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Ference feeling good

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff January 1, 2009 12:07 PM

After participating in his first morning skate, Andrew Ference said he was pleased with his progress coming off surgery on his fractured right tibia.

Two screws are still in place, and they will be removed after the season. But other than some discomfort -- he can feel the screws pressing against the top of his boot when it flexes -- Ference said all signs are positive.

Ference was originally targeting a mid-January return. But depending on how he performs in practice over the next five days or so, Ference could be back in uniform even earlier.

* Like he has for the last five games, Martin St. Pierre will center the fourth line. St. Pierre was recalled on an emergency basis tonight because Petteri Nokelainen (shoulder) is still not ready for game action.

Tonight's expected lineup:

P.J. Axelsson	Marc Savard	Phil Kessel
Blake Wheeler	David Krejci	Michael Ryder
Milan Lucic	Stephane Yelle	Chuck Kobasew
Vladimir Sobotka	Martin St. Pierre	Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara	Aaron Ward
Matt Hunwick	Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart	Shane Hnidy

Tim Thomas

Manny Fernandez

tags Andrew Ference

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5 comments so far...

Andrew! Great news.

Posted by iRONiC January 1, 09 12:40 PM

Fluto, what's the status on Marco Sturm? Any progress there?

Posted by RJ January 1, 09 12:54 PM

Axelsson is still on first? I was expecting Luch to be moved back on the first line. I'm expecting Pens to come out flying tonight after their players meeting. TT would have to be sharp.

Posted by Sickbrain January 1, 09 03:54 PM

Didn't st. pierre get recalled? think its nokie on the 4th line

Posted by yomamma January 1, 09 03:58 PM

I can see the Pens come out flying as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take this game. I have a feeling our offense will struggle tonight, specifically the first line, or should I say the two stars and the fourth liner.

Posted by Matt January 1, 09 04:21 PM