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Practice is underway at CONSOL Energy Center. Center Jordan Staal is out with his teammates.
Sounds like his absence from practice yesterday was just a maintenance day. Feel free to start him with confidence.
Carolina Hurricanes News
#Pens Staal is only player of note missing from practice -SK
Staal just returned to lineup on Saturday so this absence is likely just a maintenance day. He scored six goals and 10 points through his first 14 games.
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Avs said centers Ryan O’Reilly and Paul Stastny will be in the lineup tonight against the Cal-Gary Flames.
Stastny won't draw out following a maintenance day. He has three goals and eight points over his first 13 games.
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Staal, Martin officially are playing tonight
Staal gets back into the lineup after missing two games. Start him if you still have an available roster slot.
#Pens coach Bylsma: Staal also game-time decision -SK
Good news for Staal, who has missed the past two games. He scored six goals and nine points through his first 12 for the injury-plagued Pens.
Gardiner suffering from a minor foot injury. Blocked a shot vs. Ottawa and felt sore today. Status tomorrow in doubt.
Gardiner has been a big reason why the team continues to sit Cody Franson. The rookie has played well and chipped in three assists over nine games this season. Check back tomorrow to see if he's in the lineup.
Jordan Staal just walked through rink. FWIW,No visible limp or injury.
Staal not skating is a telling sign for the team. The second line center scored six goals and nine points over 12 games before getting hurt.
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Wolski-Stepan-Gaborik
Stepan moves up to the top line after Erik Christensen failed in that role yesterday. Through nine games, the sophomore only produced two assists.
Jordan Staal not on the ice for Pgh. morning skate. Likely lingering effects of hit on Tavares Thurs. Game status unknown, but not promising
Staal's six goals are second on the team while his nine points are one behind leading scorer James Neal. Missing Staal would be a giant blow to the team even though they seem to win without anyone healthy. He did not travel to Toronto and will not play tonight.
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Taylor Hall is taking the morning skate.
Hall skating this morning is an indication he could play tonight. Over the team's first four games he scored a goal and four points. If he returns tonight, look for him to play on the top line.
Jake gardiner is back in while cody franson is out.
Gardiner had been a healthy scratch with Cody Franson drawing back into the lineup. With no points and a minus-2 rating over his first two games, the 21-year-old certainly has some growing pains.
Taylor Hall (illness) will not be playing tonight
Linus Omark takes his place on the top line. The Oilers will dress seven defensemen tonight with Theo Peckham drawing back into the lineup.
Taylor Hall is a game-time decision for tonight. Under the weather.
Should he not feel well enough to play in the Battle of Alberta, look for Jeff Petry to draw back into the lineup. Expect a further update on this injury tonight.
And it sounds like Jake Gardiner may play tomorrow, although nothing certain. Wilson says they'll decide tomorrow.
Gardiner has been a healthy scratch with Cody Franson drawing back into the lineup. With no points and a minus-2 rating over his first two games, the 21-year-old certainly has some growing pains.
Gardiner, Orr, Rosehill scratched.
After playing two games for the Leafs, the former 17th overall pick is a healthy scratch. Over those two games he is still looking for his first NHL point while sporting a minus-2 rating.
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And here are Stepan-Richards-Gaborik on a line together
Stepan gets a crack at the top line after centering the third line over the first two games. With Richards and Gaborik both left handed shooters, adding a right handed forward to the line could lead to better production.
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I thought he played well,” McLellan said. “He defended well, and that’s the most important thing. I thought he created some pretty good offensive plays as well in five-on-five situations. He looked much more comfortable on the power play than he did throughout the exhibition season.
Burns was apparently nervous in his first game with the Sharks but still finished with an assist. Look for him to approach career highs in his first season in teal, especially if he develops chemistry with the rest of his linemates.
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As Hall starts Year 2 of his NHL career, the sky’s the limit for the 19-year-old. He had 22 goals and 20 assists in 65 games during his rookie 2010-11 season, scoring his first goal in his eighth game — against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 28.
In his second full season, Hall is expected to score 30 goals and help his Edmonton Oilers avoid being the worst team in the League.
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Staal is skating this morning
Staal is expected to play tonight following his bout with dehydration. Look for him to center the second line.
Pens said staal was dehydrated last night. Not practicing today. Will let you know what Coach Disco says later.
Likely just a precautionary measure to maintain Staal's health. Last season he scored 11 goals and 30 points over 42 games, playing between the first and second line. Expect him to approach career highs as he plays a more vital offensive role.