Rest Of The League Weekly Report

Hey, guys! I know I haven't done this report in a while. I've been really busy during the weeks, especially on Mondays, which is when I usually do  the report.

Anyway, here's what's going on in the rest of the NHL!

Hurricanes activate goalie Ward from injured reserve: Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has activated goaltender Cam Ward from injured reserve.

The Hurricanes also reassigned forward Phil Di Giuseppe and goaltender Daniel Altshuller to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) ahead of the NHL's All-Star Break.

Sharks' Thornton gets 1,300th NHL point: San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton became the 33rd player in NHL history to reach 1,300 points when he had two assists against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.

Thornton assisted on a first-period goal by Tomas Hertl, then reached the milestone when Joe Pavelski converted his pass for a power-play goal at 15:28 of the second period of the Sharks' 6-1 victory at SAP Center.

He has nine goals and 32 assists this season, including two goals and 12 assists during a 10-game point streak.

Ducks' Horcoff gets 20 game suspension: Anaheim Ducks forward Shawn Horcoff received a 20-game suspension from the NHL on Tuesday for violating the league's enhancing substance policy.

Rest of the League Weekly Report

Price progressing, not ready to skate: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price received a positive assessment Monday in his recovery from a lower-body injury sustained Nov. 25 against the New York Rangers from coach Michel Therrien. But Price isn't ready to start practicing yet.
"Carey Price's rehab is going well but he is not ready to get back on the ice just yet," Therrien told the Canadiens website.

On Nov. 30 the Canadiens announced Price would be out for six weeks; Monday marked five weeks since that statement.

Ducks goaltender Gibson wins Rookie of the Month for December: Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, who went 5-3-1 with a 1.62 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and three shutouts in 10 appearances, has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December.

Gibson edged Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin (4-7—11 in 15 GP), Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (3-8—11 in 14 GP), Tampa Bay Lightning center Jonathan Marchessault (5-4—9 in 13 GP) and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (3-6—9 in 12 GP) for the honor.

Rest of the League Weekly Report

Canadiens & Oilers trade goalies: The Montreal Canadiens on Monday traded goalie Zack Kassian for Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens.

Fowler Injured For Ducks: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler has a sprained knee, and the club has recalled top prospect Shea Theodore, the Ducks announced Monday.
Fowler was injured in the first period of Anaheim's 4-2 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday. The Ducks will determine his recovery time later in the week, but he isn't expected to be on their three-game road trip beginning Tuesday in Calgary.

Rest of the League Weekly Report

Carl Hagelin

(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

[ : Hagelin Returns to MSG : ]
Carl Hagelin will return to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday to play his former NHL team, the New York Rangers. Hamelin currently plays for the Anaheim Ducks. Last night, the Ducks were beaten by the New York Islanders by a score of 5-2.

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[ : Around the League Notebook for Monday, Dec. 21 (http://bit.ly/1ZnGPOi - via NHL.com) : ]

MONDAY RESULTS

Home Team in Caps

NY ISLANDERS 5, Anaheim 2

PHILADELPHIA 4, St. Louis 3

PITTSBURGH 5, Columbus 2

Washington 2, CAROLINA 1

NASHVILLE 5, Montreal 1

Dallas 6, MINNESOTA 3

Toronto 7, COLORADO 4

EDMONTON 3, Winnipeg 1

CAPITALS, STARS CONTINUE BATTLE ATOP LEAGUE STANDINGS

The Washington Capitals (25-6-2, 52 points) and Dallas Stars (25-7-2, 52 points), the top two teams in the NHL, each earned road victories to continue their franchise-best starts to the season and keep pace atop the NHL standings. The teams share the League lead with 12 road wins in 2015-16 (tied w/ SJS):

* Philipp Grubauer made 31 saves to lead the Capitals to a 2-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, their sixth consecutive victory, and to a 13-1-1 record in their past 15 games, a stretch that includes two six-game winning streaks (also Nov. 21 – Dec. 3: 6-0-0). The Elias Sports Bureau says the Capitals have multiple winning streaks of at least six games for the first time since the 2010-11 season (Oct. 30 – Nov. 11, 2010: 6-0-0 and Feb. 26 – March 15, 2011: 9-0-0). Grubauer is 4-2-1 in seven games this season (2.30 goals-against average, .914 save percentage) and 2-0-1 in four games against the Hurricanes (2.09 GAA, .939 save percentage).

* The Stars scored four straight, including goals by Vernon Fiddler (18:30) and Tyler Seguin (19:29) in the final 90 seconds of the second period, to erase a two-goal deficit and defeat the Minnesota Wild 6-3, picking up their fifth victory in their past seven games. The Stars have won all three games against the Wild this season, including two in which they faced a multigoal deficit (also Nov. 28 at MIN: trailed 3-0, won 4-3 in OT). Antoine Roussel scored his fifth game-winning goal this season (six goals total) to move into a share of the League lead. He had three game-winning goals in his first 200 games before the 2015-16 season.

OILERS PUSH HOME WINNING STREAK TO SEVEN GAMES

The line of Teddy Purcell (2-1—3), Taylor Hall (0-3—3) and Leon Draisaitl (0-2—2) scored all three Edmonton Oilers goals in a 3-1 win against the Winnipeg Jets to guide them to their seventh consecutive home win, equaling their longest such run since Feb. 4 – March 2, 2008.

* The Oilers' home winning streak is one shy of matching the franchise record established from Jan. 19 – Feb. 22, 1985 (8-0-0) and equaled the following season from Feb. 24 – April 2, 1986.

* Edmonton is one of four teams to post a home winning streak of at least seven games this season. In fact, there are four teams with an active home winning streak of at least six games:

Longest Home Winning Streaks, 2015-16

9 – Calgary Flames, from Nov. 5 – Dec. 20^

9 – New York Rangers, from Oct. 19 – Nov. 23

7 – Washington Capitals, from Nov. 21 – Dec. 20^

7 – Edmonton Oilers, from Nov. 20 – Dec. 21^

6 – Los Angeles Kings, from Nov. 12 – Dec. 19^

6 – Chicago Blackhawks, from Oct. 10 – Nov. 2

^ Active

* Purcell had his second three-point game of the season (also Dec. 11 vs. NYR: 1-2—3), while Hall – who ranks fourth in the League with 15-24—39 (35 GP) – eclipsed 300 points (121-181—302 in 334 GP).

