Cole scored with the net empty in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Bruins.The freebie counts as Cole's 15th goal this season. With three goals in the past five games, Cole is rounding back into form. An upper-body injury that he sustained in late January appears to be a non-issue based on the fact that he's been averaging 15:05 TOI this month, which is slightly more than his season average (13:56).

Cole (upper body) is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Avalanche. Cole was a full participant in the Stars' morning skate Tuesday, working out on the second line with Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky. The winger missed the previous three games with the injury, but because that trio been clicking prior to his absence, expect Cole to get plenty of an opportunity to reestablish rapport with Hemsky and Spezza.

Cole (upper body) participated in Monday's practice, and he may return for Tuesday's game against the Avalanche, the Denver Post reports. Cole is nearing a return, but he remains uncertain for Tuesday night. He's missed each of the last three games.

Cole (upper body) will not play Saturday against the Jets, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports. Cole will miss his third straight game due to the injury. He's been able to practice the last few days, so he'll remain in the day-to-day camp for the time being, with a return to action perhaps coming next week.

Cole (upper body) is expected to sit out Thursday's game against the Senators, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports. Cole indicated that he felt good after participating in Wednesday's practice, but the Stars will exercise a little precaution and keep him out for a second straight game. In addition to the upper-body injury, he has battled a cold recently, which probably has him running at less-than-optimal health at the moment.

Cole (upper body) returned to practice on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision on Thursday, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. Cole left a Jan. 20 game against the Bruins with an injury and hasn't yet returned. He was fortunate that his absence extended over the All-Star break, as it doesn't sound like he'll have to miss much actual game action.

Cole (upper body) won't return to the lineup Tuesday against the Stars, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports. Cole wasn't expected to return right after the All-Star break, and that is indeed the case, as he will sit out of Tuesday's contest against the Canadiens. His next chance to return will come thursday against the Senators.

Cole (upper body) will be out "a period of time" and likely won't be back right away after the All-Star break, the Stars' official site's Mark Stepneski reports. Coach Lindy Ruff intimated that while Cole will have the upcoming All-Star break to rest up after suffering an upper body injury Tuesday, he will still likely need more time to heal. Consider him out indefinitely for now.

Cole suffered an upper-body injury in the first period of Tuesday's game against the Bruins and will not return. Tuesday's game was Dallas' final match before the All-Star break, so Cole will have about a week to recover from the injury. He'll be considered day-to-day until the Stars are able to provide a clearer assessment regarding the extent of his injury.

Cole scored his 11th goal of the season and had an assist in Saturday's win over Washington. With four multi-point outings in his last seven games, Cole now has 22 points in 42 games on the season. Considering he plays on the second line with Jason Spezza, the 36-year-old is worth looking at, as he's got nine points in his last seven games.