On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Forward Steven Stamkos is getting closer to returning to the Lightning lineup, possibly as early as this weekend. Stamkos said yesterday was his “best day yet.”
Stamkos said “unless something drastically changes,” he won’t be in the lineup tonight.
“It’s as close as I’ve been,” Stamkos said. “I’m not going to put any dates on it, but I’m just very pleased and excited with how it’s feeling. Sitting here three weeks ago, maybe not thinking it’d feel this good. I’m very optimistic about being able to get where I need to be to hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Tyler Johnson (lower-body), Cedric Paquette (lower-body) and Jason Garrison (lower-body) didn’t practice yesterday and are not available tonight.
Coach Jon Cooper said that Paquette suffered a bit of a setback.
“Ceddy’s got one of those tough injuries where progress is made and you hit a little bit of a wall,” Cooper said. “So we’ve got to wait and see on him.”
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Forward Conor Sheary and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel returned to the lineup last night.
Forward Jake Guentzel (concussion) and Ron Hainsey (upper-body) were wearing a regular jersey at practice yesterday. Both are getting closer to being able to return to the lineup.
Sam Werner: Coach Mike Sullivan said that he’s confident that defenseman Kris Letang will be ready to return to the lineup by the start of the playoffs.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Dean Brown: The Senators didn’t provide an update, but defenseman Erik Karlsson was limping around yesterday after he blocked a shot on Tuesday.
On the New York Islanders …
Steven Marcus: Defenseman Johnny Boychuk is hoping he’ll be able to go tonight. Coach Doug Weight will decide today if he’s back in the lineup.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: Forward Luke Glendening is done for the remainder of the season due to a fractured ankle/foot according to GM Ken Holland. Andreas Athanasiou is day-to-day.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Mark Masters: Goaltender Frederik Andersen said he’s feeling good and optimistic he’ll be able to play tonight.
Paul Hendrick: A decision on if he’ll return tonight will be made on their flight to Nashville.
