April 17, 2007

Alexandre Picard of the Blue Jackets tore his ACL and MCL on Friday while playing an AHL game. He will undergo surgery and will be on the shelf for much of the summer. His fantasy value had plummetted pretty far anyway. 

Francois Beauchemin is probable tonight after losing some teeth and receiving stitches on Sunday after getting hit in the face with a puck. No bones were broken.

Kari Lehtonen will get the start for Atlanta tonight.

Oleg Saprykin will get into the Ottawa lineup tonight. He will replace Patrick Eaves who is likely gone for the first round with his concussion.

Robyn Regehr is doubtful to play in Game 3, but will be a game-time decision. He reinjured his knee on the weekend.

Steve Bernier, the recipient of the Radulov hit, was back in the lineup yesterday, playing just over nine minutes. Joe Pavelski played over 11 minutes in his playoff debut. Mark Bell was a healthy scratch but is also battling a bit of a groin injury.

Jack Johnson, Paul Stastny, Erik Cole and Ty Arnason are among those who will play for Team USA at the Worlds.

The Wild are 1-15 on the power play. That is why they are 0-3. Two more PP goals would make all the difference this series (two more goals would give them three, which is 20% – i.e. the norm).

Martin Erat left the game yesterday after sustaining a knee injury when Mike Grier hit him into the boards. He is questionable for Game 4. Alexander Radulov, however, will be back in the lineup after serving his one game suspension.

Trotz said Predators forward Steve Sullivan was scheduled to skate Monday in Nashville, which would have been the second time he’s been on the ice in a matter of days.