Morning Player Notes in the Draft (Jan 23)

As expected on Monday night, the Chicago Blackhawks reinserted Connor Murphy into the lineup and coming out was Jan Rutta, trying to find a more positive result.  Unfortunately, the switch did not garner any positive results, as the Blackhawks were shutout by the Lightning, 3-0, and have now dropped three games in a row.  The scratch of Rutta may only be temporary again, as he would be expected back in the lineup again here soon, as the results are suggesting more changes are needed.

Grant's team got off to a good start, despite the lack of the Waiver Draft pickup last night, as his team picked up 4 points and kept up the pace with the top teams, as he tries to claw back the 25 points to the money spots.

The New Jersey Devils announced that they would be without forward Taylor Hall for two of their three games this week, as he has been dealing with a hand injury and it has been lingering a little bit longer than expected.  Hall missed Monday night's loss to the Red Wings and is expected to miss tonight's game in Boston and then his status for Thursday night's finale before the All-Star break is still up in the air.  He's considered day-to-day for the time being.

Hall has definitely been one of the big bargain picks that has helped Stuart's team rise up to 2nd place in recent weeks and he'll need the winger to get healthy right away, if he expects to maintain that position.  Hall is also expected to go to the All-Star festivities and help Stuart to that extra mini-game money and if he doesn't play on Thursday, I would expect him to miss the weekend too.

On Saturday, Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone suffered a lower-body injury against the Maple Leafs, but was able to finish the game.  The injury did flare up after the game and he was unable to play on Monday night in Minnesota and now his status for tonight's game in St. Louis is also questionable, as is returning before the weekend break.  Stone is not expected to be in Tampa Bay for the All-Star weekend, so he will get some ample rest on this injury, if he is unable to play the rest of this week and next Tuesday in Carolina would be the next question.

Pool leader, Dale B., is hoping for a quick recovery this week, as his 10-point lead is being maintained by players like Stone, who has been playing quite well this year, ranking 41st in pool scoring after Monday's action, with 44 points in 44 games.