Lights out for Chicago, Anaheim explodes, Updated Rankings coming and Skinner continues. Boston came away with a much needed 2 points against New Jersey as they cling to that last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.  Ryan Spooner scored his first NHL goal in overtime as he has been entrusted with a little more responsibility with the injury to David Krejci.  Don’t expect a lot from Spooner as he only has a total of 35 NHL game experience under his belt, but what a good time to score his first as the Bruins hold a 4-poiont lead over the Florida Panthers in the East…. The Islanders just keep on winning and now lead the Rangers by two points in the Metropolitan Division but the Rangers have three games in hand on the Isles.  Islanders Goalie Jaroslav Halak continues to improve upon his career year on the Island.  Kudos to those who took a chance on the sometimes underwhelming Halak…. Carolina’s Jeff Skinner scored again and now has 6 goals in last 8 games as the Hurricanes blanked the Washington Capitals 3-0 behind the 28-save effort from Anton Khudobin.  Look for the Canes to platoon their two goalies from here on out as they are out of the playoff race and are preparing for next season.  Skinner in the meantime can drive you bonkers as a fantasy owner because of his tremendous potential but also his propensity to get injured at the most inopportune times.  Ride him while he’s on fire…. Tampa’s Ben Bishop posted just his second shutout on the season but his 31st win by stopping all 28 SOG against the Blackhawks.  Ever since the Lightning acquired Bishop and installed him as the number 1, he has given fantasy owners a solid goaltender since day 1…With 2 goals, Steven Stamkos is rising quickly and is just 5 behind NHL leader in goals scored Alex Ovechkin.  With 20+ games to go in the season, SS could reach 50…. Colorado clings to playoff hopes as they beat the Dallas Stars 5-4 in a shootout.  Stars’ Cody Eakin (2G, A) was the offensive star in the losing effort but doesn’t hold much fantasy value I hate to say…. Anaheim awoke from their slumber after being shut out the previous game against Ottawa with a 4-goal outburst to beat their neighbors, the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.  Corey Perry was the hero scoring two late goals, the game-winner with just under 30 seconds remaining in regulation. Rookie John Gibson was the benefactor is now 7-5-0 on the season.  

Eakin is real close to returning to the lineup, but it won't happen tonight vs. the Coyotes. This will be the third straight game that he has missed, but you have to expect he will be back on Thursday.

Eakin missed the Stars' last two games with an upper-body injury. He could be ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday, but if not tomorrow, look for Eaking to be back on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Eakin missed Thursday's game with an upper-body injury and has not returned to the ice since. With Eakin out, Vernon Fiddler will stay in his spot on the Stars third line.

Eakin did not play on Thursday because of an upper--body injury and likely won't be in the lineup on Saturday vs. Sharks. Monitor his status during the morning skate.

Eakin is "banged up" and missed today's practice, but is expected to be in the lineup on Thursday vs. the Predators. Eakin has not recorded a point in the last five games and has four points (2G / 2A) in 12 games this season.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said he is considering shaking up the lines for Tuesday's game, including putting Eakin on that top line. Seguin and Benn have no points and are a combined minus-6 so far. If Eakin gets moved up that should certainly help him produce and makes him a nice one-day fantasy league option.

Eakin missed Friday's game, but was on the ice on Saturday morning and could be available on Sunday in Winnipeg. He has 29 points (13G / 16A) in 65 games this season.

Eakin suffered the lower-body injury on Tuesday and will miss tonight's clash with the Flames. The AHL's leading scorer Travis Morin has been recalled and will take his spot on Dallas' second line.

Eakin did not participate in Stars' practice this morning and likely will not be in the lineup vs. the Flames tomorrow. No word on if the Stars plan to recall anyone from Texas (AHL) at this time.