Interesting analysis by Fear the Fin. He takes a look at Sharks defensemen and what percentage of the faceoffs they are out for are in the defensive zone. Justin Braun leads all Sharks defensemen in the category. Considering he has been an offensive force for the team, the fact that he is doing it while being used a lot in a defensive role really speaks to me.

The Lightning have recalled goaltender Cedrick Desjardins. Apparently, he is just called up to soak up the atmosphere, since the AHL team is off for a few days. But we shall see.

TJ Galiardi has scored in both games since his return, yet doesn’t see any PP time.
Despite his return, and Paul Stastny’s – and the acquisition of Fleischmann – Kevin Porter has five points in his last five games and is seeing secondary PP time.
I take a real good look at the Avalanche and their depth over at The Hockey News.

Christmas is just a few days away – why not treat yourself to a Midseason Fantasy Guide?

I really like Max Pacioretty as a pickup in roto leagues – three points in three games since his recall. He really made the AHL his bitch the last two months and he’s carrying that confidence into the bigs.

Craig Anderson was 4-4-0 to start the year but is 6-0-2 since.

Jason Spezza has just six points in his last 20 games. You know, we’ve been pretty hard on Ilya Kovalchuk, but Spezza’s hot start (12 points in 10 games) has hidden this embarrassment – time to call him out.

Michal Neuvirth finally gave the Caps what they desperately needed – strong goaltending. Yes, they need scoring even more – but the goalies weren’t getting it done either. Stopping 24 of 26 probably puts him back in the No.1 goalie driver’s seat.

I mentioned yesterday that Wayne Simmonds seemed to be turning things back around. Sunday sealed it – a goal, an assist, plus-2, and three shots. Just needs to get those PIM rolling.

Ryan Ellis, Nashville prospect, has been named captain of Team Canada at the WJC. Calvin de Haan (NYI), Jared Cowen (OTT) and Brayden Schenn (LA) are the alternates.

So how does New Jersey keep Zach Parise? And do they trade him for massive return in February if he’s back by the trade deadline? Think of what he could bring in – top prospects, high draft picks, TONS of assets. If the Devils take that package, add it to the likes of Tedenby and Josefson, not to mention of course Kovalchuk, plus a lottery pick next summer – the rebuild wouldn’t be that bad, would it?

Yeah…I’m thinking like a keeper league owner.

Brad Richardson was back in the lineup for LA, but was held without a point. Oscar Moller was indeed scratched, as I had wondered about yesterday.

Patrick Sharp – 34 games in and still hanging in there at a point a game. I think he finishes with 70.

Loui Eriksson has picked things back up again after a mini-slump. He has six points in his last three games, including the GW last night.

Marian Hossa and Viktor Stalberg are looking at returning Wednesday. Patrick Kane had a minor setback Friday with his ankle and may be a few more days beyond that.

Corey Crawford has had back-to-back strong starts and is probably looking at starting most games going forward, barring a major setback in terms of his play or an injury. What a steal!

Kyle Quincey will undergo another surgery on his shoulder and is officially out for the rest of the season according to several Denver sources.

The Wild are expected to recall Marco Scandella according to Michael Russo. That’s worth watching. He is another young defenseman with offensive talent.

Kyle Clifford with some moves!