On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch: Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski took a puck in the face on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season with facial fractures. Werenski was hit in the second period, but returned for the third with a visor. His eye swelled shut and he couldn’t come out for OT.
“I just met with him in my office, and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is that he’s upset that he can’t play,” Tortorella said. “I’m joking with him (on the bench Sunday) trying to take a little pressure off him during a timeout. I said, ‘Can you see?’ He said, ‘I could see better if I could take this mask off.’ I said, ‘Z, I don’t think you can do that.’”
On the Washington Capitals …
J.J. Regan of CSN Mid Atlantic: Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner missed Game 3 last night with an upper-body injury. Alzner missed their morning for “maintenance” and was a game-time decision.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: One teammate of Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak said yesterday that Polak has had surgery. As of yesterday morning the Maple Leafs didn’t confirm the surgery, only saying that he was done for the season.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler skated yesterday for the first time since taking a knee-on-knee hit from Mark Giordano back on April 4th. Fowler’s timeframe was two to six weeks. When asked if he hopes to be able to return in round 1, Fowler said.
“My goal is to return as quick as possible without putting the team or myself in jeopardy,” he said. “So whenever that is, but yeah, as soon as I can I’ll be back out there.”
Fowler has had a history of knee issues and he stopped wearing a knee brace this season. If/when he returns he will wear a brace again.
“It was a good first day,” he said. “Obviously the first time on the ice so you’re going to test the waters a little bit, but about as good as it could be for the first day so I’m happy about that.”
