The good news is McDonagh did not suffer structural damage — nor either a separation or dislocation to his shoulder.
There are no further details on McDonagh's injury, but as reported earlier, the early diagnosis is that the injury is not serious. Traveling with the team is a good sign that he is only day-to-day.
McDonagh was crunched by Canucks forward Alex Burrows and skated off of the ice in obvious pain. According to reports, the original diagnosis is that the injury "is not serious". Expect a more detailed update in the next 24 hours.
Girgensons has missed the last 11 games after suffered a lower-body injury on March 6th. The 20-year-old has six goals and 14 assists (20 points) in 61 games this season.
Girgensons left Thursday's contest after playing just 6:53 and did not return. It was a good win for the Sabres, but they lost Girgensons and winger Chris Stewart in the process. They likely will not recall anyone from Rochester (AHL) and Zenon Konopka will silde into the lineup for Girgensons and Cory Conacher for Stewart.
Hedman was on the ice for the morning skate and looks to be back in the lineup after missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury. If he plays, expect him to play his regular 20-plus minutes on the top-pair and top power-play unit.
Hedman missed Sunday's game agains the Hurricanes after being struck by a puck in the ankle on Saturday. Hedman is listed as day-to-day, so he appears in line to return on Thursday.
Hedman was injured after getting hit in the foot by a shot on Saturday, the injury will keep him out of tonight's lineup. After today the Lightning are off until Thursday. He is listed as day-to-day so there is a good chance that he could be back for that game vs. the Senators.
Hedman was injured while blocking a shot on Saturday. He has travelled with the team to Carolina but it seems unlikely that he will play. He underwent x-rays which came back negative so even if he does not play today, he isn't expected to be out longterm.
Hedman has missed the last six games after being injured on December 5. Hedman appears to be finally coming into his own in the NHL. The 2009 second overall pick has six goals and nine assists (15 points) with a minus-3 rating in 28 games.
If all goes well and Hedman continues to skate, he could return to the lineup on Thursday. Tonight's game will be the sixth straight that Hedman has missed after suffering a lower-body injury on December 5. Monitor his status as the week progresses.
Hedman will miss his third consecutive game tonight and is expected to miss at least three more games.
Hedman should be considered day-to-day, his next chance to return would be Thursday vs. the Red Wings.
Thankfully the Lightning had seven defensemen dressed, because they also lost Keith Aulie on Thursday. It is and unfortunate injury for Hedman who had caught fire as of late posting four goals and four assists in his last nine games coming into Thursday. He is considered day-to-day and questionable for Saturday's game vs. Winnipeg.
Kucherov, 20, was the 58th overall pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Russian winger has tore up the AHL this season recording 13 goals and 11 assists (24 points) in 17 games. He will debut on a line with Alex Kilorn and Teddy Purcell.
Girgensons took a puck to the face on Tuesday that cut him, requiring several stitches. He will not play tonight because of a swollen eye. Kevin Porter will move into his third line left wing slot.
The undrafted 21-year-old made his professional debut with Manchester at the end of the 2012-13 season after the completion of his 20-year-old season with the Oshawa Generals (30G-20A-50P in 65 games) and had signed a two-year contract with the Monarchs in April.
Girgensons was the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He is a great two-way forward and is probably better defensively than he is offensively which limits his fantasy value.
No word on who sits but it is likely Barberio.
Hedman will miss his fourth straight game with a lower-body injury. He is questionable for Saturday's game.
