Empty Netter Assists - 12-24-12
Penguins
-Courtesy of artist Stephane Bergeron, Marc-Andre Fleury has a new mask which pays tribute to former Penguins goaltenders Michel Dion and Tom Barrasso. The front:
The right side with Dion's image:
-The left side with Barrasso's image:
-Lockout + 100.
-The NHL lockout has benefitted the AHL and ECHL.
-Evgeni Malkin had one assist for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in a 5-1 win against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in Russia's KHL.
-Happy 83rd birthday to former Penguins coach George "Red" Sullivan. The franchise's first coach, he led the team to a 27-34-13 record during its inaugural season of 1967-68. In 1968-69, the team went 20-45-11. He was replaced in the 1969 offseason by Red Kelly. In 150 games with the Penguins, Sullivan had a 47-79-24 record for 118 points.
-Happy 27th birthday to former Penguins forward Nick Johnson (right). A third-round pick in 2004, Johnson spent parts of two seasons with the Penguins. In 2009-10, he saw action in six games and collected two points. Last season, he appeared in four games and scored three points. During the 2011-12 preseason, he was claimed off waivers from the Wild. In 10 regular season games with the Penguins, Johnson scored five points. He is currently a member of the Coyotes organization.
-Happy 39th birthday to former Penguins defenseman Shawn Heins. Acquired midway through the 2002-03 season in a trade which sent a draft pick to the Sharks, Heins' Penguins career amounted to 27 games and two points that campaign. In the 2003 offseason, Heins joined the Thrashers as a free agent. He currently plays for Gottéron of Switzerland's NLA.
Northeast Division
-“I’m a very fortunate guy, blessed with my health. Because I should be gone.” - Hall-of-Fame Canadiens captain forward Jean Beliveau, 81, on his recovery from a stroke he suffered 10 month ago.
Adams Division
-Four Pittsburgh-area players were named to the United States' team for the World Junior Championship: Forwards Riley Barber, J.T. Miller, Vince Trocheck and goaltender John Gibson.
-Miller, a native of Coraopolis was named alternate captain for the United States' team. (PG+)
(Photos: Fleury mask-Griffe Orginale; Johnson-Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)