After just two points in seven AHL games, Claude Giroux has come back strong with 22 in 19

The day after Ilya Bryzgalov gets rocked by Chicago, Phoenix goalie prospect Josh Tordjman collects AHL player of the week honors for going 3-0-0 and two shutouts. However, Tordjman had lost 10 in a row prior to that run.

The Lightning have placed both Vrbata and Gratton on waivers today. Vrbata had approached ownership apparently wanting to return to the Czech Republic for this season to get his confidence back. Gratton will be sent to the minors if he clears, in all likelihood. The lesson to players – if things are going great with one team in one season, don't jump to another team. At least stay in the same environment until you get a few solid seasons in.

With Wade Redden out with a 'leg injury', I can't help but wonder if his groin problems are back and that they are the reason for his poor play over the last three or four weeks.

The Bruins have returned Johnny Boychuk to Providence. Matt Lashoff remains with the team and has averaged about 13 minutes over his two games played so far.

With four points last night, Andrew Ladd has seven in his last three games. He has 14 in his last 16 games, and is clicking with Havlat and Bolland.

New Jersey and Ottawa are the only teams to have played just 24 games. Chicago and St. Louis are the only ones to have played just 25 games. All other teams have played 26 or more.

Sergei Samsonov has a point in each game Maurice has coached. Last night he played 19:49. Only Staal played more (19:51) among forwards. The old Samsonov magic is back.

Despite playing fewer than 10 minutes, Kris Russell managed two points last night for the Jackets. That's by far his lowest ice time since he was called up Nov. 29 and he was pretty much just used for the PP.
Henrik Sedin played nearly 20 minutes last night, but was pointless and minus-2.  Pavol Demitra was a minus-3, but had two points.

Luke Schenn will be out two weeks with a lower body injury. Not of fantasy significance, but interesting nonetheless.

Niklas Hagman will miss tonight's game with a concussion. Look for either Stempniak or recalled Jeremy Williams to take his spot on the Grabovski line.

With Blair Betts back in the Rangers lineup, Nigel Dawes went back to the press box. How Sjostrom remains in the lineup while a hustler like Dawes – who is still developing – sits out, I don't know. An injury needs to strike before Dawes can see regular ice time this year.

Dobber Nation, our radio show, is up on the 25th of every month. Given that this month that means Christmas, we will have December's up a few days early. The World Juniors will be the theme and one of our confirmed guests is our own Matt Bugg. If you have any questions you would like discussed about the fantasy hockey world, send them to [email protected]. Listen to November's episode HERE .