* Cam Talbot made 44 saves, including 16 in each of the last two periods, to pick up his first win at Rexall Place since Oct. 29 vs. MTL (4-3 W, 18 SV).

FLYERS STAGE MULTIGOAL COMEBACK AGAINST BLUES

The Philadelphia Flyers scored four unanswered goals, including Evgeny Medvedev's first career game-winning goal (23 GP) with 3:13 remaining in regulation, to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 and improve to 8-2-2 in their past 12 games.

* Via Elias, the Flyers overcame a three-goal deficit to win for the first time since Dec. 19, 2013 vs. CBJ. In that game, Philadelphia rallied from 3-0 and 4-2 deficits by scoring five goals in the third period, behind 2-2—4 by Claude Giroux, to win 5-4 in regulation.

* Four players -- Wayne Simmonds (2-0—2), Chris VandeVelde (1-1—2), Jakub Voracek (0-2—2) and Shayne Gostisbehere (0-2—2) -- had multiple points in the comeback. Voracek stretched his point streak to five games (2-6—8).

* Via Elias, teams have come back to win a game in which they were trailing by at least three goals nine times this season.

OFFENSIVE SURGE

In addition to the Stars, four other clubs filled the net with at least five goals en route to wins:

* Four Nashville Predators players -- Shea Weber (1-2—3), Colin Wilson (1-2—3), Roman Josi (1-1—2) and Calle Jarnkrok (1-1—2) -- each had multiple points to lift them to a 5-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens and a 5-0-3 record in their past eight games against the Canadiens dating to Nov. 14, 2009 (MTL: 3-4-1). Weber (10-15—25), the Predators' second-leading scorer behind Josi (9-17—26), paces the entire NHL with 4-11—15 in the month of December.

* Phil Kessel (2-0—2) and Evgeni Malkin (2-0—2) each scored twice to help the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2, halting a five-game skid overall (0-4-1) and giving Mike Sullivan his first win since becoming Penguins coach. Kessel notched his fourth game-winning goal of the season, tied for the second-most such goals in 2015-16 behind five players, including Malkin (5 GWG). Goaltender Matt Murray, who made his NHL debut on Saturday, stopped 22 shots to register his first career victory.

* Four different Toronto Maple Leafs players registered at least three points -- Jake Gardiner (0-4—4), Tyler Bozak (3-0—3), Leo Komarov (1-2—3), James van Riemsdyk (1-2—3) -- to help them defeat the Colorado Avalanche 7-4 and improve to 4-0-2 in their past six games. The Avalanche's winning streak ended at five games. Gardiner, who established career highs for assists and points, is the first Maple Leafs defenseman to record four points in a game since Jan. 7, 2011 at ATL (Tomas Kaberle: 0-4—4). Bozak had his second career hat trick (also March 28 vs. OTT: 3-1—4), while Komarov had his second straight three-point effort (also Saturday vs. LAK: 2-1—3).

* The New York Islanders scored three straight in the final 5:06 of the first period, including goals by Travis Hamonic (1-0—1) and Brock Nelson (1-0—1) 43 seconds apart in the last minute, and scored twice more in the third to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 and snap a three-game skid (0-3-0). The Islanders (11-4-1) lead all Eastern Conference teams with 11 wins against opponents from the Western Conference this season – two more than any other Eastern Conference club (NYR: 9-6-1 and TOR: 9-4-1).

NHL ANNOUNCES PERFORMERS FOR WINTER CLASSIC

The NHL announced Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Nate Ruess, alternative rock band American Authors, "The Voice" season 9 winner and recording artist Jordan Smith, and musicians from the Boston Pops are among the performers for the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, the New Year's Day outdoor game between the Canadiens and Bruins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

LOOSE PUCKS

Stars forward Tyler Seguin (1-1—2) had his League-leading 14th multipoint game of the season. He ranks second in the NHL with 19-27—46, four points behind Patrick Kane (21-29—50) . . . Stars goaltender Antti Niemi made 30 saves in relief to improve to 14-5-2 this season. He also moved to 10-3-2 in 15 career appearances against the Wild (1.93 GAA, .928 save percentage, one shutout) . . . Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko (0-1—1) had his goal streak snapped at five games, but extended his point streak to six (5-5—10) . . . Capitals defenseman John Carlson (0-1—1) extended his point streak to seven games (2-6—8) . . . Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon scored his fifth goal of the season after signing a four-year contract extension earlier in the day . . . Jets defenseman Mark Stuart (600) and Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (400) played in milestone games . . . ICYMI: Hurricanes forward Kris Versteeg went between his legs to score his fifth goal of the season . . . Blue Jackets forward Alexander Wennberg (1-0—1) has 2-8—10 in his past nine games after scoring one goal in his first 15 games in 2015-16 . . . Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne made 35 saves, including 14 in the first period, to improve to 5-1-1 in seven games against the Canadiens (1.27 GAA, .952 save percentage, two shutouts) . . . The Department of Player Safety suspended Bruins forward Max Talbot two games for interference on Devils forward Jiri Tlusty . . . Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov, Capitals forward T.J. Oshie and Wild forward Mikko Koivu were named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Dec. 20 . . . ICYMI: The NHL officially took over Gillette Stadium with the arrival of the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Ice Plant presented by York. Click here to watch a live webcam of the rink build at Gillette Stadium.

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[ : AHL Notebook: Predators affiliate full of talent (http://bit.ly/1RE6EIF - via NHL.com) : ]
One could be excused for mistaking the list of Milwaukee Admirals alumni with an NHL All-Star team.

The likes of Shea Weber and Roman Josi now occupy spots on the Nashville Predators' defense after learning the pro game in the American Hockey League with Milwaukee. Goaltender Pekka Rinne carried the Admirals to a Calder Cup final in 2006.

