National Hockey League news: March 18, 2008

There were 2 games played in the National Hockey League on March 17, 2008.

Game summaries

Colorado Avalanche @ Minnesota Wild

Brent Burns scored the first goal for Minnesota on a power play 8:54 into the first period. Colorado tied the score when Joe Sakic scored his own power play goal 4:51 into the second. Later in the second, the Wild retook the lead when Branko Radivojevic scored his 5th goal of the season. Stephane Veilleux added an empty net goal for Minnesota with 7 seconds remaining in the game. Minnesota returns to the top of the Northwest division standings. Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves for the Wild, and improves his record to 28-13-7. Burns had two points, also assisting on Radivojevic's goal.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Vancouver Canucks

Henrik Sedin scored first for the Canucks 8:55 into the first period. Taylor Pyatt scored a power play goal a few minutes later to put Vancouver up by 2 goals. Daniel Carcillo scored his 8th goal of the season to bring the Coyotes within 1 goal, but Vancouver retook a 2 goal lead late in the second period with Henrik's second of the night. Roberto Luongo gave up just one goal in 26 shots, earning his 33rd win of the season. The Sedin twins each had two point nights; Daniel assisted his brother Henrik in each of his goals. Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa also had two assists each.

Player of the Day

Today's Player of the Day is Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks. Henrik scored two of Vancouver's three goals in their 3-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. His goals were the first non-empty-net goals he's scored since February 9, and this game was his first multi-goal game since November 9, 2007.

For information on the selection process of the Player of the Day, see this page.