DJ Bean: Bruins Brett Connolly will be out for six weeks with a broken finger. Aaron Ward: Connolly took a shot off his hand in practice.
Bob McKenzie: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist saw a doctor last week and his vascular injury is healing nicely. Had reported that he’s been on the ice for the past seven to 10 days. He’s not practicing with the team, but is taking shots. Difficult to put a timeline on his return. The Rangers will be cautious as they and Cam Talbot are playing well. If all goes well, Lundqvist COULD return in 10-14 days.
Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets David Clarkson will be out for four to six weeks with a torn oblique.
Eric Stephens: Ducks Matt Beleskey (shoulder) has starting shooting the puck and is able to take some one-timers. No timetable yet, but maybe their next homestand.
Eric Francis: Flames Mark Giordano had surgery yesterday.
Andy Strickland: Blues Zbynek Michalek still hasn’t been cleared to skate yet. He rode the bike yesterday.
Tracey Myers: Blackhawks Johnny Oduya is skating, but isn’t ready yet. He won’t play Friday. Trevor van Riemsdyk will play this weekend in Rockford (AHL).
Bryan Burns: Lightning’s Matt Carle on not wearing a no-contact jersey yesterday at practice: “It was good just to take another step forward today and getting back into game shape.” He said there haven’t been any setback and “things are happening as they should. We’re still in the timeline.”
George Richards: On Tuesday, Panthers goalie coach Rob Tallas would have initially came into the game when Al Montoya was initially hurt, but the NHL hadn’t cleared him. The refs couldn’t let him play until he was ruled eligible, which didn’t happen for about 20 minutes. Montaya had to play injured.
