- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron missed some time during their last game after suffering an injury, but will play today.
“I’m not quite sure whether it was that hit,’’ said coach Claude Julien, referring to the third-period thump Bergeron took from Ovechkin. “Or whether it was the hit that he had earlier that he kind of hit the glass. That’s where I think it started, in my mind. I’m not 100 percent sure on that.’’
Defenseman Joe Corvo didn’t take another shift after taking a shot off the leg in the 2nd period on Friday. His status for today is unclear.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday and is making progress.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman is still day-to-day with an upper-body injury according to GM Paul Holmgren.
- Helene St. Jamesof the Detroit Free Press: Brad Stuart has likely played his last game in Red Wings uniform, as the UFA may be looking to play closer to his family in San Jose.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The problem with the Maple Leafs as a possible landing spot for Roberto Luongo is Brian Burke dislike for long, front loaded contracts. Luongo has 10 years left.
“I object as a general manager to those contracts,” Burke testified according to a transcript of the hearing reviewed by Slap Shots. “I object to all of these contracts, not just to Kovy’s. I think it’s . “In my opinion these create artificial cap room and it’s not a level playing field. …I think it’s circumvention. I think it’s an outrage. “I won’t do them. I won’t do a contract like this.” I don’t view this as proper conduct under the CBA.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Canucks possibly trading Roberto Luongo is an awkward situation, but it is doable. He’s owed $6.714 million until his 39, but only around $6 million total for the final 3 years. Contenders to land him are: 1. Tampa Bay Lightning – They would rather have Cory Schneider, and will be looking at Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. They have 2 1st round picks and possibly 4 2nd rounders. They also need another top 6 forward. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – If they wanted Schneider, they would have to part with Jake Gardiner, which could be a stumbling block. Luongo could get the Leafs back in the playoffs. 3. Columbus Blue Jackets – The Jackets will likely be parting ways with Steve Mason and Rick Nash. The Jackets goalie coach use to be Luongo goalie coach in Vancouver, and the 2 are still friends, but it is a long shot that he ends up in Columbus. They will be looking at Bernier and maybe Lindback. 4. Florida Panthers – Luongo is liked in Florida, and his wife is from there. The Panthers aren’t sold on Jose Theodore, but have Jakub Markstrom waiting. The Canucks would have interest in Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden. 5. Chicago Blackhawks – Do they feel comfortable with Corey Crawford and Ray Emery? They would have get rid of a contract to fit him in. Niklas Hjalmarsson could be an option at $3.75 million with little offense. The Canucks buy him out and spread $31.5 million over 20 years. Would Luongo even want to play in Toronto? Matheson thinks Brad Stuart will sign with the San Jose Sharks this offseason. The Wings could use a guy like Cal Clutterbuck on their team. If the Capitals don’t bring Tomas Vokoun back, Matheson wonders if the Kings would like him as a backup to Quick. Zach Parise will be the Wings No.1 target this offseason, followed closely by Ryan Suter. Could the Bruins part with Tim Thomas this summer?
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Early indications are that Chris Neil won’t be having a hearing for his hit on Brian Boyle. Steve Zipay via twitter: Boyle has a concussion from Neil’s hit.
