SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, Dec. 26
Detroit at St. Louis (8:30 p.m. EST). The league-leading Red Wings visit the up-and-coming Blues, second in the Central Division.
STARS
Minnesota right wing Marian Gaborik was chosen as First Star of the Week by the NHL on Monday. Gaborik led all NHL scorers with eight points in three games, including a five-goal, one assist effort against the Rangers. Atlanta goalie Kari Lehtonen was the Second Star for his 4-0 record with a 1.96 goals-against average and .935 save percentage. Nashville center Jason Arnott earned Third Star for his eight points in four games.
COLD OUT THERE
Fighting heavy wind and blowing snow, NHL work crews completed the initial phase of converting Ralph Wilson Stadium into a hockey rink for the Jan. 1 Winter Classic outdoor game between the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. The game will be the NHL’s second played outdoors, and first in the United States after the Oilers played the Montreal Canadiens at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 22, 2003.
UNHAPPY HOLIDAY
San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of drunken driving. Clowe, who has been out of the Sharks’ lineup for two months after undergoing knee surgery, was stopped by police in suburban Los Gatos for a minor traffic violation. Authorities said the 25-year-old player failed a field sobriety test and was booked into the Santa Clara County jail. Clowe has three goals and three assists in 11 games this season.
SPEAKING
“I am embarrassed by what happened, but take full responsibility for this regrettable mistake. For situations like I faced last evening, our team has a very clear alternative transportation policy in place. I failed to follow it, and for that I am deeply sorry.” – San Jose forward Ryane Clowe on Monday after getting arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of drunken driving.