Max Talbot is trying to get back into the lineup despite having a broken foot. He has been skating on his own and is a long shot to get into the lineup today, possibly at the expense of Gary Roberts.

The Rangers scratched Christian Backman last contest and will likely keep him in the press box today in favor of Strudwick.

Craig Custance wrote an excellent piece in the AJC about Atlanta's relationship with the Chicago Wolves, questioning the way the Wolves have full control of their team and how they stress winning at the expense of development rather than winning AND developing. Among his points: 1) Esposito, Machacek, Holzapfel all healthy scratches throughout the playoffs. 2) Bryan Little not on the top PP unit. 3) 10 NHL teams own their AHL affiliate and do not have this problem, while other teams have the rights to hire and fire AHL staff. Atlanta does now. 4) Typical, of course, but Don Waddell defends the arrangement. You can read the full column here .

The Boston Globe is reporting that Glen Metropolit has received a contract offer from the B's.

Dennis Wideman will undergo hernia surgery this week, but will be fine in time for camp.

Henrik Zetterberg's goal last week, if you haven't seen it:
[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=C4BTnSJRB-0]

Nicklas Backstrom, who finished the season second to Patrick Kane in rookie scoring, has signed a No.19 Washington jersey and whoever wins my FREE pool will get it. The good fellas at hockeyknight.com made this happen, so do me a favor and check out their site and sign up for the big announcement of their launch.