Ever wonder how my rankings looked long ago? Well I posted my rankings from Dec of 2002 here…  

Ryan Whitney slips down to ninth in the updated Fantasy Defensemen rankings.

The rankings are up early, to make things easier for me next week. Between New Year's Eve, and the Midseason Pool Guide coming out on January 5, I'll be quite busy. Some quick observations: Jagr falls out of the Top 20 for the first time in the seven years that I have been doing this. For the first time in close to a year, Malkin falls out of the Top 3. You just can't deny Lecavalier any longer! Welcome Paul Stastny to the DobberHockey Top 20. Soon, we will welcome Zach Parise there too. The two Mikes – Ribeiro and Richards – slip into The top 35. Antropov finally enters the Top 100. Welcome Torrey Mitchell to the list at No.230 and Teddie Purcell at No.287. 

Notch is late with his weekly picks and/or they were lost in the email. But if you want to see what others are saying about today's NHL winners, check it out here…  

Zetterberg's back will keep him out of today's game, but he hopes to play Monday. Consider him day to day. 

Holmstrom had further tests on the bone bruise in his right knee and will be out a minimum of two more weeks.

What happened to this guy? The 'Hawks have placed Sergei Samsonov on waivers. 

Joe Corvo will be back in the lineup for the Sens after missing three with a groin injury. 

Steve Sullivan was finally skating yesterday. He has taken his physical therapy to the ice now to see how his back reacts. He could be anywhere from five weeks to five months.

Mikko Koivu skated yesterday as well. He is not yet ready, but is a week or two away.

Shanahan is playing through a slight hamstring pull. If he leaves today's game for an unknown reason, now you will know why.

Rick DiPietro's knee has no structural damage, so he won't be out long. However, he is doubtful for tonight's contest against the Devils.

Karel Rachunek's ankle or knee injury will keep him off the ice until Monday and out of the lineup until beyond that. No return date is targeted yet for the Devils' rearguard.

Mattias Ohlund's headache/ sore neck will keep him on the shelf for the next two games or more.

Brett Hedican injured his right knee last night and left the game. It is possible that he will miss several weeks with the injury, but definitely will be gone for a week. More will be known later.

TJ Hensick has been sent down to Lake Erie of the AHL. With Smyth and Richardson back, the Avs wanted to give Hensick more ice time. He'll be the first recall next injury.

The Flyers recalled Stefan Ruzicka from the Phantoms

Andy McDonald missed last night's contest with a pulled muscle in his chest. He had the problem for a while, and the team decided to give him the night off. David Perron was promoted to the top line, but the team was shut out.

Hannu Toivonen will get the start today for the Blues.

Chris Osgood will get the start for Detroit today.

Mike Cammalleri is doubtful today due to his rib injury.

Ales Hemsky will miss today's contest with his swollen knee.

Ethan Moreau will play for the first time in over a year today.

Rick Nash will be back in the lineup today.

The Sabres recalled Clarke MacArthur yesterday to replace Drew Stafford.