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Wherefore art thou, Britney?

Rick Nash is a huge fan of bare-almost-all singer Britney Spears, is dying to meet her and would like to be a stabilizing force in her topsy-turvy social life. At least that was what a Sports Illustrated story reported.

The problem is, it isn't exactly true.

The 19-year-old Blue Jackets left wing certainly would not turn down a date with Spears, but the magazine's writer was fed erroneous information by a teammate Nash believes was right wing David Ling.

"It was Linger," Nash told the Columbus Dispatch. "I'm positive."

So, Nash was asked, has Britney called?

"Yeah," he said. "She calls every other night."

Ling was the Jackets' jokester before being demoted to AHL Syracuse. As he packed his gear at Nationwide Arena, he lamented not scoring since March 15 (that's last season, folks) against the Wild.

"I've been practicing in the mirror lifting my arms up in the air," Ling said. "Maybe I'll go down there (to Syracuse) and get a goal."

The Flames have a growing moustache contest. Center Stephane Yelle gets credit for the idea. The rules: no goatees, no Fu Manchus, no handlebars.

"It's a healthy distraction," goalie Jamie McLennan said. "It's just some fun within the room. A good bonding thing."

Three unnamed players will be judges and award an undisclosed prize on Feb.1. McLennan said left wing Oleg Saprykin is out of the running.

"Poor guy," McLennan said. "Maybe by February 2005 he'll have one. (Left wing) Josh Green, we think he looks like Dr. Phil. That's pretty cool."

Q: Is it true you've cooled your famous temper?

A: I still play aggressive. I just don't want to put my team in a penalty situation.

Q: Has it been difficult?

A: Sometimes you want to do something, but there's a time and a place for it. You pick your spots. You can always remember the guy's number.

Q: What changed you?

A: It just comes from playing a lot of games. You get older and more mature.

Q: What's the biggest difference dealing with the media in the Tampa Bay area and Vancouver?

A: I had two guys to deal with in Tampa, not 100.

Q: Is that annoying?

A: Maybe you don't like all the things they write, but they're just doing their jobs.

The Rangers are desperate for goaltending and defense and instead trade for Jaromir Jagr, an overrated superstar who boosts their payroll to a ridiculous $82-million. How does Glen Sather still have a job? If New York doesn't make the playoffs, he won't. ... Detroit's Brett Hull on Thursday ended a career-high, 20-game stretch without a goal. ... The Blackhawks hired former Capitals coach Bruce Cassidy as their head pro scout. ... As if the Thrashers haven't endured enough, the team is waiting to hear about the biopsy performed on a thick mass removed from goalie Jani Hurme's spinal cord. ... The Province also reported Anaheim's Sergei Fedorov wants to play professional soccer in his native Russia if there is a work stoppage. ... Predators defenseman Jamie Allison had his singing audition Tuesday for RCA executives. "They seemed to like it," said Allison, a former Canadian amateur champion. No immediate word from RCA.

"The only Norris I know is Chuck."

- Canadiens defenseman Sheldon Souray on being considered for the Norris Trophy.

- Compiled by staff writer Damian Cristodero from personal interviews and information from other news organizations.