Posted by Joy Russo
When we returned from a weekend of turkey turmoil, we thought the NHL rosters were hit in a multi-Zamboni pileup.
Out. Day-to-day. Lower-body injuries. Strained. Groin. Ouch.
What the deuce is going on here? So, we're playing Operation and giving you the lowdown on some of those who are hurtin'.
Anaheim: Who knew we'd see Mike Wall in net this season? Jean-Sebastien Giguere ("lower-body soreness") says he's ready to return to the lineup Tuesday against Edmonton. Ilya Bryzgalov received treatment for his groin injury Monday and made the trip up north.
Buffalo: Here's the Sabres' laundry list -- Daniel Paille (ankle), Jason Pominville (groin), Jaroslav Spacek (groin), Jochen Hecht (inner ear), Toni Lydman (neck), Tim Connolly (concussion) and Henrik Tallinder (forearm). This, and the team is still the best in the Eastern Conference.
Calgary: Coach Jim Playfair's brain must be hurting right about now.
Carolina: Cory Stillman is itching to return to the lineup more than three months after having shoulder surgery. According to reports out of Raleigh, he's hoping to meet with doctors this week to determine a cleared-to-practice date.
Chicago: Tuomo Ruutu and Nikolai Khabibulin just returned to action for the Blackhawks, but the continued absence of Martin Havlat (ankle) is killing this team. Counting the Oct. 20 game in which Havlat was injured, the Blackhawks have lost 12 of 15.
Columbus: It just appears as if Nikolai Zherdev and Rick Nash are playing hurt.
Detroit: Considering how well Joey MacDonald turned out over the weekend, the Red Wings are hoping Chris Osgood (broken bone in hand) returns before the new year.
Florida: Todd Bertuzzi and his bad back are on the bench until at least ...
Minnesota: Marian Gaborik (groin) finally took the ice for practice Monday, but hasn't been cleared for contact. The team has indicated that it will take its time and not rush his return. Meanwhile, the Wild were 4-1 in their first five games without Gaborik and 3-7-1 since.
Nashville: Tomas Vokoun (finger) is out again. As we've said before, Chris Mason is no slouch, but having two healthy top-notch netminders is better than one.
N.Y. Islanders: Just when Alexei Yashin was starting to become that go-to clutch player, he is sidelined with a sprained knee.
Ottawa: Martin Gerber looks like he's playing hurt.
Philadelphia: Damn those cursed feet, Peter Forsberg.
Pittsburgh: Mario Lemieux and the city of Pittsburgh are praying for Sidney Crosby's return Tuesday night.
San Jose: First, Jonathan Cheechoo (leg); now, Milan Michalek (arm). More pressure on Joe Thornton?
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