Empty Netter Assists - 12-13-12

Penguins

-On a random trip to an antique store yesterday, we unearthed this beauty to the right. A ticket stub from the first Penguins-Sharks game in 1991, an 8-0 Penguins victory in which Mario Lemieux picked up six points:

-Despite meeting with a federal mediator, the NHL and NHLPA got no closer to a new collective bargaining agreement.

-“Basically, they left it up to us to decide whether to accept their last proposal. It wasn’t much of a decision.” - NHL free agent Brendan Morrison on the negotiations.

-James Neal is scheduled to participate in a charity game in Toronto, Dec. 19.

-The New York Times tackles this whole "NHL/dysfunctional" rumor.

-Brian Dumoulin and Riley Holzapfel each had a goal and an assist for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 6-3 loss to the Albany Devils. Beau Bennett recorded two assists for the Penguins while teammate Brad Thiessen made 24 saves.

-Luke Pither scored two goals for the Wheeling Nailers who lost to the Toledo Walleye, 5-2. Scott Darling made 21 saves for Wheeling.

-Defensive prospect Derrick Pouliot was cut from Team Canada's roster for the World Junior Championships. (PG+)

Northeast Division

-Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (right), currently assigned to the club's AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, is dealing with a head injury.

Pacific Division

-“Players have made huge concessions and no matter what Gary Bettman says, he hasn’t made any concessions as far as I know." - Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray on negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA.

-Sharks defenseman Justin Braun, currently signed with Tappara Tampere of Finland's SM-liiga, is dealing with a wrist injury.

Smythe Division

-Former Maple Leafs/Coyotes/Senators/Rangers defenseman Brenden Bell has joined Frölunda of Sweden's Elitserien.

(Photo: Gardiner-Claus Andersen/Getty Images)