Dustin Penner injured while eating pancakes.

Title says all. Do I even need to elaborate? Who hurts their back eating pancakes? I think from now on someone should just feed him... When I eat pancakes I should where a brace to make sure I don't hurt myself either... Should the pancake house have a waiver form you have to sign before you go in? LOL this was just too funny to pass up.

Scott Arniel Fired

The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired Head Coach Scott Arniel. Assistant head coach Todd Richards has been named interm head coach. This move has beeen expected since the Paul Maurice firing.

Iginla to Canucks?

HockeyBreak (@HockeyBreak) has confirmed that the Vancouver Canucks have shown interest in the Calgary Flames' Jarome Iginla. He also says that Canucks' management has talked owner Mr. Aquilini about acquiring the forward.

My sources told me that they would expect a player like Alex Burrows, Corey Schneider, or Cody Hodgson, and a first rounder and a few other things included for a player like him.

Other Rumors:

• Super Trade: Nash for Getzlaf? - Doesn't seem likely but would blow the league up if it happens.
• Habs are interested in Francois Beauchemin - Is it just me or do the Habs love the old Leafs defenseman? Hal Gill, now maybe Francois Beauchemin?
• Tom Gleason's name has been floating around a lot... 
• Kings and Lightning could have a massive trade if one of the players waives their NTC - I'm thinking maybe Vincent Lecavalier or maybe Mike Richards?
• Hemsky and Okposo linked to Pittsburgh. - With their injury woes, i'm not surprised.

Pittsburgh Panic Mode?

With Crosby, Letang, Staal, Neal, and Adams all injured, should the Penguins be in panic mode? The marquee players they have left are Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury. This blogger thinks that the next few games will tell GM Ray Shero what to do up till the trade deadline. If the team seems capable, Shero should just relax and lets his team work. However, if the team seems to tank, panic mode should be put in and Shero needs players who can score. What happens waits to be seen.

NHLPA Realignment Rejection

Yesterday, the NHLPA rejected the proposal that was put forward to split the league up into four conferences. Instead, they would prefer if the league stayed the same. Here are some reactions that have been shown since the rejection:

NHL: Obviously, they'd be disappointed that the proposal wasn't agreed on.

NHL Accountant: They have to be beside themselves right now. This move would have been a great move economically with the amount of money spent on airfare being dramatically because you don't have those expensive flights from Columbus to LA as often.

NHL Board of Directors: Reaction from Jimmy Devellano was interesting. He was visibly upset and disappointed as well. He serves as the Senior Vice President of the Detroit Red Wings. His main complain was that teams in the middle like Detroit has to travel to places like LA, Vancouver, Phoenix twice a year and it is tough on his players. Games would be finished at 1 A.M. Detroit time and the players would be exhausted.

NHL Players: They're disappointed, they vouched for this because of the easier schedule and the less travelling. The teams in the middle like St. Louis, Columbus, Detroit, the players overwhelmingly wanted this realignment to go through.

NHLPA: Ah the most important people, NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr released a statement explaining why the NHLPA did not approve the change, " Two substantial Player concerns emerged: (1) whether the new structure would result in increased and more onerous travel; and (2) the disparity in chances of making the playoffs between the smaller and larger divisions." 

Fans: Fans in the central areas were hoping this would go  through so fans don't have to stay up till midnight or 1 AM just to watch a game.

Blogger: Dammit, so close, I was hoping to see the sponsorship for the conference names, Apple Conference, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Conference, and Blackberry Conference because you know RIM likes to put their name in everything...

New York Rangers: Top Tier Team or Lucky Streak?

The New York Rangers are on top of the NHL, boasting a record of 26-9-4, beating the next teams, Pittsburgh and Vancouver, by 3 points.

Everything seems to be clicking for them, Lundqvist is a top goaltender who can shut down teams, the back up Martin Biron is good enough to be a starter. Marian Gaborik seems to have re found his scoring touch (23 goals, 34 points). Newly acquired centre Brad Richards seems to thrive in the spotlight at MSG. Captain Ryan Callahan is doing nicely after being appointed the leader of the team. The only disappointment in my opinion, would be Brandon Dubinsky, but he is starting to heat up as well.

The coach, John Tortorella, has satirical post game comments (including one after the Winter Classic about the officiating which got him fined).

The Rangers weren't always like this. Barely squeaking in the playoffs last year as the eighth seed, they were dispatched by the Capitals in 5 games. During the offseason, they signed coveted free agent Brad Richards, physical winger Michael Rupp, resigned RFA captain Ryan Callahan. Yes, Ranger's GM Glen Sather seems to have readied his team for the playoffs during the 2011-2012 season with his major deals. Sure the team looks good on paper, but would the team perform and work together during the season?

A little bit over 1/3 through the NHL season, the Ranger's have quashed any doubts about that issue, but can they finish the season strong as the number 1 seed? We can't know that for sure but right now, the Rangers are the best team in the league.

Philadelphia Trade?

Matt Walker has been placed on waivers. I did some emailing and it seems to be a precursor for another move. Hearing Tom Gleason's name being out a lot. We'll wait and see, this is a strange move to say the least.