December 3rd - NHL News from Around the League

The Penguins have named Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke as their alternate captains for December. I think it's a great move as those guys really stepped up their games last month.

Scott Hartnell continues to do things that boggle the mind. Last night, in an attempt to stop a Ryan Malone scoring chance, he threw his glove at Malone... and missed. This is the same Scott Hartnell who lost the pick twice then tackled the goalie in a shootout. Hartnell's salary is $4.7 million this season. I'm shocked that he's even employed but $4.7 million dollars!? To put that into perspective, Scott Hartnell, the man who tackles goalies in shootouts and throws his glove at scoring chances, will make more money this season than people like Miroslav Satan, Petr Sykora, Jordan Staal, Brooks Orpik, and Ruslan Fedetenko. He will make more money this season than Hendrik Zetterberg or Teemu Selanne or Mike Modano or Jonathan Cheechoo. He is signed until 2013. And, last night, HE THREW HIS GLOVE AT SOMEONE TO STOP A SCORING CHANCE.

Speaking of disgraces, Sean Avery has been suspended from the NHL indefinitely. His suspension follows his comments regarding Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf's girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert, who Avery used to date. Of course, the suspension didn't hurt his team as the Dallas Stars beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 last night.

The Washington Capitals lost 5-3 to the Florida Panthers last night. It was Washington's first regulation loss at home since March 9th of last season and this time a player from the opposing team scored the winning goal.

Some good news for the New Jersey Devils as Martin Brodeur has begun rehab on his arm. He is a long way from returning however as his rehab right now consists of trying to straighten his arm.