November 1, 2007
Dobber Sports
2007-11-01
Jason Spezza has joined the groin injury club and is doubtful for tonight's contest. The injury is not serious, but groins are always unpredictable.
Dan Boyle played over 20 minutes last night but was a minus-3. His arrival sucked all the power-play time out of Paul Ranger, who played just under 25 minutes, but just 14 seconds on the PP.
Dany Sabourin will get his second consecutive start tonight for the Penguins. Therrien is just going with the hot hand.
Scott Upshall will skate with Jeff Carter and Sami Kapanen when he makes his return to the lineup.
Tom Poti, Alexander Semin and Chris Clark will be out of the Washington lineup tonight. Semin and Clark were in practice yesterday, but did not feel ready to go. All three should be back within the next 10 days or so…but it's tough to put a finger on exactly when.
Columbus line combos: Modin with Peca and Nash, Novotny with Zherdev and Vyborny, Brule with Fedorov and Boll, Malhotra with Chimera and Fritsche. This is the typical lineup of a defensive coach – spread offense all the way down to the fourth line. I watched some of last night's game and the Jackets were clearly employing a trap system and waiting for opportunities. When they cashed in on one, then more opportunities arose as the Kings became desperate. This team is tough to beat, which makes a healthy Pascal Leclaire very promising.
Edmonton has recalled Robert Nilsson in an effort to inject life into their power play. JF Jacques was sent down.
Ray Emery will get the start for Ottawa tonight.
After today's contest, the Wings do not play again until November 7. Both Kronwall and Hasek are expected back at that time.
Jose Theodore will get the start for the Avs tonight.
Mathieu Schneider will make his Anaheim debut tonight.
While Phil Kessel will take Bergeron's spot on the second line, the third line will now be Metropolit, with Bochenski and Peter Schaefer. PJ Axelsson was moved to the top line.
So Jay Pandolfo and John Madden combined for eight points last night. We're living in Bizarro world.
Ray Whitney and Erik Cole each have five points in their last two games. The Canes are scoring a lot of goals and have a long list of players who are producing right now.
Jannik Hansen was recalled by the Canucks, but I have heard that it was actually Linden who was skating with the twins.
J.P. Dumont broke the tip of his left ring finger during the second period of Tuesday night's loss in Calgary but will play tonight against the Canucks.
Trotz said he's decided on a goaltender for tonight's game but hadn't told either keeper as of Wednesday afternoon.
Expect Erik Johnson back in the Blues lineup tonight.