Last night one of the greatest Swedish players in the history of the NHL called it a career. Longtime Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson officially announced his retirement yesterday. Alfredsson was the face of the Franchise for 17 seasons.
The former captain scored 426 goals added 682 assists for 1.108 points in 1.178 games for the Senators. Alfredsson took part in the pregame skate before it's game with the Islanders, he skated one last victory lap and gave a speech to the crowd.
It was a nice send off for the franchise's all time leader in goals, points and games played. We wish the best for Daniel in his life after hockey.
Marty Returns
Former Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur made his first start for the St. Louis Blues last night. It was the first time the future hall of famer has played in an NHL regular season game not wearing a Devils jersey.
He looked solid in his return. Brodeur made 20 saves on 24 shots including a 14 shot barrage in the first period. In the end the Blues would fall to the first place Nashville Predators 4-3. Brodeur said after the game it felt good to get back out there and the action early helped.
Here comes Calgary
They Pacific division has been as expected for the most part this season. The Ducks, Canucks and Kings have all been playing well as expected. There is a new guest at the party however. The Calgary Flames have won four straight games and fine themselves in third place in the division just one point behind Anaheim and Vancouver.
We have touched on these Flames before but it really looks they are here to stay. Mark Giordano and company seem to want no part in another early offseason. It is also good to see one of the two Alberta teams doing well.
Two-Horse Race
The Metropolitan Division has been owned by Pittsburgh in recent years dating back to when it was still the Atlantic Division. The Penguins have company this year.
The New York Islanders, like Calgary, seem to be for real. New York is two points clear of Pittsburgh for the division lead and their 38 points is good for second in the NHL. These two teams have opened a staggering 10 point lead on the third place New York Rangers and Washington Capitals.
Although we are just passed the one quarter mark of the season, the rest of the division may have to start thinking wild card.
NHL Leaders through 12/4/14
Goals: Seguin, 19
Assists: Crosby, Voracek, 24
Points: Crosby, Voracek, 33
Plus/Minus: Forsberg +22
Wins: Rinne, 17
Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on twitter @wtfd103074
