Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-30-08

Central Division

Steve Mason made 24 saves and led the Blue Jackets to a 2-0 shutout win at Los Angeles. Rick Nash had a goal and an assist. Jonathan Quick made 23 saves in the loss.

-Today's "Brian Campbell is fitting in with the Blackhawks" story is brought to you by Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune.

-Before they play in the Winter Classic, the Red Wings and Blackhawks have to play a regular, run-of-the mill indoors game.

-Speaking of the Winter Classic, take a look at the rink:

-Chicago forward Adam Burish is no stranger to playing outdoors.

-Dan Craig, the NHL's ice guru, isn't worried about Chicago's weather.

Northwest Division

-Cody McLeod scored two goals while teammate John-Michael Liles had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche which romped the Predators, 5-1. Teammates Marek Svatos and Wojtek Wolski each added two assists while Peter Budaj made 25 saves in the win.

-Colorado coach Tony Granato cares not for Nashville forward Jordin Tootoo.

-Granato apparently wasn't pleased with Tootoo's aim:

-Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves for the Flames who edged the Wild, 2-1. Josh Harding made 27 saves in the loss.

-The Flames pretty much own the Wild.

-Officials admitted they blew a call during this game last night.

-Jesus Mats Sundin arrived in Vancouver. At this rate, he'll start playing for them by April.

-The Canucks recalled forward Alexandre Bolduc from Manitoba of the AHL.

Pacific Division

-Ryane Clowe had a goal and an assist for the Sharks in a 3-1 win at Dallas. Teammate Joe Pavelski had two assists while Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves in the win.

-The Sharks officially signed former Devils forward Claude Lemieux to a two-way contract.

-Coyotes defenseman Ken Klee has been quiet this season, but he is effective.

(Photo: M. Spencer Green/Associated Press)