Mike Smith – injured, did not dress. More in tomorrow's ramblings (will try and put some up tonight) 

Still waiting on final confirmation from the sponsors for the Playoff Pool. I will confirm details up on this Ultimate Pool very soon. 

Pat Quinn will coach Team Canada at the next under-18s

According to the Bruins Blog , Marc Savard will miss the club’s next two games, following a CT scan today at Massachusetts General Hospital that confirmed an unspecified injury to his lower back and mid-torso.

Wade Redden left last night's contest in the first period with a leg injury and played briefly in the second period before leaving for good. No word other than that. 

Want to ask me a question about the playoffs? Ask it via the Hockey News mailbag. Click here and ask away – answers will be posted tomorrow. 

Patrik Elias is expected back in the lineup for tonight's rematch against the Pens.

Crosby did not know as of yesterday afternoon whether he will be in the lineup tonight.

David Legwand (foot) will not play tonight and is questionable for Friday.

The Preds still are not saying who will start tonight, but it will be either Ellis or Rinne.

Radim Vrbata has not scored in 16 contests.

Both Robert Lang and Cam Barker will be gametime decisions tonight.

Kristian Huselius watch: 8:30 last night. Calgary was shut out in an important divisional game. Keenan is picking a fight with the wrong player. Huselius is not a rookie in need of a lesson.

Ryan Getzlaf is questionable for tomorrow's contest with a shoulder injury.

Ryan Carter had the pins removed from his wrist yesterday and hopes to be back in the lineup within a week. He was clicking on the second line with Teemu Selanne before his injury, so his status is worth watching.

Dominik Hasek will miss tonight's contest with the flu. Jimmy Howard has been recalled to back up Osgood.

Both Holmstrom and Filppula are no-gos for tonight. Holmstrom apparently left practice yesterday very frustrated. Filppula hopes to be back this weekend. Both are suffering from groin injuries.

Eric Belanger returned and played 14:57 last night and picked up an assist.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard missed his first game in 198 last night. He had the flu.

Pavol Demitra has a sore leg and was unable to play last night.

Martin Gerber gave up three goals in the first period and got the hook. Ray Emery gave up four goals in the second period. The team decided neither of them could stop a puck so in the third period they only allowed two shots. Another game like that, and I would not be surprised to see Brian Elliott get recalled.

Niklas Hagman has nine points in the last 21 games and 30 points in the last 70 games. He's had his spurts, but with the emergence of Eriksson and the arrival of Richards he has become a depth player on this team once again. He is one Angus Prime Cut that I disagree with – sorry Angus! But that's what makes the site great – different opinions. Hagman makes a great topic for discussion in the forum.

Pascal Dupuis missed last night's contest as his wife had their baby.

The Sens signed prospect Jesse Winchester, an undrafted 23-year-old who has posted a point per game for the last three college seasons. He is a long shot to be a good fantasy player, but he'll at least get a look in camp next year.

Buffalo News: Nathan Paetsch will be back tonight with the benefit of two full practices with his teammates. When his fellow Buffalo Sabres defensemen return from their injuries, they may not get that benefit. Jaroslav Spacek (chest) and Dmitri Kalinin (shoulder) again skated on their own Monday, though neither will be back for tonight’s game against Ottawa in HSBC Arena. They are doubtful for Thursday’s visit to Ottawa. “I don’t believe we’re going to get them in the next game or two,” Ruff said. “We could get them maybe in three or four days, but it’s a day-today type of thing. If they feel better, we could get them back.”

Jozef Stumpel will finally be back tonight. He practiced on a line with Dvorak and Steve Montador.
Mike Van Ryn has been skating, but is not quite ready.

Coming soon: news on Dobber's Ultimate Playoff Pool. 1000-2000 entrants, 18 players, FREE to enter. Great prizes to be announced. This is Dobber's way of weeding out the weak. Trash talk encouraged. Check in for more details LATER TODAY.

Jeff Halpern will be a game time decision.