Michael Frolik took a massive hit from Jordin Tootoo, that may have been shoulder to chin. I stuck the clip at the end.

Anders Lindback earned his first career shutout, and he’ll still be posting the big numbers for another two weeks or so, as Rinne recovers.

Evgeni Malkin is targeting Tuesday for his return from a knee injury.

He only played 10 minutes and didn’t have the greatest of linemates in his season debut, but Dustin Jeffrey did what he’s been doing for the last year or so – exceeded expectations. The former junior star potted two points and earned a bit of PP time. This kind of performance will ensure he is on the roster next season. As for this year, with Malkin and Staal coming back at some point, it’s hard to see him sticking. Great sign though. He was also a plus-2.

Alex Goligoski was a plus-4 and is plus-9 in his last four games (three points).

Make it 18 games in a row for Sid the Kid.

It’s hard to find a flaw in his game or numbers, but I’ll do my best. After an 8-0-0 start, Tim Thomas is “only” 6-2-3…and instead of his 1.51 season GAA, it’s been closer to 1.90 in those last 11 games. Terrible, just terrible.

You know the league is going to the whiners when players complain about a shootout goal like Omark’s. I never lost respect for Dan Ellis when he complained about money headaches a couple of months ago, as I knew his words were taken out of context. But I lost respect for him when he complained about Omark and said that “that’s just the kind of person he is.” Person? He knows Omark personally? And his personality was reflected in his psyche-out shootout goal? Keep whining about these fancy plays boys, and do what you can to suck some more fun and entertainment. Hey, maybe they can make a rule – no more spinny moves in shootouts.

Despite 21 minutes of ice time, Tomas Fleischmann was held without a point against his former club. He has four points in five games with the Avs.

Michal Neuvirth is 0-2-2 in his last four starts. Then again, Varlamov has lost his last two starts, so the No.1 job is up for grabs, as it will be on several occasions this year.

Michael Leighton is 1-3-0 in four AHL starts, but he has only allowed two goals in each of his last two starts. So his game seems to be coming around. He’ll remain in the AHL for another week or so. Then three-headed monster rises up in Philadelphia.

With Milan Hejduk out of the lineup, Kevin Porter picked up the slack. He saw 16 minutes of ice time and three on the PP, tallying an assist. He may be one to watch if Hejduk is out long.

After notching two points in the first game after his recall, Mathieu Perreault is pointless in his last two.

The Habs recalled David Desharnais yesterday but didn’t use him. After being held to just one goal, I wonder if they should have…

Mats Zuccarello has 18 points in his last 16 AHL contests.

Josh Bailey has 11 points in seven AHL games.

Nikita Filatov was pointless in his season debut in the AHL last night.

Steve Mason had a solid outing stopping 32 of 33. And as the CBJ Golden Boy, that probably entitles him to another start right away – and even an average game next time will see him start again after that.

Matt Cullen missed the MIN contest with a groin injury. This sounds like it will dog him for a few weeks, I would steer clear.

Richard Bachman stopped all four shots that he faced in his first NHL action. Andrew Raycroft was given the hook after allowing five goals. Raycroft has had a decent year, but he’s given Bachman a foot inside the door – a repeat result could give Bachman a start. I’ve always been a big Bachman fan.

Oscar Moller was a minus-1 and played 10 minutes in his return to the NHL last night.

Interesting healthy scratches: Bergfors and Eager for Atlanta. Modin got back into the lineup…but played just nine minutes

What is with Ryane Clowe? Man that guy gets on hot streaks. That’s his fourth straight two-point game and fifth in his last six games. Ten points in six games, if you do the math.

Clowe’s second point was the game winning goal, ending Corey Crawford’s consecutive win streak at seven games. It was an OT loss, but that’s still enough to give Turco back a foothold. I still think CC will take the job in the end.

With three points last night, Rob Schremp has seven in his last six. He’s worth a flyer.

Marc Savard, one point in five games. He’s still playing on a depth line… hang in there, it may be a couple of weeks yet before he gets his rhythm.

Thanks to Copper and Blue for digging this up (Martin St.Louis said the Omark goal was a slap in the face):

More respectful than this shot?

Here is the devestating hit on Frolik. Frolik was okay, and returned to action. Interesting that the announcer called him “Bobby” Frolik…