News: Jacob Markstrom (knee) was assigned to the AHL on Monday, South Florida Sun-Sentinel writer Harvey Fialkov reports.
Analysis: Jacob Markstrom is apparently nearing full health, but it's not clear when he might make a return to the NHL.
Habs' Moen Still Banged Up
Travis Moen, LW, MON
12:49 AM
News: Travis Moen, who sat out Saturday's game with an upper-body issue, will not play Monday against the Hurricanes, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Travis Moen, who has evidently had a setback with his injury, figures to be replaced in the Habs' lineup by either Ryan White or Ian Schultz.
News: Niklas Hjalmarsson (upper body) will not travel for Wednesday's game against Nashville, CSN Chicago's Chris Boden reports.
Analysis: The team still hasn't addressed the possibility of whether
Niklas Hjalmarsson is dealing with a concussion. It's also unclear whether he'll miss the entirety of the three-game road trip or if he might return before its conclusion.
Caps' Green Progressing
Mike Green, D, WAS
12:38 AM
News: Mike Green, who is bouncing back from sports hernia surgery, was on the ice for more than an hour Monday, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Mike Green is progressing, but he will need a few days of full practice before he is able to return to game action. A return at or around the end of the month seems plausible for Green at this point.
News: Ruslan Fedotenko (undisclosed) traveled with the Rangers to Boston, Bergen Record writer Andrew Gross reports.
Analysis: It's not clear what
Ruslan Fedotenko's status is for Tuesday's game, but it's obviously a good sign that he could travel.
News: Cody McCormick (upper body) did not practice Monday, Sabres.com reports.
Analysis: Cody McCormick is iffy heading into Tuesday's game against New Jersey, but with just two points in 38 games to date, his potential absence only hurts those who rely on his PIMs, of which he has racked up 49.
Coyotes To Rest Smith Monday
Mike Smith, G, PHO
12:16 AM
News: Mike Smith will get the night off Monday as the Coyotes take on the Canucks, Todd Walsh of FSN Arizona reports.
Analysis: Mike Smith has been unbeatable for the Coyotes on their five-game winning streak, allowing just three goals over his last four starts. Jason LaBarbera will start Monday, and look for Smith to return Feb. 16 in a crucial contest against the Kings.
News: Mikael Backlund (shoulder) will miss 4-to-6 weeks, CalgaryFlames.com reports.
Analysis: A prognosis of this sort was the general expectation for
Mikael Backlund. Luckily for fantasy owners, his 11 points in 41 games are replaceable in most leagues.
News: Jason LaBarbera will start for the Coyotes on Monday as they travel to Vancouver, Todd Walsh of FSN Arizona reports.
Analysis: Mike Smith has been a steel curtain in net for the 'Yotes over their five-game winning streak, allowing three goals in his last four games, but he'll get the night off Monday as the Coyotes head to Vancouver clinging to the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
Jason LaBarbera hasn't played since Jan. 31 when he came in midgame for Smith, and hasn't started since a 4-3 loss to the Blue Jackets on Jan. 13. He will enter Monday night's game with a 3-7-1 record, .909 save percentage, and 2.73 GAA.
News: Keith Yandle scored Phoenix's lone goal Monday against Vancouver, his eighth of the season.
Analysis: Keith Yandle now has 31 points in 57 games. He isn't going to replicate the outstanding year he had last season, but he has still been a plenty good blueliner for fantasy teams.