Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Fernando Pisani, who’s had some tough luck with injuries the past couple seasons is close to returning to the Edmonton Oilers. It may not be the best time to return to the Oilers dressing room as players, staff and members of the media that follow the Oilers have been getting sick. Ladislav Smid was confirmed as having the Swine Flu (H1N1).
Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Coach Sacco confirmed that backup goalie, Peter Budaj, has been diagnosed with the Swine Flu. John-Michael Liles (shoulder) and Tom Preissing (knee) are both back skating with the club, but remain out.
Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Pavelski and Torrey Mitchell took part in their first practice yesterday. Setoguchi is doubtful for tonight’s game.
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Yesterday Brennan wrote that Erik Karlsson would most likely be sent back to Sweden, today Karlsson finds himself on his way to Binghamton, the Sens AHL club. They won’t lose a year on his contract by sending him to the AHL.
Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: 2009 1st round pick Dmitry Kulikov’s solid play to start the season will keep him with the Panthers. Kulikov has been averaging over 17 minutes a game so far this season.
Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Philadelphia is going to miss Simon Gagne for an extended period of time as it was revealed that he has 2 small sports hernia’s. He’s been placed on IR and could be moved to LTIR. The course of action to fixed the injury has yet to be determined.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Eric Stall has been moved to the point in an attempt to kick start the Hurricanes powerplay. Rod Brind’Amour, Ray Whitney and Sergei Samsonov, are the 1st line powerplay forwards with Stall and Joni Pitkanen on the point.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Answers a readers question about a Tom Gilbert to Buffalo for Drew Stafford trade rumor. Matheson says this rumor has been out there for a year.
