- Sarah McLellan: Coyotes Derek Morris and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are both day-to-day with upper-body injuries. Rostislav Klesla won’t play tonight, but is getting closer.
- John Vogl: Sabres Ryan Miller isn’t sure if he’ll be able to start tonight against the Lightning due to his bad groin. He didn’t partake in practice yesterday, but tested it out after, taking shots from remaining teammates.
“I was a little tight after the last game, and I just wanted to be cautious early in the season,” Miller told The News. “So far, so good. I felt better than I kind of anticipated, so I’ll see if I can make myself available. But no practice today, and after a couple days off I’m not sure what the right course of action will be.
“I just want to make sure it’s not going to be something that’s going to turn into weeks. I thought it’d be a day or two, and it took about a day longer. It’s just not something you want to creep into your body, your game, your mind-set. Get it out, get it done. You don’t want groin stuff to pop up.”
Sabres Cody Hodgson is day-to-day with a lower-body injury but is expected to play tonight. Marcus Foligno will return to the lineup after missing three games with a shoulder injury.
- Eric Stephens: Could get an update on Ducks Kyle Palmieri today. They didn’t practice yesterday.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders Cal Clutterbuck practiced yesterday without a non-contact jersey and is getting close to returning. He may not return tonight, but he’s getting closer. Clutterbuck’s return will mean a roster move will have to be made, and it might mean the end of Griffin Reinhart stint with the Islanders. He may be returned to junior.
- Bill Meltzer: Flyers Jakub Voracek said his back still isn’t 100 percent according to a Czech report. It’s getting better, but it’s not an excuse.
- Michael Smith: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu will travel with the team. Elias Lindholm is possible for tonight. Chip Alexander: Ruutu is still needing some practice time, but a return is getting close.
- PSB Sens: Senators Mark Stone watched practice yesterday with his arm in a sling.
