On the Beat: Hossa back on the ice, Clutterbuck could be out for a while and some new line combinations in Calgary and Montreal
What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
Ducks coach Randy Carlyle is happy with his team’s progress on the penalty kill. The Ducks have never been the most disciplined team under Carlyle so this is good news for Ducks fans.
No lineup changes for the Bruins tonight. You have to think the Bruins will get it going soon.
With injury comes opportunity, as Daniel Paille will check back into the Sabres’ lineup to replace Thomas Vanek. The Sabres have offensive depth, as Paille is a capable top-twelve forward. He has the ability to earn back a spot as part of the team’s usual forward group, so watch for him these next few games.
Marian Hossa was back on the ice for Chicago today. Still slated to return in Mid-November, but this is only good news for Hawks fans.
No Mike Modano, Jere Lehtinen or Steve Ott for Dallas tonight against Boston. Again, cannot say enough about the way Crawford has his players going early on this season.
Cal Clutterbuck has a high ankle sprain and could be out for 6-8 weeks. Not good news for a Minnesota team that lacks physical players up front.
The Habs’ top line of Gomez-Cammalleri-Gionta has been reunited at practice. I like this move. The Habs will only go as far as their best players can take them and Cammalleri should be playing with the team’s top talent.
There will be new line combinations for Calgary tonight against Vancouver. I like these moves. Iginla has not been himself and him and Jokinen certainly don’t mesh on offense. Putting Iginla back with Conroy and the speedy Glencross has the makings of a good line.
Can Jarome Iginla finally get going for Calgary? (Picture courtesy of cnn.com)