An important season Devils captain Zach Parise is coming off right knee surgery and is in the final year of his contract before he becomes a free agent. This is a big year for the former Shattuck-St. Mary's standout.

"I'm not too concerned with whether other people are watching or have a microscope saying, 'Is he or isn't he [the old Parise]?' " he said. "I know how I feel and I know that I feel great on the ice physically."

A nonsupportive group Ottawa fans have been ruthless to former star defenseman Sergei Gonchar. He's getting booed every time he touches the puck.

"I've been booed," said Senators coach Paul MacLean. "I think it's a motivator. You have to show people. If your fans aren't happy about your play, they should express that they're not happy. ... To me, it's just a signal that you need to play better."

Good night, sweet prince Pittsburgh's Arron Asham made himself look pretty classless when he knocked out Washington's Jay Beagle during a fight Thursday. As Beagle lay motionless and bloodied, Asham waved to the crowd and made a sleeping motion with his hands.

He apologized afterward.

"I didn't want to hurt the kid," Asham said.

Tweet, no tweet Canucks GM Mike Gillis and Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson are on Twitter. Now the Maple Leafs' Ron Wilson is the first coach (@coachrw63.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville won't be next: "I'm not a fan of Twitter."