As noted earlier, Marco Sturm practiced in a first-line, purple jersey today — he did the same a few days ago, before returning to a green fourth-line jersey yesterday — and Terry Murray said the only purpose was to even out practice drills…

MURRAY: “It was to get five guys off the one line that I had yesterday in practice. I wanted to start the practice with that team scrimmage, so I just needed to balance it out. Also, it brings him into the practice too. It gives him a little bit more of a focus, to know he’s going to be on some rushes with Kopi and Brownie. And he showed it. He looked pretty good in his effort today.”

Sturm will miss his seventh consecutive game because of knee tendinitis, but is practicing daily and might be on track to return for Thursday’s game at Pittsburgh.

MURRAY: “He will practice back home, and then we’ll get back on the road and make a decision, talk to him and see how he’s feeling. We’ll talk to the doctors and our trainers and see if everything is good with the leg. If he can give it a good, hard push with the practices at home, then I’ll take into consideration that next game in Pittsburgh.”