Dallas Stars Olympic rumblings cropping up for handful of Dallas Stars

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1 SPORT-SCAN Anaheim Ducks Ducks' take-away from loss to Sharks? 'You have to be physical' Injuries are plentiful when looking at Team USA hockey roster NHL pluses and minuses: Pittsburgh on top in the East Ducks receive message, now ready to respond Boston Bruins Dougie Hamilton returns to practice with Bruins Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg disappointed at knee injury but hopeful for future Dennis Seidenberg to have surgery on right ACL, MCL Loui Eriksson, Carl Soderberg skate before Bruins practice Seids keeps chin up Seidenberg confident Bruins 'will be fine' without him Buffalo Sabres Depressing cloud over Sabres is clearing Ex-Sabre Tropp puts up candidate for Goal of Year NHL names Sabres' Miller as Second Star of Week Leino misses practice, questionable as Sabres head to Winnipeg Amerks coach: 'Our team competed very well' Calgary Flames Burke hopes trade for Westgarth toughens Flames Calgary Flames acquire Kevin Westgarth from Carolina for forward Greg Nemisz Calgary Flames ship Nemisz to Hurricanes for Westgarth Calgary Flames tough-guy doesn't expect suspension Looking back on the biggest Flames moments of the past year Carolina Hurricanes Westgarth traded as Canes look to make changes Westgarth traded to Flames Canes' Alumni Fantasy Game set for April Hainsey s futile pursuit symbolizes Canes frustration Chicago Blackhawks Hawks' Corey Crawford: 'I'm ready to go' Blackhawks' Antti Raanta blanks Kings Blackhawks goalie Crawford: 'I feel great' Corey Crawford expected to return Thursday or Friday Patrick Kane s magic hasn t lasted into shootouts Raanta gets first career shutout in Blackhawks physical 1-0 win Crawford 'feels great' Hawks give even better than they get Raanta, Saad lead Blackhawks past Kings Antti Raanta closes out 2013 with first NHL shutout Raanta, Blackhawks silence Kings in 1-0 win Five things to watch: Blackhawks-Kings Konroyd's keys: Antti Raanta needs bounce-back performance Patrick Sharp named No. 1 star of the week, Team Canada next? Corey Crawford close to returning for Blackhawks Kings return to face Blackhawks tonight on CSN NHL 12/31/2013 DAILY BRIEF Colorado Avalanche Avs' P.A. Parenteau needs about six weeks to recover from knee injury P.A. Parenteau out roughly six weeks with knee sprain, Avs coach says Winnipeg Jets' Dustin Byfuglien taunts Semyon Varlamov, struggling Avs Patrick Roy said his goalie should be flattered by Dustin Byfuglien cheap shot(s) Columbus Blue Jackets Blue Jackets notebook: Penguins fans make themselves heard Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 3: Penalties prove costly to Jackets Bob Hunter commentary: Jackets still struggle with elite teams Blue Jackets: Backup goalies meeting challenge Blue Jackets notebook: Dubinsky hopes to earn spot on Team USA for Olympics Blue Jackets, Avalanche at a glance Despite loss to Pens, Blue Jackets making headway in division Dallas Stars Olympic rumblings cropping up for handful of Dallas Stars Detroit Red Wings Nashville 6, Detroit 4 : Why the Red Wings lost Monday NBC hockey broadcaster Mike Emrick excited to call Winter Classic at Big House Winter Classic Alumni Showdown: Ex-Red Wings comment on today's throwback stars Grand Rapids 4, Toronto 3 (SO): Red Wings farm club falls at Comerica Park Detroit Red Wings' Olympians express faith in Sochi security after bomb blasts in Russia Jimmy Howard, Darren Helm set to return tonight for Detroit Red Wings Red Wings legends revved up for alumni showdown Winter Classic reignites eight-decade rivalry between Wings-Leafs Darren Helm's return adds to Wings' speed quotient Jimmy Howard shaky in return as Wings fall to Preds Red Wings' Jimmy Howard ready to make amends for sputtering start Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard off all night, couldn't get comfortable in return (with video) Brace yourself Ann Arbor, the Canadian invasion is coming for the Winter Classic Red Wings' Daniel Cleary loses 10 teeth after being hit with puck, but doesn't miss much ice time Jimmy Howard struggles in return from knee injury as Detroit Red Wings fall to Nashville, Red Wings prospect Anthony Mantha gets four points in Canada's 5-3 win at World Juniors Detroit Red Wings Gameday: Has the Winter Classic hoopla been a distraction? Red Wings' Johan Franzen (concussion) still not close to normal, will miss Winter Classic Red Wings expect to get a big lift with return of Jimmy Howard, Darren Helm tonight at Nashville Red Wings' anticipation for Winter Classic, with record crowd and freezing temperatures, is building

2 Edmonton Oilers Staples: Hockey analytics indicate mixed results on Oilers improvement this season Horak makes Oilers debut on second line Nail Yakupov will be healthy scratch in Phoenix Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins going to school on San Jose Sharks top line Edmonton Oilers callup Roman Horak gets first opportunity to crack lineup Edmonton Oiler Nail Yakupov sitting as a healthy scratch in game against the Phoenix Coyotes Poor first half of season leaves Edmonton Oilers feeling weathered and ready... but for what? Florida Panthers Florida Panthers Sean Bergenheim on hot streak after return from injuries MIFFED: Canadiens Not Happy With Goal Reversals OUTDOOR HOCKEY: McCabe Among Former Panthers at the Big House on Tuesday SEAN BERGENHEIM: Healthy and On a Tear Preview: Rangers at Panthers; Tuesday, 5 p.m Panthers' B-unit is bringing 'A' game during solid stretch Los Angeles Kings Kings still can't figure out way to beat Blackhawks Injuries are plentiful when looking at Team USA hockey roster NHL pluses and minuses: Pittsburgh on top in the East Blackhawks send Kings to third straight loss December 30 postgame quotes: Greene, Richards December 30 postgame notes Game 40 Preview: Los Angeles at Chicago Kings reflect on World Junior experience December 30 postgame quotes: Martin Jones December 30 postgame quotes: Darryl Sutter Lineup notes: Sutter leaning towards seven defensemen December 30 morning skate quotes: Dwight King Minnesota Wild Wild slump puts additional pressure on GM, coach Wild-St. Louis game preview Business as usual at Wild practice one day after blowing 3-goal lead to Islanders; Jon Blum recalled Minnesota Wild midseason report card: C-minus Minnesota Wild: Mike Yeo needs to turn team around... or else Minnesota Wild call up defenseman Jonathon Blum Montreal Canadiens Habs prepare for Hurricanes with game of baseball-hockey Habs play game of baseball on ice in Carolina Nashville Predators Nashville Predators coach praises Colin Wilson Nashville Predators defeat Detroit Red Wings New Jersey Devils N.H.L. Tests Fans Zeal With 6 Outdoor Games Devils want no part of Times Square after New Year's Eve matinee Jaromir Jagr, anticipating big second half, won't ask Devils for trade at deadline Devils: Martin Brodeur will face Penguins; Steve Bernier and Anton Volchenkov questionable Olympic hockey: Terrorist attacks in Russia have Devils on edge Devils: Anton Volchenkov, Adam Larsson practice with full team; Steve Bernier hurt Devils hope to end 2013, first half on plus side of.500; Crosby offered Clowe concussion advice Devils' Jagr getting better with age With 42nd birthday on horizon, Devils Jagr believes his finest moment might still be ahead of him Devils think Bernier will be OK:, but unsure if he ll play Tuesday; Brodeur to start vs. Penguins Devils Bernier crashes into boards, appears to injure shoulder; Volchenkov returns to practice New York Islanders Kyle Okposo in a good place right now Kyle Okposo's Olympic chances and a historic rally New York Rangers N.H.L. Tests Fans Zeal With 6 Outdoor Games Marc Staal set to return to Rangers lineup against Panthers after absence due to concussion Alain Vigneault discusses Marc Staal's return, praises Conor Allen for play in debut, clarifies Sunday post-ga Crushed Ice: Vigneault makes interesting comment that Pouliot, Zuccarello didn t complain to the world about b Excited Marc Staal returning to Rangers lineup Rangers Staal: Hope is to play Tuesday Staal to return to lineup at Florida Rangers 4, Lightning 3: Wrapping up Rangers' Staal focuses on return, not injury Rangers notes: Defenseman Marc Staal nears return After missing 10 games with concussion, Marc Staal returns to lineup Tuesday Rangers at Panthers tonight (5 p.m.) pre-game notes NHL In 17 Seconds, Blackhawks Rewrite Ending Ottawa Senators Neil s absence through injury could be lengthy; quotes and notes from the game Game story: Senators 3-1 over Washington Senators prediction panel: Game Gameday Preview: Capitals at Senators Chris Neil limps off... No fun gifts for Marc Methot Ottawa Senators' Craig Anderson would rather be there, but will still cheer Olympians Spezza, Phillips could return Thursday Ottawa Senators win 2nd in row with win over Washington Caps Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin disgusted by suicide bombings

3 Philadelphia Flyers Giroux, a Team Canada candidate, talks about Olympic security Mason carries Flyers, but Berube unhappy with team Flyers knock off Canucks in shootout Flyers have picked a winner in Raffl Flyers Notes: Raffl thrives on Flyers' top line Flyers are tougher mentally Surging Canucks are Flyers' latest challenge The Winter Classic Was the Bumbling NHL's Best Idea Flyers top Canucks in shootout Flyers at Calgary Flames preview Steve Mason stands on head in Flyers' SO win Instant Replay: Flyers 4, Canucks 3 (SO) Michael Raffl named to Austrian Olympic team Skate Update: Finding chemistry on power play Flyers-Canucks: 5 things you need to know Simmonds, Giroux and Voracek all streaking Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes Shane Doan back on ice, building strength for eventual return Pittsburgh Penguins Consistent superstar Crosby keeps rolling forward for Penguins Penguins notebook: Team considers giving Maatta a breather Canada squeaks by Slovakia in World Junior Championship Penguins notebook: Absence of victories in New Jersey mystifies players Jagr continues to defy time Shelly Anderson's Penguins chat: Penguins' Neal named No. 3 star of the week San Jose Sharks Sharks notebook: San Jose copes with another injury Wingels San Jose Sharks will be without Wingels against Anaheim San Jose Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl to have knee surgery Tuesday Newcomer helps S.J. top Anaheim After slump, Burns is Sharks' hottest forward Sharks' Hertl to undergo surgery Tuesday St Louis Blues Backes' return still uncertain; Elliott will start against Wild Blues haven't missed a beat on defense with 'The Replacements' BLUES AT WILD Blues keep finding ways to win Tampa Bay Lightning Lightning players bond over jersey memories Yzerman leads group of Bolts in alumni showdown Toronto Maple Leafs Mirtle: Leafs gear up for Big House showdown against Wings Maple Leafs: Kadri shrugs off coach s criticism: DiManno Winter Classic: Eye black, soup, tea among Leaf outdoor options Maple Leafs: Randy Carlyle s goal to keep players focus on Red Wings game, not be distracted by Winter Classi Winter Classic: Leafs players recall childhood days on outdoor rinks Maple Leafs: Tyler Bozak, Phil Kessel in crowded penthouse Maple Leafs: Borschevsky recalls thrilling OT win over Detroit in 93 playoffs World juniors: Canada-U.S. battle lines drawn NHL notes: Komarov wants to play for Leafs again Toronto Marlies edge Grand Rapids Griffins at Comerica Park Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle not changing his approach heading into Winter Classic Ex-Leafs captain Wendel Clark pumped for alumni game vs. Red Wings Leafs, Red Wings battling it out at Winter Classic and in standings Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle praises Tyler Bozak upon return Maple Leafs become first Canadian team to play in Winter Classic NHL might consider outdoor game with Leafs at expanded BMO Field Maple Leafs prepare for snow at Winter Classic Winter Classic brings back outdoor hockey memories for Leafs Winter Classic conditions looking good for Leafs, Wings Maple Leafs appear to be using Jonathan Bernier as No. 1 goalie ahead of James Reimer Maple Leafs' midterm report card Winter Classic a homecoming for Maple Leafs' Jerry D Amigo Maple Leafs alumni won't let age get in way against Red Wings Winter Classic 2014: Annual outdoor game is magic, unpredictability and all Toronto Maple Leafs getting ready for cold weather at Winter Classic Toronto Maple Leafs challenge Nazem Kadri to solidify role as No. 2 centre Vancouver Canucks Flyers spoil Canucks party, 4-3 in SO Game Essentials: Canucks home ice streak snapped at six Canucks Game Day: Hot hosts face 'good test' in rejuvenated Flyers Defenceman Frank Corrado called up from Utica Comets Philadelphia 4 Vancouver 3 (SO): Sestito sparks Canucks in loss to Flyers Gallagher: If the Canucks could find the net more, look out! Corrado determined to show he belongs Gallagher s Canucks Hat Trick: Torts endorses fresh legs, Weber emerges from doghouse, Simmonds leads revitali Van Provies: Sweet Danish, still streaking, adios Cammy, heart for Hartley, she said yes Lack expected back in goal against surging Flyers, team recalls Corrado

4 Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin upset referees missed headshot by Chris Neil Nationals Park likely venue for 2015 Winter Classic Alex Ovechkin expresses sympathy for Russian bombing victims Michal Neuvirth: If I don t play, I don t get better Backstrom s quiet MVP-caliber campaign Websites ESPN / It's more than just a game ESPN / For Dan Craig, ice making runs in the family CNN/Sports Illustrated / Top 13 NHL storylines of CNN/Sports Illustrated / Top Line: Will Ryan Miller have Hart?; Crunch time for Sochi rosters; more links TSN.CA Kerry Fraser/ A question regarding coincidental penalties USA TODAY / Outdoor games a boost to Michigan economy USA TODAY / Winter Classic to set hockey attendance record USA TODAY / Nostalgia key to Winter Classic's appeal USA TODAY / Kevin Allen's choices for Team USA Wall Street Journal / Second Blast in Russia Stokes Olympic Security Fears Wall Street Journal / Tour Operators Say Fans Aren't Game for Sochi YAHOO SPORTS / 2014 Winter Classic: NHL media game offers heart-pounding glimpse of life on the big ice Winnipeg Jets Penguins want Jet fuel First 41 go slip-slidin' away Miller has been one of Sabres' few highlights Montoya still quietly content being No Big day: Petan signs with Jets after scoring winner for Canadian juniors Pavelec spends extra time on the ice at Jets practice Wow, but Wheeler s hot Jets 2, Avalanche 1 (OT), Dec. 29, Jets pull mile-high heroics Pavelec staying sharp, waiting for chance to get back between pipes Jets midseason report card: Few overachievers wearing Jets colours at halfway mark of season Like their fans, Jets spinning their wheels Noel won't say if Montoya is his goalie against Buffalo SPORT-SCAN, INC

5 Anaheim Ducks Ducks' take-away from loss to Sharks? 'You have to be physical' For the rematch Tuesday at Anaheim, the Ducks say they will apply what they learned late in Sunday's game. 'We need to stand up a little bit more for ourselves,' Coach Bruce Boudreau says. Etc.: Veteran San Jose center Joe Thornton leads the NHL with 39 assists, and has seven in his last four games. LA Times: LOADED: By Lance Pugmire, December 30, 2013 If you can't win, you better learn, and the lessons that emerged from the Ducks' loss in San Jose on Sunday are expected to be put into effect in the New Year's Eve rematch at Honda Center. For one, playing physically is more effective than relying on finesse. The Ducks' lone goal in the 3-1 loss came from rugged fourth-line member Patrick Maroon, who was given 12 minutes 25 seconds of ice time and "was hitting everything that was moving," Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau said Monday after the team practiced at Honda Center. "Once you start laying a body on them and getting the pucks deep, hitting guys, separating them from the puck the chances were there," Maroon said. "It was a little too late, but now we know what we need to do." After being overwhelmed by the second-place Sharks (25-8-6) and giving up two goals in the first 10:07 Sunday, the Ducks (28-8-5) held their own, outshooting San Jose but failing to rally against goalie Antti Niemi and crew. "They play sound defensively, box players out; it's tough to get in front of the net on these guys," Ducks forward Corey Perry said. "But I'm excited, it's going to be a different game." Boudreau didn't give approval to Perry's punch to the head that brought a third-period penalty and dropped Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart to the ice, and Perry declined to discuss his thinking. But it was an answer to the elbow/butt-end of stick that teammate Daniel Winnik received after arguing with San Jose's Marc Edouard-Vlasic over face-off positioning, and the elbow Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano received. "If it's hitting, scoring, fighting, whatever I have to do to get the team going, I'll do that," Maroon said. That matched Boudreau's emphasis Monday. "You have to be physical, or they're going to win all the battles and if they win all the battles, they're going to win the game," Boudreau said. "We need to stand up a little bit more for ourselves." Home-ice importance The road loss that made the Ducks in San Jose underlines the importance of pursuing the Western Conference's best record come playoff time, Perry and Winnik said. "For sure," Winnik said when asked whether they view the front-running crowd that includes the Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues as otherwise equal-caliber. "You can't take any of them lightly." The Ducks are at Honda Center. No wall yet Ducks rookie defenseman Hampus Lindholm, 19, ranks third in the NHL with a goal-differential of plus-20 when he's on the ice. "We have a lot of good players and coaches to take advice from," Lindholm said. "With good people around you, it makes you better in practice. I try to take care of my body and recover. I'm not used to playing this many games, but I try to recover cold tub and all those things and play smart and not waste too much energy." TODAY VS. SAN JOSE When: 5 p.m. On the air: TV: Prime Ticket; Radio: 830.

6 Anaheim Ducks Injuries are plentiful when looking at Team USA hockey roster The Americans will bring back the core of a team that won silver in 2010, but so many injured candidates make it difficult to predict who will be on the 25-man roster to be announced Wednesday. Helene Elliott, December 30, 2013 The men who will wear the red, white and blue of Team USA at the Sochi Olympics have been sporting a lot of black and blue this season. Injuries have clouded the medal prospects for the Americans, who will bring back the core of a team that won the silver medal at Vancouver in Those injuries have also made it difficult to predict whose names will be called when the 25-player roster is announced Wednesday, after the nationally televised Winter Classic game. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick hasn't played since he sustained a groin injury Nov. 12, though he's expected back the first week of January. Minnesota left wing Zach Parise has been troubled by a sore foot for nearly a month and is on injured reserve. Pittsburgh defenseman Paul Martin suffered a broken leg Nov. 25 and it's uncertain when he will return. Projected third goalie Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings was to return Monday after missing nearly three weeks because of a sprained left knee. That said, here's what the U.S. roster is likely to be: (Canada and other participants are expected to announce their picks closer to the Jan. 7 deadline set by the International Ice Hockey Federation.) Goal: (3) Quick, Buffalo's Ryan Miller, Howard. Quick's groin injury created anxiety for Team USA executives but they place great weight on his 2012 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe performances. Vancouver silver medalist Miller, who ranks among the NHL leaders with a.927 save percentage, has played well for a bad team. Howard, hampered by hand and knee injuries this season, is a USA Hockey loyalist and solid No. 3. Tampa Bay's Ben Bishop (1.89 goals-against average,.935 save percentage) has a good gripe if he's not chosen. Defense: (8) Count on Minnesota's Ryan Suter, St. Louis' Kevin Shattenkirk and the New York Rangers' Ryan McDonagh. Also Martin if he's fit and Pittsburgh's Orpik, just back from a concussion. Cam Fowler of the Ducks deserves a spot because his overall game has solidified and his skating skills are ideal for wider international rinks. Washington's John Carlson is a strong candidate. The last spot could go to Colorado's Erik Johnson, Columbus' Jack Johnson or Phoenix's Keith Yandle. Carolina's Justin Faulk and Nashville's Seth Jones might have to wait until Forwards: (14) The centers figure to be St. Louis' David Backes, Vancouver's Ryan Kesler, San Jose's Joe Pavelski and Colorado's Paul Stastny, with the Rangers' Derek Stepan as a spare forward. The team's strength is on the right side, with Chicago's Patrick Kane the top scoring U.S. player in the NHL, with 23 goals and 53 points in 41 games Toronto's Phil Kessel, Ottawa's Bobby Ryan and Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, though Callahan hasn't played since he sustained a sprained left knee Dec. 7. Winnipeg's Blake Wheeler and St. Louis' T.J. Oshie are in the mix, and Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo merits serious consideration for his 14 goals and 37 points in 40 games. Parise is a lock on the left side, though his foot injury is worrisome. Kings captain Dustin Brown, a right wing who has played the left side most of the past two seasons, is sure of a spot because his role in the leadership group eclipses his scoring struggles. Toronto's James van Riemsdyk will be there probably on a line with Kessel and Montreal's Max Pacioretty has held team executives' interest. Chicago's Brandon Saad (13 goals, 29 points in 41 games), recently moved from the left side to the right recently, has an outside chance. Winter wonderland NBC Sports producer Sam Flood loves the weather predictions for Ann Arbor, Mich., site of the Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. "The Wednesday forecast is 19 degrees of a high with a 60% chance of precipitation, which is going to be snow flurries and snow showers," Flood said Monday. "So the snow globe effect could be in full effect come New Year's Day, with 110-some-odd-thousand people around a beautiful sheet of ice." That's not quite the atmosphere that will prevail at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 25, when the Kings and Ducks launch the Stadium Series, but this way the NHL will get its beloved wintry backdrops now and some palm trees later. Play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick and analyst Ed Olczyk will work at ice level Wednesday, which should provide an interesting perspective. The U.S. women's Olympic team will be introduced during the second intermission. The men's team will be announced afterward, with youngsters standing in for those players not at Michigan Stadium. Slap shots The Bruins might be looking for a defenseman after Dennis Seidenberg suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee last Friday, which will require six to eight months' recovery. The New York Rangers reportedly are willing to trade Michael Del Zotto and Dan Girardi, but would they deal within the conference?... The Blues put Alex Steen on injured reserve because of a concussion, and that's a big concern. Steen, who had 38 points in 35 games, missed almost half of the season because of a concussion.... The Maple Leafs and defenseman Dion Phaneuf are near agreement on a seven-year, $49-million contract extension. The holdup reportedly centers on the inclusion of a no-trade clause. LA Times: LOADED:

7 Anaheim Ducks NHL pluses and minuses: Pittsburgh on top in the East The Penguins have won 12 of their last 14 games despite being plagued by injuries. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild has lost seven of its last 10. By Helene Elliott, December 30, 2013 Times columnist Helene Elliott rates the pluses and minuses in the NHL from the previous week: Plus + Despite being plagued by injuries they lost four of their top six defensemen at one point the Pittsburgh Penguins have won 12 of their last 14 games and lead the East. Their latest injury was to first-line winger Pascal Dupuis, whose season might have ended when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last Monday. But they did get valuable defenseman Rob Scuderi back from a broken ankle Sunday. + Henrik Zetterberg returned to the Detroit Red Wings' lineup Saturday after sitting out 11 games because of a herniated disk in his back. The Swedish winger was their leading scorer when he left the lineup, with 30 points in 28 games, and was still their leading scorer when he came back. Johan Franzen (concussion) is still out. + Philadelphia winger Wayne Simmonds scored two goals in each of three straight games last week, only the third Flyer to do so. He scored twice against Columbus, Minnesota and Edmonton, duplicating the success of Reggie Leach (1976 and 1981) and Ross Lonsberry (1976). Minus - By squandering a 3-0 lead over the New York Islanders on Sunday and losing, 5-4, Minnesota extended its losing streak to five and has lost seven of its last 10. "It's hard to find words for this because it's beyond disturbing," Coach Mike Yeo told the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Saturday. - The NHL set prices too high for the Jan. 25 outdoor game between the Kings and Ducks at Dodger Stadium, and last week it was forced to cut prices in the $249 category to $189 or $199. Those who paid the higher sum will get the difference refunded. Six outdoor games this season, ticket prices the market won't bear is the NHL sabotaging one of its best innovations? - Buffalo Sabres forward John Scott's goal against Toronto on Friday was his first in more than four years. It also doubled his career total to two in 200 games. At that pace it's a safe bet he won't break Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 regular-season goals. LA Times: LOADED:

8 Anaheim Ducks Ducks receive message, now ready to respond By ERIC STEPHENS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER The Ducks' Daniel Winnik leaves the game after an injury to his face during the second period against the San Jose Sharks Sunday. The Ducks face the Sharks again Tuesday, but this time at Honda Center. GEORGE NIKITIN, AP ANAHEIM Cam Fowler called it a reality check. Now the Ducks are hoping for revenge. Literally and figuratively, San Jose took it to the Ducks on Sunday night. The 3-1 defeat brought the Ducks back to earth in ending the Pacific Division leaders 10-game winning streak. There is no time like the present for the Ducks, who face the Sharks Tuesday night at Honda Center, to send a message back to their division rival. I think we re excited we get this opportunity, especially with a loss in the first half of the series, center Nick Bonino said. You re excited to get back at them. Hopefully, you can get a little redemption. Two distinct messages were received. Allowing the Sharks to go on the offensive from the first puck drop and jump out to a quick lead usually leads to bad results. The Ducks started pushing back and often hemmed San Jose in its own zone but couldn t crack into a two-goal deficit. It is one thing to rally from behind against the hapless New York Islanders or middling Washington. It is another to do it against an elite team or do it again, as the Ducks did on Nov. 30 in their previous trip to San Jose. Against the really top teams in this league, we can t afford to have bad starts, Bonino said. I think in our 10-game streak, we came from behind in six games. But again a team like San Jose, you get behind and they play well with a lead. We knew they d come out strong and we didn t match them. (Tuesday), I think our biggest mindset will be forgetting about their push. It s having a push of our own and making them meet ours. The other realization is the Ducks inability or unwillingness to impose their will in a physical sense. It was a topic of discussion before they hit the ice Monday for a quick, loose practice with three games in a four-day span. It s not a direct response to last night, Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said. It s the way we re supposed to be playing, but we ve been getting away with playing soft games. And when you play the big teams you have to be physical or they re going to win all the battles. And if they win all the battles, they will win the game. We have to learn how to compete harder on the puck against these big teams. Both teams displayed their chippy side after the Sharks grabbed a 3-0 lead. Ducks winger Daniel Winnik and San Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a running battle that ended with Vlasic elbowing Winnik in the face. Winnik returned to the game for the third period and considers himself lucky to require just three stitches to close a cut on his nose. But the Ducks didn t offer up an immediate respond to Vlasic s hit. Boudreau downplayed the idea of his team replying with retribution. However, he acknowledged that if they are taking liberties, we re going to have to stand up a little more for ourselves. Later in the third, Corey Perry threw a punch to the side of Brad Stuart s head and his action against the San Jose defenseman wasn t ignored by the referees. Boudreau called Perry s punch needless and pointed to other examples of playing with an edge. We want to be an aggressive team, Boudreau said. Patty Maroon hit everything that was moving yesterday and that s why he had a really good game. That s the kind of game we want to play, when we re forechecking. Winning 10 in a row got the Ducks a small cushion in the NHL s best and most competitive division. Losing two in a row pulls the Sharks, Kings and Vancouver Canucks right back into the fight for first. It s so tight, Bonino said. You could go from one to four in three games. Not only is it being in the division, it s big for just a matter of pride. Of them beating us twice already and saying we re not going to get pushed around. And hopefully we can send a message tomorrow with a win. Orange County Register: LOADED:

9 Boston Bruins Dougie Hamilton returns to practice with Bruins By Amalie Benjamin December 31, 2013 WILMINGTON There was some good news Monday for the Bruins, with a couple of players making their return to the ice. Dougie Hamilton was among them, practicing for the first time since he suffered a lower-body injury Dec. 8 in Toronto, though he is not cleared for contact. Just progressing as scheduled, coach Claude Julien said. Limited drills for him. He ll keep progressing here hopefully in the upcoming days and we ll see where he is. The defenseman participated in about half of practice, skating by himself during the team s three-on-three drills. He was not able to set a time frame for his return, but he hopes it s only a matter of days. To finally be skating with the team feels good, said Hamilton, who has missed nine games. Just one step closer to playing. You obviously want to get back as soon as you can, but there s no set time. Hamilton s return becomes more crucial with defenseman Dennis Seidenberg out for the season with a major knee injury. The 20-year-old Hamilton said the injury is a first for him in his career, and he s working through the difficulties and frustrations of being hurt. I ve never had something like this, just the nagging stuff that you kind of play through, he said. So this is different. I think the whole experience I ve gone through in the last three weeks is all new, I guess a learning experience that is part of the game. Eriksson on the ice Loui Eriksson skated before practice alongside Carl Soderberg. The second-line winger has not skated in view of reporters since suffering a concussion Dec. 7 against Pittsburgh, his second in 45 days. Eriksson remains day-to-day, but he has been making progress from being holed up in his home to coming to the rink to getting onto the ice. He and Soderberg were working with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides on the ice. Julien called it a light skate.... Soderberg, who had concussion-like symptoms after Friday s game and did not make the trip to Ottawa on Saturday, will not play against the Islanders Tuesday. That means the Bruins will have to call up a forward from Providence as they have only 11 healthy and able to play... Defenseman Zdeno Chara, who missed Saturday s game with an undisclosed injury, skated with the team for about half of practice, though he came off the ice well before the rest of the players. That was planned, Julien said. I guess he s progressing, and we ll make a decision depending on how he is tomorrow, Julien said... Forward Chris Kelly continues to make progress coming back from his fractured fibula. He is three weeks into his 4-to-6-week timetable. Julien said Kelly likely will be on the longer end of that estimate. Here to stay? The Bruins recalled Kevan Miller on an emergency basis Monday, indicating the defenseman is in Boston to stay. Miller, who has played nine games with the Bruins this season, will have to go through waivers to be sent back to Providence once he plays his 10th NHL game. That almost certainly will come Tuesday. I m pretty happy how things have gone, Miller said. It was unfortunate, but I m here now, so just be ready to go. Said Julien, I thought he was a good player for us. When you lose a guy like Seidenberg, you want another guy who s going to bring you some size and some strength. He brings that to the table. I thought his puck management was pretty good, too. He s here right now because he s deserving of being here. Boston Globe LOADED:

10 Boston Bruins Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg disappointed at knee injury but hopeful for future By Amalie Benjamin December 31, 2013 WILMINGTON The second it happened, Dennis Seidenberg knew it felt different. He had suffered MCL injuries before, but nothing quite like this. He felt a click. There were less than five minutes to go in last Friday night s game against Ottawa, and Seidenberg limped off the ice. I was following the play, but I heard it, goalie Tuukka Rask said. He got hurt and I heard that, then I turned around and asked if he was OK. He was just mumbling something. Obviously he was hurt. The defenseman tested the knee out in the locker room with the team s trainers, getting a sense of what the injury might be. But he didn t really know until the next day and the MRI. He had suffered a torn ACL/MCL in his right knee. The recovery time is 6-8 months. Very disappointing, Seidenberg said Monday after the Bruins practice at Ristuccia Arena. It s tough luck the way it happened, but at the end there s nothing I can do. It s all about getting it fixed now and preparing for next season. Seidenberg will have surgery on the knee, likely in the next week or two. He will see Dr. Peter Asnis Tuesday, and the surgery will be scheduled based on the swelling in the area. He said it was pretty painful at the time of the injury but doesn t feel bad at this point. It s totally off, Seidenberg said of the MCL, so they re going to put a couple stitches in the MCL as well. Sometimes it heals quick, just doesn t get back to where it was tightness-wise. So we re going to make sure it s nice and solid, put some stitches in. He added, I talked to Dr. Asnis and he explained to me when it rips it stretches and stretches and stretches and tears. Ligaments don t heal back together. They don t get tighter, they just heal together and stay loose. So we want to make sure it gets back to being stable so I can feel solid coming back. Seidenberg said that former Bruin Marco Sturm contacted him Sunday with words of encouragement. Sturm tore his ACL and MCL in the 2010 playoffs with the Bruins and had surgery to repair the area. Other players also have reached out, he said. Seidenberg said he expects to be around the team the rest of this season. Though, he added, It s going to be annoying watching it from upstairs because you re always the best player when you watch from up top, but it ll be also a learning experience for me. The good news for Seidenberg and for the Bruins, with whom Seidenberg signed a four-year, $16 million contract at the start of the season is that the defenseman expects to be back to his old self once the surgery and recovery have been completed, and be ready for the start of training camp for the season. It used to be when you had an ACL it was career-ending, I guess, he said. But nowadays I think they know how to take care of it and they say I m going to be back to normal, hopefully. It just takes a while. He said his focus will not be on recovering faster than the timetable, but instead on healing properly. For now, the Bruins will be without their No. 2 defenseman, a player who forms a shutdown pairing with Zdeno Chara in the playoffs. That won t be an option this season, with the Bruins instead relying on a group of very young, very inexperienced defenseman to fill in the gaps. He s the prototype good defenseman, both ends of the ice, Rask said. He can do it all. It hurts to lose a guy like that, but it s not the first time this happens to us, and we have the luxury as an organization to have that depth that guys can step up from the minors. The Bruins still have Chara who missed Saturday night s game with an undisclosed injury, but who was back on the practice ice Monday and Johnny Boychuk and Adam McQuaid. But behind those three are Dougie Hamilton, also injured, Matt Bartkowski, Torey Krug, and Kevan Miller, who was called up on an emergency basis but should stay. Asked if that means the Bruins will require more from those players, coach Claude Julien said, Sometimes I think we overanalyze those kind of things. Guys have to step up, do more. I m going back to what I said I m not expecting Torey Krug all of a sudden to turn into a hitting machine. He s going to continue to play his game. It s just a matter of guys playing their best and it s up to us as a coaching staff to try and put the pairs together depending on who we play against and what the situation is. It won t be easy. But the Bruins have proven over the past couple of years (and weeks) they can be resilient, and they ll need to be to get to their ultimate goal without one of their best defensemen. I think like you ve seen in the past, we always seem to step up in tough times, and I don t see it happening any differently, Seidenberg said. We have a lot of young guys playing in Providence or playing up here already that have played great, great hockey and great minutes. I don t see a reason why they shouldn t keep going on like that. Boston Globe LOADED:

11 Boston Bruins Dennis Seidenberg to have surgery on right ACL, MCL Posted by Amalie Benjamin December 30, :52 PM WILMINGTON -- Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg addressed the media Monday for the first time since tearing his right ACL and MCL in Friday night's game against Ottawa. Seidenberg, who will miss the remainder of the season, said he will have surgery on the knee in the next week or two, depending on how long it takes for the swelling to go down. He will see Dr. Peter Asnis Tuesday. "Very disappointing," Seidenberg said. "It s tough luck the way it happened, but at the end, there s nothing I can do. It s all about getting it fixed now and preparing for next season." Seidenberg has injured both MCLs before, but said he has never had an ACL injury. He said he knew immediately that it was different, but did not know the extent of the injury. "It's totally off, so they're going to put a couple stitches in the MCL as well," Seidenberg said. "Sometimes it heals quick, just doesn't get back to where it was tightness-wise. So we're going to make sure it's nice and solid, put some stitches in." Seidenberg should be back for training camp next season, when his new four-year, $16 million contract kicks in. "It used to be when you had an ACL, it was career-ending, I guess," he said. "But nowadays I think they know how to take care of it and they say I'm going to be back to normal, hopefully. It just takes a while." **** There were a couple of updates on injured Bruins, with every regular on the ice at some point other than Seidenberg and Chris Kelly. Loui Eriksson skated before practice with Carl Soderberg, the first time (that we know of) that Eriksson has been on the ice since sustaining a concussion Dec. 7, his second in 45 days. He continues to be day-to-day. Soderberg will not play against the Islanders tomorrow, which means the Bruins will need to call up someone from Providence to fill his spot. Zdeno Chara, who missed Saturday's game in Ottawa with an undisclosed injury, skated for about half of Monday's practice with the team, then left the ice. That was scheduled, and not because he sustained an additional injury. There will be a decision on his availability tomorrow. Dougie Hamilton participated in his first practice since sustaining a lower-body injury Dec. 8. He was limited in some drills, and there is no timetable for his return, but he is making progress. Kevan Miller was at practice after being called up on an emergency basis. He is likely up for good, as he cannot be sent down without going through waivers after playing in his 10th NHL game. Boston Globe LOADED:

12 Boston Bruins Loui Eriksson, Carl Soderberg skate before Bruins practice By Amalie Benjamin, Globe Staff WILMINGTON There were some good signs for the Bruins at Ristuccia Arena on Monday Loui Eriksson and Carl Soderberg were on the ice before the full team practice. For Eriksson it is the first time that we know of that he has skated since Dec. 7, when he sustained his second concussion in 45 days. Soderberg did not make the trip to Ottawa with the team on Saturday after banging his head into the glass, resulting in concussion-like symptoms. He stayed on the ice longer than Eriksson this morning. If he cannot play in Tuesday's game against the Islanders, the Bruins would have to call up another forward. They have only 11 healthy (and active) players at the moment. There were other new faces on the ice. Dougie Hamilton skated with the team for the first time since his lower-body injury on Dec. 8. Zdeno Chara, who also missed Saturday's game in Ottawa with an undisclosed injury, was also on the ice. Kevan Miller was called up this morning on an emergency basis, and is practicing with the team Boston Globe LOADED:

