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Feature Article
Back Checking For Week Of Dec. 22
Authored by Michael Sonday - 22nd December, 2008 - 11:04 am

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The top stories from this week in hockey...

The Mats Sundin saga is finally over. After months of media speculation, the Vancouver Canucks signed the former Maple Leaf to a one year deal. We all now can get back to our lives.

Calder Trophy hopeful Derrick Brassard may have ended his season when he sustained an injury last Thursday in Dallas. The talented 20-year-old separated his shoulder during his first career fight against the Stars' James Neal.

Ugly stat of the week: Rod Brind'Amour is a -24 so far this season, which is last in the NHL. This comes as a surprise to many as Brind'Amour has been known throughout his career to be a defensively responsible player.

Miika Kiprusoff continued his dominance against the Minnesota Wild last Wednesday as the Flames beat the Wild 3-2 in overtime. Kiprusoff is 20-6-3 all-time against the Flames division foes.

The Black and Blues: Defensemen Eric Brewer (back) and Jay McKee (hand) are the latest to catch the injury bug in St. Louis.

Phil Kessel extended his point scoring streak to 18 games this week. The mark is impressive but still a long way from Gretzky?s record point streak of 51 games.

Add "Cheap Shot" to the list of monikers given to NHL?s golden boy, Sidney Crosby. During a skirmish on December 18th Sid the Kid decided to punch Atlanta?s Boris Valabik not once, but twice in the groin. Anybody but Crosby would have been suspended for the incident, way to go Commissioner Bettman.

Five longest tenured coaches in the NHL
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres (1997)
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators (1998)
Jacques Lemaire, Minnesota Wild (2000)
Craig MacTavish, Edmonton Oilers (2000)
Dave Tippett, Dallas Stars (2002)


Game to watch this week in the NHL
New Jersey Devils @ New York Rangers on Saturday the 27th