Monday Injury Analysis Feb. 23 2009
Ray Calder HockeyObserver.com
Goaltenders :
Buffalo lost Ryan Miller Saturday evening for an indefinite period due to what is being called a high ankle sprain . According to WGR 550 in Buffalo Miller showed up at practice (obviously just to be examined) wearing a walking boot and he would be out indefinitely . Patrick Lalime takes over as the starter in the meantime and the club has recalled Jhonas Enroth from Portland (AHL) to serve as the backup . Put Miller on your bench and prepare for him to miss multiple weeks if the injury is a true high ankle sprain . Four to six weeks is the norm with this type of injury .
According to the Chicago Tribune Nikolai Khabibulin is close to a return . If you need him get ready for his return but with Huet playing so well a timeshare is the best you can hope for .
Detroit's Chris Osgood has been given a two game break and the club recalled Jimmy Howard from the AHL to dress as a backup to Ty Conklin . Not an injury note but those of you with Osgood should be aware that the club's confidence in him seems to be wavering at least slightly .
New Jersey will have Martin Brodeur back in all likelihood in time for Thursday's contest according to Newsday . He's been practicing fully and has pronounced himself ready .
No decision has been made yet on shutting down Tampa's Mike Smith but it's a pretty good bet that is coming soon . He is suffering the effects of post concussion syndrome and according to Tampa Bay Live has not been improving - look for someone else for the rest of the season but those of you in keeper leagues should hold him for 2009/10 as he appears to be the long term answer there .
Toronto's Vesa Toskala had an MRI this past week which came back clean . He had been complaining of "general soreness" but is fine and will continue to start . He's a prime candidate to be traded if GM Brian Burkes public evaluation stands .
Forwards:
Boston's Michael Ryder ( multiple facial fractures) hopes to be able to play Tuesday night according to the Boston Globe . This would be a definite boost for the Bruins and his fantasy owners .
Buffalo's Thomas Vanek (jaw) remains out for another couple of weeks at a minimum . He did suggest that it was a 5-6 week injury early last week according to the Buffalo News , but he was also able to get back on the ice and skate by himself Monday (no doubt for conditioning purposes). He won't be back for probably 3 weeks at a minimum .It was thought that Maxim Afinogenov could return Saturday but is not quite ready . He's not a Lindy Ruff favorite anyway so I wouldn't bank on decent numbers even when he does get back into the lineup .
Colorado's Joe Sakic is hoping to return before the regular season ends according to the Denver Post . The Western Conference is wide open and it's admirable Sakic wants to get back to help a playoff push - don't expect much from him fantasy/ roto wise for the remainder of 2009 .The team is expected to get Paul Stastny (broken forearm) back this coming week according to the team's official website .
Minnesota's Andrew Brunette (lower body) will return Tuesday against the Kings according to the NHL Network .Also with the Wild, Owen Nolan suffered a toe injury Sunday and should be lost for at least a few games according to the NHL Network .
Montreal's Alex Tanguay took part in full practice Monday according to Habs Inside Out . He could return to the lineup Tuesday against Vancouver or if not then definitely later this week - get ready to activate him .Also in Montreal Alexei Kovalev returned from his benching and should be a safe play . Saku Koivu missed Monday's practice with the stomach flu according to TSN . He sounds questionable for Tuesday evening against Vancouver .
The Isles Doug Weight remains out about another 4 weeks . Those of you in one year leagues should have grabbed a replacement to finish this season by now .
Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson missed only one game after taking a puck to the jaw this past week . He returned Saturday night and should be a safe play for you this week .
Vancouver's Jannik Hansen hurt a finger blocking a shot this past Thursday and is out indefinitely. Get a replacement for him at least for this coming week and probably beyond .
Defensemen:
Calgary's Mark Giordano is out indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery Monday according to TSN .
Carolina's Joni Pitkanen (upper body) returned to the lineup Sunday after missing 2 games . He's a solid play with the Canes in a fight for their playoff lives .
Chicago's Cam Barker took a shot off the foot Sunday but should be fine according to the Chicago Tribune . Expect him to be able to go this week if you need him .
Detroit's Brad Stuart is expected back in the lineup on Wednesday when the team plays the Sharks according to the Detroit Free Press . Get ready to activate
The Rangers Paul Mara (shoulder) remains out at least for the next week or two . According to the team's official website he had an MRI this past week and the damage was not near as severe as originally thought . He should not be in your lineups for at least the next two weeks .
According to Sunday's broadcast , Pittsburgh is unhappy with the lack of consistency in Kris Letang's play . He is not injured but should probably take a seat on your fantasy bench for this week at a minimum .
Tampa Bay shut down both Andrej Meszaros , and Paul Ranger for the year as both have had shoulder surgeries according to the NHL Network . No reason to hold onto either in a one year league .Also with the Lightning Lukas Krajicek is day to day with a bothersome hip injury .