Afternoon Hits: Schenn, Lecavalier, Tootoo, Hedman, Staal, Fiddler, Clowe, Backes and more
  • Mark Stepneski: Stars Max Fortunus cleared waivers and will remain with the team for now.
  • Tim Panaccio: Flyers Brayden Schenn will play tonight. Vincent Lecavalier said he had his best day on the ice and hopes to be back quicker than two weeks. Adam Kimelman: Schenn said his neck and upper back are a little sore, but there are no other restrictions.
  • Helene St. James: Red Wings Jordin Tootoo will replace Mikael Samuelsson in the lineup tonight.
  • Missy Zielinski: Victor Hedman will return to the lineup. Tom Pyatt should be ready to return on Saturday.
  • Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes Eric Staal missed practice today with the flu, but should be able to go tomorrow.
  • Mike Heika: Stars Vernon Fiddler (upper-body) skated hard this morning. He hopes to take part in a full practice on Friday and be available for Saturday.
  • Rich Chere: Devils Ryane Clowe is practicing on a line with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr.
  • Andy Strickland: Blues David Backes skated this morning, he’s still day-to-day.
  • Ansar Khan: Red Wings Justin Abdelkader skated this morning. Johan Franzen and Gustav Nyquist are not skating. Jimmy Howard was on the ice, but is not ready to practice yet.
  • Ansar Khan: Red Wings Danny DeKeyser will see a doctor today and hopes to get clearance to play on Saturday. He is still on their LTIR.
  • Paul Hendrick: Maple Leafs Colton Orr is skating with the team for the first time in two weeks.
  • Paul Hendrick: Jonathan Bernier will start in net for the Leafs.