69 Million Total Viewers Watched the Olympics in Primetime on NBC and MSNBC

8.2 Million Average Viewers Watched Canada-USA Hockey on MSNBC

Joe DiPenta scored a shorthanded goal with less than two minutes remaining in regulation to lift the Portland Pirates to a 3-2 win over the Albany River Rats in an American Hockey League game played tonight in front of 3,495 at the Times Union Center.

The victory marked the Pirates 10th consecutive win, equaling the franchise record established in 1996-97.

The Canadian AHL All-Stars tied it up in the final seconds and went on to capture a 10-9 shootout win over PlanetUSA in the 2010 AHL All-Star Game in Portland, Maine. Forward Tyler Ennis of the hometown Pirates was named MVP after posting a goal and two assists.

"I truly have enjoyed my entire career as an NHL player," said Peca. "Playing the game at the highest level, with and against the top hockey players in the world, has been a pleasure. Throughout my 13-season career I was fortunate to play on some exceptional hockey teams, particularly the 2002 Canadian Olympian team and the Sabres and Oilers teams that reached the Cup finals. Really I am grateful for the lasting friendships and memories that the game of hockey has given me, and I would like to thank my family, teammates, and the fans for all their support along the way."

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the fourth-fastest start by a team since 1979-80, and the fastest since Detroit scored three times in the first 1:48 of a 12-0 rout of Chicago in December 1987.

An item in today's in the Daily Herald, a suburban Chicago newspaper:

"Center of attention: Defenseman Brian Campbell enjoys the fact he still gets booed by Sharks fans every time he touches the puck in games at HP Pavilion for leaving as a free agent. "Wait until Buffalo," Campbell said.

That game Dec. 11 will be Campbell's first back in Buffalo since he was traded by the Sabres to the Sharks when they knew he wasn't going to re-sign with them as a free agent."

What do you think? Will he be booed in Buffalo?

"Max looks like he got a second life," Kovalchuk said. "In Buffalo, he took a beating by the coach. He’s one of the hardest workers. Every day, he’s smiling."

Not much else to say about it, found it kind of interesting that Kovy would say that. I dont know if I see that as a quick shot at Ruff or Sabres or not? I doubt it because Kovy's always been a "good guy" but still found this quote interesting...

"There is the possibility of returning back to (North America), but (Agent) Petr (Svoboda) told me that at least one year in the KHL will help me," said Zagrapan in Dennik Sport, a Slovakian sports paper. "Both of us were particularly concerned getting into a new contract (with Buffalo). I feel I need a new way to get into the NHL."

In the Buffalo Sabres’ final game, play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret made a casual remark to analyst Harry Neale about next year that suggested Jeanneret might retire. Not so. Reached while vacationing in Florida, Jeanneret said, "I’m planning on coming back next year."

This pleased Neale, who also plans to return next season. "I’m delighted," said Neale. "He tells me all year this is his last year. He told me before I even started working with him."

Once again next season, Jeanneret’s contract allows him to take some road games off.

Miller will not play for the United States in the World Championships. Tim Connolly has also turned them down and Jason Pominville says he has to check out an undisclosed injury before he decides. Drew Stafford will play for Team USA. Andrej Sekera will play for Slovakia while Derek Roy will skate for Lindy Ruff and Team Canada. Maxim Afinogenov and Teppo Numminen are still deciding if they want to skate with Russia and Finland.