On the Beat: Plenty of injury news including Predators Dan Hamhuis writing about his injury and Roberto Luongo out a week, H1N1 news, Halak for 5th game in a row, Ducks can blame porous defence for poor start.

Word from the beat writers:

• It appears that the overall consensus is that a porous defence is the source of the Anaheim Ducks problems so far this season.
• More bad news for the Thrashers faithful as Nik Antropov missed his third straight practice today and may not be available for tomorrow’s game against the Capitals with a nagging groin injury.
• On the good news front, Carolina fans should be happy to see Eric Cole back skating with the Hurricanes today, although he is wearing a gold, non-contact jersey.
  
• Sticking with the injury theme, the Blackhawks have both good and bad news as Marian Hossa practices for first time but captain Jonathan Toews is still sidelined with a concussion.
• Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch reports that the Blue Jackets and Syracuse Crunch are close to renewing their affiliation agreement.
• Don’t invite Andreas Lilja to your wedding because he will not take it easy on you, at least that’s what current Canuck Mikael Samuelsson learnt when the two played a game of boules in Sweden this past summer during Samuelsson’s wedding.
• The Oilers have shown a curious lack of zip the last few games David Staples of the Edmonton Journal writes and he wonders if its time for Ethan Moreau to take a rest.
• Looks like Jaroslav Halak will be getting another start for the Canadiens tonight against the Penguins, which will be his fifth start in a row.
  
• Nashville Predator Dan Hamhuis writes a column about what its been like to be away from the team for the past four games while he recovers from a head injury.
• Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner said he is fine and chose to miss the optional skate and former Sabre Andrew Peters talks about being a healthy scratch against his former club.
• The H1N1 virus continues to spread as the New York Islanders confirmed that Doug Weight was suffering from the virus but he is now fine.
• The Toronto Star’s Damien Cox answers readers emails about the Leafs goaltending, the situation with the NHLPA,  Ron Wilson’s curt demeanor with the media and more.
• TSN is reporting that Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo will be out a week with a hairline fracture in his ribs.
• The Washington Capitals are very concerned with the spread of the H1N1 (or Swine Flu) as Quintin Lang was the 3rd NHL player to be diagnosed.

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