On the Beat (Eastern Conference): Boudreau says Green is fine, Rutherford says no major decision on Brind’Amour, Philly driver hits Brendan Witt.

Today’s word from the team beat writers:

• Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe is reporting that initially the Bruins were missing two defencemen, Dennis Wideman (upper body) and Derek Morris (undisclosed) although he’s updated his report saying Wideman has taken the ice for solo practice.
  
• The Sabres were not on the ice at 11:30 this morning for their usual practice time as coach Lindy Ruff has them watching video after last night’s 3-0 loss.
• Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the decision to make Rod Brind’Amour a healthy scratch would be made on a game-to-game basis and that no far-reaching decisions — such as Brind’Amour giving up the captaincy or possibly retiring — had been discussed.
• Only days after being sent down to the Hamilton Bulldogs, Ryan White has been recalled by the Canadiens on Tuesday.
• It’s difficult to tell who was more excited to be part of history last night in Jersey, Martin Brodeur who tied Terry Sawchuk for most shutouts, or his teammates who were happy to be part of the milestone.
  
• Katie Strang of Newsday is reporting that Brendan Witt was hit by a car this morning, but thankfully is fine and will play tonight. (registration required).
• The Penguins demoted forward Mark Letestu to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, writes Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• The 29th-place Maple Leafs still have to pay for past sins, but they’re slowly getting some redemption in the standings.
• Capitals defenceman Mike Green took a hit to the head which left him woozy, but coach Bruce Boudreau says “he’s fine”.  Matt Bradley‘s wife gave birth to a boy early this morning although the team isn’t sure if Bradley will join the team in Buffalo for tomorrow’s game.