On the Florida Panthers …
Craig Davis of the Sun Sentinel: Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has had three head injuries in the past 14 months, returned last night after his latest concussion.
“There’s no big concern for me. I still feel good every day,” Ekblad said following the pregame skate at the BB&T Center. “I wake up and I don’t have headaches, so that’s great.”
The Panthers entered last night eight points out of the last playoff spot, with four teams to pass. GM/coach Tom Rowe.
“We’re still in a fight here to get that last playoff spot. We have every intention of playing it right to the very end.”
Roberto Luongo was on the ice yesterday and still hopes to be able to return this season.
George Richards: Coach/GM said that goaltender Roberto Luongo met with doctors who preformed his hip surgery and everything looks good. He should be able to return to practice soon.
George Richards: Denis Malgin (concussion) has been cleared to return but wasn’t in the lineup last night.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins ….
Jonathan Bombulie: Coach Mike Sullivan said that forward Jake Guentzel has been diagnosed with a concussion. Sidney Crosby lost some teeth.
Pens Inside Scoop: Coach Sullivan said that Tom Sestito is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Carchidi: GM Ron Hextall said that defenseman Brandon Manning is close to returning, but is still out.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross: Coach John Hynes said that Mike Cammalleri (shoulder) and Jacob Josefson (upper-body) continue to skate. Devante Smith-Pelly (lower-body) isn’t skating.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Michael Smith: Forward Valentin Zykov (upper-body) skated yesterday in a no-contact jersey.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Roger Mooney: Forward Cedric Paquette skated yesterday morning in a no-contact jersey.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Jeremy Rutherford: Coach Mike Yeo said that forward Paul Stastny‘s injury isn’t serious. He was not injured by the shot, tweaked something.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Kevin Kurz: Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic missed last night’s game with the flu.