Keith Yandle is on pace for close to 40 points this season for the Coyotes. He has upside to be a consistent 55-60 point defenseman every season (yep, you read that right). Yandle is a huge reason why Phoenix is currently holding down a playoff spot comfortably. In Yandle’s last (or only, whichever you prefer) season of junior, he scored 25 goals and added 59 assists in 66 games for Moncton.

These early morning games are killing me in my pools – another Saturday where I forget to set my lineups!

Erik Christensen should be at least a 50 or 60 point player. His effort level on a game-to-game basis is probably the culprit, but he is blessed with elite speed and one of the best shots in the entire league. His highlight reel goal against the Devils the other night definintely showed off both his speed and hands. I’m not advocating picking him up in a keeper, but just thinking aloud.

Will Guilliame Latendresse hit 30 goals?

Michael Del Zotto has five points in his last 10 games. After a blazing start to the season, he went through a prolonged slump, as one would expect with nearly any 19 year-old defenseman playing in the NHL.

Thomas Vanek scored twice last night and now has five goals in his past seven games.

Raffi Torres was pointless last night, but he did see over three minutes on the power play.

Tyler Myers has to be the Calder winner this season. Even with all of the good things both Matt Duchene and Jimmy Howard have done, Myers is playing heavy minutes on the blueline of a playoff contender. Who would you give the Calder to?

Jonathan Bernier won his  season debut last night for the Kings. He stopped 29 shots and another six during the shootout. He showed why he is such a promising prospect – great size, great anticipation, and great awareness between the pipes. With Jonathan Quick as the starter, it will be very interesting to see what the Kings do with Bernier.

Ilya Kovalchuk had three points last night. He also had seven shots on goal. His numbers with the Devils have been underwhelming to date, but perhaps last night's performance is a step in the right direction.

Steven Stamkos saw his 18 game point streak end, as the Lightning defeated Washington. It was the Capitals first home loss in regulation since December 28^th.

Josh Harding was stellar in his second straight start for the Wild last night, stopping 43 of 45 shots in a 3-2 win. Backstrom is day-to-day with a minor groin injury.

I am very disappointed that Matt Cooke wasn’t suspended, and many Bruin players agree. Even Bill Guerin, Cooke’s own teammate, thought that his hit was worthy of a suspension.

Vaclav Prospal had three points for the Rangers as they defeated Chris Chelios (!) and the Thrashers.

More ramblings on the way this morning. Don’t forget to set your lineups with all of the early action today in the NHL!

Very cool video here – shows all of the reactions from the various broadcasts around the world when Sidney Crosby scored: