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[Dark Knight]

Please post your thoughts, pictures and comments on tonight's games in this thread.

Carolina at Philadelphia
Nashville at Columbus
TBL at Montreal
NYI at Pittsburgh
Florida at Edmonton
Minnesota at Phoenix
STL at LAK

[DropThePuck]

TSN's Ice Chips

Forward Brad May, who was a healthy scratch Sunday against visiting Columbus, sat out a second straight game after tweaking his knee during Tuesday's practice. May skated Wednesday morning and is "very close" to being ready, coach Randy Carlyle said. Forward Brian Sutherby, who missed a ninth consecutive game because of a strained groin, also skated Wednesday morning and is "making progress," Carlyle said. - Orange County Register

Phil Kessel stretched his scoring streak to 13 games, but David Krejci's nine-game streak was snapped - Boston Globe

Aaron Ward missed his fourth game with an apparent left ankle injury, but continues to skate. There's a chance the defenceman could return tomorrow night in Atlanta. Marco Sturm's struggles with "concussion-like symptoms" continue, as he missed his 10th game. Julien has put an optimistic spin on the winger's status for weeks and did so again. Centre Stephane Yelle was questionable for last night's game but did play. Vladimir Sobotka, who was brought up from Providence in case Yelle couldn't go, sat out. - Boston Herald

Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said defenceman Dennis Seidenberg will be back for today's game. Seidenberg was on injured reserve. Defenceman Anton Babchuk, who hurt his elbow against Washington on Sunday, was put on injured reserve. - News Observer

Defenceman James Wisniewski leaves today for a two-game conditioning assignment at Rockford that will lead into his return to the Blackhawks' lineup on Sunday against Columbus. Wisniewski has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery last summer to repair a torn ACL suffered while working out. - Daily Herald Times

Captain Joe Sakic could return for the final 16 games of the season under the best-case scenario, Avs officials said Wednesday after Sakic suffered three broken fingers in a Tuesday snowblower mishap at home. - Denver Post

Defenceman Adam Foote, sidelined since Nov. 22 because of back and knee injuries, has been skating in non-contact drills and will take part in the full practice today. - Rocky Mountain News

Centre Tom Wandell made his NHL debut against Phoenix to give the injury-depleted Stars some depth. The 21-year-old was recalled last week from Sweden, where he had 11 goals and 13 assists in 28 games for Timra IK of the Swedish Elite League. - Dallas Morning News

Sam Gagner who has been out with a concussion, skated on the fourth line at practice and will likely play Thursday. - TSN

Forward Marian Gaborik practiced on Wednesday, but coach Jacques Lemaire said, "I don't think he'll play (today). And we practice Friday, and we play Saturday. And if he doesn't play Saturday, I don't see him playing Sunday." Gaborik's next potential game would be Wednesday at the Xcel Energy Center against the Calgary Flames. - Pioneer Press

Forward Chris Higgins' MRI results have not been examined by team doctors so there is no firm estimate for the length of his absence. Head coach Guy Carboneau says Higgins will miss the next 2 games, but probably a full week at the very least.
Ryan O'Byrne returns to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for the last 5 games. He's played only twice since scoring into his own net on November 24th.
Jaroslav Halak will start in net once again as Carey Price is sidelined with a suspected illness. It is only the second time this season Halak has made back-to-back starts. - TSN

Jordin Tootoo is doubtful with a lower-body injury. Coach Barry Trotz said he planned to choose one of four forwards to call up from the AHL - Patric Hornqvist, Ryan Jones, Jed Ortmeyer or Mike Santorelli.- Tennessean

Mike Rupp felt some discomfort in his groin in the morning skate but made it through and said it isn't a concern. Rupp said he's staying positive despite being out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. Cleared by doctors to practice with the team, defenceman Andy Greene was among the few players on the ice Wednesday morning for the Devils' optional skate. Scott Clemmensen will start in goal against the Penguins. - Star Ledger

Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston, who missed 18 games each with injuries, made their first appearances on the ice in New Jersey since opening night. - New York Daily News

Forward Jon Sim was placed on waivers. The team will know by noon today whether he will be claimed. Sim is in the second year of a three-year deal worth $3 million. - Newsday

Wade Redden returned to the lineup after missing one game with a groin injury and assisted on all three goals. - Newsday

Goalie Antero Niittymaki will start tonight. He has beaten the Hurricanes twice this season. In his last five games, Niittymaki is 4-1 with a 1.60 GAA and a .944 save percentage. Defenceman Matt Carle will miss his fifth straight game because of what general manager Paul Holmgren called an injury to the intercostal muscles between the ribs. Carle said the pain runs from his back to his ribs. Carle, who is taking anti-inflammatory medication, skated yesterday at practice. He said there was no improvement in his condition. - Philadelphia Inquirer

Olli Jokinen scored two goals for the Coyotes after being activated off the injured list. Jokinen had missed six games due to a shoulder injury. He hadn't played since November 22, and he hadn't scored since November 9. - Arizona Republic

Forward Eric Godard was a healthy scratch for the first time this season. - Post Gazette

Forward Jonathan Cheechoo participated in all three practices in the four-day gap between games, but may not be back in the lineup tonight, as he is suffering from an upper-body injury. He aggravated the injury Nov. 28 in Dallas and has missed the past four contests. Defenceman Brad Lukowich skated for a second day after missing last game with a groin injury, but it was uncertain whether Lukowich would play against the Ducks. Forwards Ryane Clowe and Devin Setoguchi each missed at least one of the past three practices for "maintenance" reasons, but both should be in action tonight, according to coach Todd McLellan. - Contra Costa Times

Goalie Manny Legace left with a head injury after being inadvertently kneed by Ryan Carter just after George Parros' first-period goal - Orange County Register

Veteran forward Chris Gratton, who was assigned to AHL Norfolk on Tuesday after clearing waivers, is still contemplating his immediate future. Forward Adam Hall was a surprise scratch with an upper-body injury. The team recalled forward Zenon Konopka from Norfolk on an emergency basis. Konopka landed at 6:30 p.m. and didn't show up on the bench until after the game started. The team will announce today that prospect Dana Tyrell has been signed to an entry-level contract. Tyrell, who is attending world junior training camp for Team Canada in Ottawa this week, is expected to remain with his junior club in Prince George, British Columbia. - Tampa Tribune

Interim coach Rick Tocchet said goalie Olie Kolzig likely will start tonight. - St. Petersburg Times

Tomas Fleischmann (leg) was joined on the sideline by defenceman Mike Green (bruised shoulder) and John Erskine as well as centre Sergei Fedorov (sprained ankle) and right wing Eric Fehr (shoulder). Fleischmann was replaced in the lineup by 6-foot-4, 225-pound winger Oskar Osala - Washington Post

[DropThePuck]

Whoa! Hartnell's hat trick of a PPG, SHG, and ES triggered a 4 unanswered goals come from behind shootout win.

5 - Staal, E. (01:01 in 1st), Cullen, M. (02:10 in 2nd), Samsonov, S. (09:28 in 2nd), Pitkanen, J. (PPG, 12:08 in 2nd), Staal, E. (PPG, 15:13 in 2nd)
6 - Hartnell, S. (PPG, 09:17 in 2nd), Hartnell, S. (SHG, 01:42 in 3rd), Hartnell, S. (07:12 in 3rd), Upshall, S. (15:08 in 3rd), Gagne, S. (18:16 in 3rd), Gagne, S. (00:00 in SO)


Philadelphia Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki (30), of Finland, can't stop the slapshot from Carolina Hurricanes left wing Sergei Samsonov (not shown) in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Philadelphia. Looking on are Flyers' Braydon Coburn, left, and Hurricane's Ray Whitney (13).
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)


Philadelphia Flyers right wing Scottie Upshall (9) crashes to the ice after colliding with Carolina Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton (49) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)


Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Hartnell looks over the top of the net after scoring a hat trick by firing the puck past Carolina Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton, lower left, in the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Philadelphia. The puck is partially visible to the left of the right net post.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)


Philadelphia Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki, left, of Finland, deflects the shot by Carolina Hurricanes center Rod Brind'Amour, right, to secure the win in the overtime shootout period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

[DropThePuck]

1 - Erat, M. (09:37 in 3rd)
2 - Commodore, M. (13:09 in 3rd), Voracek, J. (00:00 in SO)


Nashville Predators' J.P. Dumont (71) takes down Columbus Blue Jackets' Rick Nash (61) during the first period of a NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)


Columbus Blue Jackets' Jake Voracek (93), of the Czech Republic, scores the winning goal past Nashville Predators goalie Dan Ellis (39) during a shootout in a NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)


Nashville Predators' Greg Zanon (5) is checked by Columbus Blue Jackets' Fredrik Modin (33) during the second period of a NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec 11, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. Blue Jackets' Jason Chimera in the background.
(AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)


Columbus Blue Jackets' Mike Commodore (22) celebrates in front of Nashville Predators' Antti Pihlstrom (42) after scoring a goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec 11, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. Nashville Predators' Greg Zanon (5) and Blue Jackets' Derrick Brassard (16) are seen in the background.
(AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

[DropThePuck]

3 - St. Louis, M. (10:49 in 1st), Lecavalier, V. (12:03 in 1st), St. Louis, M. (SHG, 08:31 in 2nd)
1 - Brisebois, P. (PPG, 05:34 in 1st)


Montreal Canadiens' Francis Bouillon (51) trades punches with Tampa Bay Lightning's Zenon Konopka during a first period fight in an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)


Tampa Bay Lightning's Vincent Lecavalier (4) celebrates with teammates Mark Recchi (8), Martin St Louis (26) and Lucas Krajicek, (2) of the Czech Republic, after scoring the second goal against the Montreal Canadiens during first period NHL hockey action in Montreal Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)


Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Downie flies over Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jaroslav Halak, from Slovakia, during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)


Montreal Canadiens' Alex Tanguay (13) knocks down Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Paul Ranger during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

[DropThePuck]

Were there any hats left in the stands after Dupuis' hat trick??

