Kevin Westgarth potted two goals for the Hurricanes as they were blasted by the Penguins 8-3 on Saturday night.

The goals were his first of the season. Tuomo Ruutu registered the other goal, while Eric Staal had two helpers.

Kevin Westgarth was a pivotal member of the players' negotiating committee that eventually hammered out a new CBA with the owners.

On the ice, the Princeton grad is known as a fourth-liner, but off the ice he's as respected as they come for the work he's done. The son-in-law of former Steelers coach Bill Cowher at one of the low points was the lone player invited by the owners. "We were all very impressed with Kevin throughout the entire duration of the negotiation," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "He was smart, articulate and thoughtful. Most of all, he was level-headed throughout, and dealt with the issues and our differences in position in a consistently professional manner - he never appeared angry or let things get personal."

Although some say it wasn't never officially broached, the NHLPA reportedly made a major concession by dropping the demand for a cap on escrow.

The league has roundly insisted that it couldn't absorb all the risk if the lockout damages revenues. By budging on this issue, the union shows a willingness to compromise. We'll see if that makes enough of a difference to get a deal done.