Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-11-08
Central Division
-Nicklas Lidstrom's overtime goal gave the Red Wings a 4-3 win against the Flames. Brian Rafalski had a goal and an assist for Detroit while former Penguins goaltender Ty Conklin made 29 saves in the win. Fire Ray Shero.
-Cristobal Huet made 22 saves and led the Blackhawks to a 2-0 shutout of the Senators. It was Huet's 18th career shutout.
-Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane's mom wants her son in the All-Star Game.
-The Blackhawks are some good people.
-Blues goaltender Manny Legace took a knee to the head last night.
-Legace was injured on a goal by Ducks forward and Washington, Pa. native George Parros last night:
-That was hardly intentional, but Ryan Carter should've gotten a penalty.
-Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios is expected to make his regular-season debut this weekend.
-Today's "Marian Hossa is fitting in well with Detroit" story is brought to you by Jean Lefebvre of the Calgary Herald.
-Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula has been more agressive with shooting the puck.
-Defenseman Brian Campbell (right) has fit in just fine so far in Chicago.
-Could the economy prevent the Blue Jackets from locking up forward Rick Nash to a long-term deal?
-Columbus-Nashville is the best rivalry you don't know anything about.
-Nashville forwards Scott Nichol (possible concussion) and Jordin Tootoo ("lower body") are dinged up.
Northwest Division
-Did Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo re-injure his groin?
-Vancouver is pulling out all the stops for the retirement ceremony of former captain Trevor Linden.
-The ECHL affiliate of the Flames, the Las Vegas Wranglers will wear prison-themed uniforms for an upcoming game.
-Despite his snowblower accident, Colorado captain Joe Sakic is determined to play again this season.
-The on-ice difficulties of Oilers forward GIlbert Brule are nothing compared to what he went though earlier in his life.
-Wild coach Jacques Lemaire wants more goals from his players. Apparently playing an all-defensive system has nothing to do with the lack of goals.
Pacific Division
-Martin Hanzal and Olli Jokinen each scored two goals for the Coyotes who won at Dallas, 5-3. Jokinen played his first game after missing six games due to a shoulder injury.
-Two goals from Chris Kunitz helped the Ducks claim a 4-2 win against the Blues.
-The Kings recalled forward Ted Purcell from Manchester of the AHL.
-The Coyotes recalled forward Joakim Lindstrom from San Antonio of the AHL.
-The Stars denied a report that Stars co-general manager Brett Hull's job is in jeopardy.
-Dallas is being quiet about its plans with Sean Avery.
-Despite having a double-digit lead in the division standings, the Sharks aren't counting out the Ducks quite yet.
-Part of the reason for San Jose's success this season has been the players keeping their egos in check.
-Sharks forward Joe Thornton (right) ended his life got engaged.
Patrick Division
-Is the NHL taking the world's economic situation seriously?
-TSN2 is the Versus of Canada.
(Photos: Campbell-Jim McIssac/Getty Images; Shawshank Redemption-Photobucket; Thornton-Getty Images)