1.   Also in the lineup was defenseman Jan Mertzig, called up from Hartford this week.

2.   Among other big names thought to be available are defenseman Rob Blake of Los Angeles and left wing Keith Tkachuk of Phoenix.

3.   Among the high-scoring defenseman is Niklas Lidstrom of Detroit.

4.   Among the other five players are Hurricanes defenseman Bret Hedican, Avalanche defenseman Darius Kasparaitis and Thrashers forward Jeff Odgers.

5.   And of the top three defensemen is on his way back from a knee arthroscopy.

6.   And their feistiest defenseman was at the eye doctor a day after having a puck bounce off his head and into his own goal.

7.   Another defenseman was Jaroslav Modry, who played well in a limited role.

8.   Are their defensemen suddenly all contenders for the Norris Trophy?

9.   As for determination, Clark said defenseman Abrahamsson is an interesting story.

10.   Assigned to the Ice Dogs were defenseman Jan Nemecek and right wings Justin Martin and Greg Phillips.