Stop me if this surprises you: Stephane Robidas is ready to play tomorrow's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coach Dave Tippett said Robidas has been cleared by doctors, one week after suffering a hairline fracture in his jaw, and Tippett added, "my guess is he'll play." Yeah, not shocked at all. This is who this guy is and why we love him. If he can stand up, he'll play.
Good news is, the rest of the injured brood is pretty close. Joel Lundqvist (shoulder) didn't have as physical of a practice today as he did on Monday, but it's all still going well. Jere Lehtinen (upper body) is feeling good, but he's also very careful about making sure he's 100 percent ready (and we mean 100 percent). Let's keep in mind how tough this season has been for him. He doesn't want to dive back in only to end up sidelined again, like earlier this season. Steve Ott (hand) is doing just fine, too, but coming back in the next game or two would be rushing it (he's only at about the three-week mark right now). When he does come back, he won't be fighting for a while. He just can't with that hand. Brian Sutherby (groin) also skated this morning, but he's out for tomorrow. As Tippett summed up this group: They need to be as healthy as possible before they're thrown back in. Caution is still a big word.
Now, about Sergei Zubov. He's talked to someone in Colorado, and Tippett said, "there's still some gray area. He's talking to some people and we'll see where that goes. He's weighing a bunch of different options." Does that mean another surgery or procedure? It's an option, but that's not certain.
Tippett will address that situation tomorrow, so we'll keep you posted.
Hopefully the Sharks will soften up the BJ's for us tonight.
Posted by: hip czech | December 17, 2008 at 07:11 PM