The expected 20 and 2 (John Persson missing, obviously) this morning in essentially the same array as Sunday. Second time they’ve avoided the traditional day off after the three-in-three to take Tuesday instead (though the first time wasn’t planned, after that rough Springfield-Hartford-Albany weekend; this one was). “Trying to break up the week,” Brent Thompson said, with all these three-in-threes followed by four days off.
In his usual spot, for now at least: Colton Gillies. His PTO expires after Friday’s game. “I’m hopeful,” Gillies said. “I did have a restless sleep last night,” both from the game and the situation. “This is the first time I’ve been in this situation. It’s a little nerve-wracking. I’ll be talking with my agent, try to get some feedback. I’m just hoping they see what I bring to the team.” He’s been a physical presence and a regular to start the penalty kill. Thompson said he doesn’t know much about the contract process, but “I know we like him.”
So a day off tomorrow, then two days to Wilkes-Barre.
Portland released Paul Bissonnette, the transactions note. It’s a little while before Bridgeport sees Albany again, miraculously, but the A-Devils got veteran Damien Brunner from New Jersey after he cleared waivers.
Tough news from Ottawa, where Paul MacLean is out as coach.
Thanks to Phil for the reminder and @IslesEnforcers for tweeting the video: Kirill Kabanov is out until the playoffs in Sweden after a nasty hit left him with multiple fractures.
And I neglected last week: RIP, Bryan Burwell.