NHL Monday: Ducks extend streak to nine

After falling behind early, the Ducks rallied with three unanswered goals and a relentless offensive attack. While the West feasts on its own kin, the Ducks are just rolling on anyone they face right now. Don’t be surprised if Anaheim is the lone survivor of the Western Conference chaos this season. They play the game with tenacity and effort, two things that Mike Smith will tell you are the difference between winning and, well ...

Splendidly, although early on it looked like his old team would get the best of him. His team fought back with a torrid offensive pace and eventually netted the game-winner in the third. The only way the night would’ve been better is if the team had honored him. Jerks!

However, here’s the NHL’s official ruling:

So it appears the NHL’s review only debated the play on the grounds of whether the puck crossed the line or not, not whether the play should have even occurred at all. Which makes sense. Since the referees didn’t blow their whistles when they lost sight of the puck, the play continued on and therefore only the goal call on the ice was reviewable.

Yes, the puck fell down his pants. And then he carried it into the net. Good goal. Sabres win. I don’t understand life anymore.

• The Rink of Dreams: One Mich. family created an outdoor hockey paradise

• The Rink of Dreams: One Mich. family created an outdoor hockey paradise

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Midway through the second period, Ekman-Larsson shoved Stafford hard into the glass while defending the Sabres’ forecheck. Stafford wasn’t pleased, and he exacted his revenge a few moments later when Ekman-Larsson tried to follow him into the corner.

Stafford was assessed a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct. Ekman-Larsson returned to the bench and appears to be fine despite losing a little blood.

The injury has clearly slowed him down. Parise has just four points and is minus-four in the last ten games. With Parise out on Monday, the Wild only have one player in the lineup with at least seven goals. Minnesota is in the middle of a 1-6-1 stretch on the road.

• The Rink of Dreams: One Mich. family created an outdoor hockey paradise

With the NHL experiencing a rash of concussion-related injuries this season, player safety is once again a major talking point lately. Citi Frozen Fenway might have a possible solution.

The ice at the annual event in the home of the Boston Red Sox will feature an interesting twist.

Laich has been plagued with groin issues dating back to last season. The injury unfortunately reemerged this season as he missed nearly a month with the ailment. Fortunately, he will be able to draw back into the starting lineup tonight and is expected to play on the fourth line.

• The Rink of Dreams: One Mich. family created an outdoor hockey paradise