- Chris Kuc via twitter: Patrick Kane is close to returning, “Friday is a possibility. I just have to see how I am (Thursday) in practice and Friday in the pregame skate.” Tim Sassone via twitter: David Bolland is likely in the lineup for the Blackhawks tonight. Fernando Pisani won’t be in the lineup.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rolston cleared waivers and will be in the lineup for the NJ Devils tonight. Tom Gulitti via twitter: Brian Rolston said he’s never been asked to waive his no-trade clause. He was asked if he would waive it, responded, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”. Rolston expects to be in the lineup tonight.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tyler Seguin could be a healthy scratch tonight.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Looks like Tuukka Rask will start tonight for the Bruins against the Sabres. Tim Thomas likely to start against the Canadiens.
- Corey Masisak via twitter: Bruce Boudreau said that Alex Ovechkin is fine, but Alexander Semin is questionable for the Capitals. Katie Carrera via twitter: Semyon Varlamov likely to start for the Capitals.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will face Jimmy Howard tonight.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Pekka Rinne is in full pads at the Predators practice this morning, taking shots.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like Senators GM Bryan Murray will be able to make a trade before the NHL holiday roster freeze (Sunday the 19th). The Senators want to add a top 6 forward and a rugged dman. Teams are looking young players in return for older, expensive underachievers, which is why it’s unlikely he’ll get something done (I’m thinking Murray will join this train of thought if he looks to deal Alexei Kovalev).
“We talk about trades and we talk to other managers, but that’s very difficult,” said Murray. “As I talk to different teams, even teams that want to make something happen, I have a tough time. Getting equal value at equal money is difficult.”