Michael Nylander notes: he will be back in the lineup tomorrow, his injury was related to his shoulder, and the NHL is investigating the Capitals to see whether any 'disclosure' rules were broken about this. I would say 'yes', given that THERE WAS NO DISCLOSURE! Call me a nut, but I'm gonna say 'yes'. 

The Flyers just signed Mike Richards for 12 years, $69 million. That's under six million a year. He is the heart and soul and future captain of the team, a second-line center type who will post 70-85 points a year if he stays healthy. Twelve years is still far too long… but this is a fallout from the Oilers RFA stuff last summer. 

Michael Ryder will be a healthy scratch tonight. Sergei Kostitsyn will start on the top line with Higgins and Koivu. 

Martin Erat will miss tonight's contest with a neck strain. 

Alexander Frolov will be in the lineup against Dallas tonight. 

Manny Fernandez had surgery on his left knee yesterday and is probably out for the season. The Bruins will go with Thomas and Auld this year.

Marco Sturm (eye) missed last night's game after all. He should be back on the weekend.

Jordan Leopold (wrist surgery) is hoping to get back in the lineup tonight. Wait and see how he does before you activate him, although if you are struggling with D he may be worth grabbing off waivers and socking away on your bench.

Ian Laperriere is also hoping to get back in the lineup tonight after missing 12 of 13 with a knee injury.

As I keep pointing out, since his return from Russia, Martin St.Pierre has been phenomenal in the AHL. He now has 32 points in 23 games. The Blackhawks have noticed, it's just that they figure he should be on the top two lines (which is exactly right) and they are waiting for an opening there first.

Scott Niedermayer is looking to return Friday or Sunday. A trade still needs to be made first to open up the cap space for next year.

Jiri Novotny was back in the lineup for Columbus last night and registered an assist.

Kris Beech now has seven points in seven games this season so far. He's still on my 'watch' list.

The Habs recalled Sergei Kostitsyn. It will be interesting to see the brother's play.

The forum is buzzing with the news of Mark Recchi's two goals, but I will remind you that I said from the outset that he will start hot. I said to expect five points in three games to start, followed by 31 points in 50-odd games, giving him about 42 on the year.

Ray Emery left last night's game after facing just one shot. He hurt his hip. Gerber stopped 31 shots the rest of the way for the shutout. Because he didn't get that one save, Gerber does not get rewarded with a shutout. What a rip, eh?

Both Mason Raymond and Jason Jaffray scored their first NHL goals last night for the Canucks and added assists.

Tomas Holmstrom (knee) is doubtful for tonight. If he does not go, look for Mikael Samuelsson to take his spot on the top line.

Hasek will get the start tonight.

Gibert Brule was a healthy scratch last night.

The Blues assigned Marek Schwarz to Peoria, activating Manny Legace.

Scott Walker headbutted Mike Fisher in a fight last night and was kicked out of the game. He will likely be suspended.

Tonight will be the first time that Ottawa plays against Sidney Crosby and Anton Volchenkov isn't in the lineup.

David Booth (bruised knee) will miss tonight's game for the Panthers. Anthony Stewart has been recalled.

No new updates on Cory Murphy. The situation there is quite weird, but don't count on him for at least the next week.

I decided to start Sanford over Mason in the expert league. It was a tough call, since Sanford is playing the second of back to back games, but the Preds have the flu bug going through the room and Mason has apparently lost 10 pounds since Saturday and is only now recovering.

Simon Gagne skated again yesterday and reported more progress and no symptoms.

Dick Tarnstrom is expected to return to action tonight, so the Oilers waived Allan Rourke.