Craig Berube on whether surgery is a possibility for Chris Tanev: "I don't believe that's an option right now... Just have to be patient and wait for the results (of his assessment)"

"They're creating, and they're doing a pretty good job the other way. [Matthews] just has to stick with it. Hopefully, they start going in for him a little bit more than they are. But Max is making some good plays, and Kniesy is playing his game - heavy on pucks and that type of stuff. I still think the line can do more on the offensive side of things with moving pucks quicker and more give-and-gos, but they are starting to come around."

"It helps, for sure. It was unfortunate that Morgan couldn't be out there, but the touches and feeling the puck against the penalty kill for a significant amount of time in practice does help. Well, we're still waiting on the full results. I don't know them yet. I wish I did, but I can't speed them up."

Auston Matthews' line with Max Domi and Matthew Knies is creating chances and contributing defensively, though Matthews should continue with the pairing and receive more shots. Max Domi has shown increased engagement since returning from a scratch, playing heavier on pucks and making good plays. Matthew Knies provides heavy, puck-focused play. The line can increase offensive output by moving pucks quicker and using more give-and-gos. Dedicated power-play practice with repeated touches against the penalty kill helps, though Morgan missed practice. Chris Tanev's full medical results are pending and surgery is not expected currently. Joseph Woll took shots in his skate and could practice Friday; long familiarity exists with Ryan Reaves and his career has been strong.

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