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The New York Rangers may be without Anton Stralman for Game 4 versus the Boston Bruins. The defenseman sat out the third period of Tuesday's Game 3 after taking a hard check to the boards from Boston forward Milan Lucic. It wouldn't surprise us to hear he's concussed. As it stands, the New York Post reports Stralman's status for Thursday's must-win for the Rangers is unknown.

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The Montreal Canadiens will likely start the 2013-14 season without Alexei Emelin. RDS' Renaud Lavoie reports the big defenseman is expected to be out six months after undergoing surgery on his left knee. By our arithmetic, that adds up to a projected mid- to late-November return.

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Look for Los Angeles Kings winger Kyle Clifford to draw back into the lineup for Game 4 against the San Jose Sharks. Despite coach Darryl Sutter's reluctance to offer confirmation Tuesday, Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times reports it "seems likely" that Clifford will return, on the left side of Colin Fraser and Brad Richardson. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun suggested as much Monday.

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UPDATE: Although San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan might still be "toying" with the idea of skating defenseman Jason Demers as a forward, Tim Kennedy appears to be the likeliest substitute for Martin Havlat in Game 4. After the morning skate, Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea.com reported that the (re-)insertion of Kennedy appeared to be the only lineup change ahead of Tuesday's contest.

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Outside of using the option of a compliance buyout, the Tampa Bay Lightning is likely stuck with forward Vincent Lecavalier for the long haul. As part of a lengthy discussion with the Tampa Bay Times, Lecavalier recently hinted that he wasn't at all willing to waive his no-movement clause.

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Poised to become a restricted free agent, Leo Komarov is weighing two very different options for next season. According to Dmitry Chesnokov, the physical forward is debating between heading back to Russia, or re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Assuming the Maple Leafs want him back, of course.

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Apparently there's an opening to coach alongside NHL bench boss Barry Trotz in Nashville. According to Josh Cooper of The Tennessean, the Nashville Predators have reportedly canned associate coach Peter Horachek. We're still awaiting confirmation from the organization (as of early Tuesday afternoon, Horachek is still listed as a member of the coaching staff on the club's website). Broadcaster Darren Pang is credited with first relaying the news via Twitter.

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Barring any unexpected, last-minute moves by Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien, no blue-line changes are anticipated for Game 3 against the New York Rangers. The Boston Globe reports veteran defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden -- while recovering and skating with the team -- are unlikely to draw into the lineup Tuesday. Andrew Ference also remains a no-go.

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Hey, it's worked well for Brent Burns this season. The San Jose Sharks might also utilize defenseman Jason Demers as a forward, now that the 24-year-old is ready to go after missing over a month with a sprained ankle. The San Jose Mercury News reports Demers took some shifts at forward during Monday's practice in preparation for Game 4 versus the Los Angeles Kings.

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The St. Louis Blues and Finnish prospect Jori Lehtera are apparently discussing a deal that would see the 25-year-old center play in North America next season. Andy Strickland of TrueHockey.com reports contract talks between Blues GM Doug Armstrong and Lehtera are actively ongoing, and a concrete decision could come in the next few days. However, Lehtera would have to be open to a pay-cut from the estimated $2-million/year he currently earns in the Kontinental Hockey League.

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UPDATE: As far Patrick Roy's brother is concerned, this is essentially a done deal. As reported by the Denver Post, Stephane Roy said the two sides are in the process of hammering out the finer details of a contract that would see Patrick become the next head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

"They're discussing the final details of an arrangement. Colorado is going to be very happy. Patrick is looking for a new challenge," said Stephane Roy.

The younger Roy brother also posted the following on Facebook: "For all my friends I'd like you to know before the official news spreads that my older brother will be the new coach of the Colorado (Avalanche)."

No word of confirmation yet from the Hall of Fame goaltender, VP of hockey ops Joe Sakic, or any other member of Avalanche management.

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Viktor Stalberg isn't accustomed to sitting. The Chicago forward played in 156 of the Blackhawks' 164 regular season games over the previous two seasons, suiting up for all 13 of their playoff games in that stretch as well. This year, he was on the ice for 47 of the club's 48 games, plus all five tilts of their opening round series with Minnesota.

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It would have been easy to write the Detroit Red Wings off heading into their second round matchup with the highly touted Chicago Blackhawks. After all, the 'Hawks have the best record in hockey, just cruised past Minnesota in Round 1 and had beaten Detroit seven straight times heading into the series. Following a 4-1 Chicago victory in the opener, things weren't exactly looking up for the Wings.

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The Buffalo Sabres have a few players on the roster that could fill the enforcer role at the moment. And none of them is tougher than John Scott.

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