Good news here as Mike Richards should be good to play in tonight's game vs the Ducks. Get him in your lineups if possible.

Following up that good news with some bad news: Martin Havlat had surgery on his hammy and will be out for "an extended period". I really don't like the sound of that.

Kari Lehtonen is on target to return right after the short Christmas break. I, for one, am thrilled by this news.

Jeff Skinner was finally placed on IR with his concussion and there's still no timetable for his return.

Daniel Carcillo did not play last night and was placed on IR with his UBI.

Al Montoya's injury is, in fact, a concussion. And just when it looked like he had a good hold of the Islanders starting gig.

Brian Rolston is another Islander with a concussion and he was placed on IR by the team yesterday.

Forgot to mention this yesterday but Brent Seabrook is fine after the nasty hit he took from Rene Bourque. He played in consecutive days for the Blackhawks and even put up two assists last night.

Kyle Quincey sat out last night's game with a groin injury even though he declared that he could have played, the club is taking the safe route.

Semyon Varlamov is still nursing a sore back but feels good enough to dress as the backup.

Sam Gagner is fine after his neck injury and will play tonight.

Mikko Koivu has been placed on the IR with his leg injury.

Saku Koivu was supposed to return from the IR on Thursday night for the Ducks but word is that's not happening. Take note, in case you actually own this guy.

Returning to action: Claude Giroux, Martin St. Louis, Adam Burish, Andrew Ebbett