According to the New York Daily News the New York Rangers are one of a dozen teams in Philadelphia Flyers center and captain Peter Forsberg. Despite his injury plagued season, Forsberg is surely going to be one of the hottest commodities available at the trade deadline (which is February 27th this year).

Forsberg has a no-trade clause but he would probably waive it for an opportunity to play for the Rangers in the playoffs (if they can make the playoffs). The Flyers are interested in re-signing Forsberg but if they don't have an agreement in place by the deadline, they will attempt to move him rather than lose him as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. There was a recent rumor on Spector's Hockey that said, had it not been for his foot problems a few weeks ago, Forsberg would be playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

While the Flyers will certainly be dealing from a position of power with so many bidders, Forsberg's injury history can't be ignored, especially this season where he missed more than 20 games. However, when he is healthy, he is one of the most explosive playmakers in the NHL. I think many teams will be willing to take the risk. Expect most deals to include NHL ready youngsters and condiional first round picks (conditional on the amount of time Forsberg can play).

Quick Shave:
Man did I say game of the night or what?! The Pittsburgh Penguins destroyed the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-2 last night! Penguins forward Sidney Crosby had a modest evening with 1 goal and two assists, but his team mates embraced the big stage last night as Mark Recchi joined the NHL HTC with his three scores ( he also added an assist), and Evegni Malkin (as brother Stache mentioned last night) had a solid 5 assist night. The Leafs fans are in a state of pure unrest after that match.....check out the TSN.ca article, and read the posts at the bottom of the page....hilarious. The NHL HTC also welcomed Nashville Predators forward David Legwand who's three scores helped his team defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3, and extend their Western Conference lead over the Ducks by 3 points. Dany Heatley added a pair as he and the Ottawa Senators shut out the Boston Bruins 3-0. Almost made another appearance at the Club de Hat Trick. Sens goalie Ray Emery made 18 saves for his fourth win by shutout this season. Last night was an evening for the goaltenders in fact. St. Louis Blue's netminder Manny Legace stopped all 31 San Jose Sharks shots he faced last night to record the 1-0 shutout win, and Calgary Flames goalie Miika Kiprusoff made 32 saves to lift his team over the Edmonton Oilers 4-0.

So the All Star Break is upon us, and the NHL will resume again on Friday January 26th. Between now and then, the All Star Game festivities will begin on Tuesday and Wednesday night of this week.

Probably the biggest news this week. Playoff Beard. com turns one year old! Yep. January 24th marked the first post and launch of this tragedy of a web site.....and like a fledgling goatee, it has slowly flourished into a fully encompassing chin sweater. We are also rapidly approaching our 500th post, and thanks to my boys (Stache, Jeff, Paul, Scott, the other Jeff....) we are about to hit our 1000 comment. Thanks again for all the support guys!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh