Kudos to whoever in the Ottawa organization recommended the Turris trade. The team is 12-2-2 since the trade. He was dominant again last night in San Jose, finishing with two points. Turris had almost 20 minutes of ice time, as well.

Pavel Datsyuk has snuck his way into Art Ross contention – at 51 points, he is in a tie for third place. He had a (relatively) slow start to the season, but has 30 points since December 1. Looks to be back to his wizardly self each and every shift.

Dobber’s Midseason Guide was released January 6 and then an addendum was added Friday the 13th, get it here.  Prospects, second-half projections, the trading block – and so much more.

Bertuzzi is red hot right now – he scored a goal in regulation, and added a beauty to win the game in the shootout.

Brule scored for the ‘Yotes – his second goal in five games since they claimed him off of waivers.

Martin Hanzal played – his first game after missing 12 with an injury. He’s a huge part of Phoenix’s team – the best center on the roster.

The best fourth line in hockey (Paille-Campbell-Thornton) won the game for the B's last night –a combined five points and a plus-5 rating.

The already-thin Devils defensive group will be without Tallinder for a month or two, as he was recently diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. The Devils either need to get some prospects stepping up next season, or they need to bring in a few defensemen.

No Kessel, no problem. Lupul and Kessel were split up (Ron Wilson didn't like their defensive effort as a line), and Lupul responded with three helpers last night against the Wild.

"Lupul has arguably been Toronto’s best performer this season and climbed into a tie for third in points with 51 — one ahead of Kessel.

“I’m not looking and chasing guys like Evgeni Malkin and the Sedin brothers,” said Lupul. “I’m just going to keep playing the same way I have been and hopefully the points keep coming.”

Jake Gardiner had a helper in about 20 minutes of ice time – behind only Phaneuf and Gunnarsson in terms of minutes played last night.

Nazem Kadri scored his first goal of January last night.

Minnesota was the best team in the league before Christmas (on December 17^th) – since then, two wins in 15 games.

Chris Kunitz scored his first goal in 12 games. A streaky player, now would be a good time to buy low.

Kris Letang played his first game in a few months – I didn't catch the full game, but he looked pretty good. One helper, plus-2, and over 24 minutes of ice time.

Not much needs to be said about Malkin – he's on a different level than anyone else right now. Two more goals last night. He is simply doing what he wants when he wants every single shift. A lot of fun to watch.

Brandon Prust with a solid fantasy night – 12 PIM and four hits.

Ryan McDonagh led the Rangers in ice time with over 25 minutes (yes, even more than Staal and Girardi).

Carl Hagelin scored the lone New York goal – he has two points and seven shots on goal in his last two games.

Surprisingly no goals for Tavares last night, but he did extend his point streak to 11 games. Could be a dark horse to hit 90+ points with a strong second half.

According to ESPN, the Flyers would like to have Jagr back next season (duh). Paul Holmgren has apparently already met with Jagr and his agent to discuss an extension.

Jagr and Giroux were a combined minus-6 last night against the Isles.

Travis Hamonic led all Isles players in ice time with 25:43 played (none on the PP, lots on the PK – not what poolies want to hear, but the fact that he is getting so many minutes bodes really well for his development).

Hamonic is on pace for only 20 points, but his value goes up in leagues with other categories. He also has more offense to give, but it will depend on how he is utilized next year (and beyond).

PA Parenteau has six points in his last four games, and is on pace for close to 80 points. He obviously wanted to prove that last year was no fluke (and I am sure glad I scooped him up late in a few drafts).

The article I posted yesterday offering glowing praise of Pekka Rinne seems even more fitting today – Rinne stopped 38 shots to shut out the Jackets last night. He's such an intimidating presence in goal, both with his glove and the amount of net he can cover.

Surprisingly, it was the first time Columbus had been shut out this season. They were the only club that had yet to be blanked (until last night, of course).

The Jackets signed Brett Lebda. An adventure in his own zone at the best of times…

Roman Josi played close to 22 minutes – he saw some PP time (and some PK time, as well) and recorded an assist.

With only one point in six January games, now may be a good time to buy low on Nashville's Craig Smith.

Tobias Enstrom has three goals in his last three games. It helps that he saw a lot of PP time and no PK time (Mark Stuart and Ron Hainsey saw the bulk of the penalty killing duties).

Luke Adam had nine points in October. He has only one point in his last 19 games…

Halak earned his second straight shutout – 15 saves over the Oilers. Not the toughest one he has ever had, but still a great sign has he has really turned his season around over the past little while.

More Halak stuff – he is 10-0-3 in his last 13 starts, and he hasn't lost a regulation start since late November.

Kris Russell had two shots on goal in about 15 minutes of ice time – his first game back after missing nine with a groin injury.

Eberle played for the Oilers – obviously no points (shutout), but a quick recovery from a knee injury that looked a lot worse when it occurred.

The Blues are 20-3-3 at home – I imagine they will be gunning for a home ice seeding…

Alex Pietrangelo scored the lone goal in the game, and extended his point streak to eight games.

Vintage Marty: