Empty Netter Assists - Eastern Conference - 12-18-08
Penguins
-Can John Curry replace Dany Sabourin (right)?
-Pesonen and the Pens is still fighting the good fight.
-Penguins prospect T.J. Kemp will get a chance to play for Canada in the Spengler Cup.
Atlantic Division
-David Clarkson had a goal and an assist for the Devils in a 5-2 win at Buffalo. Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Elias each had two assists while goaltender Scott Clemmensen made 23 saves for New Jersey.
-Former Penguins defenseman Michal Rozsival scored goals on a penalty shot and in overtime to give the Rangers a 3-2 win at Los Angeles. Fire Craig Patrick. Chris Drury added a goal and an assist for New York while Steve Valiquette mad 39 saves in the win. The Kings were led by Dustin Brown who had a goal and an assist.
-The Rangers have confidence in Steve Valiquette.
-Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador is dealing with an "upper-body" injury.
-The Flyers demoted defenseman Randy Jones to their puppy-drowning AHL affiliate.
-Nassau Coliseum is another place that doesn't get Versus.
-One other thing they don't have at Nassau Coliseum is a whole lot of fans.
Northeast Division
-Senators coach Craig Hartsburg went all Herb Brooks on his team.
-Montreal defenseman Mike Komisarek is expected to return to the lineup tonight. He has missed 11 games due to a shoulder injury.
-Canadiens forward Steve Begin has transformed himself from a scorer to a defender.
-Bruins goaltenders Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez are good puck handlers.
-Enforcer Shawn Thornton has found a way to contribute to the Bruins' success this season.
Southeast Division
-The Hurricanes took defenseman Frantisek Kaberle off injured reserve and demoted defenseman Tim Conboy to Albany of the AHL.
-The Panthers have quite a bit of depth in net with goaltenders Craig Anderson and Tomas Vokoun.
-Florida forward Brett McLean is still seeking his first goal of the season.
-Lightning coach Rick Tocchet wants captain Vincent Lecavalier (right) to step up his game and carry the team.
-With others injured, Capitals defenseman Milan Jurcina has stepped up his game.
(Photos: Sabourin-Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press; Lecavalier-Doug Benc/Getty Images)