- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers rookie goalie Jacob Markstrom looked good last night. Jose Theodore has a ‘core injury’ but looked fine at practice.
“Sometimes you have to go on performance and Marky played so well in the third period and earned his place in net,’’ Dineen said. “Theo’s our starter and a great player. He’s going to get back in there soon. Jacob not only earned that start but earned that victory.’’
Fialkov can’t see Markstrom not remaining with the team all season, even after Scott Clemmensen comes back from injury. George Richards via twitter: “Not right now he isn’t” was Richards response to whether Markstrom will be sent the minors when Clemmensen is healthy.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: There are rumors that the Blue Jackets ownership are considering forcing a coaching change, possibly bringing back Ken Hitchcock. They are paying him $1.3 million already. Friedman sees this as a lose-lose for everyone. With Florida trading David Booth for contracts that expire after this season, it opens up top 6 positions for next year, possibly for Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad or Quinton Howden. Maple Leafs say they weren’t sniffing around Booth.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that shouldn’t wait long before making a move are the Flames, Blue Jackets, Lightning and Canadiens.Flames: “I am both making and receiving calls as it relates to possible deals, although there is nothing imminent, and for the most part the calls are more about finding out what fellow GMs are thinking,” Feaster wrote in an email. “We learned last year that we simply cannot dig a big hole for ourselves and then try to make a mad dash for the final playoff spot.”
The Blue Jackets are winless and need to make a trade or coaching change before the season is completely lost.
The Canadiens and Lightning need a defenseman. Andrei Markov is out until at least November. Mattias Ohlund is out longer than expected. Eric Brewer is playing with an injury. “According to an NHL source, both the Canadiens and Lightning have had conversations with the Toronto Maple Leafs about a deal involving one of Toronto’s defensemen.”
- The Fourth Period: Capitals defenseman Mike Green will be a free agent after this season, and carries a $5.25 million salary cap hit. Green could be looking for a $6 million plus on a long term deal, especially if he puts together another good season. It’s uncertain when both sides will begin contract discussions.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Berstein answers a question about what the return for Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier would be with “More than anyone willing to give now.”
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Teams scouting the Panthers-Canadiens game last night: Blues and Maple Leafs (2 of them), Avalanche, Red Wings, Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Kings, Penguins, Wild, Capitals, Senators and Coyotes.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott is expected to start in net for the Blues tomorrow night against the Canucks.