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| The Buffalo News reports that Tim Connolly did not practice on Friday due to a foot injury. |
Our View: Connolly blocked a shot in Thursday's game and has a nasty bruise on his foot, which hindered him from putting his skate on. Consider him questionable for Saturday's contest.
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| According to TSN.ca, Michael Cammalleri (knee) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to return to the lineup early next week. |
Our View: It was thought that Cammalleri, out since late January, would make it back for Saturday's game, but he's just not there yet. Still he's feeling better and is excited about his potential return. "It feels like the first day of school a little bit," he told reporters with a smile. "(I) tried to pretend like I wasn't excited, you know, like no big deal." The practice apparently went very well. "It was really positive - couldn't have went better," said Cammalleri. "It was pain-free and didn't really restrict me much. Whenever they give me that green light, I'm ready." He still leads the team with 26 goals this season despite missing all that time.
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| TSN.ca reports that the Canucks locked up gritty forward Ryan Kesler on Friday with six-year contract extension. |
Our View: Kesler will earn $5 million per season and will stick with the club through the 2015-16 season. "Today is an exciting day for the Canucks organization," said president and general manager Mike Gillis in a media release. "Ryan Kesler has excelled as a two-way player and in his role as an alternate captain. Ryan has showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure and we are looking forward to continuing to see Ryan develop into one of the League's premier players." The rising star has 21 goals and 66 points in 71 games this season.
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| According to the Denver Post, Stephane Yelle will miss the Avalanche's next two games with a leg injury. |
Our View: Yelle was injured in last Sunday's game against the Stars and will sit out this Sunday and Monday as a result.
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| According to the Chicago Tribune, the Blackhawks have sent Corey Crawford to the AHL. |
Our View: Christobal Huet has recovered from the flu, so the goaltending situation in Chicago got crowded quickly. Crawford is an intriguing prospect, but likely won't be used any more this season unless one of the two starters falls to injury. Expect Huet to see some time this weekend.
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| Niklas Backstrom (groin) is hoping to be back in goal by this Sunday, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. |
Our View: In 50 games (49 starts) this season, Backstrom is 24-19-6. Josh Harding has been starting in his absence.
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| Paul Mara will undergo surgery on his ailing shoulder next Tuesday, according to the Montreal Gazette. |
Our View: He has missed Montreal's past 19 games. It is unclear if this operation signals the end of his season. Stay tuned.
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| Jeff Penner has been returned to AHL Providence. |
Our View: His stay in Boston spanned just one day and zero minutes of ice time.
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| Trent Whitfield has been sent back to AHL Providence. |
Our View: His most recent call-up lasted just one day. In 14 games this season, he has one point.
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| Josh Harding will again be in goal for the Wild on Friday night, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. |
Our View: Even after his poor Thursday showing, Minnesota is sticking with him. Wade Dubielewicz will back him up until Niklas Backstrom gets over his groin injury.
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| Casey Wellman will make his NHL debut on Thursday night, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. |
Our View: Signed by Minnesota just two days ago, his stay in the NHL isn't likely to be long.
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| Justin Falk has been called back up from the AHL. |
Our View: Greg Zanon's ankle is not well apparently. Falk will have no fantasy value during his sure to be short stay in Minnesota.
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| Alexandre Picard was forced from Carolina's Thursday night game in the second period with an upper-body injury, according to the Raleigh News & Observer. |
Our View: His status has yet to be updated. For the time being, consider him day-to-day.
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| Brent Seabrook is out for the time being with a possible concussion, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: He is, of course, still dealing with the after effects of the hit heard round the world. Anaheim's James Wisniewski has been suspended for eight games as a result.
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| Jimmy Howard will make his 17th straight start on Friday, according to the Detroit News. |
Our View: However, he may actually get spelled by Chris Osgood on Saturday, so be ready to take him out of your lineup for once this weekend.
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