NUMBERS GAME

8 consecutive shootout losses for Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, until Wednesday's 2-1 win against the Wild. The Vezina Trophy winner previously was victorious in a shootout Dec. 23, 2005, against the Canucks.

NOT GOAL ORIENTED

The "new" offense-minded NHL hasn't been much help for a number of players still looking for their first goal of the season.

Twenty-six players who have played at least 40 games have yet to score a goal, almost all of them defensemen who aren't necessarily all that concerned about providing offense.

Among those with goose eggs: the Avalanche's Karlis Skrastins, Chicago's Chris Chelios, Dallas' Stephane Robidas, Philadelphia's Derian Hatcher, Tampa Bay's Nolan Pratt and Cory Sarich, Boston's Andrew Alberts, Carolina's Bret Hedican and Tim Gleason, Los Angeles' Aaron Miller, Minnesota's Martin Skoula (he had 10 goals with the Avalanche in 2001-02), Columbus' Anders Eriksson and Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik.

Ottawa right wing Brian McGrattan has played the most games (44) among forwards without a goal. The 6-foot-5, 238-pound "enforcer" does have 100 penalty minutes. McGrattan had two goals and 141 penalty minutes in 60 games last season as a rookie.

HE SAID IT

"He's tougher than a night in jail."

Brian Burke, Anaheim Ducks general manager, after acquiring forward Brad May from the Avalanche.

ROCKY POLL

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• This week's question

Should the Avalanche have done more at the trading deadline?

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