The Nashville roster also includes Milwaukee graduates Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm on its blue line, plus forwards Filip Forsberg and Colin Wilson. Defensemen Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein and forward Scottie Upshall are among the Admirals that have moved on to long NHL careers with other organizations.

Now there is another crop of Predators prospects for the next infusion of talent through the Milwaukee-to-Nashville pipeline. At 19-9-0-1, the Admirals are a point behind the Western Conference-leading Rockford IceHogs after a 6-2 win at Rockford on Monday.

Goaltender Juuse Saros, a fourth-round pick by Nashville in the 2013 NHL Draft, headlines the latest round of Milwaukee-based talent. The 20-year-old goaltender is 12-3-0 in his first 15 AHL games with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. At 5-foot-11, 182 pounds, Saaros is an anomaly in today's game of big goaltenders.

But Saros brought an impressive resume with him to Milwaukee. Along with two seasons with HPK Hameenlinna of the SM-Liiga in Finland, Saaros led Finland to a gold medal in the 2014 World Junior Championship. Four months later, he was a part of Finland's silver-medal team at the World Hockey Championship.

"I like it here," said Saros, who made his NHL debut earlier this season. "Lots more happening in a game. Of course, more scoring chances too, but I still like the small rink. I still have a lot to learn about this game.

Swiss right wing Kevin Fiala, the 11th pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, is another top prospect learning in Milwaukee. He played his first AHL season in 2014-15 as an 18-year-old and debuted with 11 goals in 33 games. This season, he has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 25 games.

A second-round pick by the Predators in 2012, left wing Pontus Aberg debuted last season with the Admirals and had 16 goals. This season he has eight goals in his first 28 games.

"Clearly Pontus is being rewarded on the scoresheet, but he's working, he's competing, he's battling," Milwaukee coach Dean Evason said after Aberg scored the winning goal in a 7-5 home win against the Manitoba Moose on Saturday. "He's playing fast and hard."

Another second-round pick, 19-year-old center Vladislav Kamenev, has six goals in 24 games in his first season in North America.

But the Nashville-Milwaukee partnership, which dates to the 1998-99 season when Nashville entered the NHL as an expansion franchise, also has a knack for turning less-heralded players into legitimate prospects.

Undrafted coming out of the Ontario Hockey League, Nashville signed defenseman Trevor Murphy in September, and he has bloomed in Milwaukee with five goals and eight assists in 23 games with the Admirals as rookie.

A fourth-round pick in 2014, forward Viktor Arvidsson needed last season and 14 AHL games this season before pushing himself into the Nashville lineup. He had seven goals and 10 assists in 14 games in Milwaukee before earning a recall to Nashville, where he has remained.

Leading scorer Frederick Gaudreau stands out as another undrafted player who is establishing himself as a late-blooming prospect. The 22-year-old center, who had to play an overage year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2013-14, has eight goals and 12 assists in 28 games with the Admirals.

Opposite directions: The Grand Rapids Griffins have a franchise-record 14-game winning streak going into their holiday break; they have not lost since Nov. 14 and have won 10 consecutive games at Van Andel Arena.

Conversely, the San Antonio Rampage ended a seven-game losing streak with a 3-2 win at the Iowa Wild on Sunday. They had not won since Nov. 29 after a 12-3-6-0 start to their season.

San Antonio will also be without leading scorer Mikko Rantanen, the 10th pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has 10 goals and 16 assists in 22 games as a 19-year-old rookie. He will represent host Finland in the World Junior Championship.

The Rampage have been without captain Ben Street and defenseman Zach Redmond for much of the season. Each player remains with the parent Colorado Avalanche; Street, who had three goals and nine assists in six games with the Rampage, is out with a long-term chest injury. Defenseman Duncan Siemens, veteran center Marc-Andre Cliche and veteran defenseman Maxim Noreau have been out of the lineup at various points in December as well.

Toronto on top: The Toronto Marlies continued to overwhelm opponents and improved their road record to a league-best 15-1-1-0 with a three-game sweep last week. The Marlies went into Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, whose 12 home wins are most in the AHL. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton held a 3-0 lead entering the third period before Toronto scored three shorthanded goals in a 2:34 span to tie the game and set up a 4-3 shootout win.

From there, the Marlies moved south for a visit with the Hershey Bears and took a 6-2 win. The Marlies' 48 points and .800 winning percentage top the AHL, and they have at least a point in each of their past nine games (8-0-1-0).

The Marlies continue to win even with goaltenders Antoine Bibeau and Garret Sparks on recall with the Toronto Maple Leafs. To replace them, the Marlies added NHL veteran Ray Emery on an AHL tryout deal. Six goaltenders have won a game with the Marlies this season.

Toronto will be without top prospects William Nylander and Kasperi Kapanen, who will participate in the World Junior Championship. Nylander, the AHL's leading scorer (14 goals, 20 assists), will represent Sweden while Kapanen will play for Finland.

AHL Game of the Week: Toronto and the St. John's IceCaps play out latest chapter in the AHL's version of the Montreal Canadiens-Toronto Maple Leafs rivalry. They start a two-game series in Toronto at Air Canada Centre on Saturday.

As a team with one of the most challenging travel burdens in the AHL, the IceCaps should be refreshed after their traditional lengthy holiday break. They have not played since Dec. 16 after sweeping a two-game series with the Albany Devils at Mile One Centre and are off until they visit the Marlies.

Statistically speaking: Nylander has 34 points in 27 games… Rookie Devin Shore of the Texas Stars, Petr Straka (Lehigh Valley Phantoms) and Scott Wilson (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) are in a three-way tie with an AHL-leading 15 goals. …Ontario Reign goaltender Peter Budaj leads the League with a 1.49 GAA. His .938 save percentage ties him with Sparks and Matt Murray of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for best in the AHL. Budaj is tied with Michael Leighton (Rockford) with a league-high 15 wins. … Toronto defenseman T.J. Brennan has 11 goals in 29 games, most among AHL defensemen.

