November 23, Part II

NHL Notes

Boston Bruins goalie Manny Fernandez returned to practice Wednesday after missing three weeks with a sprained knee, but was forced to leave when back spasms flared up. Tim Thomas will get the start in net tonight while Fernandez's rests this weekend before trying to practice again next week.

Buffalo Sabers' Drew Stafford is out for an indefinite amount of time with a shoulder strain.

Erik Cole, suffering from a neck injury, has been cleared for full contact by doctors, and will start practicing with Carolina, and is probable for todays game with Tampa Bay.

Colorado Avs forward Ryan Smyth is playing with a broken nose he suffered Tuesday against Calgary. Jordan Leopold is skating again and could return by mid-December, which is eariler then expected.

Mike Van Ryn of the Florida Panthers visited hand surgeon John McAuliffe, and said a damage report is expected soon. Various doctors are looking at the MRI results because he has had surgery on the that wrist twice already.

A spokesman for the New York Islanders confirmed that Jonathan Sim has undergone a full knee reconstruction. Surgery was successful, but Sim has been ruled out for the season.

While Pavol Demitra skated again on Thursday he's not expected to play in Minnesota's games this weekend, and is hoping his groin will be healed enough to play next week.

Martin Straka could be back in the lineup for the New York Rangers game against Florida tonight, after injuring his finger.

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Matt Carle to a four-year $13.75 million contract extension over Thanksgiving. The 23 year-old has a goal and five assists in 18 games this season.

One week after being put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks, Ilya Bryzgalov will get the start against his old team when the Phoenix Coyotes take on the Ducks today.


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