Player Notes in the Draft (Apr 8)

The day kind of got away from me today, so the updates are going to be somewhat combined, since I don't know what Thursday is going to bring either.

The Islanders are in playoff mode now, as three players were on the shelf, all with undisclosed injuries, including pool forward Frans Nielsen, who may have been ailing from his injury for some time now.  Nielsen is currently on the list as out day-to-day, but there have been some rumblings through the year that he could have been a scratch in some outings, but has managed to play through some of the tougher stretches in the year.  It wouldn't surprise me if he was rested, leading up to the playoffs.

Of course, Cam cannot finish strong with his man in the press box, but rest of his team isn't exactly finishing strong, so maybe one player won't help his cause too much down the home stretch.

The Rangers are also preparing for a long playoff run, as Mats Zuccarello missed Tuesday night's game, due to general soreness.  Zuccarello has been decent this season, picking up 15 goals and 49 points in 77 games this year and I would imagine that he will be ready for the playoffs, since general soreness suggests a minor issue, something he could play through, if the games actually meant something for the Rangers.

Wyllie's team has gotten off to a good start in the week, trying to get away from the Olli, with 10 points through the mid-point of Wednesday night.  His team has made up some points, making this race interesting still.

Flames forward Lance Bouma left Tuesday night's game against the Coyotes after blocking a shot up high in the 2nd period. On Wednesday, there was no distinct update on the rugged winger's condition, but he is considered to be day-to-day with the injury. There doesn't sound like there is any reason why he should miss some time of any significance.

The Flames are on the verge of making the playoffs, so Bouma, a Box 4 forward, may have some traction this season in the Playoff Pool.  This is considered to be a heads up for those eyeing up the Flames for a trip to the second or third round.

Also leaving the game between the Flames and Coyotes was Arizona captain Shane Doan, who exited with a lower-body injury. There really was no official update to his condition, but the team is going to re-evaluate their top guy before deciding whether or not he can play against the Canucks in Vancouver on Thursday night.  With the Coyotes in the chase for a better chance at the 1st overall pick in the draft lottery, why bother risking the long-term health of their captain, no matter long or short-term he has left in him.

Young defender, Ryan Murray, returns to the Blue Jackets lineup after an ankle injury, so to make room, Kevin Connauton comes out of the lineup to make some room. Connauton was somewhat unstoppable int he early part of the season, but since the start of the third segment, he has been nearly invisible.  The Jackets are not going to make the playoffs this year, so there is no guarantee that the team is going to use all their key players down the stretch, which may not bode well for Connauton.

Looks like Grant K. was destined to finish 20th at the beginning of the week and even if Doan or Connauton was going to be in the lineup, he probably wasn't going to be making a difference in the pool tonight.

An updated list of injuries can be found here.