Eastern Conference News: Bruins, Sabres, Senators, Penguins, Lightning and Capitals
Lightning's Steven Stamkos appears ready for Game 1.
On the NHL awards …

Steve Carp: The NHL and LVCVA have signed a three-year contract extension to keep the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas. It is possible that they get a draft and All-Star game as well.

Andrew Gross: Dates the NHL will announce NHL Award finalists.

Vezina – April 17
Selke – April 18
Norris – April 19
Lady Byng – April 20
Masterton – April 21
Calder – April 22
King Clancy – April 23
Mark Messier – April 24
Jack Adams – April 25
Ted Lindsay – April 26
Hart – April 27

On the Boston Bruins …

Ty Anderson: Forward Riley Nash won’t be in the lineup tonight. Rick Nash and Sean Kuraly are probably in the lineup.

On the Buffalo Sabres …

John Vogl: The Sabres signed NCAA free agent forward Andrew Oglevie of Notre Dame.

John Vogl: Source is saying that Oglevie will get the rookie max of $925,000.

On the Ottawa Senators …

Bruce Garrioch: Chris Neil will join the Senators as an ambassador.

On the Pittsburgh Penguins …

Pens Inside Scoop: Forward Derick Brassard was able to return to the Penguins lineup last night after missing the past five games with a lower-body injury.

On the Tampa Bay Lightning …

Joe Smith: Would be stunned if Steven Stamkos is not in the lineup for Game 1.

Joe Smith: Stamkos said he’s ready to go for Game 1 and added: “Best I’ve felt in a couple weeks.”

On the Washington Capitals …

Tom Gulitti: Jay Beagle and his upper-body injury didn’t practice yesterday and is unlikely for Game 1. Travis Boyd also missed practice and is doubtful.

Tarik El-Bashir: Beagle was skating on his own after practice.