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