Injury Notes …
- Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby missed last night’s game against the Blue Jackets. He’s out with a lower-body injury, but it’s not expected to be a long-term issue.
“I don’t believe it’s a long-term thing, no,” said Sullivan. “And so, the hope is that with the break here coming up, he’ll have a chance to recover.”
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks Joel Ward will likely be out tonight. He missed last game as well after he crashed into the boards after a hit from Senators Mark Borowiecki on Friday. Melker Karlsson has been battling the flu and is probable for tonight. Marc-Edouard Vlasic was given a maintenance day yesterday and is expected to play.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins Zac Rinaldo returned to practice yesterday after missing a couple games with an upper-body injury. He’s hopeful for before the Christmas break.
- Ansar Khan: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey will probably be able to return in early January. There is nothing new to report on Johan Franzen and his concussion.
- Mike Chambers: Avs goalie Reto Berra injured his ankle while playing soccer in the hallway before their game last night. Defenseman Nate Guenin likely has a concussion.
- Edmonton Oilers: Andrew Ference was put on the IR.
- Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets Nick Foligno missed last night’s game.
- Matt Smith: Canadiens Jeff Petry missed last night’s game and is day-to-day.
- Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Dale Tallon said that Dave Bolland is a little banged up.
From the Penguins – Blue Jackets game …
- Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella on Boone Jenner’s collision with Evgeni Malkin: “He got up, didn’t he? It’s like he was dead, and then he was out the next shift.”
Jenner hit on Malkin, who appears to have hurt his knee pic.twitter.com/AaBQibRk3s
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 22, 2015
Vine by Jim: (s/t Ryan Wilson) Dalton Prout going cross check crazy.