Calgary Flames News

Backlund is listed as week-to-week with an abdomen injury. With Backlund out the Flames recalled Michael Ferlund from Adirondack (AHL). There is no timetable for Backlund' return.

Maatta, 20, has been cleared to play until the time of the surgery. Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins’ team physician said he will likely be able to return to the lineup within four weeks. “Obviously our first concern is for Olli and his health,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “He is an outstanding young man and has a tremendous future ahead of him. The doctors tell us that this is a very treatable condition, and that it can be taken care of with the surgery."

Maatta missed the preseason while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. The 20-year-old D-man had a strong rookie campaign posted 29 points (9G / 20A) and a plus-8 rating. He will take on a bigger role this season now that Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen are in Washington. You can expect solid offensive totals with a strong plus/minus rating.

Maatta missed the Penguins' morning skate because of an illness but will play tonight according to the Penguins' official Twitter. Maatta has two assists and a plus-1 rating in 11 playoff games.

Maatta did not take part in the Penguins morning skate in New York earlier today. Maatta was sent back to the Penguins’ hotel upon arriving at MSG on Sunday morning. Several Penguins teammates implied he was not feeling well.Coach Dan Bylsma did not provide an update on Maatta, who has played in all 11 of the Penguins’ playoff games. Team policy is not to divulge details of players’ medical conditions during the playoffs.

Maatta missed the Penguins previous two games, but will return to the blueline tonight vs. Detroit. He will also have Kris Letang on the blueline with him in power-play situations. Maatta has tallied nine goals with 20 assists in 75 games.

Updating an earlier report: It is confirmed that Huberdeau will return tonight and he will skate on the third-line with Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester.

Huberdeau, who has missed he last 11 games with a concussion, is on the ice for the Panthers' morning skate taking part in regular work on a line with Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. It has been a tough season for Huby, but he will look to get something going at the end of the season that he can build off of in 2014-15.

There is no word when Backlund suffered the hand injury, but it will cost him a second consecutive game tonight in New Jersey. Ken Agostino will stay in the lineup with Backlund sidelined.

Maatta served as a healthy scratch recently, so this could be another case of the Penguins getting their rookie defenseman some rest before the gruelling playoffs start. Consider him day-to-day.

Huberdeau has not played since March 16th because of a concussion. If he is unable to go against the Stars, look for him to return on Tuesday against the Flyers.

Huberdeau has missed the last nine games and will make it 10 on Friday, but he could suit up vs. the Stars on Sunday. He has taken a step back after a great rookie season last year. In his Calder Trophy winning season, Huberdeau averaged 0.646 points per game and has seen that drop to 0.409 in 2013-14.

Maatta being scratched is likely not a performance based decision, but simply getting a young defenseman some rest. He has played in 78 games this season (including the Olympics) which is a ton for a first year D-man, especially one playing over 20 minutes on most nights.

Huberdeau played just 5:13 before retiring to the dressing room for the afternoon. He had five assists in his last seven games coming into today's contest. Consider him day-to-day until the Panthers release an injury update.

The Islanders faithful had been waiting on Strome's recall for a long time, but he was unable to light up the scoresheet during his first recall. While centring the third line he had just one goal and three assists in his first 15 NHL games, but now with John Tavares out for the season, the door is open for Strome to earn valuable playing time. He has 49 points (13G / 36A) in 37 games with Bridgeport, so now the Islanders will look for him to take the next step and produce at the NHL level.

Strome has no been the offensive splash he was expected to make, he recorded four points (1G / 3A) in 15 games with the Islanders. This could be a temporary move until Travis Hamonic is ready to return, but regardless Strome won't be in the lineup on Thursday.

Huberdeau has missed the last two games because of a foot injury he suffered on December 13. He was skating on a line with Nick Bjugstad and Scottie Upshall in this morning's skate, which suggests he will be back in the lineup vs. the Senators. Huberdeau has seven goals and eight assists (15 points) in 33 games.

Huberdeau has been a disappointment in his sophomore season with 15 points in 33 games. Look elsewhere until he starts putting up some numbers.

Huberdeau will miss his second straight game with a foot injury. The injury is not believed to be serious so consider him day-to-day. His next chance to return is Thursday in Ottawa.

Huberdeau missed Sunday's game against the Canadiens and is questionable to play tonight in Toronto. Huberdeau has only two goals and two assists in his last 12 games. Expect Krys Barch to stay in the lineup if Huberdeau can't play.