NHL Recap: Stamkos Nets 50, Bryzgalov Blanks Devs, Wild West

Alexander Radulov's imminent, er, potential return to the Nashville Predators grabbed top billing across the hockey media on Tuesday, but with no signature on paper yet, fans in the Music City will just have to wait until Radulov actually signs. 

Predators head coach Barry Trotz told the Hockey News that he's not banking on Radulov's return. "Until I see the whites of young Radulov's eyes, I won't prepare for it because it's the what-if-I-won-the-lottery type of thing,” he said. 

The Russian sniper left the NHL after the 2007-08 season to play for Salavat Yulaev in the KHL and has been rumored to return to Nashville on several occasions over the past four seasons. 

It's always been rumor and innuendo, but this time Radulov's return seems a bit more realistic.

Trotz's somewhat indifferent stance is good leadership, not letting a team with solid playoff chances get ahead of themselves with the what-ifs and hypothetical situations. There's no doubt that his offensive talents would instantly bolster a Predators run in the playoffs.

Here is a snapshot of the highlights from a busy Tuesday night on the ice.

Ilya Bryzgalov's Shutout

The Flyers' offseason goaltender acquisition stopped 17 Devils shots for a third straight shutout, tying the franchise record set by John Vanbiesbrouck in 1999. Sean Couturier scored his 12th, Jakub Voracek his 13th and Danny Briere potted his 14th goal of the season as the Flyers rolled 3-0 against rival New Jersey. Bryzgalov now claims four shutouts in last five outings.

Stamkos' Nifty 50

In an absolute drubbing of the Boston Bruins, 6-1, Steve Stamkos buried goals No. 49 and 50 to reach the 50-goal plateau for the second time in his career. Stamkos put even more distance between himself and Evgeni Malkin (38) for the Rocket Richard Trophy in the process. The two superstars are also tied at 84 points in their attempt to with the Art Ross.

Wild 'n' Wacky West

A Kings 5-2 win over the Red Wings, combined with a Flames 3-2 overtime victory over the Sharks last night created a four-way logjam for the eighth spot in the West. Colorado, Calgary, San Jose and Los Angeles all sit with 78 points and are likely to jump over one another a number of times before we reach early April. By way of tiebreaker, the Sharks hold the eighth spot at the moment due to number of games played.

Ryan O'Leary is a writer and researcher for Bleacher Report's Video Production Department with seven years experience in the sports industry. Ryan covered the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Hockey Tournament with CTV and has spent time covering the IIHF World Championships, NHL and Collegiate Hockey during his career.