Veteran forward Alexei Kovalev will be a healthy scratch for the Panthers tonight in Philadelphia, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.
Kovalev, who turns 40 in two weeks, has been mired in a funk since posting a one-goal, two-assist effort in Florida’s 5-1 season-opening victory against Carolina.
The Russian winger has just one point — a goal against Winnipeg — in eight games since and has posted a minus-4 rating over that time.
Slumping aside, it’s curious to note that head coach Kevin Dineen was still using Kovalev extensively over the last two weeks.
He played a season-high 21:22 in a loss to Ottawa on Jan. 24 and, in a 4-3 win over Buffalo on Sunday, played 17:33 — the only forwards to receive more ice time were Tomas Fleischmann and Stephen Weiss.
In other Panthers news, Richards reports tonight could be the regular season debut for defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
If Gudbranson can go, sounds like Keaton Ellerby will likely draw out of the lineup.
-
Getty Images
In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
-
Getty Images
The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
-
Getty Images
Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
-
Getty Images
37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
-
Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
Getty Images
That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
-
Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
-
Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
Getty Images
Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
-
NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
-
Getty Images
Detroit could have quite the sports and entertainment district.
-
Getty Images
His choice. Wasn’t required to go.
-
Canada last hosted in 2012.
-
Getty Images
“He’s forechecked, done well in the battles as far as trying to come up with the puck, all the things we ask him to do.”
-
Trio was huge against L.A. in the Western Conference finals.
-
Getty Images
But let’s just wait and see for sure.
-
Getty Images
Despite recent reports.
-
News and notes: How are the Bruins stopping Chicago’s power play?
Jun 19, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
Getty Images
News and notes entering Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final showdown — will Boston continue to stymie the power play?
-
He spent all of last season with AHL Peoria.
-
Getty Images
Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking.
-
Persistent Preds sign another: D-man Bartley, three years, $2 million
Jun 19, 2013, 11:35 AM EDT
GM David Poile might be the busiest man in hockey.
-
AP
Based on a couple of reports, the answer appears to be yes.
