Martin Gerber suffered a very serious neck injury in the KHL. It’s a broken vertebrae in his neck and he will be out for the season – and probably in the hospital for a couple of months. Details are here.

Mat Perreault has been sent to the AHL by the Caps, who then recalled Alzner and Wilson. I think that as long as Perreault doesn’t screw things up he’ll be second-line center next season. That’s a lot to put on the little guy’s shoulders so soon, but he’s proved to be ready during that past call-up in my opinion.

Andrei Kostitsyn has six points in his last five games. His 16 pts in 30 games overall looks pretty ugly, so he could still be snatched up pretty cheaply – but I think he’s out of his funk and will finish the year with 60 points. That’s nearly a point a game going forward.

Katie Strang, Islanders beat writer, is reporting that Kiril Petrov can get out of his KHL contract and join the team next season if he wishes. It’s basically telling me that Petrov is very much on their radar and we could see him. Injury prone but highly skilled. he is 167 on my prospects list, but moves up next update with this news.

Steven Stamkos has gone five games without a point and has just one in his last eight games. Wrong time to slump, muchacho, with Team Canada brass watching…

Remember when we were wondering if Ales Kotalik just needed a change of scenery to become a star after he tallied 17 points in 19 games to start his New York career? Well, wonder no longer. Same ol’ same ol’ – he has just two in his last 11 and his numbers have fallen back in line.

Evgeni Grachev has just four points in his last 15 AHL games. He won’t impact the NHL until he can start impacting the AHL.

He’s back on the fourth line, but he still managed to earn an assist Saturday and Mike Rupp now has eight points in his last 11 games. His 13 points are already a career high. I think Bylsma is taking note of this and he’ll see his chances throughout the year. Call me optimistic, but 30 points and 110 PIM is very reachable.

Just one coach has been fired – so who will be the next? Looking at the East, I don’t see any candidates – I think Torts is too new, DeBoer is doing fine with what he has, Laviolette is too new, Leafs are hot, and Maurice has a loyal and patient GM. So we look to the West – Babcock has had too much success and so will be given a lot more rope, Vigneault is a distant candidate… Quinn is too new, Hitchcock, Murray and Carlyle are probably the best candidates for firings. Just quickly off the top of my head. So I would expect Columbus scoring to pick up when that happens. Same with St. Louis.

Brandon Dubinsky has been activated off of IR and will probably be in the lineup tonight for the Rangers. Parenteau has been sent down.

The Caps have loaned Michal Nylander to Grand Rapids of the AHL, thus freeing his cap hit off of their books for the season. If it was that easy, why did it take so long? Whatever. Back to fantasy hockey.

CBJ tough guy Derek Dorsett is out for four weeks with a broken hand.

The Canes have sent Jiri Tlusty back down to the AHL. They also recalled Michael Leighton, putting him on re-entry waivers.

Cody Franson has been demoted to the AHL.

Patrick Kane left last night’s game with an upper body injury and did not return. Quenneville is saying it was a cut above his eye that required stitches and that he would be back on Wednesday. Hossa told the Sun-Times that Kane looked a little shaky, which would imply a concussion. Stay tuned.

Marian Hossa with the sweet goal…