Around the AHL: Portland Pirates goaltender Mike McKenna won the CCM/AHL Player of the Week Award for the period ending this past Sunday. He won each of his three starts last week and had a 1.00 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage. …The Stockton Heat defeated the Bakersfield Condors 3-2 in the Golden State Hockey Rush outdoor game at Raley Field in Sacramento on Saturday, the eighth outdoor game in AHL history. …The AHL will be represented at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland. Two members of the Charlotte Checkers will head to Davos to represent Canada, including a return trip for veteran goaltender Drew MacIntyre. He played three games in the 2014 tournament. Checkers defenseman Trevor Carrick, 21, will also represent Canada. His seven goals rank him third among AHL defensemen. …Albany has added forward Brian O'Neill, who won the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's most valuable player last season. …The Utica Comets have brought in veteran AHL defenseman Danny Syvret. Utica's power play ranks 19th, something that the 30-year-old veteran should be able to help. He had a goal and an assist in his first two games this past weekend. …Sixty-seven AHL players have made their NHL debut this season, including six last week.

REST THE LEAGUE WEEKLY REPORT

DUCKS FORWARD THOMPSON SUSPENDED THREE GAMES:
Anaheim Ducks forward Nate Thompson has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk during NHL Game No. 434 in Anaheim on Friday, Dec. 11, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 6:25 of the first period. Thompson was assessed a major penalty for elbowing and a game misconduct.

Along with the suspension, Thompson was also fined $25,806.45. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

KANE POINT STREAK AT 26 GAMES, LONGEST SINCE '92-93:
CHICAGO -- It didn't take long for Patrick Kane to extend his point streak to 26 games in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-0 win against the Vancouver Canucks at United Center on Sunday.

Kane got a secondary assist on Duncan Keith's power-play goal 11:51 into the first period. His pass to Keith started the sequence that led to the goal. Keith initially set up rookie left wing Artemi Panarin for a one-timer that hit the left post, and got a pass back from Panarin off the rebound for his own shot.

"I passed it and it went in 10 or 15 seconds later," Kane said. "I actually didn't know I got an assist until I heard them announce it. I was hoping they didn't get it wrong and then maybe they've got to call it back."

Kane's streak is the longest in the NHL since Mats Sundin went 30 games for the Quebec Nordiques in 1992-93. The Blackhawks are 15-7-4 during Kane's streak.

Kane passed Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had a 25-game streak during the 2010-11 season. Two other players had a streak of 25 games since 1990-91: Brett Hull (St. Louis Blues, 1991-92) and Wayne Gretzky (Los Angeles Kings, 1990-91).

Kane has 16 goals and 24 assists during his streak, which began with an empty-net goal Oct. 17 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago's sixth game of the season.

"It's not a question of if he's going to score," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "It's kind of when he's going to get on the board somehow. He's just got that knack. I think when he's feeling it, and he's feeling confident, there's not much he can't do with the puck, and eventually something's going to happen for him."

Gretzky holds the NHL record with a 51-game streak for the Edmonton Oilers that started the 1983-84 season. Gretzky had 61 goals and 92 assists during his streak.

Kane's streak is a Blackhawks record and for an American-born player. Chicago hosts the Colorado Avalanche at United Center on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CSN-CH).

The next best streak this season is nine games (Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators; David Krejci, Boston Bruins; Bobby Ryan, Senators).

"It's pretty special," Keith said. "He creates something every night. A lot of it has to do with his work ethic and his desire, and how much he cares. His skill level gets talked about a lot, but one thing that doesn't get mentioned as much is how much he cares, and how he wants to be the best."

PATRICK KANE'S POINT STREAK
DATE/OPPONENT STAT LINE
1. Oct. 17 vs. CBJ 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
2. Oct. 22 vs. FLA 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS
3. Oct. 24 vs. TBL 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
4. Oct. 26 vs. ANA 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
5. Oct. 29 at WPG 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
6. Oct. 30 at MIN 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
7. Nov. 2 vs. LAK 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
8. Nov. 4 vs. STL 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
9. Nov. 6 at NJD 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
10. Nov. 8 vs. EDM 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS
11. Nov. 12 vs. NJD 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
12. Nov. 14 at STL 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
13. Nov. 15 vs. CGY 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
14. Nov. 18 at EDM 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS
15. Nov. 20 at CGY 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
16. Nov. 21 at VAN 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
17. Nov. 25 at SJS 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS
18. Nov. 27 at ANA 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
19. Nov. 28 at LAK 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
20. Dec. 1 vs. MIN 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
21. Dec. 3 at OTT 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS
22. Dec. 6 vs. WPG 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
23. Dec. 8 vs. NSH 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
24. Dec. 10 at NSH 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
25. Dec. 11 vs. WPG 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
26. Dec. 13 vs. VAN 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS
TOTALS: 26 GP, 16 Goals, 24 Assists, 40 Points

