Halak makes 40 saves as Canadiens shut out Isles

Jaroslav Halak made 40 saves for his first shutout of the season, and Andrei Markov scored two of Montreal's three-power play goals after missing more than two months with a leg injury in the Canadiens' 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders.

Thin Blue Line: Markov due back soon

Victoria Matiash notes that Andrei Markov's impending return should help the Montreal Canadiens, and also ranks the top 75 fantasy defensemen.

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 1: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens waits for a faceoff in a game against the Toronto Maple...

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 1: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens waits for a faceoff in a game against the Toronto Maple...

In The Crease: Replacing Razor

Tim Kavanagh evaluates Brian Boucher's value as the temporary starter for the Philadelphia Flyers in his weekly wrapup of all fantasy things goalie-related.

Thin Blue Line: Johnson finally shining

Victoria Matiash says that Erik Johnson's breakout season shouldn't be a surprise, only that it was a year later than expected.

Thin Blue Line: Thrashers stepping up

Victoria Matiash praises the Atlanta Thrashers' defensemen, specifically Tobias Enstrom, in this week's rankings.

Backstrom, Varlamov star in SO to help Caps thwart Habs after last-minute tie

Nicklas Backstrom scored the only shootout goal on Washington's third attempt to give the Capitals a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

How countries are coping with injuries

The injury trend has had its effect on NHL teams, but what about the Olympic outlook? Some countries might not be able to fill the void if star players are out of commission.

The Thin Blue Line: Souray back

Victoria Matiash discusses the return of Sheldon Souray to the lineup in her weekly roundup and ranking of fantasy hockey defensemen.

Canadiens-Predators Preview

Canadiens-Predators Preview

Devils keep churning out the wins

...New Jersey doesn't even blink. I mean, look at how lost Montreal is playing without Andrei Markov, and Pittsburgh without Sergei Gonchar. The Devils? Ha. The Red Machine just keeps churning out victories...

The Thin Blue Line: Fantasy wasteland

Victoria Matiash looks at the latest among fantasy defensemen, noting the Hurricanes' slow start has hurt the values of Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen.

Losing Krejci comes at terrible time

BOSTON -- Losing center David Krejci to H1N1 was the last thing the Bruins needed in the aftermath of back-to-back shutout losses. But that's the rea...

Stoking rivalry may provide spark

Meeting with Canadiens comes at good time for Bruins.