Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-27-08

Central Division

-The Predators got a little revenge against the team which eliminated them from last season's playoffs as Martin Erat had two assists in a 3-2 win against the Red Wings. Dan Ellis made 38 saves in the win. Former Penguins goaltender Ty Conklin made 28 saves in the loss. Fire Ray Shero.

-Detroit defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom suffered a "lower-body" injury last night.

-Dave Bolland and Brian Campbell each had a goal and an assist for Blackhawks who tied a franchise record with their eighth consecutive win, a 5-1 defeat of the Flyers. Martin Havlat and Patrick Kane each added two assists.

-Check out this tilt Chicago's Craig Adams had with Philadelphia's Josh Gratton:

-The Blackhawks activated defenseman Aaron Johnson from injured reserve.

-The weather in Chicago is getting a little too warm for the Winter Classic.

-Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger gets a shot at his former team, the Flyers.

-Columbus general manager Scott Howson will meet several season-ticket holders face-to-face.

Northwest Division

-Ales Hemsky and Lubomir Visnovsky each recorded two assists for the Oilers who edged the rival Canucks, 3-2. Dwayne Roloson made 28 saves in the win.

-Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr is resourceful when it comes to air travel.

Pacific Division

-Shane Doan had a goal and an assist for Phoenix in a tight 2-1 road win at Los Angeles. Ilya Bryzgalov made 24 saves in the win.

-The NHL dropped the hammer on some ballot stuffing being done on behalf of the Ducks.

-The Stars need goaltender Marty Turco (right) to step up his game if they hope to make the playoffs.

-Don't expect the Kings to make a trade for a goaltender anytime soon.

-The Sharks aren't celebrating anything yet.

Patrick Division

-We're behind pretty much everyone else with this, but check out this sick goal Canada's John Tavares scored in an exhibition game against Slovakia's national junior team:

(Photo: LM Otero/Associated Press)