PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.
Although he’s been playing, Vincent Lecavalier’s foot still hasn’t fully recovered from the slap shot he absorbed on Feb. 2. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher said the injury has been affecting Lecavalier’s push-off and timing, but on the plus side his foot has been improving lately. (Tampa Bay Times)
Forward Brooks Laich (groin) hasn’t skated with the Washington Capitals since Feb. 16. Meanwhile defensemen Mike Green (groin) didn’t skate Thursday morning and consequently missed his third straight game last night. (Washington Post)
ESPN’s Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun give their early picks for the Hart, Norris, Vezina, and Calder Trophies at the halfway point of the season. They also name who they think should be winning the Jack Adams Award and GM Of The Year races. (ESPN.com)
Swiss hockey player Ronny Keller was paralyzed during a playoff contest. (Toronto Star)
The Chciago Blackhawks’ defensemen deserve a fair amount of the credit for allowing a league-best 1.79 goals per game. (CSN Chicago)
A look at the Ottawa Senators’ season at the halfway point. (Ottawa Citizen)
With blueliners Erik Johnson and Ryan Wilson sidelined, the Colorado Avalanche have been leaning heavily on defenseman Ryan O’Byrne. (Denver Post)
Henrik Tallinder was a late scratch from the New Jersey Devils’ game on Thursday due to a lower body injury. The 34-year-old blueliner did participate in Thursday’s morning skate prior to the contest. (The Bergen Record)