Here it is – the official DobberHockey Olympic Pool! To sign up, simply click on the link here. Click on “Join this Pool” and then proceed to make a team name and fill out the other information. You can then pick your players. You are able to change your picks from now until the beginning of the games, so don’t stress over them too much right now!

From Tarik El Bashir’s twitter: Ovechkin on the “rumors” that he is mad about making escrow payments and will leave to the KHL, “AO report suggesting he’s considering the KHL because of the escrow : “Yeah, I’m leaving today. I have a private plane.”

David Krejci’s injury – all I could dig up was that it is a lower body injury, and he sustained it during the Ducks game. I’ll try and find more.

The Benoit Pouliot-for-Guilliame Latendresse trade is looking like a win-win right now. Latendresse is clicking on the Wild’s most potent like with Kyle Brodziak and Martin Havlat, and Pouliot has five goals in 10 games with the Habs so far.

And of course if you haven’t done so already – buy the Midseason Guide and support the site!

Crazynuck’s Looking Ahead article will be posted this afternoon.

It was a night of donuts in the NHL, with numerous shutouts posted.

The Rangers, for the second time this week, were shut out by Brodeur. However, it was Mike, not Marty, who blanked them most recently. With Leclaire injured and Elliott battling the flu, the Sens recalled Brodeur from the AHL and he had a solid game obviously, stopping all 32 shots he faced.

Ales Kotalik played under 10 minutes last night. Can you say doghouse?

The Leafs played a very solid game last night. Vesa Toskala had a 38 save shutout (yes, that is not a typo, Toskala actually stopped all 38 shots). Tyler Bozak, keeping his PPG pace at the NHL level alive, had an absolute beauty goal – the first of his NHL career, in fact.

I really like this Jay Rosehill the Leafs have. Obviously limited skills, but he is young, big, tough, and a decent skater. Not much fantasy upside but could develop into a solid fighter who can play a regular shift.

Blair Betts, the checking center for the Flyers, was a brutal –4 in only 13 minutes of ice time.

I tweeted this a few days ago – Nikolai Kulemin has more skill than I think he realizes. He also is deceptively strong. Look for a breakout next season.

Nick Lidstrom scored his first goal in over 40 games last night.

Henrik Zetterberg scored as well, his first in four games since returning from injury.

In his last nine games, Filppula has six points. He had two last night.

Steve Downie was at his best last night – scored a goal, and earned four PIM the hard way. After a clean hit on Weiss, he was jumped and tripped a bit from behind. Downie then proceeded to snap and pound away on Weiss. I really like Downie's upside in keeper leagues – as The Comish put it, he is like Avery on steroids (a reference to his skill, not his muscular build).

Georges Laraque scored his first goal in almost two years last night. Usually I hate when non scorers celebrate like it is the Cup Final, but Georges has some family in Haiti and this obviously meant a lot to him. The Habs beat the reeling Stars 5-3.

Mike Cammalleri scored an interesting goal – reminded me of the spin move that you could use to score in NHL 09. A video of the goal has been posted below.

Brian Gionta had two goals in his 500^th NHL game – I thought he had been around much longer then that. I guess he didn't break into the league until he was 23 or 24, but still surprised me.

Chicago managed to cram nearly 22,000 into the United Center last night. What a turnaround! As Rick Nash put it, the Blackhawks are playing exactly how the Red Wings used to play – skill and puck possession on every line.

Duncan Keith is amazing. Scored his 10^th of the season, played over 25 minutes, including over three on the PK. Norris is his unless he really struggles down the stretch.

Edmonton is finding new and creative ways to lose every game. They were up 2-zip on the Penguins through 40 minutes last night, only to surrender three straight in the final frame. Jordan Staal had three primary assists – games like this make me wonder what kind of offensive numbers he would put up on a team where he was the first or second line center.

Crosby’s latest potential bride to be – must see!

Jonas Hiller laid an egg last night after a string of great games. He allowed three goals on only 13 shots before getting the hook.

Bobby Ryan absolutely DESTROYED Oscar Moller with a hit near the end of the game. I want to get a video but couldn't find one. I'll look again tomorrow (well today – I usually write the ramblings late at night on the West Coast). For his late game troubles, Ryan earned 17 PIM. Corey Perry got 15 for a nice slash and misconduct a bit earlier in the final frame.

The Bruins scored their usual one goal, but actually won the game. Tim Thomas was brilliant, stopping 40 of 41 shots. Play him more! I don't care if Rask is a blue chip prospect – the name of the game is winning now and Thomas gives the Bruins the best chance at doing that.

Dobber’s Puck Daddy article from yesterday. Check it out here.

With Ribeiro out, Toby Petersen saw increased ice last night. He scored a goal and played close to 15 minutes (similar to Tom Wandell and Mike Modano). Seems like Dallas will roll with a balanced approach after Brad Richards.

Last night in Calgary, a girl had a wedding dress to go along with the usual "Sidney will you marry me?" sign. Last night, it was topped. Check out the evidence here.

Bozak walks OKT and snipes a beauty!

Mike Cammalleri doing his best NHL 09 impression (how does Turco not stop this one…)

One of the biggest charges you will ever see. Sabres prospect Zack Kassian is the culprit:

As always, feel free to comment on any mistakes or omissions in the daily ramblings. I am unable to watch every single game so there definitely is some good stuff I miss. Even the TSN highlights sometimes miss things! I do strive to be as funny as Jay Onrait, but I am fighting an uphill battle.