Columbus Blue Jackets News

Coyle appeared to be having a tough time receiving passes and stick handling in the Wild's OT loss last night that ended their season, but that would make sense given the status of his shoulders. Coyle had three goals and four assists (7 points) in 13 playoff games. It was a solid postseason for the 22-year-old who had 30 points (12G / 18A) in 70 games this season. The 2010 first round pick, should see consistent top-6 minutes in 2014-15.

Gudbranson has missed the last nine games, but should be back in tonight. Great timing for the Panthers as they just found out Tom Gilbert is done for the season. Although the games don't mean much anymore, Gudbranson says he’s bound and determined to finish up strong heading into the offseason. He has two goals and five assists in 56 games this season.

Gudbranson injured in knee in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Bruins. Mike Mottau has been recalled and is expected to be in the lineup tonight vs. Phoenix. Expect Gudbranson to miss close to nine games with the knee injury.

In line rushes at Monday's practice, Nichushkin skated as an extra. With a team stacked with polished NHL and KHL veterans it is not surprising to see the 18-year-old sit on the big stage. He could see some action as the tournament progresses, but don't expect to see him on Thursday vs. Slovenia.

Gudbranson served as a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, but will slide back onto the Panthers' blueline tonight. Gudbranson has two goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 46 games this season.

“Val is going back in,” Lindy Ruff said. “This was to recharge Val and get him going again. It’s hard, because we miss him when he’s out of the lineup, we miss the Val that had lots of energy and skated well. It’s hard to say an 18-year-old is a big part of our team, but he’s a big part of our team, and when he’s going well, we’re a better team.” Those are pretty complimentary words for Nichushkin, who has 22 points (9G / 13A) in 46 games. There is no word on how the Stars lines will shake out, but we guess that coach Ruff goes back to his old lines, which will see Nichushkin skating with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn.

Gudbranson missed the last five games after undergoing surgery to repair a broken orbital bone. He will be paired with Ed Jovanovski tonight in Montreal. He has seven points (2G /5A) and a minus-7 rating in 37 games.

Gudbranson has missed the last five games after undergoing surgery on a broken orbital bone. The Panthers could use Gudbranson on the road-trip because Dylan Olsen and Alex Petrovic will not be available. If he can't go tomorrow, Mike Mottau would enter the lineup for the first time since December 3.

Gudbranson has struggled to two goals and five assists with a minus-7 rating in 37 games. The Panthers have recalled Alex Petrovic from San Antonio.

Monahan missed the last seven games with a fractured foot, but gets back in the lineup for TJ Galiardi today vs. the Sabres. The rookie has nine goals and six assists in 24 games.

This is great news for the Flames, because the rookie has been one of their best offensive players this season. He has nine goals and 15 points in 24 games. His 15 points has him tied for second on the team in scoring and fifth amongst NHL rookies. He is likely still at least a week from returning to the Flames lineup.

Speculation is that Mikael Backlund will get more opportunities in wake of the Monahan injury. Given his history, look to your waiver wire first before jumping on Backlund.

Coyle missed 11 games with a knee injury but returned on Friday, before re-aggravating it and missing Sunday's contest. He appears as if he will be back in the lineup tonight after participating in the morning skate on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. Coyle had 14 points (8G / 6A) in 37 games last season, but if he can stick on the top-line - he should drastically improve on those numbers.

Nichushkin scored his first NHL goal last night and was rewarded with a move to the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin today. This has happened before but he did not end up playing with them in-game. Dallas takes on the Bruins tomorrow, if he sticks on the first line, you should expect and increase in production from the talented Russian.

Coyle returned on Friday after missing 12 games with a broken jaw, but is already day-to-day again. The Wild didn't specify what is ailing Coyle, but reports are that he is just 'banged up'. Carson McMillan who was called up this morning will enter the lineup.

Coyle had missed 11 games because of a sprained knee. Thursday, he centered a line with Zach Parise and had Justin Fontaine and Dany Heatley taking turns on the right side. Coyle also worked with the first power-play unit, joining Parise and Mikko Koivu with Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville at the points.

Even more promising, Coyle was working on his shot in the shooting cage in the tunnel at Xcel Energy Center. Yet the most promising news is that Yeo plans to have Coyle participate in the team’s morning skate tomorrow.

Last night was Monahan's ninth game, so the Flames had to decide whether to keep him and burn the first year of his entry level contract, or send him back to juniors. It is no surprise that he stays with the team after the rookie's hot-start. Monahan has six goals and three assists (nine points) in nine games. He is averaging 15:47 TOI, but has seen his ice-time rise to 21 and 19 minutes in the last two outings.

Nichushkin was practicing with Seguin and Benn yesterday, but that didn't last long. After a strong preseason, Nichushkin has struggled on the third line without a great supporting cast.

Nichushkin was on everyone's sleeper list after a stellar preseason, but limited minutes and subpar line-mates have held him back to start the season. The move to the top line should definitely help the 18-year-old, especially the way Seguin and Benn have been playing (combined 19 points in eight games). Nichushkin is only owned in 5% of Yahoo! leagues, if he gets a chance to stay on this line, chances are he will produce.