Despite being a plus-4 in his last four games, head coach John Tortorella must not be impressed with Hartnell’s recent games. Hartnell will take a seat with Rene Bourque getting back in the lineup.
Hartnell was questionable after missing the morning skate, but coach Todd Richards said that Hartnell will play tonight vs. Carolina. Hartnell has two goals and two assists in his last four games, but has not registered a shot in his last two games.
Hartnell missed the last five games with a broken finger, but will be back in the lineup tonight vs. Boston. Hartnell has registered six goals and 11 assists (17 points) in 28 games in his first season with Columbus.
Hartnell has missed the last five games with a broken finger, but he is skating with Ryan Johansen and Jeremy Morin at the morning skate which suggests that Hartnell will be back in the lineup on Saturday vs. the Bruins.
Hartnell suffered the broken finger on Thursday night vs.the Capitals. He is expected to be out until just after the Christmas break, so the Blue Jackets have recalled Kerby Rychel from Springfield (AHL) to take Hartnell’s place.
Hartnell skated on the first line with Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno on Wednesday. Hartnell has picked up four assists in five games and it looks like he will replace Cam Atkinson on the top line in Thursday's meeting with the Sharks. Johansen has been on fire (3G / 4A) to start the season, so Hartnellis in a good opportunity.
Hartnell, 32, has spent the seven seasons in Philadelphia and is coming off of a season where he scored 20 goals with 32 assists (52 points) in 78 games. Hartnell has scored at a 24.9 goal per 82-game pace in his seven seasons with the Flyers. Not playing with Claude Giroux could hurt his performance, but the Jackets have a number of skilled centres that could mesh well with Hartnell.
There was some concern over whether Hartnell would play tonight after being spotted in a walking boot over the weekend. He will be back in his familiar spot with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Hartnell has two goals and six assists in his last 10 games.
According to general manager Paul Holmgren, it was a scheduled maintenance day for the 31-year-old winger. But when Hartnell showed up to the Carnival, he was spotted in a walking boot. Hartnell will undergo tests Monday on his left foot for an official diagnosis. He recently blocked a shot with the foot. Barring bad news, Hartnell expects to play Tuesday night when the Flyers host the Red Wing, in January (13 games), Hartnell has four goals and seven assists. Of those 11 points, five have been on the power play.
There was some concern that Hartnell would miss tonight's game after being hurt by a shot on Tuesday, but he will be in the lineup.
Hartnell was injured while blocking a shot on Tuesday, but may not miss any time and play on Thursday. Monitor his status following the Flyers morning skate.
The Flyers returned Tye McGinn to the AHL, which suggests Hartnell will play tomorrow. He missed the last four games with a lower-body injury.
This is usually an indicator that Hartnell will not play in tomorrow's game vs. New York. Consider him doubtful for Thursday, his next chance to return would be Saturday vs. the Islanders.
There were reports that Hartnell was having a tough time in Sunday's practice, but the fact that he is back on the ice today is good news. He has missed the last three games, but unlike Vincent Lecavalier, he isn't expected to be ready for Thursday.
While is sounds like Vincent Lecavalier will return Thursday, Hartnell who was injured in the same game is doubtful for Thursday.
Hartnell's timetable was determined after an MRI today, Tye McGinn and Michael Raffl were called up from the AHL to replace Hartnell and Vincent Lecavalier.
Hartnell appeared in just four shifts for a total of 3:38 of ice time. Through the first four games of the season Hartnell is scoreless, while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
This gives Hartnell a serious boost with hopes he will break out of his slump - 2 points in his last 10 games.
