Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe were actually going to rent a barn and fight over their feud a few years ago? A great piece on Burke here.

Saturday picks from Marty, as well as this week’s Looking Ahead from Dave Poleck will be posted in a few hours.

Allan Walsh wonders why his client Derick Brassard isn’t playing much? Well, to be frank, it is because he isn’t a good player. Brassard is too weak on the puck and at faceoffs to play center, and he has been passed over by numerous other players for the vacant wing positions.

He’s a great trade candidate as he could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, but to blame his lack of production on not getting an opportunity is quite ridiculous. Brassard hasn’t been the same player since he wrecked his shoulder in a fight with James Neal a few years ago.

What is up with Drew Doughty? Been a steady decline in his play since the Olympics in February of 2010.

There are only four players in the league who have more points than Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Wow.

Six goals last night for the Preds represented an offensive explosion. They were quick in transition and made some nice plays around the net. Colin Wilson and Craig Smith both had three points. Wilson was the most dangerous Pred forward. Fisher and Erat also had really strong games.

Nashville’s lack of defensive depth was apparent. The Canucks managed to get the Sedin line away from Weber/Suter for many shifts, and they were absolutely dominant against the bottom four defensemen. Vancouver outshot Nashville almost 2 to 1, and the scoring chances were probably a similar ratio as well.

Cody Hodgson continues to shine in limited minutes. He scored a goal, created a few chances, and hit a post near the end of the game. Still only 11 minutes, though. Tough to play more with the depth Vancouver has. He’s still seeing a regular shift on the second PP unit, though.

David Desharnais had a great game – three points and almost 20 minutes of ice time in San Jose.

The Thornton/Marleau/Pavelski line was a combined minus-8, while Clowe/Couture/Havlat combined for five points.

Sean Bergenheim scored Florida’s lone goal last night. He has yet to record an assist and is on pace for just over 10 points.

Nazem Kadri was named AHL Player of the Month after posting 17 points in 12 games. He's been underwhelming at the NHL level, but it is never a good idea to write off a young forward who is producing like Kadri is.

Mike Brophy has a solid piece on Kadri here.

From Kadri himself:

“Just being able to recognize danger is the biggest change in my game,” Kadri said. “Turnovers have been pretty bad news for me; especially in junior when I kind of did whatever I felt like doing. Since junior I’m trying to be more of a complete player and I’m limiting my turnovers. I’m starting to be less of a risky player and more of a reward player. It is tough to change. It has taken me some time to adjust, but I think each day I’m getting better. I just keep working hard and if I do that, things will pan out for me.”

My piece for the Canucks Army yesterday – I take a look at some interesting numbers to do with the Canucks and some of their players.

Cory Schneider and Pekka Rinne were both pulled in a weird game yesterday in Vancouver. Schneider let in three of the first five he faced (to prove he is human after all), while Rinne allowed four in the second period.

Mason Raymond was all set to make his season debut yesterday, but his paperwork wasn't filed to the league on time, and he was declared ineligible to say. A screw up by the Vancouver front office, and expect Raymond to play on Sunday against Calgary.

I snagged TJ Brodie in a few leagues yesterday, and I'd recommend you do the same. Great young defenseman with an opportunity in front of him with Giordano out.

Ondrej Pavelec stopped all 33 shots he faced last against the 'Yotes. The Winnipeg fans went from booing Shane Doan to later cheering him.

Bryan Little scored the only goal of the game.

Crosby vs. Ovechkin didn't exactly transpire last night, as both players had quiet games. Jason Chimera scored his team leading 10^th goal for the Capitals.

Simon Despres recorded an assist in his NHL debut for the Pens. He's big and mobile, but doesn't possess a ton of offensive upside.

Crosby was a very un-Crosby-like 6-for-22 in the faceoff circle. Nick Backstrom won 14 of the 16 he took and absolutely dominated the faceoff matchup.

The Carolina Hurricanes are such a bad team. This is news to no one, but Kirk Muller has his work cut out for him. The Rangers scored five goals last night, and a whopping 14 different players recorded points.

Gaborik has 21 points in 22 games. Not sensational, but solid numbers considering his poor season in 2010-11. He should be above a point-per-game, but the Rangers have struggled to find cohesive line combinations through the first part of the season.

Sean Avery has three goals in 11 games this season, matching his total from all of last season (76 games).

Cam Ward is a very good goalie but he's having a very bad season. In one of my leagues, he is single-handedly killing my teams chances of winning any of my matchups.

Without Goligoski, Dallas' PP leaders among defensemen were Souray (2:31 of ice time), Larsen (1:48 of ice time), and Robidas (1:59 of ice time). The Stars really need a puck moving defenseman, even when Goligoski is healthy.

Milan Michalek's strong season continues. I'd be looking to sell high, as he won't sustain his48 goal pace, and he's a huge injury risk.

Andrew Raycroft continues to play very well in relief of the injured Kari Lehtonen. Raycroft had 33 saves against the Senators, and he's really turned his career around after a stint with the Canucks a few years ago.

Jamie Benn has been very streaky lately. Starting November 4^th, he had seven points in three games, one point in his next six, four points in his next two, and then zero points in his next three.

Ty Rattie was named WHL Player of the Week. He has 27 goals in 27 games this season. The undersized winger has a ton of skill and top six upside. He's another great prospect in the St. Louis system. At some point, that team is going to figure things out and become really, really good.

Nikita Nikitin had a game to remember for the Jackets. Three points, five shots on goal, and almost 27 minutes of ice time. Three Columbus defensemen played over 26 minutes (the other two being Wisniewski and Tyutin).

Blake Comeau scored his first goal with the Flames. He also added an assist and three shots on goal.

Without Giordano, Derek Smith, Brodie and Hannan saw increased minutes. Cory Sarich drew back in to the lineup, but he played only 13 minutes. One of the worst contracts in the league right now.

People (I am guilty of this) keep jumping the gun with that team, as they have so much young talent at every position. I think the biggest issue is the lack of a true game breaking forward. Unless your goaltender is Dominik Hasek, it is tough to win without a true star forward. David Backes is really good, but I wouldn't classify him a star. Berglund hasn't put his massive potential together yet (nor has he really come all that close to doing so).

Sami Salo didn't play last night due to a groin injury. Aaron Rome drew in to the lineup. Salo owners should expect this kind of thing.

NHL's three stars for November – Thomas, Toews, and Lupul. I wouldn't disagree with any of the selections.

Marc Staal continues to skate, but in his own words a return is "a long ways away."

Tyler Ennis may play tonight. He's been out for over a month with an ankle injury.

Three years with a cap hit of $5.25 million for David Krejci as he signs an extension with the Bruins. The money seems high, but when you factor in the ever-increasing salary cap, it isn't all that bad. Solidifies the center ice position for the Bruins. Probably not the greatest news for Seguin owners, but he'll continue to find opportunities to produce if he keeps this level fo play up.

This was the first time I had seen anything like this before: