An impressive 4-nil win last night for the surging Avs over the Hawks with Semyon Varlamov pitching the shutout. He has now won his last four starts by only allowing a combined five goals. The Avs have won nine of their last 10.

I hadn't realized how goddam smokin Henrik Lundqvist has been lately... after beating the Pens last night (37/38) he's won six in a row with a 1.17 & .963.

The first line is working out just fine, thank you very much, for Kyle Okposo as he scored last night and has a four game point streak going (2+2=4). He's probably still going to be lucky to crack 40 points this year but I still have hope for the long-term.

It's been a quiet 37 points for Patrik Elias this year (19th in league scoring) and he's been moving up the ranks lately with three last night and 6+11=17 over his last 15 games.

Props to T.J. Galiardi last night for dropping the gloves with Dave Bolland to cap off a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick.

Assist & five shots for Gabriel Landeskog last night gives him a nice all-around line with 3+5=8, plus-6, eight PIMs & 29 shots over his last 10 games.

Ryan Callahan extended his point streak to seven games last night where he has 2+6=8 & plus-7.

Eric Staal is stringing together some nice performances with 1+2=3 & six shots last night to give him 3+5=8 & 18 shots over his last four games. Maybe what they say is true and his spirits have been lifted now that his brother Marc is back healthy again.

Justin Faulk has been chipping in on the PP lately and has 2+1=3 (all on the PP) over his last four games. He has played 20+ minutes in 23 straight games since his last recall.

Those of you that bit hard on the promise after Michael Grabner's magical season can't be proud of yourselves as he has just 3+3=6 & minus-10 over his last 16 games.

Bobby Ryan with a pair of goals last night and he's starting to come around with 5+1=6 in his last five games.

Ryan Getzlaf even got into the act with his first goal in 13 games. This means Brian Burke will likely add another 1st rounder to his offer.

As suspected, Jacob Markstrom will likely split the starts while he's filling in for Jose Theodore, he got the call last night but took the loss by giving up three goals on 27 shots.

Nothing but a minor league deal here as the Flames acquired Blair Jones from Tampa for Brendan Mikkelson.

Matt Frattin, Nate Prosser & Jonathon Blum head to the AHL. The Preds also swapped out a goalie as the well-rested Anders Lindback will head to Milwaukee with Jeremy Smith coming up... neither is likely to play much unless Rinne gets injured.