Afternoon Hits: Anderson, Bolland, Steckel, Smith, Ericsson, Calvert, Jenner, Downie, Raffl and Line Combos
  • Bruce Garrioch: “Craig Anderson is the No. 1 goalie and he’s ready to play. He’s ready to play,” says MacLean. “Robin has done a good job.”
  • David Alter: Maple Leafs David Bolland thinks he’ll be on crutches for another month. He’s not sure when he’ll be able to return to the lineup.
  • Eric Stephens: Ducks David Steckel clears waivers and should be signed soon. He was on an AHL deal.
  • Ansar Khan: Brendan Smith is the only Red Wings defenseman who didn’t skate today. Smith can come off the IR, but coach Mike Babcock said he’s not ready. Jonathan Ericsson is not able to come off the IR until Friday.
  • Rob Mixer: Blue Jackets Matt Calvert is wearing a contact jersey at practice today. Boone Jenner skated this morning.
  • Sarah Baicker: Flyers Steve Downie practicing on a line with Sean Couturier and Matt Read. A good indication that he could be back in the lineup tomorrow. Sam Carchidi: If Downie is ready, they may send Michael Raffl back to the AHL.
  • Mark Stepneski: Stars lines: Benn-Seguin-Nichushkin; Garbutt-Eakin-Chiasson; Whitney-Fiddler-Peverley; Roussel/MacDermid-Horcoff-Cole.
  • Ken Warren: Senators lines: MacArthur-Turris-Ryan, Spezza with Michalek and Conacher. .Greening-Smith-Neil, Kassian-Grant, Zibanejad.
  • Jessica Rusnak: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Plek-Gio, Galch-Eller-Gally, Bournival-Briere-Bourque, White-Dumont-Parros. Desharnais rotating in as C on 4th line.