NHL Buzz: Radulov doesn't play for Stars against Blue Jackets

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2020-21 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

Dallas Stars

Alexander Radulov did not play against the Columbus Blue Jackets (FS-0, FS-SW, NHL.TV) after he was said to be a game-time decision.
The forward has been out since Feb. 5 with a lower-body injury and has missed 15 games; Dallas was 3-7-4 without him.
Radulov has been skating for a few weeks and participated in drills and gamelike situations Friday. He last played Feb. 4 when he had three assists in a 4-3 win against the Blue Jackets.
"He's one of the most creative guys we've got when he's on top of his game, and just as important he's one of the hardest guys to play against," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "He's just so hungry to score a goal and make things happen. We certainly have missed him, the record shows it, and hopefully he can play tomorrow and bring that energy."
Radulov has scored 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in eight games.
Forward Roope Hintz (lower body) also is out after playing Thursday. -- Tracey Myers

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings canceled practice due to several players being ill.
"We don't believe it's COVID-related, just winter-related," coach Todd McLellan said. "Just flu and all the other stuff we never talk about anymore. So we didn't practice today, we kept everyone away from each other. We'll play tomorrow without a pregame skate but that's all we can do. We're dealing with different circumstances."
Forward Alex Iafallo was a late scratch because of illness and defenseman Olli Maatta, who is in COVID-19 protocol, did not play in Los Angeles' 2-0 loss at the Colorado Avalanche on Friday. McLellan said other players woke up Saturday not feeling well.
The Kings (11-9-6) are in fifth place in the Honda West Division. They visit the Avalanche (15-8-2), who are fourth in the West, on Sunday (5:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, NHL.TV). -- Tracey Myers

Montreal Canadiens

Ben Chiarot has a fractured right hand and will be reevaluated in the coming days, coach Dominique Ducharme said Thursday.
The defenseman was injured in a fight with Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller in a 5-1 win on Wednesday and did not play in a 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday.
Chiarot has scored five points (one goal, four assists) in 25 games.
The Canadiens visit the Flames on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; CITY, SNE, SNW, SNP, TVAS, NHL.TV)