On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Bryan Burns: With forwards Byron Froese and Joel Vermin being assigned to the AHL, should be potential good news regarding their injured centers in Tyler Johnson, Vladislav Namestnikov and Cedric Paquette.
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Coach Jon Cooper said once again that they won’t rush Steven Stamkos back.
“The one way I guess to make sure he may play is to get into the playoffs,” coach Jon Cooper said. “That’s what we’re trying to do here. He’s the core of our franchise. Until doctors and Steven Stamkos say, ‘I’m ready to go,’ he’s not going on the ice.”
Doctors will obviously be part of the decision, but a lot will fall on Stamkos. Stamkos has said he won’t set any dates on his return.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: Forward Alexander Wennberg is out with a stiff neck and was not in the lineup as a precaution.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty: All of Drew Stafford, Tim Schaller and Patrice Bergeron missed practice yesterday.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Chris Ryan: Miles Wood remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Mark Masters: Defenseman Connor Carrick took part in his third full practice. He’s been out since February 21st with an upper-body injury and could return really soon.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat: Defenseman Taylor Fedun (foot) and Cody Franson were injured on Friday, joining already injured Justin Faulk (calf) and Dmitry Kulikov (upper-body).
On the Dallas Stars …
Mark Stepneski of Stars Inside Edge: Stars center Jason Spezza didn’t make it through yesterday’s practice.
“He ended up with back spasms,” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. “I would put him in the doubtful category.”
Jamie Benn missed Friday’s game with an eye injury. He practiced yesterday morning but his status for tonight’s game isn’t known.
“He’s a possibility. I expect it will be a decision on how he feels later today,” Ruff said. “Based on practice today I would put the chances higher than for him playing. But we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
If both Spezza and Benn can’t play, they’ll need to recall someone or they could go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen according to Lindy Ruff.
On the Calgary Flames …
John Shannon: Forward Micheal Ferland in isolation with concerns about the mumps.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Sarah McLellan: Coach Dave Tippett doesn’t expect forward Shane Doan to play tonight due to a lower-body injury.
