Around the Rink: Gaborik and Johnson Propel Rangers, Crosby the Shootout Wiz, Recently Moved Players Slotting in, Flames-Rangers Trade on Hold

In case you missed it, Marian Gaborik and rookie goaltender Chad "Not Ochocinco" Johnson came up big last night to help the Rangers snap their five game winless streak. It was a night of firsts for Gaborik and Johnson, as Gaborik notched his first hat trick as a Ranger (and ironically, his first since his five goal outing against the Rangers while with Minnesota) and Johnson was credited with his first NHL victory. Johnson got the nod due to Henrik Lundqvist's battle with a stomach virus, causing him to be unable to go for the second straight game.

Here's a video of Gaborik's three tallies:



In other action, the Penguins were able to improve their shootout record to 7-0 on the season as they downed the Red Wings 2-1. After notching the Pens' only goal during regulation, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winner in the shootout, improving his shootout totals to six for seven - pretty amazing.

Here's video of "Sid the Kid" making it look easy:



Here's a a brief synopsis on how the ten players traded yesterday will be slotting in for their new teams:

- For Toronto, Dion Phaneuf will be paired with Francois Beauchemin at even strength, while taking up a spot on the point with Tomas Kaberle on the Leafs' top power play unit. Jean-Sebastian Giguere will take over as the number one tender.

- Jason Blake will skate alongside the Finnish duo of Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne. Selanne is returning much sooner than expected - many people assumed he might be out for the Olympics.

- In Calgary, Matt Stajan will center the first line between Jarome Iginla and Dustin Boyd, Niklas Hagman will line up with Olli Jokinen and Jamie Lundmark, Jamal Mayers will take a spot on the fourth line with Eric Nystrom and Brandon Prust, and Ian White will skate beside Robyn Regehr...

Speaking of Olli Jokinen, it was reported last night that he may be on the verge of being moved with Brandon Prust to the Rangers for Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins. But, alas, there seems to be a snag.

TSN's Bob McKenzie had this to say about the hold up:

"Sources tell TSN that while the Rangers thought they had the deal basically agreed to on Sunday night, the Flames weren't ready to pull the trigger, in part, because they felt they needed Jokinen in the lineup tonight against Philadelphia in Calgary. There are reports that Kotalik isn't prepared to waive his no-trade clause to go to Calgary but the indication is the Rangers were fully able and prepared to do this deal, but Calgary backed away at the last moment."

If this deal goes down, I'll be sure to have an evaluation up pronto.