Sean Avery has a lacerated spleen and was rushed to hospital. He will fully recover over the summer, but is done for the playoffs. All one game of it. Avery will be a UFA this summer.

Paul Stastny left last night's contest in the first period with a knee injury. He did not return and will be re-evaluated.

TJ Hensick made his surprise playoff debut last night, earning an assist. Because of Stastny's injury, Hensick played over 14 minutes. He replaced Ryan Smyth, who missed the game with a foot injury.

Peter Forsberg and Scott Hannan were both in the lineup last night, probably playing hurt.

My take on John Tavares.

Anaheim signed Ryan Carter to a three-year contract extension. Carter has decent upside as a second-line center, so if the team does not replace Weight this summer, then Carter makes a good option.

Dallas signed Steve Ott to a two-year extension. Ott is a great PIM option, but gets hurt too often. You know a team is really cruising through the playoffs when they have time to negotiate with and sign players.

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Speaking of Dallas negotiating and signing, Fabian Brunnstrom is in Dallas to watch Game 3. He will be in Denver tomorrow to watch Game 4 of DET/COL.

Columbus signed rearguard Jan Hejda to an eye-popping three-year $6 million deal. He is not a fantasy factor.

LA signed 20-year-old blueliner Alec Martinez to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Michigan native was selected 95th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and completed his junior year at the Miami (Ohio) University in 2007-08. As a junior, he led all RedHawks defenseman with nine goals and 32 points in 42 games. He will likely not make the big club for at least a couple of years.

Mike Knuble will be in the Flyers lineup tonight. He had been suffering from a torn hamstring. He will probably replace Patrick Thoresen in the lineup and it is said that he will line up with Jeff Carter and Scott Upshall.

I heard on TSN last night that no team kicked off the playoffs 8-0 before. The Pens are about to do that. Because they keep winning, Gary Roberts can't get back into the lineup. He is healthy now.

Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post lists the following as the top candidates for the Florida coaching job: Pat Burns, Ron Wilson (who will be fired soon), Perry Pearn, Randy Cunneyworth, and Doug MacLean.