51.   The Vancouver Canucks assigned rookie defenseman Mark Wotton to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

52.   Their big hitter is Ed Jovanovski, a rookie defenseman.

53.   There were others, such as rookie defenseman Frantisek Kaberle, who recorded two assists for his first NHL points.

54.   They have recalled rookie defenseman Sean Gagnon from the minors.

55.   When Florida rookie defenseman Rhett Warrener, who was backing up, stumbled over a broken stick behind him and momentarily lost his concentration, Sakic took advantage.

56.   With rookie defenseman Richard Jackman sent down to their minor-league affiliate Thursday, the Stars are going to find out how good the two can be.

57.   Pittsburgh Penguins rookie defenseman Stefan Bergkvist underwent an emergency appendectomy Wednesday.

58.   Patrik Elias of the Devils and rookie defenseman Mike Mottau exchanged punches.

59.   Avalanche rookie defenseman Martin Skoula turned the puck over on the play when he tripped over his own skate next to the net.

60.   Brathwaite stopped Jaromir Jagr with just over eight minutes left in the third period after Jagr stepped around rookie defenseman Toni Lydman and broke in alone.