J.P. from Japer’s Rink tells me that Ovechkin and Laich have swapped lines in practice. So you should see Ovy with Morrison and Knuble next game. He also tells me, I’ll give you the direct quote because I wouldn’t do it justice otherwise – “Flash is probably two weeks away – not cleared for contact quite yet, but close. I think there’s a good chance that when he’s back, Laich gets bumped down to the 3rd line, as he’s a better fit on an energy/checking line than Flash and he (Laich) gets most of his goals on the PP anyway (not a great 5-on-5 guy). One thing to remember about Flash is that Bruce loves him (way too much for my liking, but seriously – he’d adopt him if he could, I think).”

Portzline is saying that Nikita Filatov will be a healthy scratch tonight. Serves him right for not scoring a goal during his four minutes of ice time last game. Let that be a lesson!

According to James Mirtle – BIG changes in Leafland tonight. First off, Toskala has a knee injury. The Leafs will start Joey McDonald. James Reimer has been recalled. Also recalled – Tyler Bozak. The team will make Matt Stajan and Nik Hagman healthy scratches. Will it be enough? Bozak’s recall was the right move.

Give Glibert Brule four points in five games now. The 22-year-old – yes, still just 22 – has lost a lot of believers in the fantasy world. Even myself, who held on until just this past spring before I finally gave up on him. He’s getting about 12 minutes of ice time per game, which would be enough to sustain a 40-point season. In roto leagues he is definitely worth a flyer (nine PIM).

Wade Redden had three points yesterday despite just 14 seconds on the power play. Del Zotto saw 5:11 of PP time but was held pointless. I wouldn’t fall for Redden yet – it was against Toskala and the Leafs.

Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen has yet to play a game this season. The team has gone with six rearguards and Freddy Meyer has been ahead of him on the depth chart. Don’t worry, Radek Martinek is scheduled for an injury any day now.

Tuukka Rask had his second straight start last night, but took the loss. I’m sure Thomas will be back next game.

Dennis Wideman is day to day with a shoulder injury, so Johnny Boychuk got into the lineup for the first time this season. He saw some PP time and played 17:15 overall, but was without a point.
Andrej Sekera will miss the next two weeks or so with a rib injury. Toni Lydman will return to the lineup, so a recall likely won’t happen.

David Moss is day to day with a UBI. I don’t get this – they are running with Sjostrom on the top line with Iginla and Jokinen. Sjostrom in the biggest tease in the NHL – all dazzle and no finish. The Coyotes suckered for it for a few years before they happily handed him to the New York. Then New York suckered for it all last season. I know, he only 26 and just entering his prime and I always preach patience with players who have not yet hit their prime, but this guy has seen his share of chances on the top line and the best he has managed is 23 points. So assuming his best season will be in two or three years, what does that mean? 45 points? We’ll see. He got a point last night and played a season high 19:41. I’ll be watching how the experiment goes, but I think I’ll just get teased by this guy again.

Dustin Boyd may have tallied two points last night, but he only saw nine minutes of ice. Best to hold off on activating him now. To me, Boyd is the guy who should be on that top line, not Sjostrom.

David Jones was back in the Colorado lineup and picked up two points. He was playing with Cody McLeod and Ryan O’Reilly on the third line though.

Wow – Kyle Quincey has a point in every game this season. He has six in five games now.

Ryan Shannon returned from his concussion and played with Foligno and Neil last night. He’s out of the top six and Cheechoo is in, so I doubt Shannon will reach the projections I gave him in the Guide – I don’t see the situation changing, barring an injury.