13 Boston Bruins Seids keeps chin up Meanwhile, B s must fill void Dennis Seidenberg For his part, Seidenberg faces a rough half-year. It is somewhat easier to go through the rehab during the season, so that he can still feel a part of the team. I definitely want to stay involved, he said. I want to watch games, I want to see what s going on (and) be in the room with the guys. It s going to be annoying watching from upstairs, because you re always the best player when you watch from up top. It will be a learning experience. Boston Herald LOADED: WILMINGTON Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, out for the season and facing surgery to repair a torn MCL and ACL in his right knee, was in good spirits yesterday when he visited with teammates at Ristuccia Arena. Seidenberg knows that may not always be the case over the coming 6-8 months of rehabilitation from the injuries he suffered Friday against Ottawa. Right now, I m in good spirits, said Seidenberg. But I think once I have the surgery and it s the everyday rehab, that s when it will start being tough. There are going to be ups and downs, but I have to be prepared for that and just stay positive. It s very disappointing. It s tough luck the way it happened. But at the end, there s nothing I can do about it. It s all about getting it fixed now and getting ready for next season. Seidenberg will see team physician Dr. Peter Asnis today and get a better idea on when the surgery will take place, likely in a week or two, he said. Often with these dual ligament tears, the ACL surgery waits until the MCL heals on its own. In this case, though, Seidenberg said there will be surgical work on the MCL as well. Twice before, Seidenberg suffered torn MCLs. Both healed without surgery. It used to be with an ACL it was career-ending, I guess, said Seidenberg. Nowadays they know how to take care of it, and hopefully it will be back to normal. Seidenberg is confident the organization has the depth to survive his loss, the most damaging in a recent epidemic. We have a great team here, and not to be part of it for such a long period of time is going to be tough, he said. But the guys will be fine. There s a lot of depth on this team. Like we ve seen in the past, we always seem to step up in tough times. I don t see it happening any differently this time. We have a lot of young guys at (AHL) Providence or playing up here already that play great hockey and big minutes. I don t see any reason it can t go on like that. Coach Claude Julien said repeatedly yesterday he doesn t expect any one player or players to raise his game to a higher level to fill the void left by the 32-year-old Seidenberg. We don t expect players to give more, because if that was the case we would have asked them for that a long time ago, said Julien. It s just about playing your game and being at your best. I don t expect Torey Krug to turn into a hitting machine. You don t replace guys like that; you just hope you buckle down and play your game the best you can. If everybody does that, as a group, you hope it covers for that loss. You can also bet that general manager Peter Chiarelli and his pro scouts will explore trading for an experienced defenseman. Julien noted that Seidenberg is renowned as an excellent playoff performer ( totals in 69 career games), and acknowledged there could be a need to add experience for the postseason. Maybe at that point you re going to see where you are, whether we make a deal or you re happy with the group we have, said Julien. We ll cross that bridge when we get to it. B s goalie Tuukka Rask figures there is time to adapt to life without Seidenberg. Maybe it s a good thing that it happened now instead of a week before the playoffs, (when) somebody (would have) to step up and they don t know each other, said Rask. Now there s time to develop that chemistry in the second half of the season and feel comfortable going into the playoffs. It ll be different without Seids out there, for sure, but we ll have those guys who can step up and build chemistry together.

14 Boston Bruins Seidenberg confident Bruins 'will be fine' without him By:Stephen Harris WILMINGTON Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, out for the season and facing surgery to repair torn the torn MCL and ACL in his right knee, spoke with reporters after Bruins practice today at Ristuccia about the ordeal ahead of him. "Right now, I'm in good spirits," said Seidenberg. "I think once I have the surgery and it's the every-day rehab, that's when it will start being tough. There are going to be ups and downs, but I have to be prepared for that and just stay positive. "It's very disappointing. It's tough luck the way it happened. But at the end, there's nothing I can do about it. It's all about getting it fixed now and getting ready for next season." Seidenberg will see team physician Peter Asnis tomorrow and get a better idea on when the surgery may take place, likely in a week or two. There is a plan to do some surgical repair on the MCL, which normally is allowed to heal on its own. The ACL is the more severe injury. "It used to be with an ACL it was career-ending, I guess," said Seidenberg. "Nowadays they know how to take care of it, and hopefully it will be back to normal." Seidenberg is confident the organization has the blueline depth to survive his loss. "We have a great team here, and not to be part of it for such a long period of time is going to be tough," he said. "But the guys will be fine. There's a lot of depth on this team. Like we've seen in the past, we always seem to step up in tough times. I don't see it happening any differently this time." Defenseman Kevan Miller was recalled today from Providence (AHL) and likely will remain with the team for the rest of the season. It's not clear whether Zdeno Chara, who missed Saturday's game in Ottawa, will play tomorrow night against the Islanders. He took part in practice today but left the ice early. Coach Claude Julien said a decision on him will be made tomorrow. Winger Carl Soderberg (concussion?) did not skate and will not play against the Islanders. The team will have to recall a forward if he can't go. Shawn Thornton will decide this afternoon whether to seek arbitration regarding his 15-game suspension. Boston Herald LOADED: