Knee keeps Persson out

Dennis Persson was kept out of the lineup as Timra got back on the winning track with a 2-0 shutout of Frolunda. The defenseman injured his knee in last week's loss to Linkoping. He skated lightly in practice sessions over the Karjala Cup break, but it's expected that Timra will make him get a 100% workout in before getting back to game action. The injuries have piled up on Timra's blueline this season. Top rearguards Mikko Lehtonen and Eric Moe missed time early on, while Kimmo Lotvonen and Par Styf join Persson in the current ranks of the injured. Mired in last place and needing help on the blue, the Eagles are said to have a contract offer out to Janne Niinimaa after losing out in the bidding for former Lightning defenseman Janne Niskala.