Ed Jovanovski made a questionable hit on Marian Gaborik Wednesday – that didn't make the headlines – but he was suspended for one game. He will miss tonight's contest.

Pascal Leclaire (hammy) did some light skating yesterday but did not face any shots. He will not start any games this weekend.

Joe Sakic (groin) will be in the lineup tonight. The Avs play the Sharks in what will be Scott Hannan's first game against his former team. Peter Budaj will get the start.

As I mentioned yesterday afternoon, keep an eye on TJ Hensick's NHL debut tonight.

A rumor out of Anaheim has Scott Niedermayer back in the lineup before Christmas. It's just a rumor, but if you were waiting for a signal as to when to take a chance and grab (and sit on) the guy, this is it.

The Bruins held out Lucic for precautionary reasons. He is ready to go though.

Bruins line combos: Kessel with Reich and Bochenski, Nokelainen with Schaefer and Sobotka.

Fernando Pisani will not be in the lineup this weekend but it should happen in the next week or two. MacTavish wants him to get more practice in.

Nolan Schaefer has been returned to the minors, indicating that Harding is well enough to backup Backstrom.

Petteri Nummelin (leg) is doubtful for tonight's contest for Minnesota.

Derek Boogaard (back spasms) is out for tonight.

Kurtis Foster (hairline fracture in face) is questionable for tonight's contest.

Jason Williams reinjured his groin yesterday and will be day to day. Tuomo Ruutu will now move up to Martin Havlat's line as a result and should be activated immediately.

Chicago rookie Jake Dowell has a broken foot and will be out until late December.

Detroit's games Saturday and Tuesday will be split between Hasek and Osgood. It has not been announced which is which yet.

Sergei Gonchar was in practice yesterday and will be a gametime decision, but I think he'll go tonight, if only to run the power play.

Maxime Talbot has gone from doubtful to questionable for tonight.

Dallas will start Mike Smith tonight. Maybe I'll finally get a win from my goalies in the expert league.

Marek Zidlicky was back in the lineup last night.

Erat, Dumont and Arnott combined for nine points last night.

Alexander Radulov was pointless despite the team scoring six goals. He played just 12:38. Trotz is still insisting on bringing him in slowly, so the reins will remain on.

Alexander Volchenkov left last night's contest with a hand injury.

Ryan Callahan was back in had 13:16 of ice time.

Mark Bell seems to be rounding into form. In the last two games he has one point, six shots, four PIM's and is a plus-2.

Mike Keenan removed Kristian Huselius from the top power play unit last night. This may be a signal to start quietly shopping him, as I don't fully trust the Keenan- Huselius arrangment.