Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Chicago Blackhawks center David Bolland did not return for the 3rd period last night. Bolland didn’t practice Thursday and Sassone wonders if Bolland’s surgically repaired back is acting up.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Dan Hamhuis lasted about 5 minutes trying to skate yesterday. He’s been out for 2 weeks, and a Monday return is unlikely. Keith Ballard is likely to return before Hamhuis now.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: There haven’t been any contract extension talks between Craig Anderson and the Colorado Avalanche. Dater thinks the Avs could be taking this approach, “Let’s wait and see how he performs again for a good portion of this year before we back up the money truck. Let’s keep that carrot dangling in front of him a while longer, and maybe get a win-win situation. The better he plays, the more money he knows he’ll make and the better he plays, the more we win hockey games.”
Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler practiced yesterday and said he’s close to returning from a broken nose and jammed neck. Fowler said he might be able to go today, and if not, may be next Wednesday.
Jim Matheson via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers victory last night was the first regulation road win for them since December 11, 2009.
George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Justin Abdelkader will return to the Red Wings line up tonight against the Predators. Abdelkader could replace Jiri Hudler or Mike Modano. He alternated with Hudler, Modano and Dan Cleary in practice yesterday. Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Ericsson are still out with back spasms.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Evgeny Artyukhin failed his SKA physical as he has heart problems, the team declined to sign him. He’ll be taking a more extensive medical, SKA will wait for those results.
