Toews, Smyth, Momma and What You Missed...

Researchers say one of the most popular vacation weeks among the American workforce is the time between Christmas and New Year's. With that behind us, it's now on to 2011.

The Kings are home tonight to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Ryan Smyth had this to say about the game "Chicago set the barrier high with winning the Stanley Cup last year. They have a couple of wins against us this season, which we felt we played fairly decent for the most part. But, (we) fell short of the points."

Jonathan Quick will start in goal for Los Angeles, who will be looking to bounce back after dropping three in a row to Phoenix, Philadelphia and San Jose.

Corey Crawford was in net for Chicago last night, losing 2-1 to Anaheim (their third straight loss also). So, perhaps the Kings will face Marty Turco.

In somewhat surprising news, 'Hawks captain Jonthan Toews will return to the line-up. He was expected to be out several more weeks with a shoulder injury. Instead, he was out just six days.

...And Now You're Caught Up

Now that everybody has had their turkey and a day of shopping it's time to get back to hockey.

In no particular order, here are the ten things you need to know heading into the game tonight:

* Brayden Schenn scored his first two professional goals last night in a 7-2 win for the Manchester Monarchs (AHL). Kings GM Dean Lombardi was recently quoted as saying he expects Schenn to stay there for the full two week conditioning assignment. He's more than half way home now, with his final game expected to be Sunday.

* The Kings put John Zeiler on re-entry waivers (per Bob McKenzie of TSN). That's a somewhat curious move.

* Defenseman Alec Martinez was called up a few days ago. If you missed it, be sure to check out '10 Tidbits on Alec Martinez', you'll be well versed in the young blueliner.

* Dustin Brown visited the gang from Yo Gabba Gabba yesterday during their live performance across the street from Staples Center. Video of him doing the Peanut Butter Stomp is available here.

* In more Brown news, he's moving to left wing tonight to make room for the newest option/solution/choice at right wing, Wayne Simmonds. The second line remains the same. And the Colonel, Kyle Clifford, moves up to the third line.  (nickname story here)

Season Preview with Kelly Hrudey of HNIC

Continuing with our season previews this week, we visit with another returning guest from last year - former NHL goaltender and long time LA Kings fan favorite, Kelly Hrudey.

Fans here probably remember him best as the blue bandana wearing goalie from the '93 Stanley Cup Finals. Yet, north of the border he's been a member of the legendary Hockey Night in Canada crew for over a decade now, both on television and satellite radio. Thus, the man loves to talk about hockey!

In fact, Hrudey's plans for his post-NHL career were so well known towards the the end of his playing days, Dean Lombardi (then with the Sharks) once asked him "Why do I want to sign a 35-year old goalie who wants to be a broadcaster?"

In the interview below, we lean on his experience between he pipes to get some perspective on several goaltending related issues going on around the league, as well as some predictions for the Western and Eastern Conference standings.

MM: Roberto Luongo recently relinquished the captaincy in Vancouver.  What do you think about goaltenders wearing the 'C'?

Two Minutes w/ Modano

Had a chance to catch up with Mike Modano yesterday...

As was reported late last week he has signed a one-year deal to join the Detroit Red Wings as their third line center.

A few weeks ago I tweeted that Modano had spoken with good friend Jeremy Roenick at length about his impending decision to come back or retire...and at Friday's press conference it was noted that he also consulted with Brett Hull. What I found interesting yesterday was that he talked with several other athletes as well - and not just from the world of hockey - while mulling things over.

For example, at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe last month he spoke with "a number of guys," including Charles Barkley, Marcus Allen and Joe Sakic.  According to Mike, "Everyone had their own spin on things."  Understandably so when you look at that trio.