Hinostroza and Dvorak close
Richard Morin: Arizona Coyotes forward Vinnie Hinostroza and Christian Dvorak skated yesterday but haven’t been activated yet. Michael Bunting was reassigned to the AHL.
Bruins getting healthy
Matt Porter: Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy that forward Patrice Bergeron is expected to practice on Wednesday in a no-contact jersey. He could be ready to return on the weekend.
Defenseman Zdeno Chara could also practice Wednesday in a no-contact jersey.
Defenseman Kevan Miller will likely be clear after Christmas.
Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen could practice on Wednesday.
Forward Jake DeBrusk isn’t skating but is “feeling better.”
Panarin couldn’t go last night
Aaron Portzline: Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella on forward Artemi Panarin: “We didn’t think it was going to come to this. I talked to Duke and had him go for warm-ups. We found out an hour or so before, when he came in (pre-game), and just listening to him tell us about how he felt, that he wasn’t going to play.”
Stars about to get Klingberg back
Mark Stepneski of NHL.com: Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg practiced with the team for the first time since breaking his hand over five weeks ago. It shouldn’t take long for him to get back into the lineup.
“As soon as he feels comfortable mentally and that he is in game shape and that he can go into corners and make strong plays,” said Montgomery. “We’re hoping Thursday, but most likely I would think Saturday.”
Defenseman Connor Carrick should be ready right after Christmas.
Defenseman Stephen Johns skated yesterday but there is still no timetable for his return.
There is no update on defenseman Marc Methot. He hasn’t been skating. He’s been out since early November with a knee issue.
Dumba out at least a week
Minnesota Wild: Coach Bruce Boudreau on defenseman Matt Dumba: “He’s got an upper-body injury and will probably miss this week for sure.”
Hall practices … Schneider to the IR
Chris Ryan: New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall practiced yesterday. He took line rushes in his top line spot.
Chris Ryan: The Devils put goaltender Cory Schneider on the IR with an abdominal strain.
Abby Mastracco: Schneider could feel his injury before their game against the Predators. He had received treatment for it and felt he was good enough to back up. It flared up the next day.
Islanders lose two last night
New York Islanders: Defenseman Thomas Hickey didn’t come out for the third period last night due to an upper-body injury.
Andrew Gross: Islanders coach Barry Trotz didn’t have an immediate update on Hickey or Brock Nelson (presumed lower-body).
Pacioretty leaves in the second period
David Schoen: Vegas Golden Knights forward Max Pacioretty appeared to suffer a lower-body injury in the second period last night. Coach Gerard Gallant said that they will know more today.
