Knuble signs two-year extension, Houle called up

Things have been getting much better lately for the Flyers, who have recorded at least one point in five of their last seven games. Things are going to get a lot better for winger Mike Knuble, who today signed a two-year extension with the team. Knuble, 34, has 7 goals and 8 assists this year in 18 games. Knuble had 34 goals and 31 assists last season, and has been a great veteran addition to the team.

Meanwhile, if you had a bet that Antero Niittymaki would break down before December, you were wrong. Instead, it was backup goaltender Robert Esche who had surgery this afternoon to repair his adductor muscle. He will be out about two to four weeks. Martin Houle of the Phantoms was called up to take his place.

The Predators are the leaders of the Central Division with 32 points and are two points ahead of Detroit heading into tonight's game against the Flyers. Kimmo Timonen will meet his brother Jussi of the Flyers in tonight's game, and the two will also be watched by their parents, who are in town for the game. Kimmo, Nashville's captain, has 14 points in 22 games. Jussi has 2 points in 4 games for the Flyers and has accompanied fellow Finn Joni Pitkanen on the blueline.