Nichushkin scored his first NHL goal last night and was rewarded with a move to the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin today. This has happened before but he did not end up playing with them in-game. Dallas takes on the Bruins tomorrow, if he sticks on the first line, you should expect and increase in production from the talented Russian.
Coyle returned on Friday after missing 12 games with a broken jaw, but is already day-to-day again. The Wild didn't specify what is ailing Coyle, but reports are that he is just 'banged up'. Carson McMillan who was called up this morning will enter the lineup.
Coyle had missed 11 games because of a sprained knee. Thursday, he centered a line with Zach Parise and had Justin Fontaine and Dany Heatley taking turns on the right side. Coyle also worked with the first power-play unit, joining Parise and Mikko Koivu with Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville at the points.
Even more promising, Coyle was working on his shot in the shooting cage in the tunnel at Xcel Energy Center. Yet the most promising news is that Yeo plans to have Coyle participate in the team’s morning skate tomorrow.
Last night was Monahan's ninth game, so the Flames had to decide whether to keep him and burn the first year of his entry level contract, or send him back to juniors. It is no surprise that he stays with the team after the rookie's hot-start. Monahan has six goals and three assists (nine points) in nine games. He is averaging 15:47 TOI, but has seen his ice-time rise to 21 and 19 minutes in the last two outings.
Nichushkin was practicing with Seguin and Benn yesterday, but that didn't last long. After a strong preseason, Nichushkin has struggled on the third line without a great supporting cast.
Nichushkin was on everyone's sleeper list after a stellar preseason, but limited minutes and subpar line-mates have held him back to start the season. The move to the top line should definitely help the 18-year-old, especially the way Seguin and Benn have been playing (combined 19 points in eight games). Nichushkin is only owned in 5% of Yahoo! leagues, if he gets a chance to stay on this line, chances are he will produce.
After giving Valeri Nichushkin the night off against Colorado Tuesday, Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has the 18-year-old rookie back on the ice Thursday against the Sharks at American Airlines Center. Ruff will move Nichushkin from the right wing to the left wing and play him with two veterans in Shawn Horcoff and Erik Cole. The line makes sense, in that Nichushkin will probably have to simplify his game on the left side and he’ll be supported by two veterans. In the first four games, he has wandered in his assignments and has just one shot on goal from the right side.
Nichushkin dazzled in the preseason but has been dropped to the fourth line and has yet to record a point in four games.
This is a huge blow for Coyle and the 0-0-2 Wild. Coyle won the second-line center position early in an outstanding training camp, one in which he scored three goals in five exhibition games. "It's not an ideal situation, but I'm fortunate it's nothing worse than it is," Coyle said. "I'm going to keep a positive mindset and I'm looking forward to recovering and doing everything I can to be healthy again."
He was injured on a hit from Andrew Cogliano last night and did not return. Coyle is not expected to miss an extended period of time.
Monahan recorded one assist and two shots on goal in 11:40 of ice time in his NHL debut.
We will get an update on Monahan's status for tonight's game.
For what it is worth, through three preseason games the 2010 third overall pick has three goals and three assists. He is currently tied with PK Subban and Dennis Wideman for the most points by a defenseman. Gudbranson could finally be ready for a breakout season.
“For such a young centreman, I think he’s adapting real well to NHL hockey,” head coach Bob Hartley said at the morning skate. “He still has things to learn which is perfectly normal for any kids that age. He doesn’t get rattled. He’s very poised . . . we have big plans for this young man." It sounds like Monahan has a good shot at making the Flames opening night roster.
"He skated today, will skate [Monday] and I'm hoping he'll be ready Tuesday,'' Dineen said.
Ouch. Coyle is not expected to miss any games.
He has just 4 assists this season and is minus 17
Gudbranson missed Saturday's game against NJ due to illness as well.
Gudbranson has four assists in 22 games this season. Monitor his status prior to puck-drop. If your lineup locks at the first game, I would sit Gudbranson as he likely won't play with Kulikov returning to the lineup.
