---Tim Connolly didn't practice today in Toronto for what his teammates are telling reporters were personal reasons (TSN says it's family-related). No word yet on his status for the Sabres/Leafs games the next two nights.
---Big night for former Canisius star Cory Conacher, who got a goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning against St. Louis Wednesday. Conacher even played on a line with Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. The undrafted free agent is pushing hard for a roster spot and impressing coach Guy Boucher, as this St. Pete Times story says. Conacher is expected to play again Friday against the Florida Panthers.
Also on the local college front, former Niagara star Matt Caruana was returned by the Leafs to the Toronto Marlies, where he scored six goals in 33 games last season.
---The Carolina Hurricanes have signed GM Jim Rutherford to a four-year extension.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
tagged
Colleges, minors | ex-Sabres | NHL
