Bob likely to start, Pronger doubtful … Capitals injuries and off-season notes … Tarasenko could join Blues next year

Mark Easson

14 years ago

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: It looks like Sergei Bobrovsky will get the start tonight. He hasn’t started since Game 2 of the Buffalo series. Chris Pronger is doubtful for tonight, but hasn’t been ruled out by GM Paul Holmgren. Pronger is believed to be bothered by a lower back/hamstring injury. Jeff Carter didn’t practice yesterday but is expected to play tonight.

Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Rangers forward Ryan Callahan thinks a new contract from the RFA can easily be agreed upon. The Rangers would have to make a $2.4 million qualifying offer to retain his rights.

Andy Strickland via twitter: Sources are saying there is slightly greater than 50% chance that Vladimir Tarasenko joins the St. Louis Blues next season.

Corey Masisak of NHL.com: Capitals GM George McPhee said he “expects” Bruce Boudreau to be back next season. The Caps don’t have a lot of cap space available for next season, 18 players at almost $51 million. Brooks Laich and Jason Arnott are UFA’s. Laich made $2.4 million last year and could be in demand if he hits the open market. Prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov could challenge for a roster spot if he decides to leave Russia, “We have lots to talk about over the summer,” McPhee said. “(Kuznetsov) may want to play another year, and if he feels he needs another year in Russia, he can do it. If he feels he’s ready to play here, we can talk about that, too.” Mike Green and Dennis Wideman have the summer to heal up from their injuries.Semyon Varlamov is a RFA, he made $1.15 million, and his Russian agent said he could consider signing in the KHL.

Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Capitals: Capitals injury notes. Mike Knuble only missed 3 games with a broken thumb that had pins in it. Mike Green suffered a hip flexor injury in Game 2. Tom Poti only played 21 games this year, and his career could be in jeopardy with a groin muscle strain. John Carlson suffered a hip pointer injury in Game 1. Alex Ovechkin said he had more than one injury, with one said to be his knee that he had surgery on in March. Jason Arnott had surgery on his knee late in the season.

Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Justin Williams had surgery this week on his right shoulder that was dislocated late in the season. He’s expected to be ready by training camp.

CP in the Globe and Mail: Former NHLer Donald Brashear will make his MMA debut next month in a Quebec event.