Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Zach Parise left last night’s game and returned to New Jersey with Lou Lamoriello after suffering a ‘lower-body’ injury. The extent of the injury is not known, but it could be a serious injury to his right knee. Parise was hit by Kyle Clifford late in the 2nd period.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Tampa Bay Lightning plan to meet with Steven Stamkos’s side in the next couple weeks regarding a contract extension. The Los Angeles Kings have already been drawing up different contract models for Drew Doughty. LeBrun thinks the Kings may be interested in Jarome Iginla if he becomes available this year. The Maple Leafs refuse to rush Nazem Kadria and called up Christian Hansen instead. Brendan Shanahan is looking to change the All-Star game in some way, but wouldn’t say what his ideas are (I have an idea, cancel it).
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for some secondary scoring. Teams are focusing on Phil Kessel (has still scored 7 goals) as his teammates struggle to find the back of the net (MacArthur started off hot but has cooled of late). Burke has said if he can add some scoring he will, he has $4 million in cap space. Hitting the rumor mill of potential players available this week are Jeff Carter, David Backes and Blake Wheeler.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Keith Ballard skated with teammates for the first time yesterday. It was only a light workout with the team. A date hasn’t been set for his potential return from a ‘slight’ concussion.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson’s agent confirmed that his injury is not serious. The exact extent of the injury is not know, but he will not require surgery. It was first feared that he might have torn some ligaments in his knee.
Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter, who’s been out since October 19th with a lower-body injury, expects to skate on Monday and could be close to returning.
Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators forward Milan Michalek will be out at least a week with tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee.
Jimmy Murphy via twitter: In the expansion era, after the first 6 games, Tim Thomas has the lowest GAA ever at 0.50. 2nd goalie ever to have 3 shutouts in first 6 games to start the season, Pascal Leclaire the other.
Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: The Hotstove with Ron MacLean, Eric Francis, Mike Milbury & Pierre LeBrun
The NHL will most likely review Daniel Briere’s stick swing incident from last night, with a suspension likely.
