Afternoon Player Notes (Oct 11)

The ups and downs of rookie life in the NHL will sometimes lead a player going through a cold streak up to the press box for a game or two.  This will certainly be the case for Boston Bruins rookie Ryan Donato, who hasn't exactly been drawing much praise from his coaches in the last week.  Donato does have a goal in his first three games this season, but play at both ends of the ice is the issue.  He is set to miss tonight's game against the Edmonton Oilers and the decision to rejoin the lineup will come down the line.

Donato is one of three rookies on Clayton's team in this first segment of the season.  His rookies do lead in the mini-game in the pool with 10 points through the first week of action.

It's not just rookies getting the press box treatment these days either, as veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will be heading up there for tonight's game against the San Jose Sharks, due to some poor play in the first three games of the season.  The Rangers are winless and are in need of a kick in the pants.  Also sitting for the Rangers tonight, defenseman Neal Pionk, as they really shook up the lineup ahead of tonight's game.

Both Shattenkirk and Pionk are pointless at the start of the season, which hasn't translated well for either Mike or Troy in the hockey pool.  Maybe a game away from the action will straighten their heads out.