- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has increased his intensity at practice, but management is taking the cautious approach. Teammates have said he has looked “mentally and physically sharp”. Crosby still needs to get medical clearance to take part in full practices. “Again, there’s no timetable for a progression from that standpoint,” Bylsma said. “He’s always in contact with the doctors, and his daily schedule is set in the morning.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is expected to ask for medical clearance this week, with a possible return to the lineup late next week if all goes well. Parise will be a RFA after this season and a it’s likely the Devils will offer arbitration, which would eliminate the option a team signing him to an offer sheet. If he signed a one year deal, he’ll be a UFA after next season.
- Dmity Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov’s Russian agent said that Varlamov (a RFA) is considering offers from the KHL, “a few elite KHL clubs are interested in Semyon” and that he’s “is considering the possibility.”
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Mark Recchi on 98.5 Sports Hub, “I believe they were trying to get Zdeno suspended & they embellished (Paciorettys concussion) a little bit”. Audio of Mark Recchi’s interview.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The NHL reportedly asked the KHL for $2-3 million to have the Washington Capitals and NY Rangers play 2 exhibitions in Russia next year, the KHL said nyet. KHL president Alexander Medvedev said it was too much for them.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Eric Tangradi, out since Feb. 11th with a concussion, practiced with the teams yesterday for the first time since the injury.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller was activated off the IR yesterday and backed up Ray Emery last night. There is a chance he starts tonight against Nashville.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: With all the changes and influx of young players in Ottawa, Cory Clouston might be auditioning still for next year, “I’m just trying to win hockey games,” he said Wednesday. “I’m trying to improve our team.” “I’m trying to help these young guys get better. I’m trying to help the older guys get better. I’m trying to create a team environment, to create a team atmosphere that’s conducive to moving the team forward.” Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Marek Svatos, Craig Anderson and Milan Michalek should all be ready to go tonight.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Anton Stralman is out for tonight’s game with a knee injury.