On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Bryan Burns of NHL.com: Forward Vladislav Namestnikov will likely return to the lineup tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.
“It was a step forward, and I felt pretty good,” Namestnikov said about being a full participant in practice. “I think I’m ready.”
Namestnikov has been out for four of their past five games with a lower-body injury.
Cedric Paquette practiced yesterday in a no-contract jersey. Tyler Johnson wasn’t at practice and it’s not known when he’ll return.
Bryan Burns: Coach Jon Cooper on Steven Stamkos: “Every day he comes off (from practice) and there are no setbacks, so that’s a really good sign.”
On the Washington Capitals …
Isabelle Khurshudyan: Coach Barry Trotz said that defenseman Brooks Orpik is “probable” for tonight’s game.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: Defenseman Ryan Sproul has a partial tear of his left ACL and they haven’t determined if they will need surgery. If surgery isn’t needed, he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Dana Wakiji: Sproul injured his knee against the Oilers on March 4th.
Dana Wakiji: Sproul on the injury: “It’s just an ACL. The MRI was hard to see so it’s just a partial tear and a little bit of a bone bruise.”
Dana Wakiji: Sproul said he’ll rehab the knee to “try to fix it if I can by myself by working out & if it’s strong enough,I’ll stay away from surgery”
Ted Kulfan: Coach Jeff Blashill said that Darren Helm is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He’s not expected to play tonight, but possibly able to return on Friday.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross: Miles Wood has skated the past three days. Will know after their morning skate today if he’s able to go tonight or not.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: Forward Alexander Wennberg (head and neck) is expected to be at practice today. He missed their game on Sunday.
