Media scandal in AHL; NHL three stars; Draft lottery format set (Puck Headlines)

Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• This is an accurate representation of today’s Islanders game vs. Philly. Ouch.

• New York Islanders center John Tavares, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Viktor Fasth and Carolina Hurricanes center Jiri Tlusty have been named the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the period ending Feb. 17. [NHL]

• That said, it’s looking like Jonas Hiller against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. [Ducks Blog]

• Kyle Clifford was skating on a line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown at Los Angeles Kings practice today. Hmmm…. [LA Kings Insider]

• No changes for the NHL Draft lottery this year, which we assume includes the Columbus Blue Jackets not getting the top pick. [TSN]

• Andrew Ebbett was placed on waivers this morning to make room for David Booth to return. Oh, yeah, the Vancouver Canucks are getting healthy apparently. [Nucks Misconduct]

• Good piece by Jonas Siegel on Dion Phaneuf’s value to the Toronto Maple Leafs. “While far from a perfect defender, Phaneuf has performed effectively in the role of late. In eight games this month he has been on the ice for only three goals against at even-strength, despite logging nearly 20 minutes per game in such scenarios. A highly active coach, Randy Carlyle employs Phaneuf in nearly every critical defensive zone face off. Often, he'll trot his top defender out there strictly for such situations before calling for an immediate change if and when the Leafs are able to clear the zone.” [TSN]

• Are the Leafs looking to trade Phil Kessel? [Sportsnet]

• There’s a media scandal in the AHL worth your attention, as Matt Weinstein of the Press & Sun-Bulletin quoted Phantoms coach Terry Murray and goalie Brian Boucher without having actually spoken to either of them. The convoluted explanation for how this happened will make your sphincter shrink. [The Rink Report]

• Give this piece on Ty Ulmer some love: “When he was 13, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his right tibia. He decided on his own to amputate his leg and has since been using a prosthetic. It was only after the surgery that he really started getting into hockey - and more importantly, goalies.” [The Hockey Writers]

• Who is the worst team in the second period? Hint: It’s the Buffalo Sabres. [Die By the Blade]

• Interesting line changes for the Detroit Red Wings, and a health update on Johan Franzen. [Malik]

• Down Goes Brown ranks the Olympic hockey tournaments. This is going to shock and amaze you, but one in which a Canadian team won gold was No. 1. [Grantland]

• The Carolina Hurricanes put Tim Gleason on injured reserve with a “lower body injury.” [SN]

• Looking at the Boston Bruins power play, and whether it's ready to come to life. [Mass Live]

• Previewing the KHL Gagarin Cup, which remains the greatest hockey trophy named after a Cosmonaut. [RT]

• Finally, via Broad Street Hockey, here’s Howie Rose of the Islanders calling the Phillie Phanatic a “washed up hack.” Keep in mind Howie Rose used to work with Imus!