Jimmy Howard recorded his first shutout of the season and
eighth of his career when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Vancouver Canucks
back in October.

Great expectations were only fueled Christmas Day when a
star-studded Miami team redeemed itself a bit by running reigning NBA champion
Dallas off its own home floor.

Columbus Crew manager Robert Warzycha admitted
the club missed injured Eddie Gaven in their last game, a loss to the Colorado
Rapids last Friday.

Detroit will try to close the gap in the Central Division
race tonight, as the Red Wings visit the first-place Chicago Blackhawks in an
Original Six clash at the United Center.

Kari Lehtonen will return to the Dallas crease for the
first time in over a month tonight, as the Stars kick off a three-game
homestand at American Airlines Center against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets.

Joe Saunders leads the major leagues with a 0.90 earned
run average and the Arizona Diamondbacks hope he can keep it that way tonight
in the second test of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.

The Bruins have found their offense during their five-game
winning streak and young forward Tyler Seguin has been at the center of it
all.

The Florida Panthers have been struggling lately and hope a showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at BankAtlantic Center will get them back on the right track.

Keith Smart's debut as head coach of the Sacramento Kings
started off in the right direction and he'll try to keep his players focused
when they welcome the Orlando Magic to town this evening.

After failing to defend their own court in the first two
attempts, the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks seek a fourth straight
victory in Big D tonight versus the New Orleans Hornets.

Fresh off a convincing win in Boston, the Bulls return to
the Windy City to face off with the Toronto Raptors.

The Thomasville HiToms beat the Gastonia Grizzlies 5-4 in their home opener on Wednesday night.

Michael Duco has experienced a roller coaster
of emotions over the past week.

After powering the National League All-Stars to a victory
on Tuesday, Prince Fielder can now turn his focus into making the Milwaukee
Brewers National League Central champions.