NHL Hockey Player News

Bachman would be making his first career start against the Rangers.

Smid took a high stick to the face but returned to the game. The big defender may need some sort of oral surgery as it was a bloody mess.

Absolutely brutal news on the universally owned Giroux. Not only was the Hearst, Ontario native leading the League in points, he already posted two helpers prior to getting hurt. Expect a further update on his status.

Bryzgalov was pulled in the third period of tonight's game but claimed it was nothing serious. He and the Flyers don't expect him to miss any playing time.

Expect Clutterbuck to regain his role as a top line winger. The gritty forward has eight goals and 12 points in 26 games. Feel free to slot him back into your lineup.

Taffe registered two assists in his two games and may get another look later in the season. He has no fantasy hockey value at this point.

The last thing the Canucks need is another forward injury after playing Andrew Alberts on the fourth line earlier in the week. The former 10th overall pick has played well in his rookie season with six goals and 15 points on the year. Don't expect the third liner to miss any playing time.

After the game, D'Agostini claimed he was OK and just got his bell rung. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has six goals and 11 points on the season while seeing healthy power play time. Don't expect him to miss any playing time.

Dorsett took a nasty spill and landed really awkwardly on his ankle (http://twitpic.com/7rmgmn). It doesn't sound like the alternate captain will play any time soon.

Rangers trainer Jim Ramsey was still tending to Anisimov late into the third period but it appears the winger is OK. Anisimov has five goals and 17 points in 25 games as he look to improve his point totals for the third consecutive season. Don't expect him to miss any playing time.

Julien felt Thomas looked uncomfortable in nets and was fighting off the puck. While it is rare for a coach to pull a goalie in the middle of a tied game, the 37-year-old allowed three goals on 22 shots which is also pretty rare.

Chara is a tough customer so not returning to the lineup means he must have been hurt pretty badly. The hulking defenseman has five goals and 18 points through 27 games as he picked up where he left off last season. Expect a further update on his injury as more news comes in.

Expect Greg Nemicz to take his place on the second line.

In three career starts against the Flames, Dubnyk has a 0-2-1 record with a 3.91 GAA and .865 SV%.

In 26 career appearances against the Isles, Fleury has a 16-4-1-3 record with a 2.25 GAA, .926 SV% and four shutouts.

After getting a shot on the third line, Sweatt moves back down to the fourth. He's still looking for his first NHL point.

Raymond gets moved back down to the third line with Higgins healthy. The speedy winger is off to a good start with a goal and an assist in three games.

Higgins gets back into the lineup and will play left wing on the second line. He has eight goals and 17 points through 26 games with the Canucks.

Stuart will center the fourth line tonight.

Szczechura centers the top line tonight. He has three assists in three games.