2 - Streit, M. (PPG, 17:29 in 1st), Sutton, A. (13:06 in 3rd)
9 - Dupuis, P. (06:25 in 1st), Satan, M. (PPG, 13:49 in 1st), Sykora, P. (17:40 in 1st), Boucher, P. (18:19 in 1st), Malkin, E. (02:12 in 2nd), Sykora, P. (PPG, 07:53 in 2nd), Sykora, P. (PPG, 15:42 in 2nd), Dupuis, P. (19:29 in 2nd), Dupuis, P. (16:48 in 3rd)


Pittsburgh Penguins' Petr Sykora, center, of the Czech Republic leaps into the arms of teammate Sidney Crosby, left, after scoring his third goal of the game , as Pens' Jordan Staal (11) joins the celebration in the second period against the New York Islanders in a NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)


Pittsburgh Penguins' Ruslan Fedotenko of Ukraine, right, trips over New York Islanders' Freddy Meyer (44) in the second period of a NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)


New York Islanders goalie Yann Danis waits as hats are cleaned off the ice after Pittsburgh Penguins' Petr Sykora scored his third goal of the game in the second period of a NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)


Pittsburgh Penguins' Pascal Dupuis (9) skates among hats thrown on the ice to celebrate his hat trick against the New York Islanders in the third period of a NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

[Bits]

Man, the Pens game was awesome. I think they got tired of close games! It was really neat to see the whole team trying to get Sykora and then Dupuis the hat tricks. Very cool.

[DropThePuck]

2 - Weiss, S. (PPG, 14:56 in 2nd), Dvorak, R. (19:57 in 3rd)
0


Edmonton Oilers' Kyle Brodziak, right, battles with the Florida Panthers' Jassen Cullimore, left, and Panthers goalie Craig Anderson during second-period NHL hockey game action at Edmonton's Rexall Place on Thursday, Dec.11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press,John Ulan)


Edmonton Oilers' Ales Hemskey, right, of Czech Republic, elbows Florida Panthers' Karlis Skrastins, of Latvia, during the third period of an NHL hockey game at Edmonton's Rexall Place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Ulan)


Edmonton Oilers' Steve Staios checks Florida Panthers' Nick Tarnasky during the third period of an NHL hockey game at Edmonton's Rexall Place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Ulan)


Florida Panthers' Craig Anderson keeps his eyes on a shot from the Edmonton Oilers during second-period NHL hockey game action at Edmonton's Rexall Place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
(AP photo/The Canadian Press,John Ulan)

[DropThePuck]

1 - Miettinen, A. (08:25 in 3rd)
3 - Michalek, Z. (19:33 in 2nd), Jokinen, O. (19:58 in 2nd), Lindstrom, J. (04:41 in 3rd)


Phoenix Coyotes' Enver Lisin, of Russia, left, battles Minnesota Wild leftwinger Benoit Pouliot for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
(AP Photo/Paul Connors)


Minnesota Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard (96) fights with Phoenix Coyotes' Keith Yandle (3) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
(AP Photo/Matt York)


Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, of Russia, defends as Minnesota Wild's Colton Gillies (18) tries to gain control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
(AP Photo/Matt York)


Phoenix Coyotes' Joakim Lindstriom, left, scores on Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom, of Finland, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
(AP Photo/Matt York)

[DropThePuck]

2 - Paddock, C. (13:23 in 2nd), Colaiacovo, C. (08:19 in 3rd)
6 - Frolov, A. (PPG, 10:18 in 1st), Brown, D. (PPG, 07:32 in 2nd), Brown, D. (PPG, 08:44 in 2nd), Kopitar, A. (10:35 in 2nd), Brown, D. (12:45 in 3rd), Kopitar, A. (13:22 in 3rd)


Los Angeles Kings defenseman Denis Gauthier, right, catches his stick in the jersey of St. Louis Blues center Keith Tkachuk during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 in Los Angeles.
(AP)


Goaltender Erik Ersberg #31 and Sean O'Donnell #6 of Los Angeles Kings defend the net against Barret Jackman #5 of the St. Louis Blues during the first period at the Staples Center December 11, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)


Goaltender Erik Ersberg #31 of Los Angeles Kings blocks a shot against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at the Staples Center December 11, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)


Goaltender Erik Ersberg #31 and Sean O'Donnell #6 of the Los Angeles Kings defend the net against Keith Tkachuk #7 of the St. Louis Blues during the first period at the Staples Center December 11, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)