Rest of the League Weekly Report

By Joey Michael Gucciardo

[: LAST NIGHT'S SCORES smile emoticon
NASHVILLE 3 - BOSTON 2
MINNESOTA 2 - COLORADO 1 (OT)
BUFFALO 2 - VANCOUVER 5
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[: TOP 250, REST-OF-SEASON FANTASY HOCKEY RATINGS (ACCORDING TO SEAN ALLEN ON ESPN [http://es.pn/1N9XjUG]):
RANK/PLAYER/POSITION/TEAM POSRANK LAST WEEK
1. Patrick Kane, RW, Chi RW1 2
2. Alex Ovechkin, RW, Was RW2 1
3. Jamie Benn, LW, Dal LW1 3
4. Tyler Seguin, C, Dal C1 4
5. John Tavares, C, NYI C2 5
6. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pit C3 6
7. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, StL RW3 7
8. Erik Karlsson, D, Ott D1 9
9. Joe Pavelski, C, SJ C4 8
10. Henrik Lundqvist, G, NYR G1 10
11. Steven Stamkos, C, TB C5 11
12. Claude Giroux, C, Phi C6 14
13. Sidney Crosby, C, Pit C7 12
14. Taylor Hall, LW, Edm LW2 21
15. Max Pacioretty, LW, Mon LW3 15
16. P.K. Subban, D, Mon D2 13
17. Nicklas Backstrom, C, Was C8 16
18. Braden Holtby, G, Was G2 17
19. Ryan Johansen, C, Cls C9 19
20. Dustin Byfuglien, D, Wpg D3 22
21. Corey Perry, RW, Ana RW4 20
22. Cory Schneider, G, NJ G3 25
23. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Col C10 23
24. Brent Burns, D, SJ D4 26
25. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pit G4 18
26. Phil Kessel, RW, Pit RW5 24
27. Henrik Zetterberg, C, Det C11 27
28. Rick Nash, LW, NYR LW4 29
29. Daniel Sedin, LW, Van LW5 30
30. Jake Allen, G, StL G5 28
31. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Cgy LW6 31
32. Jonathan Quick, G, LA G6 36
33. Ryan Getzlaf, C, Ana C12 33
34. Zach Parise, LW, Min LW7 34
35. Jakub Voracek, RW, Phi RW6 35
36. John Klingberg, D, Dal D5 46
37. Ben Bishop, G, TB G7 44
38. Blake Wheeler, RW, Wpg RW7 38
39. Pekka Rinne, G, Nsh G8 32
40. Patrice Bergeron, C, Bos C13 39
41. Corey Crawford, G, Chi G9 37
42. Martin Jones, G, SJ G10 42
43. Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Col LW8 40
44. Alexander Steen, LW, StL LW9 41
45. Jeff Carter, RW, LA RW8 48
46. Devan Dubnyk, G, Min G11 45
47. David Krejci, C, Bos C14 47
48. Tyler Johnson, C, TB C15 43
49. Jaroslav Halak, G, NYI G12 49
50. Kyle Turris, C, Ott C16 50
51. Mark Stone, RW, Ott RW9 51
52. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Was C17 61
53. Jonathan Toews, C, Chi C18 52
54. Nikita Kucherov, RW, TB RW10 53
55. T.J. Oshie, RW, Was RW11 54
56. Jason Spezza, C, Dal C19 55
57. Tomas Plekanec, C, Mon C20 65
58. Jiri Hudler, RW, Cgy RW12 56
59. Marian Hossa, RW, Chi RW13 57
60. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Cls G13 58
61. Anze Kopitar, C, LA C21 59
62. Andrew Ladd, LW, Wpg LW10 60
63. Matt Duchene, C, Col C22 72
64. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Det C23 62
65. James Neal, LW, Nsh LW11 63
66. Roman Josi, D, Nsh D6 64
67. Henrik Sedin, C, Van C24 66
68. Roberto Luongo, G, Fla G14 67
69. Artemi Panarin, C, Chi C25 77
70. Patrick Sharp, LW, Dal LW12 68
71. John Carlson, D, Was D7 69
72. Andrei Markov, D, Mon D8 70
73. Mike Cammalleri, LW, NJ LW13 90
74. Shea Weber, D, Nsh D9 78
75. Kyle Okposo, RW, NYI RW14 71
76. Mike Hoffman, LW, Ott LW14 91
77. Chris Kreider, LW, NYR LW15 73
78. Victor Hedman, D, TB D10 74
79. Tyler Toffoli, RW, LA RW15 75
80. Jordan Eberle, RW, Edm RW16 76
81. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Ari D11 84
82. Duncan Keith, D, Chi D12 79
83. Kevin Shattenkirk, D, StL D13 85
84. Tuukka Rask, G, Bos G15 80
85. Brad Marchand, LW, Bos LW16 93
86. Joe Thornton, C, SJ C26 81
87. Derick Brassard, C, NYR C27 82
88. Scott Hartnell, LW, Cls LW17 83
89. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edm C28 86
90. David Backes, C, StL C29 87
91. Carey Price, G, Mon G16 95
92. Mats Zuccarello, RW, NYR RW17 97
93. Filip Forsberg, C, Nsh C30 88
94. Justin Faulk, D, Car D14 94
95. Gustav Nyquist, RW, Det RW18 92
96. Ryan Suter, D, Min D15 105
97. Drew Doughty, D, LA D16 119
98. Torey Krug, D, Bos D17 96
99. Max Domi, C, Ari C31 107
100. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Edm C32 98
101. Brandon Saad, LW, Cls LW18 99
102. Dylan Larkin, C, Det C33 120
103. Ryan O'Reilly, RW, Buf RW19 110
104. Eric Staal, C, Car C34 100
105. Adam Henrique, C, NJ C35 129
106. Bobby Ryan, RW, Ott RW20 101
107. Wayne Simmonds, LW, Phi LW19 102
108. Alex Pietrangelo, D, StL D18 103
109. Bryan Little, C, Wpg C36 104
110. Ryan Miller, G, Van G17 89
111. Keith Yandle, D, NYR D19 106
112. Mark Giordano, D, Cgy D20 108
113. Nick Foligno, LW, Cls LW20 109
114. Nazem Kadri, C, Tor C37 130
115. Loui Eriksson, LW, Bos LW21 133
116. Zdeno Chara, D, Bos D21 138
117. Patrick Marleau, LW, SJ LW22 111
118. Alex Galchenyuk, LW, Mon LW23 122
119. Sean Monahan, C, Cgy C38 112
120. Kris Letang, D, Pit D22 113
121. Radim Vrbata, RW, Van RW21 114
122. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Fla RW22 115
123. Jason Pominville, RW, Min RW23 116
124. Tomas Tatar, LW, Det LW24 117
125. Petr Mrazek, G, Det G18 134
126. Milan Lucic, LW, LA LW25 121
127. Alexander Edler, D, Van D23 123
128. Jack Eichel, C, Buf C39 124
129. Steve Mason, G, Phi G19 125
130. Boone Jenner, RW, Cls RW24 126
131. Logan Couture, C, SJ C40 127
132. Jarome Iginla, RW, Col RW25 128
133. Ondrej Palat, LW, TB LW26 131
134. Paul Stastny, C, StL C41 132
135. James van Riemsdyk, LW, Tor LW27 135
136. Mikko Koivu, C, Min C42 136
137. Tyson Barrie, D, Col D24 137
138. Evander Kane, LW, Buf LW28 139
139. Thomas Vanek, LW, Min LW29 140
140. Frederik Andersen, G, Ana G20 118
141. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Wpg G21 226
142. Derek Stepan, C, NYR C43 141
143. Aaron Ekblad, D, Fla D25 142
144. Jonathan Huberdeau, LW, Fla LW30 143
145. Brock Nelson, C, NYI C44 144
146. Ryan McDonagh, D, NYR D26 171
147. Antti Niemi, G, Dal G22 145
148. Justin Williams, RW, Was RW26 169
149. Kari Lehtonen, G, Dal G23 146
150. Nick Bjugstad, C, Fla C45 147
151. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Wpg LW31 148
152. Semyon Varlamov, G, Col G24 162
153. Mikkel Boedker, LW, Ari LW32 149
154. Justin Abdelkader, LW, Det LW33 150
155. Mark Scheifele, C, Wpg C46 151
156. Craig Anderson, G, Ott G25 152
157. Dion Phaneuf, D, Tor D27 153
158. Aleksander Barkov, C, Fla C47 154
159. Kyle Palmieri, RW, NJ RW27 174
160. Marian Gaborik, RW, LA RW28 155
161. Ryan Kesler, C, Ana C48 156
162. Martin Hanzal, C, Ari C49 157
163. John Gibson, G, Ana G26 N/R
164. James Reimer, G, Tor G27 158
165. Jason Zucker, LW, Min LW34 159
166. Niklas Kronwall, D, Det D28 160
167. Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Buf D29 193
168. Reto Berra, G, Col G28 161
169. Anders Nilsson, G, Edm G29 N/R
170. Mika Zibanejad, RW, Ott RW29 163
171. Ryan Callahan, RW, TB RW30 164
172. Johnny Boychuk, D, NYI D30 165
173. Brent Seabrook, D, Chi D31 166
174. Brendan Gallagher, RW, Mon RW31 167
175. Mikael Granlund, C, Min C50 168
176. Jimmy Howard, G, Det G30 170
177. Patric Hornqvist, RW, Pit RW32 172
178. Nino Niederreiter, RW, Min RW33 173
179. Sami Vatanen, D, Ana D32 175
180. Jonathan Drouin, LW, TB LW35 176
181. Colin Wilson, LW, Nsh LW36 177
182. Jori Lehtera, C, StL C51 178
183. Brandon Dubinsky, C, Cls C52 179
184. Mike Condon, G, Mon G31 250
185. Mike Ribeiro, C, Nsh C53 180
186. Lee Stempniak, RW, NJ RW34 221
187. Ryan Strome, C, NYI C54 181
188. Matt Moulson, LW, Buf LW37 182
189. Anders Lee, LW, NYI LW38 183
190. Chris Kunitz, LW, Pit LW39 184
191. Artem Anisimov, C, Chi C55 185
192. Elias Lindholm, C, Car C56 186
193. Troy Brouwer, RW, StL RW35 187
194. Mathieu Perreault, C, Wpg C57 188
195. Joffrey Lupul, LW, Tor LW40 189
196. Dennis Wideman, D, Cgy D33 190
197. Joel Ward, RW, SJ RW36 212
198. Connor McDavid, C, Edm C58 191
199. Tyler Ennis, C, Buf C59 192
200. Tanner Pearson, LW, LA LW41 194
201. Drew Stafford, RW, Wpg RW37 195
202. Brayden Schenn, C, Phi C60 196
203. Brian Elliott, G, StL G32 197
204. Mike Smith, G, Ari G33 198
205. Craig Smith, RW, Nsh RW38 199
206. David Pastrnak, LW, Bos LW42 200
207. Victor Rask, C, Car C61 231
208. Frans Nielsen, C, NYI C62 243
209. Michal Neuvirth, G, Phi G34 201
210. Reilly Smith, RW, Fla RW39 202
211. Kevin Hayes, C, NYR C63 203
212. Jaden Schwartz, LW, StL LW43 204
213. Hampus Lindholm, D, Ana D34 205
214. Anton Stralman, D, TB D35 206
215. Jeff Skinner, LW, Car LW44 207
216. Jason Demers, D, Dal D36 208
217. Erik Johnson, D, Col D37 209
218. Karri Ramo, G, Cgy G35 210
219. Dougie Hamilton, D, Cgy D38 211
220. Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Phi D39 225
221. Valtteri Filppula, C, TB C64 213
222. Cam Atkinson, RW, Cls RW40 214
223. Colton Parayko, D, StL D40 215
224. Ryan Ellis, D, Nsh D41 216
225. Mike Green, D, Det D42 217
226. Michael Hutchinson, G, Wpg G36 218
227. Nail Yakupov, RW, Edm RW41 219
228. Teemu Pulkkinen, LW, Det LW45 220
229. Marcus Johansson, LW, Was LW46 222
230. Josh Bailey, LW, NYI LW47 223
231. Jimmy Hayes, RW, Bos RW42 224
232. Jake Muzzin, D, LA D43 N/R
233. David Desharnais, C, Mon C65 227
234. Cam Fowler, D, Ana D44 228
235. Kris Versteeg, RW, Car RW43 229
236. Anthony Duclair, LW, Ari LW48 230
237. Ryan Spooner, C, Bos C66 232
238. Jhonas Enroth, G, LA G37 233
239. Francois Beauchemin, D, Col D45 234
240. Jonas Hiller, G, Cgy G38 235
241. Dale Weise, RW, Mon RW44 N/R
242. Jannik Hansen, RW, Van RW45 237
243. Scott Darling, G, Chi G39 238
244. Mark Streit, D, Phi D46 239
245. Morgan Rielly, D, Tor D47 240
246. Cam Ward, G, Car G40 241
247. Carl Soderberg, C, Col C67 242
248. Michael Stone, D, Ari D48 244
249. Teuvo Teravainen, LW, Chi LW49 245
250. Oscar Lindberg, C, NYR C68 N/R
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[: AROUND THE LEAGUE NOTEBOOK - MONDAY, DEC. 7 (FROM NHL [http://bit.ly/1ID3LES]):
AVALANCHE HONOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM
The Colorado Avalanche honored their 20th Anniversary Team, as selected by the fans, at Pepsi Center in the second half of their home-and-home series with the Minnesota Wild. The night included a special pre-game ceremony as well as a memorable 'Jerseys Off Our Backs' presentation, headlined by Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy, Ray Bourque, Adam Foote, Rob Blake, Sandis Ozolinsh, Valeri Kamensky and Milan Hejduk, among others.
* Click here to watch the entire pre-game ceremony.
MONDAY'S RESULTS
Home Team in CAPS
Nashville 3, BOSTON 2
COLORADO 2, Minnesota 1 (OT)
VANCOUVER 5, Buffalo 2
VRBATA, CANUCKS SNAP FIVE-GAME LOSING SKID
Radim Vrbata (3-0—3) recorded his first hat trick as a member of the Canucks (106 GP) to help the Vancouver Canucks end their five-game winless streak (0-3-2).
* Vrbata’s three-goal outing was the sixth hat trick of his NHL career (898 GP) and his first since Oct. 3, 2013 vs. NYR w/ PHX (3-0—3).
* Daniel Sedin (0-2—2) and Henrik Sedin (1-0—1) rank first and second on the Canucks in points this season with 12-19—31 and 9-18—27, respectively (29 GP each).
* The Canucks are 8-1-1 in their past 10 home games vs. BUF dating to March 16, 2000 (BUF: 1-8-1), which includes three straight victories.
PREDATORS RALLY AGAINST BRUINS
The Nashville Predators overcame 1-0 and 2-1 deficits via two power-play goals by Roman Josi (2-0—2) and Viktor Arvidsson scored the go-ahead marker at 15:04 of the third period to end the Boston Bruins' point streak at eight games (6-0-2).
* With three power-play goals (27 GP), Josi equaled his single-season career high from 2014-15 (81 GP) and 2013-14 (72 GP).
* Nashville defensemen have combined for five power-play goals over the past two games. Per Elias, the Predators lead the NHL in goals (23) and power-play goals (12) from their defensemen this season.
MITCHELL LEADS AVALANCHE PAST WILD
