Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Red Wings are likely moving to the Eastern Conference next year, with the easiest replacement being the Jets. The Stars and Wild are looking to change divisions. The Stars are playing in a division that is out of their time zone. The Wild would like to replace the Wings in the Central. Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis were a combined 1 for 17 in the shootout last year, so it’s not a surprise that they weren’t used on Monday night. With Avery’s demotion and Adam Pardy coming off the IR soon, the Stars will be $300,000 under the salary floor. GM Joe Nieuwendyk has been working the phones, likely for a forward since they are carrying 8 defenseman.
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Evgeni Malkin missed his 2nd straight game with a “soreness” according to coach Dan Bylsma. “We do not think it’s a long-term thing, other than just being sore at this point in time,” Bylsma said. Sidney Crosby will have a medical evaluation sometime this week. It’s a routine check-up, but it’s possible he’ll get clearance for contact.
Tracey Myers via twitter: The Blackhawks have recalled goalie Alex Salak, Cory Crawford has a groin injury. Update 2:50 pm: Tim Sassone via twitter: Crawford’s groin is okay, missed practice with another issue. Ray Emery has the flu.
Michael Russo via twitter: Eric Nystrom clears re-entry waivers, the Wild will need to make a move today.
Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson is expected to start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Islanders. Mattias Ritola should be in the lineup.
Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer; Semin-Johansson-Knuble; King/Chimera-Laich-Ward; Hendricks-Halpern/Perreault-Beagle.
Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Sykora; Kovlachuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Zubrus-Clarkson; Pelley-Mills-Janssen; Boulton, Henrique.
Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines: Skinner-Staal-LaRose, Poni-Jokinen-Ruutu, Tlusty-Sutter-Dwyer, Stewart-Brent-Dalpe.
Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Stepan-Richards-Gaborik (1st time); Dubi-Anisimov-(was Cally), Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Christensen-Zuccarello
