- Kevin Kurz: Sharks Tomas Hertl’s recovery “may be longer” than a month according to Bob McKenzie.
- Lou Korac: Blues David Backes is traveling with the team. Chances are slim that he plays on Saturday, but Monday is not out of the question.
- Jonas Siegel: Maple Leafs Jonathan Bernier said his injury happened on Monday with he collided with Penguins Jayson Megna. Bernier expects to be available tonight, but will see after their morning skate.
- Rob Mixer: Blue Jackets Nathan Horton said that he’s ready for some contact but isn’t ready for full contact.
- Michael Smith: Hurricanes Mike Komisarek is activated off the IR.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets activate James Wisniewski and Marian Gaborik off the IR.
- Lou Korac: Blues Jordan Leopold said he’s progressing and will be re-evaluated after Christmas. He still has a splint on his hand, but is able to do some conditioning and skating.
- Tom Gulitti: Devils Ryane Clowe is unsure if he’ll be able to in the Devils next game. Defenseman Bryce Salvador is getting close, but may have to wait until Dec. 27th.
- Mike Heika: Stars Ryan Garbutt is questionable for today and Vernon Fiddler is probably ready to return.
- Randy Miller: Devils Damien Brunner left last night’s game with a suspected knee injury. It’s too early to say if Ryane Clowe would replace Brunner if he can’t go.
- Nashville Predators: Predators Pekka Rinne has not suffered any setbacks involving his bacterial infection in his hip. Doctors are recommending limited activity for the next two weeks before increasing the activity.
While we were cautiously optimistic Pekka might begin activities now, our primary concern has been, and is, for the long-term. We – Pekka, the team, doctors and our fans – want the same thing and that is for Pekka to be at 100 percent and back in goal for the Predators as soon as possible. However, we also understand we are dealing with a situation that includes some uncertainty and does not involve a specific timetable for treatment and recovery.
Pekka will continue to be monitored on a daily basis by our medical team. We will provide further updates as warranted.
- NHL: Coyotes Shane Doan has been out since December 4th with an illness, which has now been diagnosed as “sypmtoms of Rockey Mountain spotted fever” according to Don Maloney.
Mayoclinic.com says, “Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne bacterial disease that affects the cells in the lining of your blood vessels, making the vessels leak. This can eventually cause serious damage to internal organs, particularly your kidneys.”
Doan is week-to-week.
“Our medical team is on top of it,” Maloney told Azcentral.com. “Every day he seems like he’s getting a little better and a little more energy and has started to exercise a little more. We’re encouraged. He’s trending in a positive manner and for us. It’s just going to take time.”
“He’s disappointed but he’s in good spirits,” Maloney told the team website. “The good thing is he’s feeling better every day. If he was stuck in neutral that’s different, but he isn’t. He’s getting more energy each day and becoming more active. Hopefully that trend continues.”