Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Evgeni Malkin missed his 4th game in the last 5, due to a foot injury. The injury is apparently not long term, but a return date is not known.
Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Rick Tocchet and GM Brian Lawton could lose their jobs following the season. New owernship and another disappointing season could mean change is coming. Stamkos, St. Louis, and Hedman are probably on the only untouchables in their lineup.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks may consider shutting down Ryan Getzlaf for the remainder of the season due to his wonky ankle, and the fact that they are pretty much eliminated from the playoffs. As long as my fantasy team is in contention for the championship, I don’t think the Ducks should do this, as it will hurt the productivity of Corey Perry.
Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs don’t have a player who stands in front of the net and collects the “garbage goals”. Zwolinski notes that Devils forward David Clarkson is a RFA, and could be a player the Leafs target via trade.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward was taking shots at practice yesterday and is eyeing a return next week. Ward has been out since February 3rd with a bad back. On the bad news front for the ‘Canes, Tuomo Ruutu will be out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, surgery is scheduled for today.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk will look at some college free agents, but realizes the success rate of them making the NHL isn’t great. “I think you have to look and say that 97 percent probably aren’t going to play in our league, but there’s still a chance you can hit a home run on one and there’s definitely an opportunity to stock some depth in your organization,” Nieuwendyk said.The Stars will look at signing a player or 2.
