Puck Daddy chats with one of my favourites – James Neal. Check it out here.

Any gamblers out there? Was given a good tip from Ben Wright, who covers the Thrashers. In the last three ATL/LA games, the two teams have combined to score 35 goals. The lowest combined total in one game was eight. Time to lay some coin on the over!

Okposo skated with the team today – game-time decision as he recovers from the H1N1.

Ron Wilson with a gem of a line. Pat Kane walked by his media scrum and he said “hey Patrick, I’ve got some change!” It looks like Napoleon does have a sense of humor after all…

Mike Commodore is having issues with fatigue and is going to go in for some blood work to make sure nothing is wrong. Hopefully it isn’t serious – he is a great player and a big part of Columbus’ defense.

Tough break for Fernando Pisani – his colitis has flared up and the Oilers sent him home.

I’ll havy my version four (or five, I can’t remember) of Team Canada out next week. Some interesting names have found their way on to my roster…

Buy low candidate of the day – Kevin Bieksa. He is off to a slow start offensively but is still racking up the PIM (leading the league right now). Once Daniel gets back, Bieksa should get back on track with the first unit – things are a bit of a mish-mash right now as the Canucks continue to change up the combos.

Happy Friday the 13th! The Islanders current record: 6-6-6. Somewhere Miroslav Satan is smiling…

Interesting topic over on the message board – does van Riemsdyk have a shot at making Team USA?

Evgeni Malkin should be back very soon – the Pens need him (and Sid needs him, finally recording a point last night after going five straight without one).

Marc Savard is scheduled to come out of his walking boot next week – so don’t expect him back for at least two more weeks.

Rich Peverley is making a statement to those who thought last season was a flash in the pan. It doesn’t matter where he is put in the lineup – he simply produces. Could he hit 70 this season? It sounds silly, but that would require him to actually slow down his production…

Tortorella rides his top players hard – Gaborik saw over 26 minutes last night, and Prospal saw close to 28! Insane numbers for forwards.

What is up with Brent Burns? I figured with the Olympics coming up and a new coach who was preaching offense from the back end, he would have a monster season.

After a massive goal outburst versus Vancouver, St. Louis regressed back to their previous offensive ways against Nashville last night. One goal on 22 shots? You aren’t going to win many games with that… (David Backes owners rejoice, at least he got on track with 17 PIM).

Shea Weber played – I wasn’t even aware he had returned. I guess that is what happens when you don’t own him in any leagues anymore (traded him away twice this past summer).

Patric Hornqvist is quietley having a nice offensive season. If your fantasy team is lacking in the goals department, consider giving him a shot.

Lucic should be back in 7-10 games from a nasty broken finger.

Correction with my Andy Greene comment – I was referring to Murphy “this” season. Greene is a solid fantasy option for now, and I doubt he is owned in many leagues.

Pavelec is “probably” starting tonight. Hedberg was great last night, but I doubt the Thrash want him to play in any back-to-back situations.

According to Boudreau, Ovechkin is a possibility for tomorrow. I think he will play, knowing Ovechkin. He’s out tonight, though.

Kovalchuk had a monster game in his return, posting three points in a win over the Rangers. He is going to have a monster season. Not much insight to give here – if you own him, enjoy!

Owen Nolan channeled himself from the mid 90's tonight, scoring a dandy end-to-end goal against the Lightning. Video evidence at the end of the ramblings.

Jimmy Howard stole a win for the Wings last night, as they were thoroughly outplayed by the Canucks for the majority of the 60 minutes. He was big, calm, and confident all night and made several point-blank saves against Canuck forwards. He ended up stopping 31 of 32 shots.

James Neal had a great game in his return to the lineup, scoring a goal and adding an assist. He has a great shot at 35+ goals this season. It won't be long before he is getting league-wide hype – he may very well play himself on to Canada's roster for 2010.

Marc-Andre Bergeron had a great game for the Habs, scoring a beauty goal and recording two helpers. After a fast start his play had gone down the drain, so it is nice to see him rebound. He has a ton of holes in his game but offensively he is NHL-caliber. If you are desperate for points on defense, he is a solid depth option.

Niittymaki is 5-1-2 this season after recording a shootout win against the Wild. Tampa is showing great patience with Smith, but it won't be long before Antero takes over the starting position if he keeps this level of play up.

Another game, another Stamkos goal. Ho hum. 13 on the season. 50 goals, anyone?

Mason Raymond continued his hot play, scoring his eight goal of the season. He should eclipse the 20 goal mark and has a shot at 25+ if he can stick on one of the power play units all season. His head seems to be catching up to his feet.

Andy Greene is really benefiting from the injuries to Oduya and Martin in New Jersey. I had him pegged as a sleeper last season, but Cory Murphy stole his roster spot. He should hover around 0.5 points-per-game as long as he sees power play time.

Brodeur is playing like Brodeur – seven goals allowed over the past five games (all wins, of course).

Vokoun played like Mr. Hyde last night, recording 40 saves for the shutout over the Bruins. Now all you Vokoun owners will get excited and insert him in tomorrow, only to watch him give up five or six in a loss. The most frustrating fantasy starter to own.

Evander Kane is arriving offensively much sooner than anyone anticipated. He had two points in the Thrashers win.

Nolan’s insane goal (I love HD youtube…):