Angus here with some early afternoon updates.

Martin Brodeur recorded his 100th career shutout (and second since returning from injury) today against the Flyers. Anyone still questioning his value to New Jersey? On that note, the Devils are quickly looking like they are the team to beat coming out of the East.

Sidney Crosby missed his third consecutive game today against Dallas thanks to a sore groin. The Pens are in the thick of a playoff chase, so you know he would be playing if it wasn't semi-serious.

Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that Guerin is NOT going to Washington. Check it out here.

The Predators are interested in Alexei Ponikarovsky from Toronto. No word on what they would be willing to give up, it would take a second round pick as a starting point.

I almost fell off my chair when I returned home last night and checked the summaries. Preds 8-0 over Detroit? And Conklin was in net to start? And the Sullivan, Arnott and Dumont line got zero points in the first five goals? Despite being outshot, Pekka Rinne got the shutout and if he gets his team into the playoffs should warrant every bit of Calder consideration that Steve Mason has.
Rinne: 20-10-1, 6 SO, 2.15, 0.926
Mason: 24-14-3, 8 SO, 2.14, 0.920
I know you disagree with me, but check in again in four weeks – I'm betting these numbers tilt even further in Rinne's favor. I've won leagues playing hunches like these.

Underrated Preds prospect Cal O'Reilly finally got into his first career NHL game last night and picked up his first career NHL point. He is ranked 84th on my prospects list and has the upside of a second-line center. The team is looking for a top-six forward and I believe he deserves a longer look. He played just 10:30 last night though, replacing Martin Erat (groin – day to day)

Hossa is hoping to play Tuesday. He has missed two games with a neck injury.

Kaberle played 20 minutes in his return and picked up an assist yesterday.

The Flyers finally activated Briere off of IR and he should be starting today.

Briere's activation means that Giroux is off to the minors.

Playoff look, for those too lazy to check the standings every day:

EAST:
6. NYR 72 (18 GR)
7. FLA 70 (20)
8. BUF 69 (19)
9. CAR 69 (18)
10. PIT 68 (19)

WEST:
6. CBJ 68 (20)
7. EDM 67 (20)
8. ANA 67 (18)
9. NSH 66 (19)
10. MIN 65 (21)
11. DAL 65 (21)

Bill Guerin did not play yesterday because he is reportedly on the cusp of being traded. We should know by late this afternoon.

Buy tickets to the Marlies game (next Saturday against the Hershey Bears) by MARCH 4 and I will give you a FREE playoff draft list. So not only are you saving $15 on each ticket, and getting more than a 10% chance of upgrading FREE to a luxury suite with me, and a draw for FREE Leaf tickets, but I am giving you a complimentary playoff draft list. That's a $9 value, so you are practically getting these center ice tickets for $16!!!!  I want all these sold by March 4, so I'm pulling all the stops. MORE DETAILS HERE , or simply BUY NOW . Need to buy more than two tickets? EMAIL ME for special invoicing.

I would also like to take this time to thank the "Hite Prime Fantasy Hockey League" for donating a chunk of tickets and refreshments to the Children's Aid Society. The Marlies are kicking in free bobbleheads for them as well. They don't want me to mention the braintrust behind this, but I'm going to mention their forum names anyway – Shoeless and Smack1919. Always a great bunch of guys in the DobberHockey community and this is just further proof.