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.
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.”
