Highlights of the 2004-2005 NHL Season

October 22

Scott Walker of the Nashville Predators returns home from his dental check-up cavity-free.

October 29

New York Islander Alexei Yashin completes his course work for “How to Become a Master Communicator” at the New York City Learning Annex.

November 6

Atlanta Thrashers’ points leader Ilya Kovalchuk hits eight straight green lights on his way to his library’s once-monthly used-book sale.

November 17

Los Angeles King goalie Roman Cechmanek stops 31 shots on goal in a 2-0 shutout victory over his Internet nemesis “dHasek4evah” in an online game of EA Sports’ NHL 2005.

December 3

Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes makes it through dinner with his parents without either of them spitting food into their napkins.

December 11

For being the 14th caller into KISS 106 FM, Dallas Stars captain Mike Modano wins a copy of Kelly Clarkson’s new CD Breakaway.

December 25

Pat Quinn, coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, gets a great sweater from his wife for Christmas.

December 27

Despite not having his receipt, the Buffalo Sabres’ Miroslav Satan successfully returns a snowblower to Home Depot for a full refund.

January 10

Detroit Red Wing star Steve Yzerman finally feels confident about his resolution to become a vegan.

January 13

Trevor Letowski of the Columbus Blue Jackets arrives at Blockbuster in time to rent the last available copy of Without a Paddle.

January 25

Casey Poapst, the 9-year-old son of Chicago Blackhawk defenseman Steve Poapst, tells his father he wants to be a dancer when he grows up.

February 7

Boston Bruin center Joe Thornton watches an episode of 24 and becomes transfixed by the enigmatic beauty of star Shohreh Aghdashloo.

February 12

Commissioner Gary Bettman finds that there are more rolls of paper towels in the garage. He feared he was out.

February 16

By getting his fifth friend to sign up for an online promotional offer, the Phoenix Coyotes’ Peter Nedved earns himself a free iPod.