Trevor Linden and Mason Raymond were healthy scratches in favor of Byron Ritchie and Brad Isbister last night. It looks as if the four of them will all take turns this season.

Brandon Bochenski was a healthy scratch last night.

The B's wanted offense, and got it in a big way against the Kings in a 8-6 win. Phil Kessel had a hat trick and four points, Marc Savard had a five-point night, and David Krejci had two assists. Krejci played just 14 minutes, but the B's have to love what they are seeing from this kid.

Manny Fernandez allowed six goals on 31 shots. He got the win, but he's not exactly seizing that starting goaltender's job. Thomas has been the better guy by far this season.

Ladislav Nagy had two assists and played just under 15 minutes.

Jonathan Bernier allowed seven goals on just 30 shots. It's games like this that encourage management to send a young goalie back to the AHL to get his confidence back.

Alex Auld will get the start for the Coyote's today.

Peter Mueller will be a healthy scratch today.

Ronald Petrovicky signed with Modo in the SEL yesterday. In case you were wondering where he is.

Jason King was sent down to Portland.

Mathieu Schneider is still a good week or two away from returning from his broken ankle.

Steve Sullivan update: the MRI on his back showed excellent progress in his recovery. He is on target to return in mid-December and when he does, I am confident that we will see the old Sully back.

St.Louis rearguard injury update: EJ (hairline fracture in his foot) will not play this weekend, but is hoping to return next week. Jay McKee (broken foot) is skating, but is still a week to 10 days away. Eric Brewer (shoulder) is targeting a Wednesday return.

In a surprising turn of events, the much-hyped Robert Nilsson has been sent to the minors. Rob Schremp and Zack Stortini have been recalled from the minors. I can see all of these moves as just a short term thing. Nilsson will be back in two weeks max. Schremp had five points in four AHL games.

Watch out for Niklas Hagman. He has five goals and six points this season. He is a 35-point player…but something is happening here. He is 27 years old (his prime) and in his sixth season – a little late for a breakout, but I think there is something to this. He is worth a temporary pickup…just to see how long he keeps going. Hang onto him until he goes three games without a point. His upside is 55 points.

Jordan Leopold missed last night's game with a hip injury.

Freddie Modin is questionable for today's contest against the Avs. He has a groin injury. Jared Boll will not play today because of a shoulder injury. Jodey Shelley will likely draw in as a result.

Patrick Lalime will likely start for the 'Hawks today.

Jose Theodore made his season debut last night and allowed four goals on just 23 shots. Not the greatest night. Don't be taking him off your bench just yet.

Sergei Samsonov played just 9:39 last night. With one point in four games, I'd be pretty worried about him. The coach may already be giving up on him.

Jeff Tambellini was sent to the AHL.

For deep keeper league owners: Columbus prospect Kirill Starkov has been reassigned to the ECHL. Ouch.

Devin Setoguchi's ankle injury is healed and he has been sent to the AHL.

Toronto rearguard Anton Stralman has been sent to the Marlies of the AHL.

Tomas Fleischmann played 13 minutes, but is still not picking up any power play time. Until that changes, keep him on the bench.
 

If you haven't selected a site to run your fantasy hockey pool yet, take a look at this:

I don't know know why the site was down this morning, but I apologize. 

Georges Laraque is suffering from a groin injury and will likely miss tonight's contest against the Leafs.

Marcel Hossa played 21 minutes last night. How does one go from being a healthy scratch to playing 21 minutes? Hossa picked up a point in his second straight game.

Marian Hossa is targetting Tuesday as a possible return, but only if his groin feels good in practice this weekend.

The shift charts are still not back on NHL.com. Let's keep the emails rolling! I can give you a lot more information in my daily ramblings if the shift charts were back – and you can find out a lot of info yourself.  Visit this page and then click "contact us" at the bottom. Tell them that you need the shift charts back and why. Already, dozens of readers have done this, but we need all the help we can get. LINK

Bought the Pool Guide? Here is a one-page supplemental sheet to give you the update (updated to October 7, 2007).