Brian Campbell is close to re-signing long-term with the Sabres. 

This just in: Ilya Kovalchuk has tweaked his knee. The Kovalchukian one was in pursuit of his third consecutive hat-trick, and already had a goal to his credit this evening against Washington. Unfortunately, thanks to the folks at Versus, the feed cut and there's no update on his condition.  

Rick Dipietro's eye is fine after tests done yesterday. He suffered cuts and scraps around the eye but no damage to it. He will probably go tonight but may sit out just as a precaution. If so he will be back next game for sure.

8 games in the NHL last night and 5 were shutouts. Seen leaving all 5 arenas….Pascal Leclaire. No, actually Turco, Sabourin for Pittsburgh, Huet, Ward, and Lundqvuist all recorded shutouts for their teams.

Mark Bell will play tonight while Wellwood is still 50-50. He wants to play but Maurice may wait until Friday just so they have another few days to decide on roster moves.

Milan Lucic was a healthy scratch for the 1st time this season, Sunday night against Ottawa.

Both Demitra nad Gaborik missed last nights game against Edmonton. Both are suspected groin discomfort or maybe they just wanted to give Edmonton a chance to win the game. Pouliot still played under 7 mins in their absence.

Dan Boyle had an MRI on his wrist Monday after experiencing discomfort in the wrist that was cut by his falling skate earlier this year. Watch this one closely. He could be back on the IR. However Ryan Craig was activated and sent to Springfield for conditioning. They need his toughness in the lineup.

Colby Armstrong was a healthy scratch for the Pens last night and still no Ryan Whitney. As I stated above Sabourin played again and there may be truth to rumours that Pittsburgh is looking for a goalie. Ever since that World Junior game against the U.S I have never forgiven Fleury.  

Simon Gagne did return last night in Phili's shutout loss. He played over 17 mins. and over 3 on the PP. As a result Lupuls PP time was reduced to just over 1 minute.

Scott Walker is still experiencing a lot of pain from torn cartialge in his chest and there is no timetable for a return yet. Given his aggresive style as well as his constant injuries expect this to plague him all year long. If you own him…..trade him.

Todd Bertuzzi has been headache free for 2 weeks now but the Ducks are being very cautious given his concussion history. They want to protect their $8 million over 2 year investment. He is close and given their inconsistent play lately expect him back in the next 10 days.

Richard Matvichuk has been placed on waivers by New Jersey. He has played once in the last season and a half due to back injury and if no one takes a chance on him expect retirement news to follow quickly.

Let's plug the boss a bit here. Dobber always states that after a healthy scratch a player usually responds with a decent game. Right again. Jussi Jokinen was a healthy scratch for Dallas on the weekend and last night recorded his first 2 points in over 2 weeks.

Matt Moulson has been sent back to Manchester by the Kings after a decent 2 game auditon.

Dustin Byfuglien has been recalled by the Blackhawks.