- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Andre Markov returned to Montreal after game 1. He sustained a knee injury that will keep him out indefinitely. He will not require surgery.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a damaged tendon on the top of his foot.
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Patrick Marleau is expected back in the line for game 2 after missing game 1 with the flu. He returned to the ice yesterday, but was skating with Torrey Mitchell and Manny Malhotra. Logan Couture moved up with Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley.
- Corey Masisak of CSN: The Washington Capitals have 11 players that are free agents this year. Nicklas Backstrom is looking to sign a long term extension with the club, and will probably be in the $7 million range. They also have 20 goal scorers, Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischmann, who are both RFAs and will require a nice raise. Jose Theodore is a UFA and though there is a chance he’ll be back at a reduced salary (his contract was 2 year, $9 million), I don’t see that happening. Of the 4 players acquired at the deadline (Eric Belanger, Joe Corvo, Scott Walker and Milan Jurcina), probably only Belanger would be re-signed. Young Dmen, John Carlson and Karl Alzner, are looking like they are ready to be full time NHL defenseman.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Is Tampa Bay the right situtation for Steve Yzerman? “I’m very lucky and happy to have a position with the Red Wings,” Yzerman told ESPN.com. “I would love to run a team one day and realize I will have to leave here to do that. But the situation has to be right, for me and my family. Believe it or not, being a part of this organization and living in Detroit is something I cherish. ” if the right opportunity presents itself, I would definitely consider it.”