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NHL tidbits 3/22/07
FEDORUK KO'D
Philadelphia Flyers enforcer Todd Fedoruk is enduring a trying campaign in the NHL. On Wednesday night in a road match-up with the New York Rangers, Fedoruk was knocked out cold when he dropped the gloves against the Rangers' Colton Orr.
Earlier this season while a member of the Anaheim Ducks, Fedoruk suffered facial injuries when knocked out by the Minnesota Wild's Derek Boogaard in a fight. The end result of that tussle was a concussion and fractured cheekbone that cost Fedoruk 18 games. It may have also cost him his job as Anaheim's tough guy, since he was dealt back to Philly shortly thereafter.
In other Flyers news, winger Darren Reid is back up with the big club. The former Lightning prospect was recalled from the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms on Wednesday. Reid dressed later in the evening against the Rangers in place of center Mike Richards (separated shoulder). As for veteran defenseman Denis Gauthier, who suffered a wrist injury Tuesday night against Florida, he was back in action against the Blueshirts Wednesday. Gauthier registered a minus-3 rating in the 5-0 loss to the Rangers. As for Reid, he posted a minus-1 rating in just 9:25 of ice time.
BLUES
Captain Dallas Drake missed his second consecutive game Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators on home ice due to a wrist injury. He's considered day-to-day. It's been a rough year for the 38-year-old veteran in 2006-07, as he has only managed to produce six goals and 12 points in 60 games. Drake's previous career low in points (26) occurred three times: Last year, in 2001-02 and originally in 1995. He's on pace for only 14 points this time around.
CANUCKS
Defenseman Sami Salo missed his second consecutive contest on Wednesday night on home ice against the Nashville Predators due to a groin injury. He recently joined fellow veteran blueliner Willie Mitchell (groin) on the sidelines for the same reason. As a result, journeyman Rory Fitzpatrick and rookie Swede Alexander Edler are seeing regular ice time for the 'Nucks.
COYOTES
Defenseman Brendan Bell (knee) returned to the Coyotes lineup for Tuesday night's road contest at Minnesota. He missed the three previous games. Bell earned an assist and registered a minus-1 rating in the loss to the Wild. With the 23-year-old Bell back in action, Phoenix dressed seven defensemen versus Minny. As a result, veteran center Jeremy Roenick was scratched.
DEVILS
Versatile forward Erik Rasmussen suffered an upper-body injury Tuesday night in the Devils' 2-1 road loss at Toronto. He's currently listed as day-to-day, and is questionable for Thursday night's road contest at Tampa Bay. Rasmussen made the road trip, but will probably be a game-time decision. Rasmussen joins forwards Patrik Elias (groin), John Madden (groin) and Brian Gionta (IR--groin), as well as defenseman Richard Matvichuk (IR--back) on the sidelines.
KINGS
After missing 10 games due to an upper-body injury, 19-year-old rookie center Anze Kopitar returned to the Kings lineup on Wednesday night at home against the Dallas Stars. With Kopitar back in action, fellow rookie Gabe Gauthier sat out as a healthy scratch. In his first game back, the slick Slovenian went pointless with only one shot on goal in 14:45 of ice time in the 4-2 loss to the Stars. Incredibly, the Kings lost all eight meetings versus their Pacific Division rivals this year.
MAPLE LEAFS
Defenseman Reid Cashman was signed by the Maple Leafs to a one-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday. Cashman, a free agent out of Quinnipiac University, completed a four-year stint recently. Also, forward John Pohl has missed three of Toronto's last four games due to a problem with his neck and collarbone, while defender Andy Wozniewski (flu) is also day-to-day.
OILERS
Center Kyle Brodziak, who was technically assigned to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday, was recalled on Wednesday. Brodziak was needed as insurance against the Colorado Avalanche on home ice later in the evening in case Joffrey Lupul (flu) couldn't suit up. Lupul managed to play for the second consecutive contest, which made Brodziak a scratch.
PENGUINS
On Wednesday, the Penguins signed Western Michigan University freshman center Mark Letestu to an entry-level contract. The 22-year-old Alberta native led the Broncos in both goals (24) and points (46) in his first season in the CCHA. Letestu may join the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he's expected to spend most--if not all--of the 2007-08 season.
SENATORS
Two of Ottawa's top prospects signed entry-level contracts on Wednesday: Goaltender Brian Elliott (chosen in the ninth round, No. 291 overall, in 2003) and forward Nick Foligno (chosen in the first round, No. 28 overall, in 2006). Elliott enjoyed a stellar four-year career at the University of Wisconsin, and may push for a backup job with the Sens as early as next season. Foligno is in his third junior campaign with the OHL's Sudbury Wolves, and should play in the AHL in 2007-08.
2007 NHL ENTRY DRAFT BUZZ
GREAT DANES?
New York Islanders prospect Frans Nielsen is a pioneer of sorts for Danish hockey, but there are more NHL prospects emanating from Denmark on the way. Center Lars Eller is toiling with Sweden's Vastra Frolunda junior team in the under-20 league this season, and could be a first-round draft pick in Columbus this June. Two of his Frolunda teammates, right wing Mikkel Bodker and defenseman Philip Larsen, are also on the Danish draft radar for 2007. Also, 6-4 defenseman Oliver Lauridsen, who is playing in the same junior league with Linkoping, could also be chosen in the first three rounds.
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