What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
- Thrashers netminder Kari Lehtonen has a stiff back. It can be argued he is their most important player, so this is about the last thing they need.
- Here were the Sabres’ lines at practice today. Tim Connolly has a groin problem.
- Rostislav Klesla will miss tonight’s game for Columbus with a wrist injury. Injury doesn’t seem serious.
- Is Chris Higgins back on the Saku Koivu and Alex Tanguay line for next game? Looks that way.
- With the way Alex Auld has been playing in Ottawa, it is just a matter of time before he’s named the number one netminder. He deserves it right now.
- Lightning defenseman Janne Niskala has headed back to Europe. He wasn’t happy with his playing time.