Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals rookie defenseman John Carlson collided with Nate Thompson late in the 2nd period. He lasted about 36 seconds on 2 very short shifts in the 3rd before leaving for good. He’ll be listed as day-to-day, and Bruce Boudreau is hoping he’ll be able to go on Sunday.
Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times: Lightning forward Simon Gagne likely suffered a concussion in the 1st period after his head slammed against the ice after a Scott Hannon hit. Gagne has a history of concussions. Defenseman Pavel Kubina also left the game. His head banged off the glass after taking a Jason Chimera hit, who received a roughing penalty.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers will likely go with 6 defense in Game 1 (had been going with 7 due to the uncertainty of Chris Pronger’s hand). Defenseman Danny Syvret will likely be a healthy scratch. Jody Shelley or rookie Zac Rinaldo will be on the 4th line. Jeff Carter is doubtful for the first 2 games of the series. Andreas Nodl practiced but won’t go in Game 1. Sergei Bobrovsky will backup Brian Boucher as Michael Leighton still has a sore back.
George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers have had some contract discussions with 2010 1st round draft pick, Erik Gudbranson, “but there’s no deadline. We don’t have to have him signed right now. There are more pressing issues.” They’ve also had one “general” discussion with Tomas Vokoun people, so there is chance that he may not leave by free agency.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: There is a small group of Blackhawk fans who think they should trade Patrick Kane. (um…okay…yeah….do these people know anything about hockey? This makes absolutely no sense and isn’t going to happen. It doesn’t deserve to be even posted, but I did it anyways as it’s pretty funny.)
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Two sources confirmed that Tom Gaglardi is in the 30-day negotiation window to purchase the Dallas Stars. Gaglardi’s offer is “significantly” better than the other offers. If everything goes to plan, the deal could be done by June. This could be helpful in giving the Stars an opportunity to have some serious negotiations with Brad Richards (though Richards may want to test the free agent market anyways). It would also allow them to get their new head coach in place. Possible candidates are Texas Stars coach Glen Gulutzan or Canadiens assistand coach Kirk Muller (in yesterday’s post and in that article we/they said that Kirk Muller will likely get the job).
