Here are your Evening Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.
Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m. EDT; TV: FSS, FSPI). Michael Leighton should be in goal tonight for the Hurricanes after playing an outstanding game in Carolina's 3-1 victory over the Ducks on Sunday. Red and Black Hockey reminds us of a great little competition between Eric Staal and Jordan Staal: "There is a tradition with the Staal boys. Every time they face each other in the faceoff circle, a Gatorade is on the line."
• It's always heartwarming to see how the people of Montreal are so humble about their hockey team, despite its success. Oh, who the hell are we kidding: The Université de Montréal faculty of theology will begin offering a graduate course titled "The Religion of the Montreal Canadiens" in January. Jesus Price! [National Post]
• Sid Hartman believes that Gary Bettman is one of the best commissioners ever. We'll have to read this again to see if there's a caveat like "... named Gary Bettman." [Star Tribune]
Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins (7 p.m. EDT; TV: TSN, NESN). What kind of cosmic joke is it that Ryan Hollweg returns from a suspension and replaces Jason Blake of all people in the Leafs' lineup? Carlo Colaiacovo and Ian White are also expected to be scratches. Meanwhile, P.J. Axelsson is expected back for the Bruins, playing with David Krejci and Blake Wheeler on the third line. Wheeler is on our fantasy team. Please tell us this helps.
Preview: Dallas Stars at New York Islanders (7 p.m. EDT; TV: KDFI, MSG). The Stars limp to the Island after a 5-0 loss to the Devils last night, as Sean Avery is taking a beating from the Jersey media for clamming up. Great news for the Islanders: Chris Campoli is expected back on the ice tonight. And he's going to start wearing a visor.
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• Bettman says all the talk about putting a second team in Toronto is poppycock. "We're not looking to relocate any teams or looking to expand." Uh-huh. [Edmonton Journal]
• Two for Elbowing pretty much ruined Stan Fischler's week. [Two for Elbowing]
Preview: Buffalo Sabres at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. EDT; TV: MSG, KSTC). A battle of undefeated (at least in regulation) teams, as the Sabres are going to see what life is like without Craig Rivet on defense. Marek Zidlicky and Pierre-Marc Bouchard should be back for the Wild.
• Pavol Demitra is out for at least three weeks with fractured cartilage in his ribs for the Vancouver Canucks. [TSN]
• "Apparently the Ducks have signed Mr. Yamaguchi to a one-year, $870.5k contract. If you're looking for a cheap, not-very-productive fantasy defenseman, you may have to search under his lesser-known surname, Hedican." [Battle of California]
Preview: Calgary Flames at Nashville Predators (8 p.m. EDT; TV: FPPV, FSS). The Flames are a happy scrappy bunch after beating the Capitals. are Patric Hornqvist should be out of the lineup as Jason Arnott and Nick Tarnasky return for the Predators. Does The Tennessean have the most adorable MSM blog headshot?
Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche (9:30 p.m. EDT; TV: TSN, ALT). Interesting comment from Lowetide on the Oil: "The top line doesn't work. Blame Hemsky all you want, there is zero chemistry here and it reminds me of last season when Nilsson got sent out and Torres + Stoll were putting themselves well and deep into the shithouse. This line appears doomed, despite the fact that all three players are above average by any measure." Yowzer. The Avalanche are preparing for what could be their smallest crowd of all time.
• The Associated Press declares NHL 09 the winner of the hockey video game wars. [Kansas City Star]
• The Los Angeles Kings go golfing, and the Ice Girls were a distraction. [LA Daily News]
Preview: Washington Capitals at Phoenix Coyotes (10 p.m. EDT; TV: CSN, FSAZ). Alexander Ovechkin returns to the scene of perhaps his greatest goal. The Capitals have John Erskine inked for two more seasons, and Japers wonders if this means curtains for Shaone Morrisonn and/or Milan Jurcina going forward. The 'Yotes, meanwhile, are looking for a solid five-on-five defense and some organization they've been missing lately.
• Finally, Morning Bull and Rock Radio 1033 the Edge present the Hot Hockey Mom finals at St. James Place in Buffalo:
