Empty Netter Assists - 8-17-09
Penguins
-Mark Eaton did his things with the Stanley Cup yesterday in North Smithfield, R.I.:
-Mario Lemieux talks about Consol Energy Center:
-Former Penguins defenseman Bob Boughner led Canada's under-18 team to a gold medal in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic.
-Ashley Gallant, a writer for Faceoff-Factor, passed away. She was 27.
Atlantic Division
-Former Rangers captain Mark Messier joined the Blueshirts as an assistant to general manager Glen Sather. Messier, who has made it no secret he wants to become an NHL general manager, will learn from the very best on how to waste millions of dollars on the flavor of the month.
-According to the New York Post, the Rangers signed former Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million.
-Former Flyers (and Oilers, Islanders, Stars and Canadiens) defenseman Janne Niinimaa signed with HV 71 in Sweden.
Northeast Division
-A professor from the University of Buffalo had a lawsuit against the Sabres rejected by a jury. Bruce Jackson sued the Sabres after he had a piece of plexiglass crash onto him during a game May 19, 2007.
Central Division
-Red Wings coach Mike Babcock (right) is happy his team lost the Stanley Cup because there was a lot less partying this summer. And a lot less awkward smiling.
Smythe Division
-The English Premier League (soccer) will have 48 games broadcast on ESPN this season.The NHL? Zero.
(Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)