Luongo's Rough Start Continues

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Blue Jackets 5, Canucks 3: It's a long season, and when all is said and done I have no doubt that Roberto Luongo will once again be at the top of the pile when it comes to NHL goaltenders. His first three starts of the season, however, have been quite forgettable, and Monday's game against Columbus was certainly the worst. Luongo was lifted after giving up four goals on just 12 shots, including three in a row to start the second period. Through three starts he's stopped just 50 of 61 shots.

After the jump: Video of the day, great minor league fight, Tuesday's key games

With Monday's loss, the Canucks fall to 0-3 on the season, while Columbus, led by Steve Mason's 40 saves, improves to 2-0. Antoine Vermette, Rostislav Klesla, Kristian Huselius, Nikita Filatov, and Fedor Tyutin all scored for the Blue Jackets.

Monday's Other Game

Teenage defenseman leads Rangers' power play [Box Score, Botta's Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole is going to miss some significant time due to a fracture in his lower left leg. [TSN]

-- Great minor league hockey fight between Joe Vitale and Kevin Harvey. [YouTube]

-- The Florida Panthers signed free-agent forward Dominic Moore to a one-year contract. [Litter Box Cats]

-- Columbus and Rostislav Klesla came to an agreement on a four-year contract extension over the weekend. [Puck Rakers]

-- During the fourth quarter of Monday night's Green Bay vs. Minnesota football game (otherwise known as Favre Bowl I), ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico referred to Packers kicker Mason Crosby as "Sidney Crosby." That will likely be the only time a hockey player is referenced by name on ESPN until the Stanley Cup Final.

Video Of The Day

Michael Del Zotto scores his second goal in as many games for the New York Rangers.

Tuesday's Key Games

Capitals vs. Flyers: The Washington Capitals are on pace to score, roughly, a billion goals this season (number may not be accurate) and they take their show on the road to Philadelphia for the Flyers' home opener. Ray Emery has looked solid in net for the Flyers through two starts, and this will clearly be his biggest challenge of the young season.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs: After losing in overtime to arch-rival Montreal in the season opener, the Maple Leafs were throttled by the Washington Capitals on Saturday. The Leafs return home on Tuesday for The Battle Of Ontario as they host the Ottawa Senators.

Stars vs. Oilers: Edmonton lost a point on Saturday when Nikolai Khabibulin turned the puck over to David Moss with less than a minute to play in regulation. The Oilers return to action, at home, against Dallas.