You sitting down? Because the NHL says that Elias says (why would I look this up myself?) that Joey MacDonald is the NHL's mostest greatest well-okay-winningest goalie in November so far:
Joey MacDonald is 7-3-1 in 11 games this month following his 4-3 shootout victory over the Canadiens in Montreal last night. MacDonald’s seven wins in November are the most by any NHL goaltender. Boston’s Tim Thomas and Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom are tied for second with six wins each this month.
His season totals:
I was suspicious of MacDonald's promotion-by-one-way deal over the summer, and I've been eating crow all season. And boy, there is no better kind of crow to eat (experiences may vary).
Nice to see him get a little attention for the job he's done, even if it's just for the Wins column. MacDonald really has been huge, though: The total margin of non-shootout victory in those seven wins -- two were shootouts -- was seven goals, six if you exclude a last-second Isles empty-net goal. He's fast accumulating the data to draw a cushy contract offer or two over the summer. If he keeps this up, would he re-up with the Isles given the long-ish deal the other Islanders 'keeper has?
Also: Rehabbing Mike Sillinger, in his first game action since before he had any grey hairs, grabbed three assists with AHL Bridgeport.