New Additions
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks – Concussion – Indefinite
The greatest rivalry in hockey just went to the next level after Duncan Keith knocked out Daniel Sedin with a vicious and illegal elbow. The hit is very reminiscent to the Rene Bourque hit on Nicklas Backstrom. The injury to Sedin may have serious consequences on their playoff chances, but it also opens the door for Zack Kassian.
Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers – Shoulder – Season
Already out with a concussion, there was a chance Hall could return this season. There was some question if he should return or not given the teams current position and the number of games remaining. Those concerns were laid to rest on Tuesday as it was announced Hall has been playing through a shoulder injury since his days in Junior, and he would be having surgery to repair the problem. Hall should be ready for next season.
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins – Lower Body Injury – Day-to-Day
There is good news, and bad news. The bad news is, Letang is back in the IR Report. The good news is it is not a concussion this time! Given he is only listed as day-to-day there is reason to believe the injury is not serious. Letang left Sunday’s game after a hit with Dainius Zubrus, and did not return. Considering the hit and his history Coach Dan Bylsma said "We weren't going to put him back on the ice until we knew he was checked out and cleared." Hopefully it is actually a lower body injury and not a third concussion, but Bylsma’s quotes are interesting.
Christian Ehrhoff, Buffalo Sabres – Knee – Day-to-Day
Ehrhoff left Tuesday’s game after colliding with Troy Brouwer and was seen noticeably limping as he left the arena. NHL.com reports "We'll have our doctors evaluate him, but it looks like he's going to miss a little bit of time," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. As of now, there is no more update than that. If Buffalo is still able to make the playoffs, they may have to go without Ehrhoff. If Ehrhoff is out for serious time, the Sabres may miss Marc-Andre Gragnani. Look to Tyler Myers to step up in Ehrhoff’s absence.
Nathan Gerbe, Buffalo Sabres – Upper Body injury – Day-to-Day
Gerbe is skating and was expected to play in Tuesday night’s game but was not ready to go. "It didn't go as well as we hoped," said coach Lindy Ruff. "It didn't go bad but we just thought he'd be a little bit further ahead."
Evgeni Nabokov, New York Islanders – Lower Body Injury – Day-to-Day
Nabokov was unable to finish the game on Tuesday with a lower body injury.
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers – Back – Day-to-Day
Timonen’s back injury has had him on the IR Report previously. His return to the list should not be considered such a red flag reports SBNation. The team is giving Timonen a maintenance day while the Flyers travel to Toronto for a game on Thursday. "When Kimmo missed the time earlier, it was kind of a planned thing where we wanted to give him some rest and do some rehab," GM Paul Holmgren said. "This is also part of the plan. It's just take this day off, he doesn't have to fly up, he doesn't have to play the game. He can rest and rehab and get ready to play on the weekend."
Ilya Bryzgalov, Philadelphia Flyers – Foot – Day-to-Day
Bryzgalov has a bone chip in his right foot. The injury is not serious, and does not require surgery. Doctors say it should take care of it’s self. Holmgren told SBNation "We don't think this is a serious injury," Holmgren said of Bryzgalov's ailment. "We're hoping that he'll be back on the ice practicing with the idea that he can play on the weekend. It's just going to be a little bit of pain management for Ilya. He feels OK today. In fact, he's going to come in and work out tomorrow and get treatment, and try to be ready to practice on Friday. Obviously when you're dealing with something like this, it might be too painful to skate on Friday, but we'll see. He doesn't feel that bad today. We'll see how it is."
Dealing with Day-to-Day minor injuries
Several other goalies are also slightly banged up, including Ray Emery of the Chicago Blackhawks, Ben Bishop in Ottawa, and Minnesota starting goalie Niklas Backstrom
Injury Updates
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals – Concussion – Indefinite
Backstrom has been skating and practicing for several days now and has finally passed his baseline test and is now traveling with the Cap’s to Boston for a game on Thursday. Medically he has been given the green light to play, but he is not in game shape yet and will not play in Boston as he told the Washington Post, “Well, I’m close. I’m close to playing, I think,” Backstrom said. “Obviously it takes a while to get back in normal shape. But we don’t have too much time, either. I’m feeling good, I’ve been practicing good the last couple days; been pushing it a little bit, too.” The return of a healthy Backstrom and the recent resurgence of Alex Ovechkin may make Washington a very dangerous threat in the playoffs….if they make it!
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks – Concussion – Indefinite
Toews is making progress in his recovery, and Monday marked his seventh consecutive day of skating and on-ice workouts. He is feeling good and his return is still a few days away, but it is imminent.
Nathan Horton, Boston Bruins – Concussion – Indefinite
The recovery news is not so good for Horton. He has been out since January 22nd and is no closer to a return. While the Bruins have not officially shut him down, he will definitely miss the remainder of the regular season. The possibility of a return at any point in the playoffs is doubtful. Hopefully he does not join Marc Savard on the unofficially retired list.
Simon Gagne, Los Angeles Kings – Concussion – Indefinite
Unfortunately there is no good news for Gagne either. Gagner has not been able to resume physical activity after suffering his concussion back in December. Kings GM Dean Lombard says odds of seeing Gagne back this year are “doubtful”. That seems to be stating the obvious at this point. I would label his chances of resuming his career as doubtful. Imagine how he would improve the Kings Playoff chances with his scoring abilities if he lined up with former Philadelphia line mates Jeff Carter, and Mike Richards.
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings – Groin – Day-to-Day
The wings are being cautious with their starting goalie and have announced he will not play in the next two games against either Columbus or Nashville. The earliest he may return is Sunday against Florida. He will return before regular season ends though.
Back in Action
The Detroit Redwings welcomed back both Nicklas Lidstrom, and Johan Franzen from injury. Craig Anderson made his return in goal for the Senators from a finger injury. Mike Cammalleri has made an impact with the Flames since his return for their bid for the playoffs. The Wild’s chances at improving their draft lottery chances dropped when Mikko Koivu returned from shoulder injury. Rich Peverley returned for the Bruins, and Travis Zajac returned for the New Jersey Devils
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