Around the Boards: Ilya contract or trade? Ward returning, Brind’Amour scratched … 2 Pens getting close
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers and Ilya Kovalchuk continue to talk, and both sides seem to think they can reach a deal. But if a deal can’t get done, there are at least 2 top Western teams will make a trade pitch.
  • Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes captain Rob Brind’Amour was made a healthy scratch last night. He’s on pace for only 23 points this season, and is a whopping -19. I think the end of the line for captain Brind’Amour is nearing. At 39, I don’t think he has much left, but if a contender were to pick him up now or at the deadline, limit the amount of regular season games he plays, he could be a valuable playoff asset.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune: Penguins dman Alex Goligoski and winger Chris Kunitz have been cleared for physical contact during practice, and could be returning to game action soon.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: With goalie Cam Ward about to return on Wednesday, the Hurricanes have place Michael Leighton on waivers, and will keep Manny Legace with the big club.
  • Eric Stephens of teh OC Register: The defensive struggles of the Anaheim Ducks has led to the shuffling of their defensive pairings. Scott Neidermayer is now paired with call-up Brett Festerling, Ryan Whitney is paired with Nick Boynton, and James Wisniewski is skating with Sheldon Brookbank. Kyle Calder could be ready to return for this weekend’s road trip.