Last week's match-up between the Flames and Canucks definitely ended up being one of the most exciting games of the year. It had people wondering if, in fact, we were already in April as both teams played with a sense of urgency usually seen at playoff time.  Both teams played end-to-end hockey exchanging goals through regulations time.  The Flames, however, would edge out the home team in a shootout victory to take sole possession of first-place in the Northwest Division and ring true last week's Game of the Week simulation

As we make the halfway turn of the season, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves in unfamiliar territory currently sitting outside a playoff position in the Western Conference. At the top of the Conference sit Central Division foes and league leaders the Chicago Blackhawks who've played with a lot of confidence and energy with their young talented players now coming into their own. This week's NHL 10 Game of the Week simulation pits these two rivals together as they meet in a Sunday afternoon game in Hockeytown, USA.

For the complete sim results go to the In the Crease blog:  Blackhawks at Red Wings

Now that all the teams have shown their new Third Jerseys, it's time to pass along the code for our gamers who have been patiently waiting to play with them in NHL 10.

Here is the code:  rwyhafwh6ekyjcmr

Teams available with new Third Jerseys are:  Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild.  Here's a look at them in action.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Today EA SPORTS will release their annual NHL Season Simulation using NHL 10 to predict both season and playoff stats in a run up to the start the 09-10 season this weekend. I got a peek at the simulation and I must say that I'm surprised, yet pleased at the same time, with the final outcome that will see the Penguins defend the Cup against a strong Chicago Blackhawks team.

The sim proved that last year's run by the 'hawks was no fluke as Patrick Kane will score 88 points (nice number!) this year on 31 goals finishing 10th in season scoring.  Along with consistent play from the rest of the team, Chicago looks to finish first in the Western Conference with 110 points.

San Jose and Calgary round out the top three with 105 and 99 points respectively, while Columbus surprisingly fared well in the sim with 103 points to end the season.  Will the real Rick Nash skate to 84 points with 42 goals to lead the team to a home playoff berth as the virtual Blue Jackets did in the simulation?  Could be the sleeper pick of the pool.

On the Eastern front, Carolina wins the President's Trophy with 54 wins and 113 points while Boston and Pittsburgh make up the rest of the top three with 106 and 101 points respectively.  Personally, I'm disappointed that the Canadian teams could not make the top eight to earn a playoff spot and surprised to see the Panthers snatch up the last one.  Just as surprised as I am to see Detroit slip to the last playoff spot on the Western side.  Only time will tell, I guess.

For the complete blog including Season Standings, Player Statistics, and Playoff results, go to the In the Crease blog:  Kane and the 'Hawks Come Close as Pens Defend the Cup