Monday Injury Analysis March 23, 2009 .
By Ray Calder HockeyObserver.com
Goaltenders:
Buffalo's Ryan Miller(high ankle sprain) took part in his first practice with his teammates today since being injured according to the AP . There is no timetable yet for his return, but this would seem to be a step in the right direction .
Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to play most of the teams remaining contests . Cristobal Huet is not injured but has been relegated to #2 as according to the Chicago Sun Times the team plans to ride Khabibulin down the stretch .
Tampa Bay's Mike Smith who is still suffering some lightheadedness may get back in the crease after all before the regular season is done . There appears to be some disconnect as the team thinks he should play a game or two if he can. while he seems more concerned that he still has some symptoms of post concussion syndrome.
Forwards:
Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk (upper body) returned Friday and is a safe play this week .
Calgary's Todd Bertuzzi (knee) and Rene Bourque (ankle) are both likely out this week . They did skate with teammates Thursday but neither has been medically cleared to return and shouldn't be anywhere near your lineups .
Colorado's Joe Sakic (hand) is hoping to return for a game or two at the seasons conclusion according to the Denver Post . He should not be on your fantasy radar at this point . Also on the Avs Paul Stastny (foot) did not make the trip to San Jose for Sunday's contest and is day to day for the moment .
Dallas Brad Richards returned Saturday after missing 15 games with a wrist injury and broke his other hand in his first game back according to the team's official website . He's done for the season so look at your other options .
Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom(knee) remains out on a day to day basis .
Florida's Nathan Horton (finger) is expected back in the lineup this evening against Carolina . According to the Florida Sun Sentinel it was thought he might have played Saturday versus Columbus as he took part in the gameday skate, but the team held him out one more game . He should play this evening .
The Kings Justin Williams (hand) returned Friday and is a safe start this week if you need him .
Minnesota's Mikko Koivu suffered a right knee injury Sunday against Edmonton and at the time of this writing it was unclear how much time he would miss . He was scheduled for an MRI later Sunday .UPDATE : Late this afternoon the team announced that Koivu would miss this coming week at a minimum and could be done for the regular season per the NHL Network.
Minnesota's Marian Gaborik made his much anticipated return Sunday afternoon against the Oilers playing just less than 18 minutes . He had no points, but did get off 6 shots and was very active in the contest . We'll watch for any updates Monday, but he would seem to be safe to activate this week if there has been no setbacks.
Montreal promoted Sergei Kostitsyn from Hamilton (AHL) and he'll probably get a late season audition as the team is definitely need of a spark . On Monday Max Pacioretty was shipped back to Hamilton (AHL) according to the CP.
Nashville's Jason Arnott remains day to day with an upper body injury .
The Sens Mike Comrie (flu) missed Saturdays game but should be ok to play this week .
The Blues Keith Tkachuk (wrist) could play as early as Tuesday according to the St Louis Post-Dispatch .Also on the Blues Paul Kariya (hip) has begun skating in hopes that he might return before the season is over .
San Jose's Ryane Clowe (lower body) had a minor surgical procedure and is out at least until the weekend . I would look for someone else as he's no sure thing even for the weekend after having some kind of surgery .Also in San Jose it was noted this week that Torrey Mitchell (leg) is expected back for the playoffs according to the San Jose Mercury News .
Toronto's Niklas Hagman skated in practice lightly Monday according to TSN . He's probably finished for the year though as he's nowhere close to taking contact and the team is well out of playing any meaningful contests at this point .
Washington's Alexander Semin missed practice Monday with the flu according to the Washington Post . He is questionable for Tuesday night's game .
Defensemen:
Chicago's Cam Barker (lower body) missed Sunday's game against the Kings and is questionable for Wednesday according to the Chicago Tribune . The team is not saying much about the injury but they did recall D Jordan Hendry and he played in Sunday's win .
Detroit's Andreas Lilja (concussion) hopes to be back a few games before the playoffs begin according to the Detroit News . He's out this week for sure.
Minnesota's Brent Burns (post concussion) is off the ice right now as symptoms persist . Steer clear of him in this crucial week as it's not even certain he'll be back before the regular season is done . Marek Zidlicky is day to day with a lower body injury . He missed Sunday's contest and is no sure bet for this coming week .
The Rangers Michal Rozsival (lower body) was hurt in the second period last night against Ottawa on a hip check . He's day to day for the moment as it's not clear if the problem was a knee or a hip .He's due for an MRI Monday but the club already recalled Michael Sauer from Hartford (AHL) so it looks likely Rozsival will miss at least some time .UPDATE : The team announced that Rozival will miss at least 7-10 days with a lower body injury per Newsday . Look for Michael Sauer to step into the lineup as the #6 defenseman starting tomorrow night .
San Jose's Rob Blake (foot) remains out on a day to day basis .
Toronto's Tomas Kaberle (hand) may not play at all this week . It was thought he would return Saturday against Montreal, but he did not and the Toronto Sun suggested he may miss up to another week . Don't count on him this coming week .