On the Beat: Hedican debuts tonight, Lalime gets the start and Ovechkin has more important things to worry about

What team beat-writers are saying this afternoon:

• Bret Hedican will make his Ducks debut tonight.  The Ducks only get older but he does improve their team speed.
• Patrick Lalime gets the start for the Sabres tonight versus Ottawa.  When you are rolling like the Sabres have been, it is nice to be able to get your starter some rest.
• Pascal Leclaire will miss at least the next three games for the Blue Jackets with an ankle injury.  This injury will be felt immediately by the Blue Jackets.
• Kings netminder Jason LaBarbera is set for the start tonight at home versus the Red Wings.  With his recent inconsistent play, who knows what we can expect tonight.
• Henrik Lundqvist starts for the Rangers tonight on the Island.  No reason for him not to start considering the Rangers had an off-day on Sunday.
• Alexander Ovechkin will miss tomorrow night’s game for the Capitals because he has headed back to Russia to be with his ailing grandfather.  Our best wishes go out to the Ovechkin family.