On the Red Wings …
- Dana Wakiji of DetroitRedWings.com: Defenseman Mike Green is close to returning from his upper-body injury that he suffered on October 23rd.
“It was just good to be out there with the guys in a structured practice,” Green said. “I’ve been skating here the last few days with Pavel (Datsyuk), but it’s not the same once you get back into practice so today was good.”
Green is aiming for Friday against the Maple Leafs or Sunday against the Stars.
“That’s what we’re striving for,” Green said. “Today was a starting point to lead up to that. We’ll see how the next few days go.”
- Pavel Datsyuk was also practicing yesterday, but he not expected back before mid-month.
“He’s out there and involved,” Blashill said. “And he was involved a little more today than he was the last week and more last week than he was the week before. So he’s taking steps in the right direction. But I haven’t had a conversation with Pav to say how close are you. I think Pav has to feel like he’s 100 percent ready to go before he’s going to go, as he should. Our goal ultimately is when Pav comes back, that we have him back for the season so hopefully we can get him to 100 percent.”
On the Islanders …
- Arthur Staple: Coach Jack Capuano said that John Tavares is still very sick and was getting checked out again yesterday: “I don’t expect him here for a little bit.”
On the Coyotes …
- Zach Buchanan of the Arizona Republic: Martin Hanzal took part in full practice yesterday. He’s missed the past two games with a lower-body injury.
- Antoine Vermette missed practice as he was getting unspecified tests done.
“He’s getting some tests done today,” Tippett said of Vermette, who was seen riding a stationary bike in the Gila River Arena workout room during practice. “Hopefully he’ll be ready to go on Wednesday.”
On the Blues …
- Lou Korac: Vladimir Tarasenko was back skating on his regular line at practice yesterday – with Jori Lehtera and Alex Steen.
On the Senators …
- Bruce Garrioch: Curtis Lazar passed his concussion test yesterday and hopes to play tonight.
- Ian Mendes: Both Mike Hoffman and Lazar say they are good to go for tonight.
On the Panthers …
- Jameson Olive: Jaromir Jagr hopes to return to the lineup tomorrow.
On the Devils …
- Tom Gulitti: Coach John Hynes said that it looks like Jiri Tlusty will play tonight, but they won’t know for sure until this morning.
- Tom Gulitti: Tlusty said he felt better yesterday, but his shoulder issue is still not 100 percent.
On the Blue Jackets …
- Aaron Portzline: Alexander Wennberg is still day-to-day with a lower-body injury according to GM Jarmo Kekalainen.
On the Wild …
- Michael Russo: Tyler Graovac re-aggravated his injury in practice last week and remains out.