Nik Hagman is pointless in his last nine contests.

Sergei Zubov will not play this weekend, but should play during the week sometime.

Steve Bernier had eight points in his first seven games for Buffalo, but is pointless in his last six. 

The Detroit News is reporting that Dominik Hasek will likely not start Sunday. He was back skating yesterday, but still suffers from the flu and is likely feeling pretty weak, to boot.

Tomas Holmstrom is receiving cortisone treatments in an effort to ease the pain in his groin. He is probably done for the season and be careful with him in your playoff pool.

Eighth spot in the West is wide open thanks to Nashville winning, Vancouver losing and Edmonton going to a shootout last night. If EDM goes 3-0-0, NSH goes 2-2-0 and VAN goes 2-2-0, then EDM gets in. If EDM goes 2-0-1, then it will pretty much come down to NSH and VAN with NSH having an extra win in the books. Nashville has the easier schedule, playing two of their games against sub-500 teams (STL twice). Huge game on Thursday when EDM visits VAN.

Both Ron Hainsey and Dick Tarnstrom were knocked out of last night's contest with head injuries and neither one returned. If you are looking for a rearguard for the final week, it looks like Rostislav Klesla will see more responsibility.

Jesse Winchester will make his NHL debut for Ottawa today. Cory Stillman has a bruised leg and will not play, so Winchester will likely get an opportunity on the second line. Seeing as the coach is also the GM, he may get lots of opportunity – after all, success would be a feather in Bryan Murray's cap. With Stillman out, I think we may see something from Winchester today in terms of production.

The Bergen Record is reporting that Jaromir Jagr is in talks with Omsk of the RSL about next season.

Jeff Tambellini has been assigned to Bridgeport.

Patrice Bergeron was not given the go-ahead to take contact in practice yesterday.

The Washington Capitals have signed Mathieu Perreault to a three-year entry-level contract. He is a smallish, pure offensive forward who ranks 111 on my prospects list, but moves up with this news. He is still in the QMJHL playoffs, but if he is eliminated he will join the AHL.
Chris Clark is on the road trip and practicing with the Caps, but does not see himself back in the lineup any time soon. That being said, he is day to day and says that he will not quit.

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Marian Hossa is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow. He had left the last contest with an upper body injury.

Abbreviated ramblings today and tomorrow. I'm in London, Ontario hanging out with some old friends.

Speaking of London – if you live in the area and you want a great place to eat, I recommend TRU at the corner of King and Rideout. It's fine dining, and one of my oldest, dearest friends owns the place (and is the chef) and I can honestly say I have never had better food.

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Jordin Tootoo vs. Jared Boll: