Drouin is participating in practice this morning and reportedly taking part in shooting drills, which is a good sign as he works his way back from a fractured thumb. He is not at 100%, but he is getting close.
Nichushkin had been feeling under the weather the last few days which prompted the Stars to have him practice on the fourth line with Colton Sceviour taking his spot on the top-line. Nichushkin was shifted back to the right wing with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin and should be there for the season opener tomorrow. He has a ton of size and skill and two awesome linemates, all things point towards a huge year for Nichushkin.
Head coach Jon Cooper said that Drouin was all but ruled out for Thursday, but with full participation today we will see if that changes after practice. Regardless, Drouin is on the brink of a return.
Drouin is at the two-week point in a three-four week timetable. Drouin was expected to miss a handful of games to start the season and that appears to still be the case. Monitor his status as the season approaches, but he will need to shed that no-contact jersey before he gets in the lineup.
Drouin will miss the start of the season, but should only miss a handful of games. This is a disappointing way for the rookie to start his season, but he will still be an electric difference maker for the Lightning this season. Don't let the injury hurt his draft stock .
Coyle appeared to be having a tough time receiving passes and stick handling in the Wild's OT loss last night that ended their season, but that would make sense given the status of his shoulders. Coyle had three goals and four assists (7 points) in 13 playoff games. It was a solid postseason for the 22-year-old who had 30 points (12G / 18A) in 70 games this season. The 2010 first round pick, should see consistent top-6 minutes in 2014-15.
Mackinnon did end up returning to the game so he was probably to play Game 5 today anyways.
Johnson missed the game-day skate this morning and will be a game-time decision for the Avalanche tonight. Johnson has really picked up his play as of late, so his absence would be greatly felt on the Avs' blueline. Nate Guenin would slide into the lineup if Johnson is unable to go.
Helm confirmed that he would be in the lineup tomorrow afternoon, but Mike Babcock was less committal about Helm playing. Coach Babcock said that Helm will take pre-game warmups and then they will see how Helm feels before deciding if he plays. He would centre the fourth line with Cory Emmerton and Landon Ferraro on his wings with Teemu Pulkkinen taking a seat.
Helm participated in his first team practice since getting concussed this morning. Helm acknowledged that it is difficult to put a timeframe on a concussion, but hopes to be back next week. Look for him to return on Tuesday vs. the Maple Leafs or Thursday vs. the Penguins.
This is a good sign for the Red Wings, who are in desperate need of centres. Helm was expected to miss at least a week, so this is a sign that he could be ready to return on Sunday vs. the Blackhawks.
MacKinnon's current 12-game point streak broke Wayne Gretzky's record for longest point-streak in NHL history for an 18-year-old. Over the 12-game streak he has five goals and 12 assists (17 points) as he continues to pace all rookies with 51 points (22G / 29A) in 63 games, which is 12 more than second place Tyler Johnson (39).
Helm said he hit his head on the ice in Ottawa last Thursday and left Tuesday's game early with headaches. Helm will miss at least the next three games, the Red Wings are hoping that he is not sidelined for longer.
Helm was injured in Tuesday's loss to the Devils and will not play Thursday or Friday. Thankfully for Detroit they were able to acquire David Legwand at the deadline who will step-in and fill-in at centre.
Helm left Tuesday's game after playing just 10:22 and did not return. Helm has struggled to stay healthy during his career, so add this to the list of time missed. The Wings have recalled Cory Emmerton to replace Helm.
Johnson has finished serving his two-game suspension he recieved for his slash on Frans Nielsen before the Olympic break. Johnson has seven goals and 17 assists (24 points) in 58 games this season.
MacKinnon's return to practice this afternoon suggests that he will be in the lineup on Wednesday vs. Los Angeles. To be safe, Monitor his status following Wednesday's morning skate. In weekly leagues, it appears as if he should be safe to deploy.
Johnson was suspended for slashing New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen during the Avs contest on Saturday, February 8. The incident occurred at 12:09 of the third period. Johnson was assessed a minor penalty for slashing. The slash resulted in a broken hand for Nielsen. Ryan Wilson will slide into the lineup for Johnson.
In line rushes at Monday's practice, Nichushkin skated as an extra. With a team stacked with polished NHL and KHL veterans it is not surprising to see the 18-year-old sit on the big stage. He could see some action as the tournament progresses, but don't expect to see him on Thursday vs. Slovenia.
Parise missed the last 14 games with a fractured foot, but says that he will give it a go tonight. Parise will skate on a line with Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter and also slide back onto the top power-play unit. Parise has 27 points (15G / 12A) in 37 games this season. He should be activated in all formats.
