The NFHL Game of the Night

 

Habs Take Down Giants

  We all knew they weren't going to go undefeated all season.  Though, I think more than a few of us had a nagging little doubt in the back of their mind that maybe they just could.  But they won't. Tonight, Colorado's dream of an undefeated season came to a screeching halt at the sticks of the Montreal Canadiens. It took extra time, but even then, the Rockies needed a last second miracle goal to stave off regulation defeat. And of all players to do it?  Brian Rafalski.  The hotly contended undrafted rookie free agent that commanded a league-record salary from the Habs, spurning an offer from Colorado in the process, scored his first NFHL goal at 2:37 of OT, a power play goal and just the 2nd shot of the extra frame. Montreal actually had command for most of the game, charging out to a 3-1 lead after 2 periods thanks to 2 goals from Lane Lambert and a single from Trevor Linden.  However, the Rockies tied it up in the 3rd period with goals from Joe Reekie and Vincent Damphousse before Linden's 2nd of the game with under 2 minutes to go seemed to seal the deal.  But, as mentioned, James Patrick scored with 37 seconds left to force the extra time on ice, though it was all for naught for Colorado. Brett Hull scored the other Colorado goal in the 2nd period. The Habs are now 7-10-3 as they hit the 20-game mark of the season, still below the playoff cut line. The Rockies also hit the 20-game played line, but with a slightly different record of 17-1-2.

The fourth Skater and Goalie of the Week prizes were announced tonight by NFHL HQ. It was a week dominated by four teams.  And on top of the heap was the Minnesota North Stars and forward Gaetan Duchesne.  Duchesne played in 4 games, but scored 6 goals and added 7 assists for 13 points over the week.  He had 10 shots and 6 hits with a +7 rating to earn the $100,000 for his team.  Also considered was teammate Jeremy Roenick, Florida defenseman Fred Boimistruck, Winnipeg blue liner Al MacInnis and Colorado's Steve Yzerman.  In the crease, it was Pittsburgh's backup Wendell Young taking home the honours. Young was perfect in three appearances, stopping 63 of 69 shots he faced for a .913 save percentage and $100,000 for his team.  Colorado's Kelly Hrudey and Detroit's Felix Potvin were also under consideration.   

Three Stars of the Night

Sylvain Turgeon (PIT) - 3 Goals (6), 2 Assists, +3, 4 Shots
Jim Peplinski (BOS) - 2 Goals (5), 2 Assists, +3, 5 Shots, 3 Hits
Alexander Mogilny (DET) - 2 Goals (10), 1 Assist, 3 Shots, 2 Hits