- Erik Erlendsson: The Lightning confirm that Steven Stamkos has a broken right tibia and will be out indefinitely. Nick Kypreos: The break isn’t overly complicated and participating in the Sochi Olympics may not be out of the question. Damian Cristodero: Stamkos’s dad said that “he seems to be okay” and “just hopeful the surgery goes well.” His dad was told that rehab could be three to six months but “but they’re just guessing.” Will depend on what is found during the surgery.
- Damian Cristodero: The Lightning also lost Sami Salo to a lower-body injury and Keith Aulie to an upper-body injury.
- Chris Nichols: Blues Jordan Leopold will have surgery later this week to repair a tendon in his right hand. He’ll be out for at least eight weeks.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: A source said it’s unlikely that Islanders Thomas Vanek (upper-body) is put on the IR. It’s unlikely he plays tonight, but he could be ready sometime this week. Lubomir Visnovsky (concussion) still hasn’t been cleared for off-ice training. Brian Strait (upper-body) could start skating soon, but is not close to returning. Cal Clutterbuck should be back on the ice today. Travis Hamonic will play tonight.
- Eric Stephens: Ducks Ryan Getzlaf (upper-body) is with the Ducks and Saku Koivu isn’t. Sounding like Getzlaf missed Sunday’s game more as a precaution.
- Renaud Lavoie: Canadiens Alexei Emelin is close to returning to the lineup.
- Pat Leaonard of the NY Daily News: Rangers Dominic Moore could return tonight. Rick Nash’s timetable is still not known.
- Aaron Vickers of Calgary Flames.com: Flames Lee Stempniak is close to returning to the lineup. He’s been out since October 24th with a broken foot, and if he gets medical clearance, he could play as early as tonight.
“It’s up to the coaches and the medical staff,” said Stempniak, who diagnosed himself as day-to-day. “Every day it’s been getting better but a lot of it depends on how it responds the next morning, make sure it doesn’t swell and make sure it feels good. I’ll wake up and re-assess tomorrow morning.”