Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-16-08
Central Division
-The Blue Jackets put goaltender Fredrik Norrena on waivers.
-Columbus realizes it can't just settle for .500.
-Blues prospect Nikolay Lemtyugov quit St. Louis' AHL affiliate in Peoria and returned to Russia.
-Just like in last season's Winter Classic, the NHL will take steps to account for the wind in this season's game.
-Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (right) has not been satisfied with his play.
-Having endured The Great Depression, Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios is aware of how tough things can be with a poor economy.
-Blackhawks fans have apparently not heard about this whole fiasco with the economy.
-Predators forward Jordin Tootoo is a punk.
Northwest Division
-Jordan Leopold had a penalty shot goal and an assist to help the Avalanche claim a tight 3-2 win at Detroit. Colorado goaltender Andrew Raycroft made 34 saves in the win.
-Here's Leopold's goal:
-The Oilers demoted forward Rob Schremp to Springfield of the AHL.
-The first "Peter Forsberg wants to play with the Avalanche" article of the season is brought to you by Adrian Dater of The Denver Post.
-Could Minnesota host a Winter Classic?
Pacific Division
-Shootout goals by Dan Boyle and Ryane Clowe gave the Sharks a 3-2 win at Los Angeles. Brian Boucher made 26 saves in the win. With a 25-3-2 record, the Sharks have the best record in NHL history through 30 games.
-Kings goaltender Erik Ersberg suffered what is believed to be a "lower-body" injury last night.
-The Coyotes recalled forward Kevin Porter from San Antonio of the AHL.
-Ducks coach and former Penguin Randy Carlyle (right) wants his top players to start performing.
-Anaheim forward Brad Larsen is dealing with a hip injury.
-Leave it to the Stars' crack management to wash its hands of Sean Avery (partially) and then acquire an injured player. New forward Brian Sutherby is dealing with a groin injury.
Patrick Division
-The agent for free agent forward Mats Sundin confirmed his client wants to sign with either the Canucks or Rangers.
-Could Gary Bettman try to eliminate guaranteed contracts?
-Irony alert: Don Cherry has a problem with someone's wardrobe:
(Photos: Kronwall-Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press; Carlyle-Paul Sancya/Associated Press)