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PHT Morning Skate: Where Detroit is “Fifth Element” bad

Jimmy Howard

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) stretches to make a save in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. Detroit won 4-2. (AP Photo/Christine Cotter)

AP

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

The Detroit Red Wings are in a bad way after a 4-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. How bad? George Malik thought of the Bruce Willis oddball film “The Fifth Element,” but took the high road in not making a reference to Chris Tucker’s hair. (The Malik Report)

Speaking of things getting bad, Damien Cox believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs should cut ties with Phil Kessel. Wait, what? (Toronto Star)

With the GM meetings wrapped up, NHL.com’s Dan Rosen tabs five executives who should have the most exciting and/or interesting stretch runs. It must not have been easy to narrow that list down considering all the interesting playoff races ... (NHL.com)

Marty Turco on Tuesday’s meltdown against the Tampa Bay Lightning: “You couldn’t write it any worse.” Sounds like a challenge. (CSNNE.com)

Sean Leahy looks into the Buffalo Sabres’ potentially history-making run from the bottom of the East to an unlikely playoff spot. Sure, they made a big run last season, but it would be nothing compared to doing it this year. (Puck Daddy)

Ilya Bryzgalov’s “positive vibes” have been humongous big for the Philadelphia Flyers lately. (CSNPhilly.com)

Jame McGinn delayed Adrian Dater’s exit from the press box, but helped to prompt a series of interesting thoughts about the Colorado Avalanche’s big win against the Buffalo Sabres. (All things Avalanche)

Bad news for the Washington Capitals: top prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov will stay in the KHL next season, according to Slava Malamud. (Capitals Insider)

What’s a bigger deal: that the Columbus Blue Jackets “won” the tanking war by losing to the Edmonton Oilers last night, or Jim Matheson used the phrase: “nattering nabobs of negativism”? I’d lean toward the latter, but either way, here’s your challenge of the day: use the phrase “nattering nabobs of negativism” in a random conversation. (Edmonton Journal)

Is Dale Tallon producing anti-bulletin board material or just telling the truth when he calls the Washington Capitals the favorite to win the Southeast Division? (Florida Sun Sentinel)