Afternoon NHL notes involving the Penguins, Capitals, Maple Leafs, Flyers and Avs

Nick Kypreos via twitter: Kypreos was informed that Mario Lemieux and Matt…

Caps Backstrom has fracture but may not miss time … Zherdev to Leafs doubtful, Thrashers maybe … Halak travels with Blues … Hiller has Vertigo

Bob McKenzie via twitter: The tip of Capitals center Niklas Backstrom is…

Moves the Flames didn’t make … Cammalleri has separated shoulder … Hemsky has concussion, Eberle and Horcoff close to returning

Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail: In November the Capitals called…

Wellwood signs with Blues … Ruutu on the Block? Starting goalies, healthy scratches

David Pagnotta via twitter:  Jarkko Ruutu could join Chris Phillips as Ottawa…

Blues dangling D for Scoring, also inquiring about Bergeron … No contract talks yet for Parise … Blues look into Kovalev … Laperriere clears room for Leighton

Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues continue to look…