Tim Connoly missed the two games before the ASG due to a hip flexor. The nine day layoff will have served him well as he rested the nagging ailment. He's been skating with his team all week, and, Connolly returns to the lineup on Friday night in Pittsburgh.
Connolly heads to the UFA market on July 1, and a strong February by Connolly can help the Sabres to chase down Atlanta for the eight seed. NHL Scouts will be evalutaing Connolly from now until the trade deadline, as its likely that Connolly will be moved at the deadline.
Look for the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, CBUS Blue Jax, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, and Washington Capitals to show interest in Connolly's services. The proviso: he must stay healthy.
Move him now.
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Speaking of Pittsburgh....
Backup Brent Johnson absolutely destroyed Pretty Picky DiPietro with a thundering left handed, one time blow to the face in the 3-0 Guins wins on Wednesday night. DP was frustrated with his team's performance when he deliberately left his blue and interfered with Matt Cooke in the Islander zone. During a scrum in the corner, DP motioned to johnson to come down here and doh see doh. Like a badass, Johnson obliged, skated 170 feet, deked the linesman, grabbed DP, and folded him up like a cardboard box.
Way to use your head, Glass Joe.
The oft-injured Di Pietro has suffered concussions in his NHL career.
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The Florida Panthers lost in regulation in Montreal on Wednesday night. This is great news for Buffalo. The Cats also lost in the shootout to Tronna on Tuesday night.
Florida have 50 points in 51 games.
Buffalo have 51 points in 49 games.
Carolina were idle, however host the Maple Leafs on Thursday night.
The Thrashers travel to Calgary Thhursady night.
When Buffalo hit the ice in Pittsburgh Friday night, they will have five games in hand on Atlanta.
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