On the Beat: News and Notes

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

• Marty Reasoner has found himself back on a line with Ilya Kovalchuk.  Beats playing on the 4th line in Edmonton, eh?
• Glen Murray’s grievance hearing against the Bruins has been postponed until the new year.  Shouldn’t change anything.
• Sabres rookie Nathan Gerbe may be out as many as seven games with an upper-body injury.  He is an impressive young player, who people outside Buffalo will get to know really soon.
• Columbus winger Derek Dorsett has been cleared to play.  He will probably suit up tomorrow.
• The Devils have activated Andy Greene off IR.  The Devils continue to get healthier.
• It looks like the Panthers are finally getting healthy.  Amazing they have played so well without arguably their three top offensive players.
• Is Brent Burns moving back to defense?  That’s where he belongs in my opinion.
• Here are the Capitals’ lines for tonight’s game against the Islanders.  Brent Johnson returns between the pipes.