Robert Nilsson's NHL season high eight game point streak ended last night. The hot run was enough to secure his spot in the NHL for at least a month or two.

Tomas Holmstrom will likely return from his knee injury Monday. Dan Cleary took his spot last night on the top line.

Sergei Gonchar missed yesterday's contest with the flu.

Erik Christensen strained his neck in Friday's practice and missed the game as well. Connor James was recalled. With Ryan Stone playing mediocre hockey and Jonathan Filewich playing terrible, the team is down to James, Jeff Taffe and Tim Brent in terms of who to consider calling up.

Tyler Kennedy had three points last night and certainly got my attention. On any other team, his upside would be in the 60s. But this is Pittsburgh. I could get 80 points playing with Crosby or Malkin. The team loves Kennedy's effort and attitude and he's scoring goals so he is worth consideration in keeper leagues. 

The NHL is likely facing a rival league and at first glance it looks as if this rival league will be more powerful than even the WHA was. With a Russian billionaire leading the charge, Bob Goodenow and Igor Larionov on board, no competition within markets (the league will take place in Europe), and no transfer agreement between the NHL and RSL, this thing could really fly. Discuss this here .

Cristobal Huet backed up Carey Price last night and so Jaroslav Halak was returned to the AHL.

The line of Vrbata, Hanzal and Sjostrom was white hot yesterday, combining for 10 points. More on them in today's column. 

Cory Stillman hurt his knee last night and was in considerable pain. After a little while, he wanted to go back into the game but Laviolette decided to play it safe and send him to the dressing room. They will test it out today, but the thinking is that he will miss another game or two.

Leafs rearguard Bryan McCabe suffered a broken hand in last night's contest and will be out for the next six to eight weeks. Anton Stralman will likely be recalled, if Carlo Colaiacovo isn't healthy enough.

Chris Simon received a match penalty for attempting to injure Jarkko Ruutu yesterday. Given his history, it is safe to say that Simon will be suspended. Stay tuned.

Ty Arnason's wrist is indeed fractured and he will be out until late January.

Brad Richardson sustained a minor shoulder injury. These two injuries will mean that TJ Hensick's NHL stay will continue beyond the nine games. He has played eight.

Craig Anderson will get the start for Florida today.

Ville Peltonen left last night's contest with a foot injury and did not return. He is day to day.

Chris Gratton has a hip injury that will keep him out until the New Year.

The Ducks sent Geoff Platt back down to the minors. He was pointless and a plus-2 in five games.

Bobby Ryan has been recalled. He was nearly a point per game in the AHL and will probably make an impact right away. Remember, to start the season he was a definite fantasy factor before he tailed off. I think you will see something like that again, some early production and then tailing off. When Bryan Sutherby returns from his groin injury, Ryan will be sent down – unless he forces their hand.

Scott Niedermayer will probably play his first game of the season today.