NHL Hockey Player News

Through 26 career games vs. the Preds, Khabibulin holds a 13-10-1-2 record with a 2.85 GAA and .896 SV%.

Backstrom has won each of his three career starts against the Pens, posting a dominant 1.62 GAA and .949 SV%.

In seven career starts against the Stars, Mason holds a 3-2-1 record with a 2.41 GAA and .912 SV%.

Following some brief fantasy hockey value last season, Methot has regressed offensively. With no points and a minus-4 rating through the Blue Jackets' first five games, don't expect anything out of the Ottawa native.

Looks like Stajan is demoted to the fourth line, playing between two bruisers. Don't expect much from him unless he returns to a scoring line.

Backlund skating before practice indicates he could return to actual practice shortly. Before getting hurt he was the front-runner to win the number one center gig. Could be a nice sleeper should he get healthy and produce.

Morrison skated with the third line during today's practice, a strong indication he is ready to re-enter the lineup. Last season he scored nine goals and 43 points through 66 games while playing primarily on the top line. Expect that to be his absolute ceiling this season.

With no points through his first three games, Comeau is likely scratched in order to find his offensive game. Look for him to get back into the lineup shortly.

The Toronto Maple Leafs winger had five goals and eight points in three games in the opening 11 days of the year, putting him into a tie among the league leaders in scoring. [Globe and Mail]

With Spacek out, Alexei Emelin remains in the lineup for the Habs. When he does return, don't expect too much as the days of 10 goals and 45 points are well behind him.

Cammalleri could be back a bit sooner than expected. In his absence, Lars Eller has been pointless on the top line so expect him to resume his regular spot.

Carcillo moves to the second PP unit, replacing Michael Frolik. With a quarter of his career goals coming on the PP, he could be effective with talented linemates.

Stalberg registered no points in his first game of the season, moving down to the fourth line. The Swedish right wing only registered one shot on goal while playing with Patrick Kane.

Not a good sign that Hossa is not skating today. Stay tuned for a further update.

Following a healthy scratch on Saturday, Olesz practices with the Blackhawks' second line. Through his first two games he has no points with a minus-1 rating.

Through 20 career appearances against the Bolts, Theodore holds a 12-6-2 record with a 2.12 GAA, .931 SV% and one shutout.

With Kurtis Foster and Toni Lydman both healthy, the Ducks have no need to keep Guenin with the big club.

Neuvirth was a bit sore according to coach Bruce Boudreau. Stay tuned for a further update.

Lehtonen was honored for his 4-0-0 record, 1.48 goals against average and his league-leading .955 save percentage (126 saves on 132 shots). [Andrew's Stars Page]

Prospal moves down to the second line during today's practice. The 36-year-old currently leads the team in goals scored with three and tied Rick Nash for the lead in points with five. This demotion likely hurts his production moving forward.