Some of my work posted elsewhere – The Fourth Period Expert Panel has some thoughts of mine, and on THN.com my Fantasy Mailbag is up. 

Just when MA Fleury was starting to get his act together, he is out 6-8 weeks with a high ankle sprain.. Look for him to return at the end of January, start of February. Now I think the Pens will shop for a goalie. Meanwhile, Sabourin is your best bet…or if you're feeling lucky, take a flyer on Conklin as he will have every opportunity to steal the job. 

Brad Richards played over 30 minutes last night and scored the shootout winner. His knee is probably okay.

Joffrey Lupul had a six point night and RJ Umberger had five in yesterday's game. I think Lupul will be a 40-goal, 85-point guy some day. Umberger's upside is a little more capped – say 65 points.

Sheldon Souray returned to the Edmonton lineup and scored a goal.

The Penguins racked up 81 minutes in pentalties in the third period alone in the 8-2 loss to Philly. The rivalry is heating up and the next time they play is January 24. Circle that date if you want pick up some easy PIMs.

Robert Nilsson's third period assist extends his point streak to seven games. While it does happen occasionally, it is not often that a player has points in seven straight games and become NHL busts. Even Dmitri Kvartalnov gave fantasy owners one good season! So this is a positive sign for Nilsson owners.

Michael Nylander practiced with the team yesterday and is expected to be back in the lineup on the weekend. The Caps still refuse to say what the problem was.

Chris Clark took a step back in his recovery from his groin problem. He will be out for at least another week, likely longer.

Ladislav Nagy (hip pointer) will not play in the game against Chicago and probably not tomorrow either.

Alexander Frolov will probably return to the LA lineup tonight.

Jason Labarbera will miss the next two games at the very least, so Aubin and Quick will take turns with the two starts.

Maxime Talbot's injury is to his knee and he will have an MRI on it today to determine the extent.

Roberto Luongo is looking at missing at least another week with his rib injury. I grabbed Curtis Sanford in the expert league, as I am dying for goaltending help and even three games will help.

Brendan Morrison's wrist, as mentioned yesterday, will probably cause him to miss his first game in 543.

Patrick Eaves is back skating and is hoping to return before Christmas.

Ray Emery will get his fourth consecutive start tonight. Gerber will start tomorrow. I received criticism a couple of weeks ago for my bold statement that neither goalie will have 30 wins this year. Some guys were shocked that I could think Gerber wouldn't make it when he's playing so well and already had 13 wins. Well, his last win was November 19. Still doubt me?

Joe Sakic is hoping to resume skating again today. Tonight will be the sixth game missed due to a groin injury.

Jose Theodore will get his third straight start tonight.

Sean Avery is shooting to return Sunday, but later next week is a more likely scenario (wrist surgery).

Ruslan Fedotenko injured his shoulder last week and now the Islanders are trying Jeff Tambellini on a line with Comrie and Guerin. Ted Nolan has a short fuse with Tambellini, so this may not last but keep an eye on it.

Bryan Smolinski will be on the shelf for six weeks with a sprained knee.

Andrew Ladd's demotion to the AHL was just a conditioning stint and he will be back up in a week.

Ryan Miller suffered a minor ankle sprain Monday and will likely not start tonight.

The Sabres have scratched Danny Paille for two straight games.

Doug Weight has five points in his last three games, including three points last night.

St.Louis sent Steven Wagner down to Peoria yesterday.

The Bruins are lucky to have Auld and to have him playing so well. Tim Thomas is still out with a groin injury and has been placed on IR. Manny Fernandez may need to have a second surgery on his injured knee.

Vladimir Sobotka is hoping to return to the lineup tonight. Marco Sturm will also likely be playing.

Mark Recchi is now practicing with Slava Kozlov and Eric Perrin now, after the news I gave you about Little and Haydar yesterday. Perrin is very excited to be a centerman again.

Line combos in Chicago – Lang with Byfuglien and Havlat, Toews with Sharp and Kane.