Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-13-08

Central Division

-Two goals by Dustin Byfuglien helped the Blackhawks edge the Avalanche, 4-3. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville won in his first visit back to Colorado since being fired as the Avalanche's coach in the offseason.

-The NHL unveiled the a model for how the rink will be set up at Wrigley Field for the Winter Classic:

-Apparently the league expects only Cubs fans and/or The Smurfs to be in attendance.

-The NHL has approached the Red Wings about opening 2009-10 in Sweden.

-Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd's (right) game has come a long way.

-With forward Jordin Tootoo back from a "lower-body" injury, the Predators demoted forward Ryan Jones to Milwaukee of the AHL.

-Columbus forward Jake Voracek cares not for being a healthy scratch.

Northwest Division

-Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo's groin injury is worse than first thought.

-Vancouver goaltenders Jason Jaffay is trying to prove he belongs.

-The Oilers demoted forward Gilbert Brule to Springfield of the AHL.

-Flames forward Todd Bertuzzi doesn't plan on committing suicide.

-Wild forward Mikko Koivu is not a popular guy in practice.

-Minnesota goaltender Josh Harding is patient.

Pacific Division

-Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist for the Stars in a 3-1 defeat of the Red Wings. Marty Turco made 37 saves in the win.

-For one night at least, the Stars forgot about all their problems.

-The Coyotes demoted forward Kevin Porter to San Antonio of the AHL. Porter won last season's Hobey Baker Award with Michigan.

-The Coyotes claim they are on stable financial ground.

-Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick (right) is dealing with a shoulder injury.

-As if things weren't going well enough for the Stars, defenseman Stephane Robidas is dealing with a broken jaw.

-The career of Ducks forward Samuel Pahlsson has been a roller coaster.

Adams Division

-Are we back in the 1980s?

(Photos: Wrigley Field/NHL; Ladd-Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press; Roenick-Christian Petersen/Getty Images)