'Hangers tied atop division, lose 2

The Strap Hangers shut out the Falcons 4-0 last night but lost 2 key players for a length of time. Andrei Nikoloshin is expected to be out 6 weeks with a broken ankle and Sergei Samsonov is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a broken right hand. This all in the midst of Ed Belfour's 3rd shutout of the season and the 'Hangers rise to a 3 way tie atop the Patrick Division. The Straphanger defense is now #2 in the league at 1.97 GAA, but it will be tested the next few weeks with these injuries. The team isn't in a good position to trade for plugs, so it may need to make due. If the team can stay in it through these injuries look for them to make a serious run. If they fall out of it, parts will likely be sold off to the highest bidder.