Tuesday, Jan. 06, 2009

Sharks' Murray to play?

Defenseman Douglas Murray is expected to be back in the lineup when the San Jose Sharks open a three-game trip in Calgary on tonight.

Murray, who has missed the past two games with an unspecified lower body injury, took part in Sunday's practice and Sharks coach Todd McLellan pronounced him fit to play afterward.

"He skated very well today and he said he felt real comfortable," McLellan said.

Murray's spot in the lineup was taken by rookie Derek Joslin, who saw 12:33 in ice time as he made his NHL debut in San Jose's 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday. Joslin will travel with the team rather than return to Worcester, said McLellan, who also suggested Joslin could see more action.

"He brought a little life and energy to the team," the coach said.

Meanwhile, Sharks left wing Jody Shelley missed his third practice after suffering an upper body injury on New Year's Eve against Minnesota. McLellan had defenseman Alexei Semenov practicing in Shelley's spot on the fourth line Sunday, an indication that experiment could continue if the Sharks decide not to call up a player from Worcester. Semenov had not played on a forward line since his junior hockey days.

"Semi did an admirable job up front for having not played there a whole lot," McLellan said. "He got in on the forecheck a few times, created some turnovers."

Monday's Games

RANGERS 4, PENGUINS 0, at New York -- Henrik Lundqvist became the fifth NHL goalie to start a career with four 20-win seasons and New York beat Pittsburgh.

OILERS 3, ISLANDERS 2, at Edmonton, Alberta -- Andrew Cogliano's goal midway through the third period gave Edmonton a victory over New York.

SLAP SHOTS -- The Canucks cleared room for Mats Sundin to join the lineup this week, sending forward Jannik Hansen to Manitoba of the AHL. Sundin, who signed as a free agent Dec. 18 and joined the team Dec. 30, had his first full practice Monday. He said he would travel with the team to Wednesday night's game at Edmonton, but there was no word if the longtime Toronto captain would play. ... Sabres captain Craig Rivet is ready to return after missing nearly a month with a shoulder injury, but forward Maxim Afinogenov is out indefinitely after hurting his groin last weekend.