Hype for March 13, 2010

As a group of reporters approached Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Matt Walker in the visitors' locker-room Friday night, a teammate teased, "The superstar's here!"

Another called out, "You know his nickname? 'The Ocho,"' a reference to Walker's jersey No. 8.

The Nashville Predators are the NHL's most disciplined team when it comes to staying out of the penalty box. The Anaheim Ducks are one of the most penalized clubs, and that disparity is reflected in the Western Conference standings.

Pekka Rinne made 31 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, Shea Weber scored during a 5-on-3 power-play, and the Predators strengthened their hold on a playoff berth with a 1-0 victory over Anaheim on Friday night.

Vancouver Canucks winger Steve Bernier will be out 4-6 weeks after undergoing successful surgery for a sports hernia on Thursday.

Bernier suffered a groin pull in January and hasn't been able to overcome the nagging injury. After leaving the team last week for further evaluation back in Vancouver, it was determined that he had a small abdominal tear that required surgery

Ilya Kovalchuk had a chance to score his second career penalty shot Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He missed, but it was a moot point anyway. The New Jersey Devils' star acquisition had a goal and two assists to help the Devils beat the Penguins 3-1.

Jonathan Bernier lost all five shootouts he was involved in this season for the Manchester Monarchs in the American Hockey League.

The rookie goalie ended that personal drought on a much bigger stage.

Bernier was perfect in the shootout, Jarret Stoll scored in the sixth round, and the Los Angeles Kings claimed a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are bidding for either the 2012 or 2013 NHL all-star festivities.

The club has also applied to host the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Air Canada Centre as well as the 2012 NHL Winter Classic at BMO Field, home of MLS soccer club Toronto FC.