Mike Halmo, as foretold, appears ready to go, and if today’s practice is an indication, his return rearranges the longest-standing combination up front. Halmo was in the spot where John Persson has been, next to C.J. Stretch and Harry Zolnierczyk; John Persson was where Brett Gallant has been, with Chris Langkow and Scooter Vaughan. Obviously a couple of days before they play again, but so they were Thursday at Wonderland.
“Obviously (Halmo) coming off an injury, he had a really strong game at St. John’s,” Brent Thompson said. “Hopefully he comes back off this — he was one of the top point producers on our team last year. To get him back on track, it’s a good spot.” On Persson, Thompson said he didn’t see it as going down: “I’m looking it as changing up the lines. His size and power with (Langkow’s and Vaughan’s) speed, it’s a nice fit. He’s reliable defensively. He’s still going to get opportunities on the power play, as will Halmo.”
Sebastian Collberg took the first part of practice in a red no-contact jersey.
Tough night for Stockton last night. (Have gotten away from the Stockton report, right? Sorry.)
Big doings in Hartford: UConn’s home Hockey East debut is a 1-0 win over BC.
Brendan Witt is going into his local hall of fame.
Bill DeBlasio’s latest in New York: a 25-mph speed limit. Good luck.
And RIP, Mr. Acker Bilk.