After Zach Parise tied the contest with 6:09 remaining in the third period, John Mitchell scored his first career overtime goal at 3:35 of the extra frame and the Avalanche evaded a home-and-home sweep at the hands of the Wild.
* Tyson Barrie (1-1—2) factored on each of the Avalanche's goals and leads their defensemen in assists and points with 3-15—18 this season (25 GP).
* Matt Duchene (0-1—1) assisted on Mitchell's overtime-winner and has 13-10—23 since the beginning of November (18 GP) after posting 1-1—2 in the month of October (10 GP).
MILESTONES & BENCHMARKS
* Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (0-1—1) registered his 575th career point (214-361—575 in 766 GP) and tied Milt Schmidt (229-346—575 in 776 GP) for 11th on the Bruins' all-time points list.
* Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov (19 saves) appeared in his 225th career game with the team and tied Dan Bouchard for third on the all-time Avalanche/Nordiques games played list among goaltenders. The two goalies with more: Peter Budaj (242 GP) and Patrick Roy (478 GP).
* Vancouver forward Brandon Prust (1-1—2) scored his first goal as a member of the Canucks (18 GP).
LOOSE PUCKS
The Predators earned their first win at BOS since Nov. 28, 2003 (2-1 W), ending a five-game road losing streak (0-3-2). … Predators defenseman Shea Weber (0-2—2) has 3-2—5 in his past two games and 3-5—8 in his past four. Weber extended his point streak vs. BOS to seven games (3-6—9). ... Predators goaltender Carter Hutton (15 saves) is 3-1-0 this season (2.74 GAA, .907 SV%). ... Wild forward Zach Parise (1-0—1) has 11-15—26 in 24 career regular-season games vs. COL. ... Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller made 32 saves to earn his second career victory against his former team (2-1-0). ... Sabres forward Sam Reinhart (1-0—1) has four goals in his past five games (4-0—4). ... Sabres forward Jamie McGinn (0-1—1) extended his point streak to a career-high six games (2-5—7). ... Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly (0-1—1) extended his point streak to five games (2-4—6). ... Sweden, Finland and the United States released their selection camp rosters ahead of the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki, Finland. ... Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, Predators defenseman Shea Weber and New Jersey Devils left wing Mike Cammalleri were named the NHL's "Three Stars" for the week ending Dec. 6. ... ICYMI: The Canucks honored former players Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, and Brendan Morrison – who played on a line nicknamed the West Coast Express – prior to puck-drop at Rogers Arena.
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AHL NOTEBOOK: SIX TEAMS WITH COMPELLING STORYLINES (FROM NHL [http://bit.ly/1jMHc55]):
American Hockey League teams are nearly a third of the way through the regular season. As usual, preseason predictions have withered away in a league where lineups change daily, breakthrough seasons are the norm for still-developing prospects and the fortunes of NHL parent teams filter down to the AHL level.
Here are six teams with intriguing storylines that have emerged:
Albany Devils: The surprising Devils have used a six-game winning streak and an 8-1-1-0 record in their past 10 games to ascend to a second-place tie in the AHL with 33 points. The New Jersey Devils' AHL affiliate has reached the Calder Cup Playoffs twice since 2000, with each visit ending in a first-round loss. However, this Albany team could be the strongest edition of a New Jersey affiliate since the 1990s, when Albany helped to fuel three Stanley Cup championships for New Jersey.
Ontario Reign: In a league where a compact schedule means a stumble can rapidly snowball into a losing streak, the defending Calder Cup champion has managed to avoid any major slumps. Ontario was swept in a three-game weekend Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and then proceeded win seven of its next eight games. The AHL schedule also heavily emphasizes divisional play, and Ontario has gone 9-4-2-0 against the Pacific Division. The Reign's .737 winning percentage leads the Western Conference.
Portland Pirates: More could be expected from a team ranked seventh in the AHL with 3.05 goals per game. Forward Rob Schremp leads the Pirates with 16 points (eight goals, eight assists), but there is a balanced offensive mix that has powered coach Tom Rowe's team. However, the Pirates have not been able to keep the puck out of their own net, even though their 26.8 shots-against per game is fifth-best in the AHL. Veteran goaltender Mike McKenna has the starting job, but he has struggled with a .886 save percentage. In all, the Pirates' 19 points rank them last in the Atlantic Division.
Rockford forward Ryan Hartman has 10 goals in 21 games. (Photo: Todd Riecher/Rockford IceHogs)
Rockford IceHogs: Rockford has teamed winning with producing talent for the Chicago Blackhawks; the IceHogs lead the Western Conference with 33 points. A vital part in producing key parts of the Blackhawks' three Stanley Cup championships since 2010, the Chicago-Rockford pipeline has also helped to replenish the NHL roster after salary-cap needs have ravaged it. Stationed in the tough Central Division, the IceHogs have won six of their past seven games. Their goaltending is a blend of a proven AHL veteran in Michael Leighton and an interesting reclamation project in Mark Visentin, a first-round pick (No. 27, Arizona Coyotes) in the 2010 NHL Draft. Another first-round pick, forward Ryan Hartman, has 10 goals in 21 games. Defenseman Ville Pokka, a key piece in the Nick Leddy trade with the New York Islanders, could be in Chicago before long.
