It's that time of year again – I'm suddenly flooded with inquiries about the "when" of my awesome Playoff Draft List. Here is the scoop (for today): the List is out on Sunday or when the playoff matchups are set. It may be Sunday night as a result, but hopefully if we get down to 16 teams before then I can email them to you early. If you have an early (Saturday or Friday) draft, flip me an email when you need it. BUT… I am hours away from launching my subscription technology. What this will mean is if you buy the guide or list, you can access it online when you log in. If you have bought one and you did not register for my forum, not a problem but you will need to register for the forum to get it – and I believe you will need to use the same email as in Paypal. No email in Paypal? Fine again… I can put you in manually. That will mean, if all goes well, that I will not email the lists… you can just pick them up at your leisure. Friday will have a list with 18 teams. Sunday will be more updated. When you login, you will be able to pick up both versions (if you bought it). I'm confusing myself with this ramble… just wait for the real announcement tomorrow. At the very worst, I will email it to you. Don't worry, you will get it one way or the other. 

 

The Thrashers assigned Jordan LaVallee to Chicago (AHL) for the playoff run. Bryan Little and Boris Valabik will follow after Saturday's finale.

 

Patrice Bergeron will not play the final two games for Boston, but is apparently looking fantastic in practice.

 

Marc Savard will likely not play tomorrow. He is scheduled to start skating on the weekend.

 

Zach Hamill, ranked 37 on my fantasy prospects list, finished his junior season and signed with Boston's farm team.

 

The return of Andrew Alberts forced the team to ship Matt Lashoff to the minors.

 

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Matt Cullen was back in the Carolina lineup last night, but played just 10:29. However, half of that was on the PP.

 

David Vyborny will miss tonight's game with the flu.

 

Zenon Konopka was recalled. he has some offensive promise and may replace Vyborny. More importantly, he brings PIM potential, averaging nearly three per game in the AHL.

 

Kyle Brodziak will miss the final game for the Oilers with a broken finger.

 

Ales Hemsky will miss the last game with a knee injury. Geoff Sanderson will draw in, assuming his back holds.

 

Minnesota prospect Ryan Jones, ranked 150th on my fantasy prospects list, completed his college tenure and signed an entry level deal with the Wild. He will play for Houston. His offensive presence could/should help Pouliot and Kalus down there.

 

RJ Umberger returned to the Philly lineup and played with Briere and Prospal. He was on the second PP unit.

 

Scott Upshall and Steve Downie were healthy scratches.

 

The Rangers farm club, Hartford, signed prospect Tomas Zaborsky. He is ranked 309 on my fantasy prospects list because he is some years away, but he has decent second-line upside.

 

Because the London Knights are out, the Flyers assigned Pat Maroon to the Phantoms. He is big giant with skill, but at times seems lazy and awkward. The potential is there though. I have him ranked 190.

 

The Coyotes signed promising defenseman Nick Ross to an entry level contract. He is years away, so I have him ranked 426 on my fantasy prospects list.

 

Manny Legace is day to day with a hip flexor injury. They say he is probable for tonight but will be a game time decision.

 

San Jose rearguard Ty Wishart, 275 on the prospect list, has been assigned to Worcester of the AHL. It will take three injuries on the back end to see him in the playoffs.

 

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The Pens had some awards presented within the organization yesterday and among the highlights: Malkin was MVP, Malone was the "player's player" (voted by teammates) and goaltender John Curry was on the AHL all-rookie team. Curry went 22-9-2, 2.16 and .916. Stellar numbers.

 

Expect Dan Ellis to start tonight for Nashville, despite getting pulled last game and Mason coming and stealing the win.

 

David Legwand finally ditched the crutches. He will not play this season, but hopes to join the team next week if they make the playoffs.

 

A note to my Nashville readers, the Tennessean is reporting that Steve Sullivan is signing autographs outside of section 120 from 6-7 pm tonight.

 

Jaroslav Spacek will be in the lineup tonight for the Sabres.

 

Dan Paille is questionable with a chest injury.

 

Brad Richards has missed the last two days of practice with "soreness" and may not play tonight. It will be a last-minute decision.

 

Heavyweight tilt: Georges Laraque vs. Riley Cote last night…

 

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