Why you'll watch - December

Here's an in depth look at the Penguins' December schedule:

Dec. 3 - At Rangers: Because the Staals will be brothers in this game about 232 times approximately.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Dec. 4 - At Hurricanes: Because Rod Brind'Amour's nose is truly something to behold.



(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

Dec. 6 - At Senators: Because you probably won't be so eager to chant "Ruuuuuuuuuu!"

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRiLdkOI-KA&eurl=http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/emptynetters/default.aspx]

Dec. 8 - Sabres: Because Sabres defenseman Mike Weber is a native of Pittsburgh.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=e1HSwvpkyXE]

Dec. 10 - At Devils: Because Brent Sutter has a really odd-looking mouth.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=-YcGHXOlnCg]

Dec. 11 - Islanders: Because it's fun saying "Okposo."

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=xc7dpEypRuY]

Dec. 13 - At Flyers: Because Sidney Crosby has 37 career points against the Flyers, the most against any one team.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=qtQ5Pf0qTDw]

Dec. 18 - At Thrashers: Because Ilya Kovalchuk is just plain fun to watch.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=NwQpa3d13lg]

Dec. 20 - Maple Leafs: Because Vesa Toskala keeps getting burnt by Sidney Crosby in those Gatorade commercials.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=OZfpvhnV5mo]

Dec. 22 - At Sabres: Because it's always fun making fun of the "Buffaslug."



Dec. 23: Lightning: Because its going to be weird seeing Gary Roberts maul a Penguin.



(Photo: Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)

Dec. 26: at Devils: Because Kevin Smith is a Devils fan.



Dec. 27: Canadiens: Because Eric Godard probably will want to do a better job than the last time he fought Georges Laraque.

[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=hEYbNghbX2g]

Dec. 30: Bruins: Because is never gets old seeing a six-foot-nine yeti man like Zdeno Chara on skates.



(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

Tomorrow: "Why you'll watch - January."

EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS
Atlantic Division
-The Islanders signed restricted free agent forward Frans Nielsen to a four-year deal worth $2.1 million.
-The Lightning granted the Islanders permission to talk to former coach John Tortorella.

Northeast Division
-It looks like forward Jason Pominville will be the next player the Sabres will try to lock up to a long term deal.

Southeast Division
-Former NHL defenseman Darren Rumble will be the head coach of the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

Northwest Division
-The Wild re-signed restricted forward Stephane Veilleaux to a one-year deal worth $737, 500.

Pacific Division
-According to his official Web site former Penguins forward Eric Boguniecki signed a two-way deal with the Ducks. He spent last season in Germany.
-The Coyotes signed former Panthers forward Garth Murray.

Smythe Division
-The NHLPA is considering taking legal action against the IIHF over the suspensions of several players who signed with the KHL.