Empty Netter Assists - 8-16-09

Penguins

-Faceoff-Factor makes the case for Eric Tangradi on Evgeni Malkin's wing.

-Pens Universe ranks the Penguins' 20 best prospects.

-Happy 66th birthday to former Penguins forward Nick Harbaruk (right) who at one time, was one of four players in the NHL with a college degree. Harbaruk's 364 career games in the NHL are the third-highest total among any native of Poland.

-Keeping with the Polish theme, happy 43rd birthday to former Penguins forward/broadcaster/coach Ed Olczyk who is a member of the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.

Northeast Division

-Bruins enforcer Shawn Thornton did a tour with the Southeastern New England Coast Guard Sector recently.

Southeast Division

-The Panthers might need a fighter.

Adams Division

-Sean Leahy of Yahoo! offers five suggestions to improve NHL Network.

(Photo: eBay)