San Diego Gulls: A 2-7-0-1 slide has left the Gulls fourth in the Pacific Division and trying to fend off the San Jose Barracuda and Bakersfield Condors. Part of the skid can be explained by goaltender John Gibson's recall to the Anaheim Ducks, but Gibson has not been a dominant AHL goaltender this season, managing a .917 save percentage. Gibson's absence has left the No. 1 job to Matt Hackett, but he has a .892 save percentage and a 3.20 goals-against average. However, the Gulls have a blend of veterans (center Chris Mueller, plus defensemen Stu Bickel and Joe Piskula) with several top-notch rookies including defenseman Shea Theodore. Rookie Brandon Montour has emerged on the San Diego blue line and leads all AHL defenseman with 22 points (five goals, 17 assists).
Toronto Marlies: The Toronto Maple Leafs have stressed that their lengthy rebuilding project will involve the Marlies significantly. Management has also made it clear that a prospect will not be rushed to the NHL after one good weekend in the AHL, and the AHL will not simply be a quick stop in the development process for young prospects. A legitimate Calder Cup contender, the Marlies are proving that player development and winning can co-exist. Their 37 points lead the AHL, and they feature a lineup packed with heralded prospects and interesting projects, all of it young. At 19 years old, forward William Nylander leads the AHL in scoring with 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 22 games.
International duty: The AHL could have a few of its prominent young scorers in Finland later this month for the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. Toronto's Kasperi Kapanen and Mikko Rantanen of San Antonio could join the Finnish team. Kapanen has five goals and four assists in nine AHL games, and Rantanen has 19 points in 15 games (six goals, 13 assists) with the Rampage. Nylander and Ontario's Adrian Kempe were invited to Sweden's training camp, and Lake Erie's Sonny Milano will take part in the United States' evaluation camp.
Forward Jakub Vrana of the Hershey Bears would have been a likely candidate to represent the Czech Republic, but he has been limited to three games because of a wrist injury that will keep him out until the second half of the season.
Changes in net: The goaltending picture for the Stockton Heat continues to change. Rookie Jon Gillies will have hip surgery Wednesday in Nashville and miss the rest of the season. The surgery is expect to keep him out of action for 4-6 months.
The 21-year-old, who is 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, started his first pro season with Stockton after three seasons with Providence College of Hockey East. A third-round pick (No. 75, Calgary Flames) in the 2012 NHL Draft, Gillies played seven games with the Heat, going 2-3-1. He has a 2.31 GAA and a .920 save percentage.
Last in the Pacific Division, the Heat have already used six goaltenders, including Joni Ortio and Karri Ramo. Calgary acquired Kevin Poulin from the Tampa Bay Lightning after Gillies was sidelined, but he has not played for Stockton since Nov. 21 because of an injury.
For now, Stockton will be going with Ortio and Kent Simpson. Ortio has a 3.75 GAA and a .860 save percentage in four games. Simpson's five games rank him second among Stockton goaltenders, but he has a 1-4-0-1 record to go with his 3.63 GAA and .857 save percentage.
AHL Game of the Week: Albany continues to surprise while the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have hit their first rough patch. The Penguins lost each of their three games last weekend. With games against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Syracuse Crunch this week before Albany visits Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on Saturday, the schedule will not ease up at all on the Penguins. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won the first game of season series 5-3 on Nov. 21 at Albany.
Around the AHL: Texas Stars rookie Devin Shore holds the AHL lead in goals with 15…Ontario Reign goaltender Peter Budaj's 1.56 GAA leads the AHL, and he is in a three-way tie for a league-best .938 save percentage. After going 0-9-6-0 last season with the St. John's IceCaps, Budaj's 12 wins rank third in the league…The Lake Erie Monsters signed veteran center Manny Malhotra. The 35-year-old, who played eight games with the Charlotte Checkers in 2013-14, has an assist in his first three games with the Monsters… Lake Erie also signed defenseman Jan Hejda to an AHL tryout contract Monday. Hejda, 37, has 25 goals, 135 points and 317 penalty minutes in 627 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche… Toronto goaltender Jonathan Bernier has two shutouts in two games. He is with the Marlies on a conditioning assignment from the Maple Leafs and is expected to play two more games this weekend before his assignment ends… Albany will have goaltender Scott Wedgewood back in the lineup after he sustained an ankle injury that sidelined him for nearly two months…Four more AHL players played their first NHL game last week, taking the season total to 56 players.
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PASCAL DUPUIS'S HOCKEY CAREER IS OVER BECAUSE OF BLOOD CLOTS:
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis will no longer play hockey because of a medical condition related to blood clots, Dupuis and the team announced today.
Dupuis, 36, had played 18 games this season while taking blood thinners but experienced several recent medical incidents possibly related to his condition. He had to be removed from several games – most recently on December 1 at San Jose – and each time had to undergo a series of tests.
"Despite playing on a medical protocol that has worked for other players in the NHL, we feel that the risk of Pascal playing with his condition and the side effects of the tests to monitor him are just not in the best interest of his long-term health," said Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins' team physician.