There are only a few days left in the NHL’s regular season and today is a big one. Twelve games grace the schedule including several that have huge implications. The Colorado Avalanche could clinch a spot in the Western Conference by getting a single point and the Carolina Hurricanes could do the same with a win and some help, while the Montreal Canadiens are hoping to keep their win streak going and put some pressure on the idle Columbus Blue Jackets. As teams prepare for the action, we’ll be here keeping track of all their minor moves.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have returned Dennis Gilbert to the minor leagues after giving him his NHL debut. The 22-year old defenseman played just under 13 minutes last night and managed to record six hits and two penalty minutes. He’ll rejoin the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs as they try to chase down a playoff spot.
- Ryan Lindgren is on his way back up to the New York Rangers to close out the year. When the Rangers initially recalled the promising defenseman back in January, many assumed he would remain at the NHL level through the rest of the campaign. That hasn’t been the case though; Lindgren played in just three games with New York before returning to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. He should start the Rangers’ final two games however, better late than never.
- The Anaheim Ducks have made a flurry of moves as they count down the final days of a disappointing season. Forwards Kiefer Sherwood and Chase De Leo and defenseman Jake Dotchin have been reassigned to the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, as a playoff run for the affiliate is more important at this point than the final games of an NHL team with little to play for.