Some assorted notes from around the NHL this evening…
- The Bruins are going to be missing a pair of weapons for the next several games. Head coach Bruce Cassidy said today that Brad Marchand and Anders Bjork will miss at least the next two games (via Flip Livingstone of The Score). The duo were both injured during the team’s loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday, although details of the injuries haven’t been disclosed. The pair have combined for 11 goals and 13 assists this season.
- After missing five games with a lower-body injury, right winger Justin Bailey is headed to Rochester. John Vogl of The Buffalo News writes that the Sabres are hoping the 22-year-old can find some consistency in the AHL. The former second-rounder started the season on fire, compiling two goals and three assists in his first four games. However, he had no points in the following three games. “I thought he started out really well the first couple games,” said coach Phil Housley. “I thought his played dipped a little from that, that urgency he had on the forecheck, using his speed and even in providing a physical element…[h]e’s going to go down, work on that, get his timing back.”
- We heard yesterday that the Flames were back to full health, but the injury bug has hit once again. According to Sportsnet 960 The Fan (via Ryan Pike of FlamesNation.ca), goaltender Mike Smith did not travel with the team to Detroit. While Smith hasn’t been placed on injured reserve and may be able to return before the end of the team’s road trip, the Flames are still expected to promote a goalie. Pike points to Jon Gillies or David Rittich as the main candidates to be promoted.