Afternoon Player Notes in the Draft (Feb 7)

On Monday night, the Edmonton Oilers decided to make forward Zack Kassian into a healthy scratch against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the move may have indeed paid off that night, since the Oilers got back in the win column with a 6-2 victory over the league's best team. It may have been a conscious decision to take that element of the Oilers game out of the lineup for this one, given it's an Eastern Conference, fast-paced, less physical opponent and it would be considered a good one, if that's the case.

Unfortunately for Wes, his dominance over the PIM pool didn't get off to the greatest of starts with this scratching, but I'm sure it will come around in his favour.  Wes' team goes into Wednesday night's action with a 6-minute lead over Eric's team and has some big guns to fire with still.

Tuesday night, in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche were without breakout forward Mikko Rantanen for their game against the Sharks and it is believed to be a lower-body injury, which was the cause of the absence from the lineup. The injury doesn't seem to be considered significant, as it is being reported that the Finn will take the morning skate on Thursday, ahead of the game against the St. Louis Blues and could very well play. He's considered day-to-day right now.

Brian's team has just taken such a kicking this season in the injury department and tacking on a game, maybe two, from Rantanen is insult to injury.  Brian's team has opened the third segment of the season with 4 points in two nights, among the poorest starts to the end of the year.  Still lots of hockey to be played, but hopes do begin to dwindle here and quickly.

An undisclosed injury has sidelined Ottawa Senators forward Derick Brassard, taking him out of the lineup against the New Jersey Devils, but it sounds like that this injury isn't too bad either.  Brassard is going to be a game-time decision on Thursday with the Nashville Predators in town, so whatever ails the 30-year old forward, probably isn't too bad and his day-to-day status seems just.

This is more troubles for Wes' team, as Brassard actually has 28 minutes in penalties this season and has contributed well to his cause in this non-mini game.  Brassard has 29 points in 51 games for his 22nd place team in the overall standings, which could be the more significant loss.

This started the day as an undisclosed injury to Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, leaving Tuesday night's game against the St. Louis Blues, but later on in the day on Wednesday, the reports surfaced that Brodin underwent surgery to repair broken bones in his left hand and he will now be out for 3-to-4 weeks.  The Minnesota Wild are currently holding on to the last wild card spot in the west and will have their depth challenged with this injury.

Stacey M's team can't catch a break.  One guy gets hurt, her team suffers a bit.  Player comes back, only to see another player go down.  Despite these struggles, her team has managed to stay in the top half of the standings, but money hopes are dwindling here too.  45 points out of 3rd and her new Waiver Draft pickup is now hurt.  D'oh!