Sunday, November 13, 2016

Morning Player Notes in the Draft (Nov 13)

The Calgary Flames tried to find some kind of a spark with a lineup adjustment, which saw Dennis Wideman return to the lineup and take the place of Jyrki Jokipakka, who went upstairs as a healthy scratch against the Rangers.  Wideman had been scratched for the previous four games, while Jokipakka only has 4 points in 12 games this season for the Flames.  With the Flames dropping the decision against the Rangers, it's hard to say where the roster will turn for their next game, Tuesday night in Minnesota.

For Grant, it was a body back into the lineup, not registering a point, while Scott lost a skater game with his defender scratched.  Grant's team could use the help, as his team has dropped down to 8th, while Scott is not missing Jokipakka, sitting in 2nd place.

It was somewhat of a rare start for Flyers backup goalie Michal Neuvirth, who got the nod for the game against the Minnesota Wild, but he couldn't make it all the way through, not coming out for the 2nd period, due to a lower-body injury.  We're still waiting to hear more about the injury, but the Flyers also don't play until Tuesday, so we probably won't hear about any goaltender recalls until closer to the day they play.

This is a tough loss for Tony, especially if there is any sort of extended time missed.  Neuvirth is always poised to pick up a start or two behind Steve Mason, but if he's hurt, there is no chance.  Tony is looking for help anywhere and needs Neuvirth to return sooner than later.

Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman left the game against the San Jose Sharks after blocking a shot up high from Joe Thornton and he didn't return.  There was no word on his condition, nor was there any detail on the injury, so we'll have to wait and see.

For Dale C., Stralman has been his best defender, so far this season, picking up 7 points in 15 games and really didn't need him blocking shots and putting himself in the way of danger.  Dale's team still ranks 19th overall in the standings, now 26 points out of the money.

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