Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Preview: New York Islanders at New York Rangers, 7 p.m. ET. The Rangers attempt to extend their winning streak to seven games facing their main rivals in the Islanders. Also intact, Olivia Munn's good luck streak. Since the two teams last met on Oct. 15, the Islanders are 1-6-3 and sit in last place in the Eastern Conference. Evgeni Nabokov gets the start for the Islanders and has lost four of his last five starts since beating the Rangers 4-2.
Preview: Colorado Avalanche at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:30 p.m. ET. Still no Sidney Crosby tonight as the Avalanche try and turn things around after winning just twice in their last nine games. Tonight also marks Milan Hejduk's first night as Colorado captain as he enters the tilt with a goal in three straight games. Steve Sullivan and Tyler Kennedy are game-time decisions for Pittsburgh and forward Dustin Jeffrey will likely be in the lineup.
Preview: Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. ET. The Red Wings are all about streaking. Starting the season off with a five-game win streak following by a six-game losing streak, Detroit looks to win their fifth straight as they kick off a four-game road trip. Gone from the trip is defenseman Ian White who fractured a cheekbone on Saturday. Brian Elliott is between the pipes for St. Louis hoping to continue his run of play that's seen him take over the No. 1 job with a 6-1-0 record. He's yet to defeat the Red Wings in two tries in his career, however.
Evening reading:
• Ryan Miller updates his injury status (sore neck, headaches) and talks about his short-term prognosis. [Sabres]
• Nick Cotsonika on Crosby Watch: "The Penguins have made it clear that they will give Crosby all the time he needs and won't burden him with expectations whenever he does return. Remember that Crosby had reached a new level even for him when he was injured, racking up 32 goals and 66 points in exactly half a season. It would be unreasonable to assume he will just pick up where he left off" [Y! Sports]
• Q&A with Brendan Shanahan on concussions, goaltender protection and player safety. [NHL.com]
• Road rage charges against former NHLer and current Dallas Stars scout Shane Churla were dismissed. He had been charged with criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct after kicking a car door. [WEAU]
Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Mike Hardy on the 2012 HHOF debate this morning:
Cam Neely = 694 points in 726 games
Pavel Bure = 779 points in 702 games
Eric Lindros = 865 points in 760 games
Now Cam Neely is in the Hall of Fame despite the fact this career was shortned by injury and he was a great player, but if he can get in, I don't see why Bure and Lindros can't. Both were better players than Neely and bot have more points in a similar injury-shortned career.
Bold Prediction: Loui Eriksson hat trick as the Stars down the Panthers 5-2.