Eastern Conference Injuries: Bruins, Hurricanes, Red Wings, Devils, Islanders, Lightning and Leafs
The Boston Bruins are optimistic on Jake DeBrusk this weekend.
Jake DeBrusk — USA Today — Boston Bruins
Bruins optimistic for DeBrusk this weekend

Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston: Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk had his foot in a walking boot on Thursday but they are optimistic that he could return today or tomorrow.

Coach Bruce Cassidy on DeBrusk.

“This isn’t me just making crap up, but it may be a couple days. He might be ready Saturday, it might be a week, but I don’t believe it’s anything noteworthy that’s going to keep him out for an extended period of time.”

Ferland leaves early

Michael Smith of NHL.com: Carolina Hurricanes forward Micheal Ferland had been a game-time decision last night after re-aggravating an upper-body injury.

He did play but then left in the third period after taking a hit from Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. He took a shoulder to the chest and was slow to get up.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t have an update after the game.

Mitchell Clinton: Kulikov’s shoulder hit Ferland’s chest but it does look like Ferland might have also been hit in the face by Kulikov’s helmet.

Tatar ill and Larkin has a neck strain

Left Wing Lock: Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar missed last night’s game due to an illness.

Ansar Khan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that Dylan Larkin has a neck strain and they don’t think that it is a significant issue. They don’t expect him to play this weekend but could be ready for Tuesday. They are waiting for more test results.

Butcher dealt with an ear issue

Chris Ryan: New Jersey Devils defenseman Will Butcher is dealing with an ear issue. On Wednesday he got his ears cleared and woke up Thursday with blood in his ear and not able to hear with his left ear. He is okay now after getting it cleaned up again.

Islanders won’t say if Lehner has a concussion or not

Andrew Gross: New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said that both goaltender Robin Lehner and forward Cal Clutterbuck are day-to-day with upper-body injuries.

When asked if Lehner has a concussion Trotz wouldn’t confirm nor deny that he does.

Stralman day-to-day

Joe Smith: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Gauthier sick and Kadri appear ready

Mark Masters: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Frederik Gauthier was sick yesterday but coach Mike Babcock expects him to be able to go today.

Terry Koshan: Babcock on Nazem Kadri: “We need Naz to come back and be as good or better than he has been all year and be a real important player for us. It’s good to have him back.”