"Filling in for DP at Sharks' practice today, and I just wanted to pound out a quick blog posting before rushing over to watch the Chicago Blackhawks' skate.

Defenseman Dan Boyle, who missed Wednesday night's 4-3 loss to Calgary with the flu, did not skate Thursday. It's unclear if he'll be ready for Chicago Friday night.

"Boiler had the flu yesterday, so we let him stay home," coach Todd McLellan said. "We don't want him around the rest of the guys, just in case the bug is still with him. I would say right now that he's questionable (against the Blackhawks), and we'll see how he is tomorrow.""