Hilarious – Satan scored yesterday. It was career point number 666. 

Martin Erat missed yesterday's game with a 'virus'.

It looks like Dustin Brown will return to the lineup next game. He's that close.

Drew Stafford suffered an upper body injury and left last night's game. 

Penguins left winger Ryan Malone, who has missed the past three games because of an infected cut on his leg, skated alone before practice. There was no update on his status.

Ty Conklin will get the start today for the Pens, and Tim Thomas for the Bruins.

Mike Cammalleri left last night's contest in the first period with a rib injury. He shrugs it off as minor, so I don't see an extended absence.

It turns out that Aaron Sorochan, who signed a quick amateur contract with the Oilers to be their emergency backup Friday, got paid $0 for his seat on the bench. I really hope Dwayne Roloson peeled off a thousand dollar bill from one of his money clips and gave it to the guy. I mean – come on!

Henrik Zetterberg missed yesterday's contest with a back injury and Dan Cleary and Filpulla played on the top line in place of he and Holmstrom (knee). He missed 19 games last season because of an inflamed disc and is not sure if it is the same problem. He hopes to return on Wednesday.

Mike Peca is back in the Columbus lineup today.

Jared Boll is questionable with a stiff back.

Fredrik Norrena, the hot hand, will make his second consecutive start today. 

Peter Budaj will start for the sixth straight time today.

Ryan Smyth is hoping to return Thursday from his stiff neck. 

Martin Havlat left the game yesterday. Now there's a sentence you've never heard before. Oh wait a minute wait a minute – yes you have! The Band-Aid Boy Vice President (knee operations) left due to a groin injury. He says he is "going to need some time, for sure"

Samsonov, Koci and Perreault were all scratched yesterday. I told you it would happen with Koci once they signed Eager.

Eager, meanwhile, played just 3:56 yesterday, so it may be wise to hold off on activating him until you see how it plays out.

Dustin Byfuglien has 12 points in his last 11 games. I'm still riding him, and hopefully you are too. For as long as it lasts. 

Mike Commodore missed last night's contest with a bruised foot.

The loss of Williams so far has meant that Scott Walker plays over 20 minutes and sees time on the second power play. He is worth a look guys. 

Calgary teammates are very impressed with the play of youngster Dustin Boyd. His speed, ability to play any forward position, and hustle is keeping the 21-year-old in the lineup, while veteran Markus Nilson keeps getting scratched. He is currently play with – and clicking with – Alex Tanguay. Despite just 11 minutes of ice time, he has four points in 13 games. He had 60 points in 66 AHL games last year and looks like a sure thing to be a second line forward that scores 25 to 30 goals and 65 to 70 points in a couple of years.

Give Afinogenov seven points in his last six games now.

Don't look now but… Jason Pominville (?) is leading the Sabres in scoring with 30 points. I still say he fails to reach 70 points, but my respect for him has certainly risen. 

Corey Perry scored his 19th of the season and is on pace for 41 goals and 63 points. The best is still yet to come for the 22-year-old.

The recent reuniting of Kozlov and Hossa has also paid some dividends for Eric Perrin. He has four points in his last three games and is on pace for 49 points this season. I think he'll crack the 50 mark, myself.

Hopefully some of you snapped up Kozlov when I suggested it a few days ago.

Aaron Ward missed yesterday's game with a broken foot suffered in practice Friday. Chuck Kobasew's shot caught him on the instep. Matt Lashoff was in the lineup as a result, but really what it meant was that Chara played 33 minutes and Wideman played 32. The two vets were a combined minus-6.

I have been writing the Daily Slate every day lately… which means late nights. Throw in Christmas gatherings (i.e. beer) and it has been tough to get out of bed for the Ramblings in the morning. Hope that explains the lateness the last couple of days. After January 3rd, I stop covering off holidays and I'll be back to the regular routine.