Our very own Playoff Beard of the Month winner for December, George Parros capped a dominant win over the Calgary Flames, by ending a shift with a little toe to toe action with Calgary defenceman Robin Regehr. Parros has to be one of the few enforcers I've ever seen actually go to the body when the head isn't available. Regehr will be soaking his ribs all day today.

The Ducks and Flames took a 1-1 tie into the third period in a physical matchup that eventually wore Calgary down. Then Anaheim opened the flood gates on goals from Pahlsson, Penner, and a sweet late empty netter by Corey Perry (you gotta see the replay on that one....should be on the hightlights this week), and goaltender J.S. Giguere finished off his 22nd win of the year by defeating the Flames 4-1. The Ducks stretched their lead in the Pacific Division and further cemented their foothold for first place in the Western Conference. Unless they totally collapse over the next two weeks, we will see Anaheim Coach Randy Carlyle behind the bench coaching the Western All-Stars.....and still not playing Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Anaheim broadcasters tossed out a great line during a scrum in the third between several Ducks, and Flames players..."It looks like an NBA game down there!"

Quick Shave:
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to prove that they could be for real. Sergei Federov returned to Detroit to score two goals including the game winner. The Blue Jackets took a 3-0 lead in the first period over the Detroit Red Wings, and hung to win 4-3 on a 33 save performance by Fredrik Norrena....a good fantasy pickup in your leagues right now if he's available (I grabbed him in one of mine!). Speaking of Federov, apparently there has been rumors of the Montreal Canadiens trying to trade for him last week. Right now I don't see it happening with the way they are playing, but if they fall apart, this wouldn't shock me. He carries a hefty price tag, and might be worth unloading for the Blue Jackets if the right deal falls in their laps.

Game of the Night:
Montreal at Buffalo 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Atlanta at New Jersey 7:30 PM

Couple of good games on tonight. The best has to be the Habs and Sabres. These two teams have provided some of the best hockey I've seen all season when they've met. The Islanders and Rangers should be a great game depending on which Ranger team shows up, and the Devils face their old forward Bobby Holik and his new team the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. Enjoy the games you Chewbacca lookalikes!

Oh...Alexander Frolov will pot 3 against Nashville tonight for the Kings.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh