Fresh Links: Auld Lang Syne Edition

<p><b> Tonight the Bruins host the Islanders at TDGarden  </b></p>

<ul>

<li> Nick Johnson has been (re-re-) called up by the Bruins. [<a href="http://bruins.nhl.com/club/m_news.htm?id=698225">Bruins.NHL</a>]</li>

<li> Auld acquaintence Marco Sturm, who sadly has some experience in these matters, has reached out to speak with Dennis Seidenberg about his injury. A very disappointed Seidenberg is focusing on a complete, not fast, recovery. [<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/12/31/bruins-defenseman-dennis-seidenberg-disappointed-knee-injury-but-hopeful-for-future/ZynXg302OGtRNg0x2OlCNK/story.html">TheBostonGlobe</a>]</li>

<li> On the bright side, Tuukka Rask pointed out that the team will have time to adjust to any changes before the playoffs. Seidenberg is also grateful for the fact that an ACL tear is no longer an automatic career ender. [<a href="http://bostonherald.com/sports/bruins_nhl/boston_bruins/2013/12/seids_keeps_chin_up">BostonHerald</a>]</li>

<li> As for possible defensive acquisitions, Dan Girardi 's name has come up. Other dark horse candidates include Tom Gilbert, Chris Phillips, Henrik Tallinder and Mark Stuart. Do read the comments section for a good chuckle. [<a href="http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Ty-Anderson/Finding-Seidenbergs-replacement/141/56796">Hockeybuzz</a>]</li>

<li> Dougie Hamilton is practicing, Loui Eriksson and Carl Söderberg are skating, Zdeno Chara is a gametime decision, Chris Kelly is progressing. Welcome back, Kevan Miller! [<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/12/31/dougie-hamilton-returns-practice-with-bruins/3DcrvIb5UqiSgNYU0yZmwM/story.html">TheBostonGlobe</a>]</li>

<li> Chris Kelly is sporting a walking boot, and was on hand for the Bruins open skate at Frozen Fenway. He had words of praise for Ryan Spooner. [<a href="http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/2013/12/30/chris-kelly-impatiently-awaiting-his-return-to-bruins-lineup/">WEEI</a>]</li>

</ul>

<p><b> Elsewhere around the rink: </b></p>

<ul>

<li> Year In Review: The Alternative Hockey Awards. Have your hankies ready for the final one.  [<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-daddy-2013-alternative-hockey-awards-195436209--nhl.html">PuckDaddy</a>]</li>

<li> NARRATIVE! The Top 13 NHL storylines of the year. [<a href="http://nhl.si.com/2013/12/30/top-13-nhl-storylines-of-2013/">SportsIllustrated</a>]</li>

<li> The 50 Most Memorable NHL Moments of 2013, Part #1. [<a href="http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/12/30/top-50-nhl-moments-of-2013-part-1/">LastWordOnSports</a>]</a>]</li>

<li> The venerable Jaromir Jagr would like to make a final stand with the Devils, as he finds them a good fit and has words of praise for coach Pete DeBoer. [<a href="http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2013/12/jaromir_jagr_anticipating_big_second_half_wont_ask_devils_for_trade_at_deadline.html">NJ.com</a>]</li>

<li> The NHL has finally jumped the shark with outdoor games. [<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/learned-nhl-outdoor-games-reach-point-tedious-excess-142403430--nhl.html">PuckDaddy</a>]</li>

<li> Here's the 411 on Dion Phaneuf 's seven-year contract extension. [<a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=440077">TSN</a>]</li>

<li> Nazem Kadri is now reportedly available. [<a href="https://twitter.com/RealKyper/statuses/417780140140421120">@RealKyper</a>]</li>

<li> "Jet Fuel." Speculation is that the Pascal Dupuis -free Penguins are interested in Blake Wheeler, Evander Kane, and Andrew Ladd. [<a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/penguins-want--jet-fuel-238204011.html">WinnipegFreePress</a>]</li>

<li> The Team USA women and coach Kevin Dineen beat Team Canada in the final exhibition game before Sochi. [<a href="http://olympics.cbc.ca/news/article/beats-canada-last-women-hockey-tuneup-before-sochi.html">Olympics.CBC</a>]</li>

<li> For your convenience, here's a HNIC Infographic of injury trends in the NHL so far this year. [<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockeynightincanada/bio/infographics/nhl-injuries/">CBCSports</a>]</li>

</ul>

<p><b> Happy New Year to you and yours, here's a toast to a 2014 chock full of hockey! </b></p>