Joe Vitale was a healthy scratch Monday night with the return of Sidney Crosby. It appears he’ll be in a platoon situation with Richard Park for the fourth line center role in the meantime. Bias aside, Vitale is better suited for the job and will win it back for the most part. Both guys are dominant at faceoffs, but Joe Victory plays a better physical game.
Wade MacLeod continues his impressive start for Springfield (AHL, Columbus). He has 8 points in 16 games.
Brodie Reid is continuing to have a productive rookie year in Worcester, and now has 2 goals and 3 assists through thirteen games. He is +6 for the Sharks AHL affiliate so far, and scored in back to back games a couple weeks ago. His stock could rise easily in a notably weak San Jose prospect pool.
Last year’s captain Tyler McNeely has had a slow start to the year offensively (1G 1A through 16 games) for Bridgeport in the AHL (Islanders), but has the toughness and leadership to contribute otherwise. And yeah, he gives up 30 pounds in that fight.
Brad Thiessen remains the clear-cut starting goaltender for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (AHL), despite his backup’s great performance so far. Thiessen has slipped a bit lately, but remains one of the best goalies not in the NHL.
Steve Silva has been activated from 21-day injured reserve to play for Trenton (ECHL).
Dennis McCauley is contributing in many ways for Reading (ECHL), and has been impressive on the penalty kill. 8 points in 16 games is a solid start for the former Northeastern fan favorite.
Kyle Kraemer (Ontario Reign, ECHL) is currently on IR, but should be returning soon. Kraemer is in his second year with the team. He had 37 points last year for them.
Dave Strathman has left the Reading Royals to join the Gwinnett Gladiators, who are also in the ECHL.
Husky Hockey 
November 23, 2011
Alumni