Pre-season News and Notes
Some random notes from the NHL Preseason:
Injury Report
- No doubt you’ve heard that Evgeni Malkin suffered a separated shoulder. There isn’t an official word on the degree of separation or his return, though Sidney Crosby said that he thought Malkin might be back for the opener. The good news is that Malkin was flying before this all happened. This shouldn’t affect your selection of Malkin for a keeper league. No word yet as to how much the Russian mob paid John LeClair to do this.
- Guess who’s back in the lineup? Yes, that’s a big sigh of relief out of Philly as Peter Forsberg hit the pre-season ice on Saturday.
- Yet another injury to Tuomo Ruutu, and this time it could be for up to a month. That means his conditioning will be off by the time he returns, so buyer beware.
- Say goodbye to Eric Daze, who can’t even skate without being injured. Trivia: Did you know that Daze and Jeremy Roenick are the only two Hawks draft picks over the past two decades to score more than 30 goals in one season?
- Joe Corvo broke his foot, which means that Tom Preissing may get more power play time with Wade Redden while Corvo is out.
Rookie Watch
- Phil Kessel’s fitness and commitment — the two things questioned going into the draft — have been praised by Boston Bruins management. Kessel has had a fairly quiet preseason so far with only a handful of points, but still has a good chance to make the final roster.
- Carlo Colaiacovo continues to have concussion problems. Even though the Leafs have high hopes for him, concusssion issues always have long-term effects and this could put a big damper on what was supposed to be a big year for the young blueliner.
- Alex Radulov is off to a fast start in Nashville. The Preds are going to give every Radulov every chance to succeed, including shifts with Paul Kariya.
In the Net
- The Sharks may actually have to carry three goalies when the season starts. Vesa Toskala and Evgeni Nabokov are 1A and 1B, and Nolan Schafer — who would have to clear waivers if sent down and would likely be lost — will be up in the press box until a move happens. So far, Nabokov has looked like he has returned to form, even though it’s early.
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