Contributor Lee Diekemper is here to regale you with tales from the frozen water of NHL arenas. Now sit back and watch as he weaves a tale of heroism and hockey using nothing but written word. Â

Chicago 3, Calgary 1:
Why lead Top Shelf with the Blackhawks? Well, we’ve been waiting a couple of weeks to post the photo below. This fan takes the slogan “Commit to the Indian” a bit too seriously.

Hawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin continues his dominance over the Flames, stopping 26 shots to end a personal 10-game losing streak. But it’s also time to talk trades with the trade deadline looming (Feb. 26). Hawks general manager Dale Tallon stated last month he was looking to add a veteran on defense. That’s kind of odd for a team with a losing record. Khabibulin could bring something. He’s a veteran with a Stanley Cup ring who needs a change in scenery.

Pittsburgh 4, New York Islanders 3:
Ryan Whitney’s two goals and Kris Letang’s goal late in the third vaulted the Penguins into an Atlantic Division tie for first with the Flyers. While the Penguins are having a great season, general manager Ray Shero may be looking for a trade. An argument could be made that goalie Ty Conklin has been the team’s MVP this season. Most teams would crumble losing its No. 1 keeper (Marc-Andre Fleury) and league’s hottest star (Sidney Crosby) for significant chunks of the season with injuries. The Penguins haven’t. Conklin, rescued from the minor league trash heap, has exceeded all expectations, sans his attempt at puck-handling in the corner last night. While Fleury is a gifted young goalie, his contract is up after the season. Soon, Crosby will need to be paid accordingly. As will Evgeni Malkin. As will Jordan Staal. The Penguins don’t want to mirror Tampa Bay’s model which is top-heavy with high-paid players but no depth. Imagine what kind of secondary players and draft picks Fleury could fetch.

Tampa Bay 2, Nashville 1 (OT)
Brad Richards (!) had a goal and an assist while Vinny Prospal recorded the game-winner early in the overtime period. The Lightning won its sixth straight road game, not the way a team is supposed to secure a lottery pick in the draft. The Lightning is ripe for a trade, with Richards, Marty St. Louis and Dan Boyle being the likely candidates. But Tampa Bay general manager Jay Feaster’s hands are tied waiting for the team’s pending sale to be finalized. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2004, Feaster has dropped the puck on several moves, some terribly so. Other teams may be lining up to try to snooker Feaster again.

Dallas 1, Minnesota 0:
The Stars got a key road win in a battle of division leaders. Niklas Hagman’s goal early in the third, his 20th, was enough for the win. Stars goalie Mike Smith, playing for Marty Turco, who didn’t make the trip to Minnesota, was spectacular stopping all 25 Wild shots. It was Smith’s second shutout this season in his 17th start. The Wild killed all six power plays, including a four-minute power play. Don’t believe the whispers that the Wild hold back every game until the third period.