Martin Erat took part in the morning skate, but will still be a game-time decision for tonight. It is expected that Ramzi Abid will be recalled just in case. 

My comrades at THN are reporting that Alexander Semin showed up late for the first meeting for Team Russia and was promptly kicked off the team. Sounds like a smart move. Tomorrow, Pittsburgh should kick Sidney Crosby off the team for putting too much weight in his carry-on luggage. 

The honeymoon is over for Craig Conroy and his return to Calgary. He played exactly seven seconds on the power play last night. He is no longer a part of the PP picture. 

Dallas has scored two goals in two games. Don't be blaming Turco for this one. Mike Ribeiro, who was white-hot coming into the series, has just one assist in four contests.

How does Sergei Zubov manage to have an impressive plus-3 while Philippe Boucher is a dismal minus-4? 

Marian Hossa and Slava Kozlov: three games, zero points, minus-10 combined. 

Tim Connolly has a goal and three assists in the five games that he has played since his 11-month absence. 

Ryan Callahan scored the first two playoff goals of his career last night playing just 12 minutes. He'll be a good one for next year. 

Mark Giordano was in the lineup for his first playoff game, in place of Robyn Regehr. He scored a goal. Giordano has offensive talent and will put up decent stats in all categories next year. 

Todd Bertuzzi was back in the Detroit lineup last night, but played under 14 minutes. He was also on the ice for Calgary's winning marker. He played with Samuelsson and Lang. As I indicated yesterday, Jiri Hudler was a healthy scratch, despite his strong play. Since they lost the game, I would expect Hudler to draw back in and either Samuelsson or Filpulla to get scratched…

Ilya Bryzgalov got the hook in last night's contest. There is a possibility that J-S Giguere will start the next game.

Francois Beauchemin did not play last night. It is like pulling teeth trying to get injury info out of NHL teams, as Beauchemin was expected in the lineup. Perhaps he sustained a concussion that the Ducks are not telling us about… 

Erik Christensen was scratched last night in favor of Nils Ekman. The way the Pens are getting manhandled, I'd scratch Ekman and Petrovicky next match and dress Laraque and Thorburn. They need some more toughness in there.

Kim Johnsson sustained a concussion when he was punched by Brad May (who will likely be suspended) last night. The severity of the injury is unknown, but do not expect him back for Game 4. Kurtis Foster (who was a healthy scratch) will draw back in.

Martin Erat, as noted yesterday, will be doubtful tonight…but is a game-time decision.