Second City Hockey, a Chicago Blackhawks community

After a hot start, the Lightning have faded in th standings with players in game-shape rising to new heights, and lockout-idled standard bearers looking hobbled and spent.

How did NHL referees and linesmen keep from getting rusty during the lockout?

Everyone seemed to know what was coming when the NHLPA made Fehr, a veteran sports labor boss, an advisor during the 2009 season. But with a deal signed and games underway, his hockey legacy deserves a chapter of its own.

The Panthers have released a 32-man roster for training camp, which includes new faces George Parros and Peter Mueller, prospect Jonathan Huberdeau, and invitees Alex Kovalev and Marek Svatos, but not unsigned RFA Dimitry Kulikov.

It was an emotional four months for diehard fans. We've had a week to digest the end of the NHL lockout. How are we feeling about the whole "you can have my money again" thing?

Some NHLers saw their contracts become targets in the CBA war. Some have anchor contracts that are suddenly movable. Some are getting a second chance at just the right time.

One of the best players to spawn from Russia, Alex Kovalev has a chance to help the Panthers young core, if he can make the team.

The NHL's reigning Hart Trophy winner was well on his way to earning MVP honors in his native Russia, too. There's no reason to believe he can't hit a similar pace out of the gates in Pittsburgh.

After an arbitration case, some hometown playing and a good ol' NHL lockout, Lubomir Visnovsky still isn't coming to the New York Islanders.