The Pens have called Dustin Jeffrey back up. I don’t expect a whole lot, but naturally that depends on the line he’s thrown on.

The American World Junior team got a huge boost today with the addition of two Chicago prospects – winger Jeremy Morin, and defenseman Nick Leddy.

Bryan Bickell has six goals in his past eight games. Big body, decent hands, and he is seeing ice time with Kane/Hossa out.

David Jones is goalless in 10 games after getting off to a hot start. He is a great skater but isn’t getting the same chances he did earlier in the season. All 20-30 goal scorers go through slumps (or they would all be 30-40 goal scorers).

Dubnyk is starting for the Oilers tonight.

Cam Barker is a healthy scratch again tonight – Minnesota is finding out that he simply isn’t that good (yes, I know I have made this point a few times before).

TJ Oshie went for a light skate today – still a few weeks away, but this is definitely a good sign.

Angus back – Granlund is out for the upcoming World Juniors. Too bad, he is a fun one to watch play. He’s been out since mid October dealing with post-concussion related issues.

Dobber here -great question in the comments below. I have a hunch that this Datsyuk injury is just what the doctor ordered for Jiri Hudler. That is a TON of ice time freed up in peak offensive situations. Hudler is warmed up and by now has to be accustomed to the smaller rinks again. So all his ducks are lined up in a row. I recommend him.

John MacLean has been fired. Your “buy low” window on Ilya Kovalchuk has expired. Granted, Jacques Lemaire will be the interim coach, but still – a coaching change is a coaching change, and most players get going from that. Look for Kovy and most of the other guys to roll now. And if you feel sorry for Johnny Mac for getting fired so close to Christmas – don’t be. It would be hell having Christmas with your family knowing that you coach such a horrible team. Now he doesn’t have to go through that. Getting released from that job was the sweetest gift of all! PS – for Marty Brodeur this is GOLD

Dwayne Roloson recorded his first win in over two months last night. The pathetic thing – I still own him in one league.

Pavel Datsyuk will be out for a month with a broken hand, according to Detroit coach Mike Babcock.

Free WHL games will be shown online over the holiday season – the hockey is pretty good for those of you who have never seen it. Pace is good, skill level good, and very physical.

Baseball season is just around the corner – don't forget about the other half of the DobberHockey Empire – DobberBaseball! The 2011 Prospects Report has just been released.

An automatic bet – Ryan Kesler playing well in his hometown of Detroit. He had four shots on goal and three assists against the Wings last night.

Jeff Tambellini scored a beautiful goal and looked good all game long on Kesler's wing. He's here to stay.

Rafalski had three helpers for the Wings.

Zetterberg had two goals (both of them were very weak, but a goal is a goal). He was flying all game long – seems to have whatever jump he was missing most of last season back.

Crosby's streak is now at 22 games – tied with Dany Heatley (2005-06) for the second longest in almost 18 years (thanks ESPN).

Sundin had points in 30 consecutive games with the Nordiques back in 1992-93.

Josh Bailey was pointless in his return to the Islanders lineup last night, but he did play almost 18 minutes.

Tavares had a great game for the Isles – a goal, a helper, and six shots on goal. He won't come close to reaching his peak for a few years (age related and linemates quality related reasons). He isn't the type of player to create offense on his own just yet, but the Isles don't have a skilled veteran to pair him with.

Rookie defenseman Travis Hamonic has played less than 20 minutes only once in his past six games.