Empty Netters Assists - Western Conference - 2-19-09

Central Division

-Johan Franzen and Nicklas Lidstrom each had two goals and an assist for the Red Wings who romped the Predators, 6-2. Jiri Hudler and Henrik Zetterberg each added a goal and an assist for Detroit which scored five power-play goals. Nashville was led by Steve Sullivan who had two goals. He scored a regulation goal for the first time in two years.

-Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is apparently a Penguins fan:

-Manny Malhotra, Rick Nash and Fedor Tyutin each had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets who edged the Blues, 4-3. Alexander Steen led St. Louis with a goal and an assist. 

-The Blackhawks put goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin ("lower body") and forward Patrick Sharp (knee) on injured reserve.

-Blue Jackets forward Raffi Torres is dealing with an illness.

-Defenseman Ville Koistinen wants the Predators to trade him.

Northwest Division

-Canucks forward Mats Sundin (right) makes his return to Toronto Saturday.

-The Oilers recalled forward J.F. Jacques from Springfield of the AHL.

Pacific Division

-Jarrett Stoll had a goal and two assists for the Kings who held off their rivals, the Ducks, 4-3. Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar each had a goal and assist for Los Angeles. Ryan Getzlaf led Anaheim with a goal and an assist.

-The Ducks are in trouble of not making the playoffs.

-Anaheim recalled defenseman Brendan Mikkelson from Iowa of the AHL.

-Dallas recalled forward Chris Connor from Peoria of the AHL.

-The Stars aren't going to use injuries as excuses.

-The Sharks recalled forward Brad Staubitz from Worcester of the AHL and demoted defenseman Derek Joslin.

(Photo: Ian Jackson/Getty Images)