April 4, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jeff Skinner (53) carries the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the PNC center. The Lightning defeat the Hurricanes 5-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s start with the Carolina Hurricanes. During last night’s game against the Ottawa Senators Jeff Skinner left with an upper body injury and did not return. This was a result of a hit by Jared Cowen in the first period, Skinner got up and skated off by his own power and there was no penalty on the play. Skinner will return to Raleigh today for examination according to Chip Alexander.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced yesterday that Bruno Gervais will be undergoing surgery on Thursday to repair a torn stomach muscle. He will be out indefinitely. While we are talking about the Flyers in their game last night against the New York Rangers Brian Boyle left the game in the first period after a hit by Luke Schenn. He would not return due to a right-leg injury and seemed to be wearing a brace under his suit after the game according to the New York Daily News.

Mar 3, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie (74) skates in the Dallas Stars zone during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Blues 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Blues announced yesterday that T.J. Oshie had surgery for a stress fracture in his left ankle. It is unlikely he will be back before the end of the regular season, but there is no timeline on his return and he is listed as week to week.

Kevin Paul Dupont reported today that Patrice Bergeron could return to the Boston Bruins lineup tonight. He has missed the past six games with a concussion. Also in Boston, Brad Marchand has been cleared for contact and has been practicing with the team. Marchand has only missed two games with a concussion that earned Anton Volchenkov a four game suspension.

February 4, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner (53) scoops pucks out of the net during the pre game warm up against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

As much as it pains me to write about the other team the day after my Toronto Maple Leafs play I was thoroughly impressed by the Carolina Hurricanes last night. Don’t get me wrong the Leafs played really well, that game should have been a lot closer but they just couldn’t seem to solve Cam Ward, he was definitely a difference maker for the Canes. The second difference maker on the ice in red and white last night was Jeff Skinner. Those two left me absolutely awestruck as usual (to be fair I haven’t watched any other Carolina games this season so I’m strictly going off what I saw last night and in the IIHF World Championships that took place after last season). I was also awestruck by the Leafs but for an entirely different reason that I will get into later.

Jeff Skinner and Cam Ward first caught my eye in May of 2012 when I was watching the IIHF World Championships. I could not take my eyes off of Jeff Skinner when he hit the ice (not just because of that baby face of his either), the way he can move the puck from end to end literally skating circles around opponents (an ability most likely derived from his past as a figure skater) makes your jaw drop. What really made me a Skinner fan though was the amazing wrap around goal he scored in the game versus Finland (I have the video at the bottom of the article in case you missed it). Last night, he left me speechless yet again walking away with 3rd star of the game (should have been 2nd) with 3 assists (out of 4 goals). Cam Ward is an incredible goaltender and that’s all there is to it. He proved it last night making 41 saves and walking away with 2nd star of the night (should’ve been first). There isn’t much more I can say about him.

The other awe-inspiring event in last night’s game (though for a very different reason) came from the Maple Leafs, specifically Dion Phaneuf. Lately Dion seems to have a problem with aim, which wouldn’t be that big an issue if he didn’t keep hitting people with the puck. Last night for example he hit an official. He also hit James van Riemsdyk, luckily JVR was okay but that would have been a detrimental loss for the Leafs. Dion is definitely starting to become a liability. He already took out Joffrey Lupul, he desperately needs to work on his aim before he takes out the rest of the team.

Overall last night’s game was extremely entertaining, I was on the edge of my seat screaming at the television (mostly saying did that just happen and why is Cam Ward so amazing). Even though my team didn’t win, it was a great game and I am definitely glad I watched it.

Courtesy: Life.com

Career Stats: Goals – Assists – Points

• 2009-2010: 25 – 5 – 4
• 2010-2011: 26 – 12 – 6

Sure, his body of work is a bit short to review. But it’s becoming clear what his biggest asset is: goal scoring.

Profile: Logan spent four very productive season’s in the OHL playing for the Ottawa 67’s. His rookie year, he was third in league scoring behind John Tavares and Sergei Kostitsyn, with 64 points in 65 games. His sophomore season was a huge improvement, when he had 78 points in 54 games, and participated in the OHL All Star Game. That summer, the San Jose Sharks drafted him 9^th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 2007-2008 his scoring dropped to only 58 points in 51 games, which is still not bad.  He rebounded with 87 points in 62 games in his final season. After the season ended, he played 4 games without registering a point for the Worcester Sharks in the AHL. The next season, scored 20 goals and added 33 assists in 42 games while being bounced between the AHL’s and NHL’s Sharks. He managed to fit the AHL All Star Game into his busy schedule. This season, he’s become a regular player, and is currently 2^ndin rookie points behind Jeff Skinner. However, he leads all rookies with 12 goals.

What makes him special?: To fit in with the current San Jose Sharks system, a player needs to be able to do everything at a high pace.  Couture fits right in with his quick feet and quicker hands. More importantly, he knows how to read a play and go to the right place. Last nights pair of goals against Detroit demonstrate that perfectly. First, he came into the zone on a nifty maneuver around Rafalski, then set up right next to the crease, out of the goalies vision, and put his stick in a perfect spot to deflect a quick pass into the net. Later, off of a center ice draw, he pulled a puck out of a crowd, used his body to shield the puck, and ripped a shot past Jimmy Howard. On most of goals, it’s they are the result of his speed. He gains a step, and foot of space turns into a rush with no defenders within a sticks length. When he’s in the offensive zone, he heads hard towards the net, but not like a typical power forward. As soon as the net is within his sights, he’s releases a very quick wrist shot. It might be a stretch to say it reminds me of Stamkos, but it’s getting there. If he keeps going at his current pace, opposing defenders might jsut have to start game planning for him a bit more, opening things up even more for Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. That’s a scary thought!

Jersey Worthy?: Yes, this guy looks like he’s for real. He benefits from having talented teammates, but doesn’t rely on them to make him look good.  he can create his own chances, and will only become better, and obviously more popular. Get his jersey early, and make fun of all the followers later.

Hate Factor: Low. Goalscorer, playmaker, pest.

Previous Features:

• Mark Letestu
• Jordan Eberle
• Jeff Skinner
• Thanksgiving Special
• Mason Raymond

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