Goldie Says: I wrote a doozy on Steve Mason’s struggles and how he can improve. Time to get him a sports psychologist coach. My eyes are also locked onto Mike Smith – his shootout win over ATL plus Nabby rumors could push him to perform very well over the next week. 

Jeremy Morin was sent back down by Chicago, but expect him back up today and to be in the lineup tonight. The life of a salary cap casualty…

A great buy-low candidate for keeper leagues – Florida defenseman Dmitri Kulikov. He has only one goal and six points so far this season, and was recently a healthy scratch.

Marc Savard had two points last night, including his first goal of the season. Look for him to get on track production-wise. I wouldn’t expect point-a-game production from him (too much depth), but he may not be far off.

Andy McDonald is on the IR officially with a concussion. More ice time for Sobotka, as he now is seeing a regular shift in the top six, as well as some PP time.

Chris Pronger will be out for up to six weeks with a foot injury. This opens up PP time for Coburn/Meszaros.

Kristian Huselius had a hat trick for the Jackets – this seems to be the year of the trick so far.

Rick Nash is on pace for 45 goals and 69 points – about where I’d expect him to end up.

Eberle has goal in three straight games.

Ryan Whitney is on pace for the reverse Cy Young – he currently has zero goals and 24 assists.

Both Hossa/Kane skated for Chicago this morning, but neither will play tonight.

More on Steve Mason – since the beginning of 2009-10, he has been pulled more than any other goalie in the league (12 times).

Mikhail Grabovski is quietly having a very solid season. He isn’t a prototypical Burke player, but he is performing very well in the role given to him.

Omark, Paajarvi, Hall, and Eberle combined for 10 points last night.

Dan Boyle played almost nine minutes more than any other Shark last night.

I picked up Bouchard a few days ago – he had a helper on Minnesota's only goal last night. I imagine he has been snatched up in most leagues by now – the Wild are desperate for offense so you know he will get his chances to produce.

Erik Karlsson had three helpers for the Sens, and he now has seven points in his past five games. Karlsson is a legitimate blue-chipper. His numbers may be up and down this season, but that comes with the territory (weak offensive club and him being a young defenseman).

Jack Johnson was a category filler last night – two helpers, four shots on goal, and 14 PIM.

Steve Mason is one of the most overrated players in the league. Outside of a six week stretch during his rookie season, his numbers are well below average for a starting goalie. Columbus would be better off sticking with Garon fulltime.

Willie Mitchell left the game with a lower body injury.

David Backes has 10 points in his past eight games. All 10 of those points have come in three of the games (four points, three points, and three points).

Vlad Sobotka played almost 20 minutes for the Blues last night, and his production warranted the increase – one goal and two helpers. He has some offensive upside, but obviously it is dependent on ice time and role (right now he is playing more of a depth/energy role).

Mike Cammalleri was an assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick last night.

Max Pacioretty had a great game – a goal, an assist, and four shots on goal. He needed more seasoning in the AHL, but in his short time back with the big club he looks much improved from last season.

Cam Ward had a big bounceback game last night – 45 saves on 47 shots.

My two goalies are Lundqvist and Bryzgalov. New York beat Phoenix, but Biron and Labarbera were playing…. Nice.

Gaborik was goalless, but he did lead the Rangers in shots. He is getting his chances.

Joffrey Lupul has two goals in two games.

A few monster hits from last night. First, Boychuk on Pouliot:

Subban on Brad Marchand:

This isn’t a new video, but it is still awesome: