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Some news and notes from today's morning skate session:

- After today's practice, Shane O'Brien was presented with the Nashville Hockey Writers "Media Recognition Award" for his interactions with the media through the course of the season.


- Colin Wilson returned to practice after missing the last two days to attend his grandfather's funeral. Wilson is expected to be in the lineup tonight.


- Coach Trotz mentioned that Steve Sullivan could possibly return to the lineup tonight. When Sullivan does return to the lineup, Trotz indicated he intends to start Sullivan in more a support role, likely limited to 7-10 minutes with the potential for power-play time as well.


- Coach Trotz said Cal O'Reilly could be back for tomorrow night's game, although whether Coach is able to work O'Reilly (and Sullivan) into the lineup could be dependent on results around the league tonight. "They are really skating hard in practice and have worked hard to get back in this position, but when players are physically ready to come back (from injury) they are still trying to catch up to game pace, game detail."


- Coach Trotz talked about the next two days:
"For the most part we know what we have to focus on for the next 36 hours. If we do that and do the right things, then hopefully other things will go our way and we'll be in a position to look forward. You have to live in the moment right now."


Coach Trotz stated that this season -- especially the back half of this season -- is the best he's seen Pekka Rinne play so far in his career. Trotz also indicated that this year's tandem is the best goaltending he's had as a NHL head coach.
- "He's (Pekka Rinne) been good all year and there have been times that Peks has been unconscious. We wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for Peks. We had times where we didn't play very well and we ended up getting points because of him. And when we do play well and he's playing well...."