Music: {allcanada} Malhotra still day-to-day ahead of Game 1

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

{allcanada} Malhotra still day-to-day ahead of Game 1

VANCOUVER -- For the second straight day injured Canucks center Manny Malhotra did not skate with his teammates, and Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault reiterated Malhotra's status remains "day-to-day".

Malhotra, 31, has been out of the Canucks lineup since March 16 when he was struck in his left eye with a deflected puck. The veteran center underwent two surgeries on the eye, and according to the team, has one more, which will take place in the offseason.

This past weekend, coach Alain Vigneault announced Malhotra was cleared to play, but GM Mike Gillis adjusted that stance Tuesday.

"He hasn't been cleared to play yet, he's been cleared for some contact, and he gets monitored every day."

Wednesday, the Canucks did not have a full practice as only the scratches for Game 1 and starting goalie Roberto Luongo took part in the morning skate at Rogers Center. But, the team did have a full skate on Tuesday afternoon and Malhotra also missed that session. He skated during Monday's scrimmage.

Malhotra had 11 goals and 30 points in 72 games while leading all Canucks centers with 61.7 percent in the faceoff circle.