Angus here, I will also be covering the ramblings while the big man is away.

Because of the Canuck injuries, Luc Bourdon has got the call.  He has been fantastic this season in the AHL, but will be thrown to the wolves with his first test against the explosve Avalanche on Saturday night

Kevin Bieksa will be out six-to-eight weeks with a deep laceration of his right calf.  Avoided the Achilles tendon which could have been career threatening

Sami Salo suffered a fractured nose, but avoided any orbital bone damage.  No timetable for his return, but I'd assume he is out for at least one month

All 3 of Neidermayer, Schneider and Getzlaf played for the Ducks last night against Columbus. Schneider saw over 25 mins. and scored the shootout winner against Norrena. It doesn't matter who the Blue Jackets put in net; under Hitchcock's defensive system they are tough to score against. 

Dan Ellis started again for Nashville and recorded a shutout. At this rate it may be awhile before Mason gets his starting job back.

Minnesota had 3 new forwards in the lineup: Demitra, Gaborik and Pouliot(only 6 mins.) Demitra recorded 2 points and Gaborik 1. Backstrom however did not play and was the backup instead. Expect him to be back in the next 2 games for sure as the Wild have now lost 3 straight with Harding between the pipes.

Ryan Malone played his 3rd consecutive game on Crosbys wing. He had no points last night and they lost so expect Therrien to once again juggle his lines to find some better chemistry.

Randy Robitaille took Spezza's spot on the top line in Ottawa last night and scored 2 goals before leaving the game with an injury.

Listen for John Tortorella to rant this morning. The Lightning have been outscored 10-1 in their last 2 games, including being shutout last night. Is it time for Tampa to look for a real goalie yet??

Vancouver was also shut out last night but more disconcerting was the fact they lost 2 defenceman to injury. Bieksa was cut on the calf and will miss at least 10 days, while perennial band-aid boy Sami Salo was hit in the face by a puck and also left the game dripping blood.

St.Louis rookie David Perron finially got some good mins. last night, playing almost 14 mins. including 4 mins on the PP. I really like this kid I just hope they play him or Davidson might as well send him back to Junior where he can play huge mins.

Don't expect any help in the leafs lineup from Tucker, Wellwood, Colaicovo, or McCabe tonight. McCabe is the closest to playing but will miss at least 1 more game and probably both this weekend.