Breaking news: Phil Kessel (mono) has been cleared to play and he will be in the lineup. Marc Savard had today off from practice, so it's tough to tell who Kessel will play with. He practiced with Bergeron and Lucic though.

As a result of Dan Boyle's injury suffered at the All-Star game (tweaked something in his upper body), Ehrhoff saw over 22 minutes of ice time and picked up an assist. If you're desperate, he is worth a pick up for a few days until Boyle returns. Ehrhoff had a great start to this season, but hit a wall about 15 games in.

In Claude Lemieux's second game of the season, he played 9:30. Just an FYI for those interested.

In his second game back from a concussion, Robert Nilsson was one of three Oilers to not post a minus plus/minus rating. He also was in on both Edmonton goals. A positive sign for the streaky Nilsson.

Sam Gagner will miss about 3-4 games with his ankle injury. At least.

It is likely that Sid the Kid will be in the lineup tonight against the Rangers. 

Patrice Bergeron played 17:38 in his return to the lineup, picking up an assist. He played with Krejci and Wheeler.

With Andrew Ference now back, Matt Hunwick's ice time was down to 6:56. Time to cut him loose, if you haven't already (and you should have)

Huselius looked no worse for wear in his return last night, picking up where he left off (that is – his hot streak) by posting another point. He played nearly 24 minutes, so all seems well now with him and his wrist.

Jason Chimera was also back in the lineup.

Henrik Zetterberg left last night's contest with back spasms.

Nick Lidstrom is considering elbow surgery, to be done after the season.

I have received several requests over the months to bring back the "winner/loser" part of the rankings. I have been thinking about it for quite some time and I'll try it for the February rankings and see how much time it adds and how difficult the formatting will be.

Further to Angus' point below, the NHL influenced the playoff race in the CBJ-DET game. Although, Lidstrom and Datsyuk could have gone to the All-Star game, skated a few circles and then been eligible to play. I hope, as long as there is an All-Star Game (which I am against, during the season – after the season okay), the NHL should keep this rule. However, "just showing up" like Crosby did should not get the player out of the one-game suspension.

ANGUS UNLEASHED

Henrik Zetterberg's extension is all but done. Detroit has called a press conference for tomorrow. The contract is for a whopping 12 years and checks in at $72 million. Good cap hit, but 12 years is an awfully long time. Hell, 10 years ago Yashin, Lindros, and and Fleury were among the league leaders in points, and Pavol Demitra played all 82 games! The Red Wings added the two extra years to drop his cap hit down to $6 million per which allows them to fit in more salary (i.e. Hossa and/or Franzen).

Buffalo absolutely tuned the Oilers tonight, 10-2. Multiple multiple point games. Just when the Oilers were looking so good…

Pavol Demitra is out for today's game against Nashville with a nagging groin strain. Expect him back on Saturday against Minnesota.

Claude Giroux scored his first career NHL goal Tuesday night. Expect him to stick with the Flyers down the stretch. Giroux has a huge offensive upside.

Rick Nash had a hat-trick Tuesday night in a 3-2 win over the Red Wings. I guess he can give a big thanks to Bettman and the NHL for that one.

Speaking of hat-tricks, Stafford had one in the romp in Edmonton last night.

Patrice Bergeron had a very nice assist in his return from a concussion. He skated on the wing with David Krejci and Blake Wheeler, while the top line was Marc Savard centering Milan Lucic and Chuck Kobasew.

The hockey world stood on edge as Alex Ovechkin looked to have seriously injured his shoulder after being tripped up by Zdeno Chara, but he returned for the third period looking no worse for wear.