Notes Before Wednesday Night

The Sabres on Wednesday called up Nathan Gerbe from Portland in the AHL for their game tonight against the Senators. The Box 25 forward has figured into only 6 games this season before being sent back down to the AHL at the beginning of January. In those 6 games, he has only 1 assist to his name. His return does coincide with the loss of Thomas Vanek for the next 3-4 weeks, which may mean Gerbe could get this trial run for as long as Vanek is out. Watch Gerbe for this period of time, because he is considered to be a blue-chip prospect in the Buffalo system.

Well, it's not an official "returned to the line-up" update, but it's awfully close. On Wednesday, the Penguins medical staff have cleared Sergei Gonchar to play, but he will not be in the Pittsburgh line-up right away. The Penguins next match will be against the Sharks tonight, which may prove to be quite the tough test. I suppose I can understand the reasoning about keeping him out of a possible excessively physical match-up. Look for him to be ready for the weekend.

A couple of injury concerns have surfaced in Washington, as Viktor Kozlov is listed as out with a groin injury and Alexander Semin is questionable for tonight's game with an undisclosed injury. Kozlov, a Sheet player, has been out for a few games already, while Semin, a Draft pick of Dale C.'s, might miss his first game in a little while tonight. If he does miss the game, let's hope there is a reason later on.

Click here to see an updated injury page.