Monday in Review

Quite a bit of news today other than the Eagles' big win tonight:

Tonight's Games:
* Bruins win a thriller over Montreal, 6-5. Before the game there was a ceremony to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Canadiens' franchise - players like Schmidt, Bucyk, Cheevers, Bourque, Lafleur and Beliveau were on hand for the festivities. Outside of the Yankees I don't think there is a pro sports team in North American that has such a rich history
* 10 different players had goals in this one, with Brad Stuart potting a pair. Primeau and Sturm also scored for the Bruins, giving the trio 13 on the season, 6 more than Joe Thornton
* Marc Savard had a three point night, bringing his season total to 31. I wonder how many teams are regretting not making a move for him (Calgary perhaps)?
* Huet got the hook for the first time this year.

* Marty Turco picked up shutout #2 on the year, beating the Sharks 1-0.
* Dallas had just 13 shots on goal (5-4-4) but won anyway
* Modano scored the lone goal of the game before leaving with a "lower body injury". Seems like a lot of those going around.
* The Stars were also missing Morrow, Lindros, Miettinen, Daly and Sydor due to various injuries

* Phoenix came from behind to upset Nashville, 3-2. The Coyotes outplayed the Preds and outshot them 42-21 - 16-3 in the third
* Georges Laraques picked up two more assists - his 6th multipoint game in his last 12 games

* The Oilers shutout Vancouver 4-0 behind 36 stops by Roloson
* The Canucks continue to really have trouble scoring while Luongo struggled as well, allowing 4 on 18. Vancouver has no scoring depth and are relying way too much on the twins and Naslund.

Today's News
* Stillman activated: You have to think that the Canes will look to deal a forward for some help on D. Maybe they'll even look to Vancouver?

* Bob Clarke back with Philly (as Senior VP). Sounds like a very low-stress position that still allows him to stay active with the franchise. Good move for all..

* Canada's World Junior hopefuls announced - 11 returnees from last year's Gold Medal squad. One of the most interesting battles will be in goal where Carey Price and Leland Irving should be pushed by Jonathan Bernier and Steve Mason.

* Viktor Kozlov named first star of the week. 6 goals in 2 road games put him in a class with Red Bereson, Gretzky, Sittler and Mikita. Something about Chad Kilger and Viktor Kozlov stealing the headlines this weekend feels very strange to me.

* NHL salary cap going up - apparently somewhere between $46 and $47.5 mil. Good news for the league and for the upcoming UFAs.

* Balsillie interviewed by team owners. As expected it sounds like it went well. The big date is fast approaching (Dec 20) when the decision is expected on the Slots licence for Downtown Pittsburgh:

''Obviously if they get the (slots) licence there's a contractual commitment to the team,'' said Bettman. ''If there isn't (a licence) then there will be an opportunity, I suppose, for other places to make their interests known. Although he reiterated, as did the executive committee, that we would like this team to stay in Pittsburgh if it's possible." (TSN)

* Schedule changes discussed. Sounds like Bettman is on board, the players are on board and the fans are definitely on board. However, everything I've read has said any changes that are made won't be made for another year, which is too bad (if true)

'I did indicate that the majority of players who I've spoken with would certainly support some increased play outside of their division,'' said Saskin. ''We all recognize there are challenges and competing interests anytime you make adjustments in the schedule, but the benefit of seeing more teams in the regular season is one that is understood and supported by the membership.'' (TSN)