from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Heading into Tuesday’s games, the NHL’s collective goals against average is 2.89, which would be the highest since 2.92 in 2005-06. The biggest difference since then is the number of power plays. Sixteen years ago, there were six per team per game. Now there are three.

- Jeff Blashill (Detroit) was initially reported as a two-year extension. It might be this year and a team option, but Steve Yzerman’s Lamoriello-esque secrecy makes it a challenge to know for sure.

- NHL agents are meeting with the Players’ Association in-person for the first time in two years. That’s Wednesday in Toronto. On the agenda: CBA stuff, including second opinions. Arizona will probably come up, too. Don Fehr and his future is not officially a topic.

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