're fighting for playoff position, blowing 4-1 leads to the Atlanta Thrashers probably isn't the best thing for a team to do. That's exactly what the New York Rangers did on Thursday night, as they watched a 4-1 lead late in the second period turn into a 5-4 shootout loss in Atlanta. The come-from-ahead loss prompted goalie Steve Valiquette to ask the question: "Where is our killer instinct when we're playing someone lower in the standings?"
Todd White scored the game-tying goal midway through the third period for Atlanta, and then scored the only goal in a six-round shootout to complete the comeback.
Blue Jackets 5, Flames 0: Calgary gets shutout in back-to-back nights, dropping a 5-0 decision in Columbus after losing 2-0 in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Steve Mason stopped all 33 shots he faced to record his league-leading 10th shutout of the season, while Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius each registered four assists. All of that happened when the two teams weren't fighting in a steel cage match.
The Rest Of Thursday's Action
Nashville scores three second period goals to pick up a huge 3-2 win over San Jose.
Speaking of huge wins, St. Louis beats Vancouver, 4-2.
Florida picks up an important 4-2 win in Philadelphia, ruining Scott Hartnell night.
Montreal blew a 2-0 lead in the third period before winning in overtime.
Edmonton's comeback effort falls short in Phoenix.
Kings get a 1-0 shootout win in Dallas.
Daily Rebounds
-- The dream playoff possibilities shaping up in the Eastern Conference [Hockey Hermit]
-- James Mirtle on the recent struggles of the Florida Panthers [From The Rink]
-- The best goalie meltdowns of all time. [Puck Daddy]
Friday's Key Games
-- Anaheim looks to keep rolling when it hosts Edmonton. The Ducks have won five in a row and are coming off a 7-2 dismantling of Colorado on Wednesday night.
-- Another elimination game for Buffalo? The Sabres trail No. 8 seed Montreal by seven points with a game in hand. A win against Toronto on Friday night is a must.
-- The topic of discussion during the Tampa Bay-Washington game will likely be centered around Alex Ovechkin's celebrations. Hopefully he not only scores, but also finds a way to top his 50th goal celebration. You know, just to give people something to talk about.
