Notable Pre-Season Players (Oct 3)

The Blue Jackets have one more game in this pre-season, but before then, they beat the Wild 5-3. With cuts still pending, Rick Nash was giving out assists to those who wanted to stick around. Nash had three assists in the game, helping out R.J. Umberger, Kris Russell and Manny Malhotra. Nash has been hot in this pre-season and with a little bit of help, the Jackets could be a playoff-bound team for the first time in franchise history.

The Islanders took an overtime winner from career minor-leaguer defenseman, Chris Lee, to beat the Devils, 3-2. Lee was signed to a deal this summer by the Islanders after spending years in the minor systems. Lee also led the team in the game with a +3 rating, which must have raised an eyebrow of two. The Islanders were also led by another minor-league signing, Trevor Smith, who had a pair of assists in the game.

The Capitals returned the favour to the Flyers, who beat the Caps earlier in the week, by white-washing them 5-1 on Friday night. Leading the way was poll winner (for first overall in a hockey pool draft), Alexander Ovechkin, who had a goal and a pair of assists. Ovechkin is poised to have himself another big year in Washington, as the Capitals are another year older with a few of their young players and some of their veterans have a better idea of what their dynamic youth can do.

The hype surrounding Johan Franzen during the playoffs was enormous, even when he was injured. Well, the season is about to start and Franzen has done a good job of reminding people that he is still playing and playing well. Franzen potted a couple of goals and added an assist in Detroit's 5-3 win over Toronto on Friday night. Franzen will be a hot commodity this year, but don't be in too much of a hurry to take him, because he hasn't been truly great for 82 games in the regular season. Also having a good night for Detroit was Jiri Hudler, who had three assists in the game.

The Predators hosted the Thrashers and both teams took part in a barn burner, where the Preds won 6-4. Leading the charge for Nashville was Jordin Tootoo, who is known more for his pest-like qualities, but had a goal and two assists. Tootoo also picked up a five minute major for fighting, as he took on Boris Valabik. It was a touchy night for Pekka Rinne, who gave up four straight Atlanta goals after his team went up 2-0, but he held on for the remaining 40 minutes to get the win. Rinne should be the lock for the back-up job behind Dan Ellis.

The Blackhawks dressed a line-up that looked awfully close to being the final roster on Friday night and they worked over the Colorado Avalanche, 7-4. The Blackhawks were led by Dustin Byfuglien, who had two goals and an assist, and Patrick Kane, who had three assists. The Hawks look ready to take on the Central Division and the rest of the league. These guys could be for real.

The Flames played their last pre-season game against the Oilers and beat them, 4-3 in overtime. Who else would lead the Flames to victory, but the team captain, Jarome Iginla. Iginla had a pair of goals and added an assist to help the team to victory and get himself into regular season form. If Iginla is in mid-season form already, it could be a good year fantasy wise for him. He could be in good shape to hit the 100-point mark this season.

All the salary moves in the past couple seasons looks to be paying off, as the best two players on the ice for Anaheim needed management to do some juggling to fit them into the picture. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer, who are both prepared to play a full 82-game schedule this season, each had themselves a big night against Phoenix. Selanne had a hat-trick, while Niedermayer had three assists in a 4-1 Anaheim win. Also having a three-point night, new signing, Brendan Morrison, who had three assists as well.