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Quick hits: Vanek in, Kunitz and Connolly out

Justin Peters, Jay Harrison, Thomas Vanek, Tim Connolly

Buffalo Sabres’ Tim Connolly (19) celebrates his goal against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Justin Peters, second from right, as Hurricanes’ Jay Harrison, second from left, battles with Sabres Thomas Vanek (26), from Austria, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, March 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

AP

Here are a few quick injury updates and other news bits from around the league. Vanek in, Connolly out

In a case of good news/bad news, the Buffalo Sabres found out that winger Thomas Vanek is set to return soon after missing 5 games while Tim Connolly is expected to sit out the rest of the regular season with a “lower body injury” according to TSN. It’s already started a bit, but get ready for the golden age of vague, one-half-of-the-body injury reports. Ah, the playoffs.

Cristobal Huet trying to stay positive

Considering the fact that the Chicago Blackhawks announced that Antti Niemi will be their starter for the playoffs instead of $5.6 million man Cristobal Huet, it’s understandable that Huet is struggling to keep a good attitude. The Chicago Tribune has the story.

“I can only blame myself for not being on top of my game the last two or three games,” said Huet, who is 26-14-4 with a 2.50 goals-against average this season. “Right now I’m just trying to stay sharp and mentally positive, to be ready in case the team needs me.

“The important thing is we are in the right place and where we want to be as a team. I try not to make waves.”

Chris Kunitz might sit out rest of regular season

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the team might keep Kunitz out for the rest of the regular season. I’d generally say that as long as a team has a playoff spot clinched, they should err on the side of safety.