Illegal Curve Hockey

Afternoon Roster News

Here are some notes and tidbits that may be of interest to fans and poolies:

Peter Schaeffer (shin) is close to returning to the Boston line-up.
Aaron Ward (throat) is going to be re-evaluated today and his availability for Saturday night’s game is currently undetermined.
Nikolai Zherdev (knee) didn’t skate at Columbus practice but is expecting to play on Friday night.
Sergei Fedorov (concussion) skated at practice today, but didn’t take part in any contact drills.
Patrick Marleau (groin) is a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Edmonton.
Joe Thornton (flu) will suit up tonight.
Paul Stastny (groin) hasn’t skated in the past couple days and his return date is unknown. (Writer’s note: It looks like Stastny got injured while rehabbing from his appendectomy.)
Brett Clark (shoulder) is out for the season.
Brian Rafalski (groin) will miss Friday night’s game.
Kevin Bieksa (lacerated calf) skated with his teammates on Thursday but his return date is yet to be determined.
It looks like Tim Gleason (flu) and Joe Corvo (flu) will miss tonight’s game for Carolina.
Brett Hedican (lower-body injury) is also out for Carolina.
Niklas Backstom will start for the Wild tonight.
Sean Hill (healthy scratch) will not be in the line-up tonight for Minnesota.