On the Florida Panthers …
George Richards: The Panthers will be activating Nick Bjugstad and Alex Petrovic off the IR and they’ll be in the lineup tonight against the Lightning.
Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau are still a ways off.
Barkov has been out since December 28th with a back injury according to sources. Coach Tom Rowe doesn’t think surgery will be required.
“If it goes that way, which I don’t anticipate, I will let you know,” said Rowe, who added he planned to meet with his medical staff Wednesday afternoon to discuss Barkov’s progress.
“The rehabbing he’s doing, from every report I have gotten, has been positive.”
Huberdeau has an Achilles tendon injury and is expected to return in March.
George Richards: Barkov has been skating with Marco Sturm and is at least two weeks away from returning.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Pittsburgh Penguins: Coach Mike Sullivan: “Geno is out for tomorrow’s game and the All-Star Game with a lower-body injury. Patric is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.”
David Alter: Coach Mike Babcock said that defenseman Morgan Rielly “will be ready to go after the break,” but didn’t say when after the break.
On the New York Rangers …
Brett Cyrgalis: Forward Jesper Fast was on the ice for the Rangers morning skate yesterday in a no-contact jersey. Defenseman Marc Staal was on the ice as well and wearing a regular jersey.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Matt Loughlin: The Devils put forward Beau Bennett on the IR.
Andrew Gross: Defensemen Andy Greene (left arm) and John Moore (concussion) skated on their own yesterday.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Michael Smith: Bryan Bickell and Eddie Lack practiced yesterday. Think that Lack could be getting close.
