Dobber Blogs on the perfect NHL scouting staff. Why doesn't anyone do this? 

Russ Miller Blogs on visors, neck protectors and the NHLPA's incompetance .  

As I indicated last week, Sheldon Souray is out for the season. Now the other media outlets are starting to catch up!

John Ferguson Jr has signed on as an analyst with TSN. He'll start on deadline day. I can just see it – "That trade may or may not be good for the parties who may or may not be involved. On one hand, Player A is a solid player who could offer some skill. On the other hand, Player B is a player who could offer his new team some skill as well. Or not. One way or the other, the trade could help one of the teams. Or both. Or neither. Maybe. I'm not really saying one way or the other though. But that's unofficial." 

Martin Havlat is feeling better and should be back in the lineup tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Hawks recalled Dave Bolland and sent down Martin St. Pierre. 

From the Gazette: Rookie defenceman Ryan O'Byrne's career may be in jeopardy after he was charged with third-degree grand theft following an early-morning incident at Whiskey Park, a popular South Tampa nightclub. And teammate Tom Kostopoulos faces a lesser charge of resisting arrest without violence. The players were arrested around 3 a.m. yesterday and spent the night in jail before being released on bail at 9 a.m. O'Byrne, who was recalled from the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday, finds himself in a difficult position because he was charged with stealing a woman's purse. It's a felony and he could be barred from travelling to the United States if he is convicted. That would effectively end his career in North American professional hockey.

Doug Weight strained his shoulder and will be on the shelf for at least a week. 

The Sabres may sit Tim Connolly for the second half of back to back games due to his hip. They are going easy on him. He played on a line with Roy and Vanek on Sunday.

Ales Kotalik will be back in the lineup tonight.
 

Michel Ouellet is pointless in six games since his return.

Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen each have five points in six games since the latter's return to the lineup.

Jimmy Howard was recalled from Grand Rapids yesterday. Dominik Hasek will rest his hip for a couple of games. Do not expect Howard to get into a game unless Osgood gets hurt or shelled. Although I do think Howard will be the backup next season.

The Red Wings, with Cleary out for 6-8 weeks, are said to be poking around for one of: Jaromir Jagr, Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa, Olli Jokinen or Vaclav Prospal. 

Jarret Stoll, who's winning 55 per cent of his face-offs — which puts him in the NHL's top 10 — had an off-night in Calgary, going 4-7.

Simon Gagne is confident that his mild concussion will not keep him out for the season.

Both Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau will be in the lineup Tuesday when the Sharks face the Flames. The team's top two centermen both missed practice Monday. Marleau missed Sunday's contest with a sore groin, while Thornton sat out practice because he has been fighting the flu.

Daniel Carcillo was recalled yesterday and in the lineup. He played just under 11 minutes.

The Canucks assigned Jason Jaffray to Manitoba.

The Blues assigned Toivonen to Peoria and called up Chris Beckford-Tseu to be their backup for a game or two.

JP Dumont has some sore ribs that make it hard to breath heavy, but he will be in the lineup tonight.

Jordin Tootoo, who missed his 16th straight game with a hip flexor injury Sunday, might be able to rejoin team practices this weekend.
 

Boynton vs. Winchester last night: