Shrapnel - 12/15/11

Good morning!

In case you missed it, the first episode of 24/7 aired last night and was generally regarded as "really damn good" (note: Link contains spoilers for the episode.)

After standing up and delivering probably his best game of the year, there's a lot of talk about Steve Mason. Blue Jackets Country thinks he's back, DBJ is just hoping that he's going to stay on this trajectory, Puck-Rakers takes a look at the rehydrated netminder, Porty weighed in for today's notebook, and Jeff sees this as a gift from the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Over at Crimespree, they have a preview of the World Juniors, but fans in Winnipeg are more concerned with a men's room situation.

Speaking of DBJ, he's started a periodic feature called glass bangers, and Gallos has some serious debates on Coach Arniel.

At Backhand Shelf, they're talking about the joy of backyard rinks, 24/7, the Jets surprising rise in the East, and a new edition of The Quiet Room.

A few more Dispatch tidbits: Details on the Foundation baskets, the arena deal is likely to be finalized next week, and Jared Boll talking about how the news of brain injuries and recent deaths has affected him.

It looks like Ville Leino is on the shelf in Buffalo, Puck Daddy had some 24/7 wishlists, a look at an NHL "all-concussion team" (too soon?), some more lazy insults between Chicago and Vancouver, a Penguins fan with Red Wings parents, and Patrick Kane straight up smokes Niklas Backtrom in the shootout.

Finally, Mazeltovs and Cigars for our own Dan P., who became a father for the first time yesterday. Evan Christopher P. was born at 3:48 yesterday afternoon, 6 lb. 15 oz, 19 inches. All are doing well according to the new Daddy. We wish you joy, health, and at least three hours of sleep at some point in the next week.