Empty Netter Assists - 12-03-12

Penguins

-Penguins owner Ron Burkle and Sidney Crosby (above, flanking another deal maker) are expected to participate in a players/owners "only" meeting between the NHL and NHLPA Tuesday in New York.

-Other owners expected to take part in the meeting include Jeremy Jacobs (Boston), Jeffrey Vinik (Tampa Bay), Larry Tannenbaum (Toronto), Mark Chipman (Winnipeg) and Murray Edwards (Calgary).

-EN Says: The inclusion of Burkle, Vinik and Chipman in this process is huge. Don't expect Burkle to be a mere spectator in Tuesday's proceedings. And several of the Lightning's players have been clamoring to hear Vinik's voice on this matter.

-NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr will not be part of the meeting.

-"I kind of thought we’d be playing by now." - Tanner Glass on the lockout. (PG+)

-Happy 52nd birthday to former Penguins defenseman Mike Ramsey (right). A member of the 1980 United State Olympic hockey team, Ramsey was acquired at the 1993 trade deadline in a deal which sent Bob Errey to the Sabres. He spent parts of two seasons in Pittsburgh. He finished 1992-93 by appearing in 12 games and scoring three points. In 12 postseason games that spring, Ramsey recorded six assists. The 1993-94 campaign saw him appear in 65 games and record four points. During that spring's playoffs, he saw action in one game and failed to record a point. During the 1994 offseason, Ramsey joined the Red Wings as a free agent. In 77 regular season games with the Penguins, Ramsey scored seven points. In 13 postseason games, he recorded one assist.

Northeast Division

-Bruins forward Daniel Paille has joined Ilves of Finland's SM-liiga.

Northwest Division

-Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov suffered a knee injury while playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of Russia's KHL.

Norris Division

-Oscar Dansk made 30 save for the Erie Otters in a 2-1 loss to the Sudbury Wolves.