Shannon Hogan: Islanders Jaroslav Halak was a last minute scratch with an upper-body injury.
Josh Yohe: Sounding like Penguins Patric Hornqvist and Kris Letang could play on Friday. Olli Maatta’s injury is still a mystery. When asked if Hornqvist had a concussion, coach Mike Johnston would only say that he feels better.
Lou Korac: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said that David Backes wasn’t doing well yesterday, but wasn’t ruling him out for Thursday.
Andy Strickland: Blues Brian Elliott took some shots yesterday, but is still not ready for practice.
Andy Strickland: Blues Jay Bouwmeester skated yesterday and could practice today. Alex Steen didn’t skate yesterday.
Nicholas Goss: Both David Krejci and Zdeno Chara both took contact in practice yesterday.
Alex Prewitt: Capitals coach Barry Trotz said that Mike Green is “very close” to returning.
Minnesota Wild PR: Wild’s Keith Ballard was conscious and was taken to the hospital for evaluation and observation.
Blue Jackets Dalton Prout was somehow able to remain in the game after blocking where you don’t want to block a shot.