San Jose line combos: Marleau with Pavelski and Bernier, Roenick with Brown and Davison, Thornton, with Michalek and Setoguchi

Simon Gagne was cleared for contact and full practice with his teammates. He says he is no longer bothered by the concussion, but by a sore neck which he has been seeing a chiropractor about. It looks as if he will be back within four games.

David Vyborny will return to the lineup Friday. He revealed that it was his groin that had bothered him, and not his hip. Good ol' NHL disclosure. If you recall: it was initially his "back", then hip, now groin. Why do they play these games?

Kris Beech, after being benched for most of the third last game, has been demoted to the fourth line.

Fredrik Norrena is the probable starter for the Jackets Friday against the Kings.

The NHL's roster freeze went into effect last night. No waivers, trades or demotions until December 26. 

Karri Ramo will get the start tonight for Tampa against Toronto. Like probably 25% of roto owners out there, I am desperate for goaltending in the roto league I'm in and I picked him up and activated him. Goalies are so hard to dig up that you need try any opportunity that comes up.

Patrice Bergeron worked out yesterday for the first time since his injury. It was a light workout and he felt fine afterwards. Best case scenario is a return by the end of January, but I would be thinking this will last into February.

Dennis Wideman's recent hot streak is the result of taking Bergeron's spot on the point on the power play. Wideman owners, when you hear Bergeron is coming back it would then be wise to trade Wideman.

The Hurricanes are considering starting John Grahame again tonight, but that is not official.

Derek Roy left last night's game in the first period with a shoulder injury. It is unknown how long he will be out for, but Roy comes back early from injuries so I wouldn't expect him to be out beyond the Christmas break, but we shall see.

Tim Connolly left last night's game in the second period, but that was due to the flu. 

Ryan Smyth missed last night's game with a stiff neck. He should be fine for the weekend.

The Sabres returned Andrej Sekera to Rochester because of Kalinin's return.

Maxim Afinogenov has six points in his last six games – told you he'd turn it around.

The Blackhawks recalled Cam Barker yesterday.

Petri Kontiola had an assist last night – his first career point. His upside is in around 65 points.

Ben Eager picked up an assist in his first game as a Blackhawk and played over 10 minutes.

Ryan Malone's 'flu' it turns out was caused by an infection in a cut in his leg. He will miss at least tonight's game but likely a couple beyond that. The Pens recalled Jeff Taffe as a result.

The Preds have now gone eight games in a row without scoring three goals. Furthermore, they allowed three goals on four shots last night to start the contest.