2002 NHL entry draft
Q: [from Anthony] Who are the top prospects for this year's draft? A: The latest Red Line Report puts Jay Bouwmeester [D], and Rick Nash [LW] as the projected first and second picks in the 2002 NHL entry draft.

Sportsnet.ca has an excellent multimedia feature on Rick Nash [look under special features], and more can be found on Bouwmeester at the Red Line Report.

Hockeysfuture.com also has a 2002 NHL draft preview, and daily recaps of the WJC.

USA undefeated at World Junior championships
After 3 games, the United States has a win over the Czech Republic (3-1), a tie with Sweden (2-2), and a win against Belarus (5-2).

The USA and Slovakia are tied for first in Group A, with Slovakia ahead on the goal differential.

Get well soon Ryan
Ryan Gibbs, 11 year old captain of the East Enders Atom AA minor league team, is fighting a tough battle with cancer this holiday season.

Get well soon Ryan.

Vladislav Tretiak
Even though Vladislav Tretiak has 3 gold medals, he will never forget a 4-3 loss to the USA in the 1980 Lake Placid olympics. Vladislav still resents being pulled to this day.

"Yes, I will never forget that as long a I live, Coach Viktor Tichonov pulled me from the decisive game against USA after the first period. He told me that I made a bad mistake on Mark Johnson's 2-2 goal and that reserve Myshkin would play the rest. I would have had four gold medals if not for Tikhonov's bad judgement."

Nabokov numbers
A quick glimpse of how Evgeni Nabokov stacks up against the rest of the NHL between the pipes: GAA - 6th [2.09] Save % - 5th [0.926] Shutouts - 4th [4] Wins - 4th [16]

Damphousse interview
Vincent Damphousse goes one-one-one during an interview with TSN.ca.

During the interview Damphousse talks about the return of Mike Rathje, playing with Selanne on the top line, and Mike Ricci's recent 4 cut performance against Dallas.

Hammerhead booster club meeting
The Sharks Hammerhead booster club has a meeting tonight at Harry's Hofbrau [390 Saratoga Ave] in San Jos�.

Read more about joining, traveling to road games, memorabilia auctions, and other volunteer events supported by the club.

[about the road trip] Colorado and Dallas down, Detroit is next after a quick tune up in Atlanta [27th in goals scored (71), 30th in goals against (122)].

It would be nice to whack three of the "big four" in one road trip.

Biggest cliche in hockey
''You have to win or lose with your best players. Play your best players and lose with your best players.'' a Scotty Bowman truism as told to Mike Keenan. Are the Sharks winning with their best players? During San Jose's 8 game unbeaten streak, Selanne [5 goals, 3 assists] and Damphousse [2 goals, 6 assists] have clicked on the top line along with Marco Sturm. Damphousse and Selanne are an offensive threat each time they are on the ice. Nolan [1 goal, 7 assists] is beset with constant line juggling of late resulting in somewhat uninspiring play. Playing a Dallas team that is 3 points behind you in the standings should provide all the inspiration the Sharks captain needs. Home ice advantage in the playoffs may rest squarely on the shoulders of San Jose's best player.

Sharks re-assign Jeff Jillson to Cleveland
After racking up 3 goals and 8 assists in 23 games this season, the Sharks re-assigned Jeff Jillson to the Cleveland Barons today. Instead of being the odd Sharks defenseman out after Rathje signed a 4 year deal, Jillson will have the opportunity [i.e. minutes] to develop other areas of his game in Cleveland. Look for him to be quickly recalled if the Sharks power play suffers. In other Barons news: Jonathan Cheechoo drops a hat trick on the Grand Rapids Griffins. [Love that airport Grand Rapids]

Lecavalier trade rumors
The rumor mill is picking up speed around Tampa Bay center Vincent Lecavalier. Here are a few of the rumors from around the league: St Petersburg Times - Dudley listening, but has not made 'offers' of Lecavalier. According to the Lightning GM Rick Dudley "It will have to be a monumental deal for it to happen". Tampa Tribune - Campbell: Lecavalier Is Staying. "We signed him to a long-term deal before the season. He is a cornerstone of our team. I think he will be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning for a long time'' said Lightning President Ron Campbell. Ottawa Sun - Lightning talks bottled up.

Virtual Stanley Cup
Download Viewpoint media player, use a PC, use a 4+ version browser and you can take the virtual trophy tour at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Two player listings I noticed on the Cup: Boston Bruins 1971-1972 - Bobby Orr, Colorado Avalanche 2000-2001 - Raymond Bourque. Not on the tour, an ice sculpture of the venerable trophy.