from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- I never thought we’d see a legit challenge to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, but here we are. Alex Ovechkin is going to give the NHL and its fans a gift — a race for number one. Ovechkin’s goals-per-game average after age 30: 0.59, which has him tied with Cy Denneny for eighth all-time, behind only Newsy Lalonde (1.26), Joe Malone (0.72), Harry Cameron (0.63), Bobby Hull and Mario Lemieux (0.62), and Mike Bossy (0.60). His number of goals after age 30: 223 and counting, which has him tied for 33rd all-time. (Gordie Howe is first at 415.) It’s going to be all about health.

- The Jets, Dustin Byfuglien, the NHL and the NHLPA continue to work towards an agreement on his contract termination. One of the key negotiating points is beyond both the team and the player, with the league and the union needing to agree on language about his grievance. From what I’ve heard, there’s a low confidence level at this time that he’d win it, and, in order for things to work out, they’re going to have to agree that this outcome cannot be used as precedent for any future grievances. That has happened before, with Mike Richards. When he settled with the Kings, both sides agreed it couldn’t affect future litigation.

- Chris Johnston reported on Headlines last week that the Canucks offered a two-year extension, and, based on those previous moves, it didn’t come as a surprise. That’s not going to do it for Markstrom, who has been phenomenal and is not afraid to bet on himself. But, like Nurse, it doesn’t mean the negotiation is over. Just means it is going to be challenging. It’s a tightrope, and you don’t want it to affect your room. GM Jim Benning isn’t saying much beyond the fact that they want to get it done, because, in such a rabid market, one wrong word throws gasoline on the fire.

- Dallas is built for the playoff grind, but I wonder if they look for a playmaking forward. When we looked into it last week, only Anaheim (129) had fewer assists from that group than the Stars’ 130. (Detroit also had 130.)

“We create from good team defence,” head coach Rick Bowness said....

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