Rumors, moves, injuries and newsmakers...

Niskanen all to often overlooked; Salei could be gone for extended period; Stumpel hopes to make his return; Alfredsson battling ailments; Timonen, Biron hot for Flyers; and more...

UNDERRATED STAR 
When discussions are underway at offices across the continent about the great rookies in this year's crop, the names of Patrick Kane, Peter Mueller and Nicklas Backstrom are thrown around. When the topic shifts to surprise rookies, names like Tobias Enstrom, David Perron and Martin Hanzal come up.

In the shadows is a young defenseman who plays for the Stars. Not only does Matt Niskanen lead all rookies this season in plus/minus with a plus-17, but he is also chipping in with some offense. With 19 points in his last 48 contests, Niskanen is showing flashes of what is to come. The 21-year-old will likely finish the year with around 30 points, but you know that the former college star has a lot of production still up his sleeve. A first-round draft pick in 2005 (28th overall), the Stars selected Niskanen with the hope he could one day man one of the points on the top power-play unit.

The youngster was eased into the lineup this year, waiting 10 games before seeing greater than 16 minutes of ice time, and 17 games before clearing 20. With veterans Sergei Zubov and Philippe Boucher out of the lineup, Niskanen has seen more than 20 minutes of ice in 35 of his last 40 matches. Niskanen is currently out of the lineup, battling a sore foot, but he's expected back for Thursday's contest against the Red Wings.

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NOW IT'S THE D'S TURN 
Everyone knows the problems that Colorado has had with injuries up front. Now the problem is on the blueline. Both Jordan Leopold (head) and Ruslan Salei (eye) are on the shelf with injuries. INTEL: Leopold is probably going to be back soon, but Salei's injury seems serious and he could be gone for awhile. The latter's absence frees up even more time on the power play for both Leopold and John-Michael Liles.

RAY OF HOPE 
Winger Ray Whitney has missed the last four contests with a leg injury, but the swelling has subsided and the Hurricanes hope he can return to the lineup this week. INTEL: Tuomo Ruutu has been playing on the top line in his absence. Since Carolina has won four in a row, they probably won't take chances with Whitney.

STREAKY FLYER 
Philly rearguard Kimmo Timonen is riding a six-game point streak in which he has 10 assists and is a plus-5 during that span. INTEL: Timonen has been streaky since coming to Philadelphia. Prior to his current streak, he had three points in 18 games, which was on the heels of an eight-in-five run.

BIRON BACK 
The Flyers are expected to go back to Martin Biron for Tuesday's game against the Leafs. He has started seven straight games and has gone 5-1-1. INTEL: Biron has had an up and down season, but is putting it together at the right time. His recent 4-1-2 run against Toronto indicates that he is the likely starter.

BAD HIP, BAD BACK 
Daniel Alfredsson has struggled over the last three months with nagging hip and back injuries. The 35-year-old was looking at a career season before the injuries struck. INTEL: After missing the last three games with back spasms, the team hopes to get him back this week, but he is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Bruins. He did not skate Monday.

MIDDLING MUELLER 
Although a natural center, rookie Peter Mueller has found himself playing the wing more often than not for the Coyotes. However, in practice Monday, Mueller was moved back to the middle. INTEL: He lined up with Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata as Phoenix puts all their eggs into one basket. Look for the three of them to pop against Anaheim on Tuesday.

CAT COMING BACK 
Panthers' veteran Jozef Stumpel, who has missed the last 18 contests with a separated shoulder, is probable to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Islanders. INTEL: The 35-year-old is notorious for his strong second halves so it is unfortunate for the team (and fantasy owners) that the injury struck when it did. His return will push either Rostislav Olesz or David Booth back down to the third line.

SPACEK OUT 
Buffalo rearguard Jaroslav Spacek left Monday's game against the Rangers in the first period. He did not return. INTEL: The team says it is an upper body injury. Between his absence and the recent trade of Brian Campbell, the Sabres are going primarily with forwards manning the blueline when they have a power play.

SNAPPED 
Thomas Vanek's goal against the Rangers Monday snapped a four-game pointless streak. INTEL: Vanek has had a disappointing season, but was turning it around prior to the funk with 27 points in 21 games. He should still salvage a 65-point campaign.

STREAKING STAAL 
Carolina star Eric Staal has 19 points in his last 12 games and has put himself in a position to finish the season with 80 points. That's a far cry from the pace he was on just one month ago. INTEL: It's as if the injury to Rod Brind'Amour has put more weight on the youngster's shoulders and he has responded admirably.

TKACHUK OUT 
St. Louis played Monday's game against Calgary without the services of veteran Keith Tkachuk. Tkachuk re-aggravated an old shoulder injury on Saturday. INTEL: Tkachuk is also expected to miss Tuesday's contest, but hopes to be back on Friday. He has been struggling of late, with just three points in his last nine games. Rookie David Perron immediately benefited with some added ice time.