On the Beat: Are Habs fans stuffing the ballot box?

What beat writers are saying early this afternoon:

• Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is a tad concerned with his team’s play so far this season.  He has reason to be, as this team is currently headed in the wrong direction.
• The importance of Sergei Zubov and Jere Lehtinen to the Stars’ cause can’t be understated. Couldn’t agree more.
• Owen Nolan has been activated off injured reserve by the Wild.  The team needs goal scoring so the veteran should help in that regard.
• Are Habs fans stuffing the All-Star ballot box?  Here are some comments from blogspot that seem to have spurred on certain fans to stuff the box.  (Hat tip to reader Charles for the information)
• Capitals netminder Brent Johnson’s injury wasn’t serious last night.