Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 2-8-09

Central Division

-One night after getting trounced by the Penguins, the Blue Jackets beat the best team in the Western Conference. Christian Backman's overtime goal gave Columbus a 3-2 win against the Sharks. Dan LaCosta made 28 saves and earned his first career NHL win. Christian Ehrhoff led San Jose with a goal and an assist.

-Brad Boyes and David Perron each had a goal and an assist for the Blues in a 4-1 defeat of the Avalanche. Teammate David Backes added two assists.

-The Blue Jackets put goaltender Steve Mason (right) on injured reserve. He has been dealing with mononucleosis.

-Blue goaltender Manny Legace cleared waivers and was demoted to Peoria of the AHL.

-Alaska governor Sarah Palin is to blame for Legace's demise.

-St. Louis forward Paul Kariya will undergo surgery to his right hip. He has not played since Nov. 5 after having surgery to repair his left hip.

-The Blues recalled defenseman Steve Wagner from Peoria.

Northwest Division

-Ryan Kesler had two goals and an assist for the Canucks in a 7-3 rout of the Blackhawks. Alexander Edler added a goal and three assists for Vancouver while Mats Sundin recorded a goal and two assists. Kris Versteeg led Chicago with a goal and an assist.

-Colorado forward Milan Hejduk suffered a jaw injury last night.

-Wild goon Derek Boogaard is mad that even the head of the NHLPA thinks his job is stupid.

Pacific Division

-Patrick O'Sullivan had a goal and an assist for the Kings in a 3-1 win at New Jersey. Jonathan Quick made 25 saves for the Kings who have won six of their last seven games.

-What in the world was Devils forward Mike Rupp doing against Raitis Ivanans last night?

-Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 26 saves and led the Ducks to a 2-1 win at Calgary. Curtis McElhinney made 23 saves for the Flames who have lost four consecutive games.

-Ducks forward Corey Perry has been red hot since serving a suspension last month.

-The Stars demoted forward Chris Connor to Peoria of the AHL.

-Dallas was one team that benefitted from the Philippe Boucher-Darryl Sydor trade.

(Photo: Jay LaPrete/Associated Press)