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They can't seem to get the new RBK jersey right, so maybe they can hit a home run with old sweaters.

The NHL announced this week that Buffalo and Pittsburgh will wear vintage uniforms for their New Year's Day outdoor game.

I like the idea. Pittsburgh's old baby blue togs are classic, while Buffalo's recall a better time in the NHL.

This will probably spark a trend of vintage sweaters. It would be great if all teams wore them regularly.

While defenseman Scott Niedermayer is skating again, last season's Conn Smythe Trophy winner said he has not yet committed to returning to Anaheim or retiring at age 34.

"No decision has been made," he told The Orange County Register. "When the decision does come, if it is to go back and play, I'm a little bit closer."

There has been speculation Niedermayer will return after Christmas.

First-year Florida goalie Tomas Vokoun already is tired of the franchise's history of losing. The Panthers haven't reached the playoffs in seven seasons.

"What's frustrating the most is it's not from lack of talent," Vokoun said. "If we were just a bad team, and we couldn't play or you lose because the [other] team is way better, then it's easier to swallow the loss. But we basically give points and games away."

There has been much discussion on whether Eric Lindros, who announced his retirement Thursday, should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I can see both sides of the discussion, but remember there is a significant waiting list.

Does Lindros get in ahead of Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, Claude Lemieux, Chris Chelios, Mike Modano, Joe Sakic, Luc Robitaille, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer? And, just as important, can he beat out Igor Larionov, Doug Glimour, Mike Richter, Phil Housley, Pavel Bure and the like? Heck, should Glenn Anderson or Steve Larmer be considered ahead of Lindros?

It's a crowded house in Toronto

Detroit at Chicago (tonight): Chicago seems to be trending up, and there's nothing like a visit from the Red Wings to inject a little life into the United Center. Chicago will spend the rest of the week on the road, at Columbus, Nashville and Detroit.

Phoenix Coyotes: Something has clicked. The Coyotes had won five of their last seven heading into the weekend. They're in the middle of "Shark Week" – three consecutive games against San Jose through Thursday. That will be a good test.

G Pascal Leclaire, Columbus: Leclaire, 25, has fought through knee injuries, and that makes his performance even more mind-boggling. He entered the weekend with a 1.12 GAA and .957 save percentage. He had five shutouts in his first nine games.