-- Up top, frustrations are clearly boiling over for the Florida Panthers, who lost again last night in Minnesota. Roberto Luongo was pulled after allowing five goals on just 17 shots, then nearly killed Vincent Trocheck. (Unintentionally, we think.)
-- The Hockey News comes up with five possible trade destinations for Jarome Iginla, a pending unrestricted free agent on a bad team. One is Edmonton, which would be amazing. Another is Calgary, which would be even more amazing. Iginla, 39, has just three goals in 27 games for the Avalanche this season; however, he does have 52 shots, so it’s not like he’s been totally lacking chances. (The Hockey News)
-- Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is rightly worried about his team. “We’re falling in some categories -- our penalty killing is dropping, our goals against, our shots against. We’re in the bottom half of the league now in those three categories, and those categories have to be good in order to win.’' The Bolts kick off a three-game road trip tonight in Calgary, where the Flames have won four straight. (ESPN)
-- If you missed it yesterday, don’t forget to read Elliotte Friedman’s weekly “30 Thoughts.” It includes a tidbit about Eric Staal, who’s been such a good fit with the Wild. Writes Friedman: “I’d heard he was really disappointed in himself after last season, and changed his regimen to deal with that. Staal is very proud and played down the ‘disappointed’ aspect, but admitted he started skating earlier than he used to in the off-season.” (Sportsnet)
-- Bruins coach Claude Julien on 19-year-old prospect Jesse Gabrielle: “He’s very energetic. He’s got a good shot. He reminds me a little bit of Brad Marchand in his early years: He’s a little bit reckless, and at times maybe he’s not controlling his emotions. ... But he’s got a lot of upside.” Gabrielle currently leads WHL Prince George with 19 goals in 27 games. (CSN New England)
-- Speaking of the Bruins, Montreal’s Paul Byron scored a big goal against the B’s on Monday. It was his 10th goal of the season, and it sent the game to overtime, allowing the Habs to salvage a point from a game they trailed late. The Canadiens plucked Byron off the waiver wire last year, and that’s sure proven to be a good move by GM Marc Bergevin. (Eyes on the Prize)
Enjoy the games!