Empty Netter Assists - 10-08-12

Penguins

-What does the lockout mean to prospects such as Scott Harrington and Olli Maatta (right)?

-The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins finished the preseason with a 3-1 loss to the Hershey Bears.

-The NHL and NHLPA are expected to resume negotiations Wednesday and Thursday in New York.

-Happy 77th birthday to former Pittsburgh Hornets and Penguins forward Art Stratton. Claimed from the Blackhawks in the 1967 expansion draft, Stratton's Penguins career amounted to 58 games and 37 points in 1967-68. Midway through the season, he was traded across the state to the Flyers in exchange for Wayne Hicks.

Atlantic Division

-Flyers forward Jakub Voracek is expected to be sidelined four weeks following a knee injury he suffered while playing for HC Lev Praha of Russia's KHL.

-Former Lightning defenseman Matt Gilroy has signed with the Connecticut Whale, the Rangers' AHL affiliate. Gilroy played for the Rangers in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

-Flyers scout Patrick Burke continues to fight against homophobia.

Central Division

-Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson (right) has joined Vita Hästen of Sweden's Division 1 league for the duration of the lockout.

-Predators forward Sergei Kostitsyn has joined Avangard Omsk of Russia's KHL for the duration of the lockout.

Northwest Division

-Former Thrashers defenseman Steve McCarthy has signed with the Abbottsford Heat, the Flames' AHL affiliate. McCarthy spent the past two seasons in Europe.

Norris Division

-A hat trick by Zach Hervato helped the Robert Morris men's team rout Wilfrid Laurier, 10-4, in an exhibition game.

-Celine Whitlinger made 40 saves for the Penn State women's team which fell to Vermont, 3-1.

-Mitch Kontny scored two goals for the Johnstown Tomahawks who defeated the Janesville Jets, 4-1.

(Photos: Maatta-Bruce Bennett/Getty Images; Ericsson-Christian Petersen/Getty Images)