Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 1-1-09

Central Division

-Steve Mason (right) made 27 saves for the Blue Jackets in a 2-0 shutout win at Anaheim. Jean-Sebastien Giguere also made 27 saves in the loss.

-Odd stat of the day: Columbus has played on New Year's Eve every season of its existence.

-Gary Bettman said Joe Louis Arena won't host an all-star game until the facility is renovated. It's apparently too much like an hockey rink to host such an event.

-The Predators are going to try and keep their emotions in check tonight against the Canucks.

-The comeback of Nashville forward Steve Sullivan took another step forward.

Northwest Division

-Brent Burns' overtime goal gave the Wild a 3-2 win against the Sharks. Burns also had two assists while Niklas Backstrom had 32 saves in the win. Joe Thornton had two assists for the Sharks.

-Jarome Iginla and Mike Cammalleri each had two goals and three assists for the Flames in a 6-4 win against the rival Oilers. Craig Conroy and Daymond Langkow each had two assists for Calgary. Denis Grebeshkov had a goal and three assists for Edmonton.

-The Oilers recalled Gilbert Brule from Springfield of the AHL.

-New Canucks goaltender Jason LaBarbera is feeling at home in British Columbia.

-The saga between Marian Gaborik and the Wild takes another turn.

-Minnesota forward Owen Nolan is finally healthy again.

Pacific Division

-Loui Eriksson had two goals while Brad Richards added three assists for the Stars in a 4-2 win against the Devils.

-Two goals from Peter Mueller (right) lifted the Coyotes to a 3-1 win against the Avalanche. Teammate Shane Doan added two assists.

-The Coyotes recalled goaltender Josh Tordjman from San Antonio of the AHL. What a last name.

-The Stars recalled defenseman Ivan Vishnevsky from Peoria of the AHL.

-The Kings recalled forward Brian Boyle from Manchester of the AHL.

-Ducks goon and Washington, Pa. native George Parros is a good person.

-Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf needs to quit taking penalties.

Smythe Division

-Check out this great goal by John Tavares at the World Junior Championships and the crazy scene that followed:

-Canadians are pretty mad about their national team's hockey jersey.

(Photos: Mark Avery/Associated Press; Mueller-Paul Connors)