Before the start of the season, Quinn was scheduled to return around Christmas and appears on course to do so as soon as Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets as he completes his recovery from Achilles surgery. Quinn had a solid rookie season, scoring 14 goals with 23 assists (37 points) in 75 games. At practice on Monday, he skated on a line with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson.
Poitras has been impressive in his rookie season with the Bruins but has seen a decline in his play lately, scoring only six points (1G / 5A) in his last 16 games after scoring seven points (4G / 3A) in his 11 games prior. The Bruins hope participating in the World Jr Tournament along with Team Canada can help him elevate his game and re-spark his confidence.
Tanev has not played since exiting the Flames December 11th contest against the Colorado Avalanche in the period. Tanev has been a steadying force on the blueline for the Flames this season, recording seven points (1G / 6A), 65 blocks, and 11 hits through 28 games, playing predominantly alongside Noah Hanifin on the Flames top defensive pair.
Clang was the 77th overall pick of the Ducks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has a 3.76 GAA and .882 SV% in 12 games (2-7-2) with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL this season. John Gibson exited Sunday's contest against the New Jersey Devils in the second period and might be unable to suit up on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, meaning Clang would likely serve as the backup to Lukas Dostal.
Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but appears to be on track to return for the Maple Leafs' next contest on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.
Gibson allowed one goal on 19 shots before leaving Sunday's win in New Jersey due to dehydration. Lukas Dostal stopped all 10 shots that he faced in relief. Since Gibson played just two periods and played well, there's a chance that they go back to Gibson on Monday if he's feeling better. That said, the Ducks recalled Calle Clang from the San Diego Gulls (AHL) on Monday, suggesting that Gibson might be unavailable.
Minnesota will turn to Fleury on the back end of a back-to-back when they face off against the Boston Bruins. The veteran netminder and future half-of-famer has only played one of the last seven games for Minnesota as Filip Gustavsson has demanded the crease with exceptional play lately. Fleury has a 3.29 GAA and .887 SV% through 11 games this season (4-5-2) while posting a quality start rate of only 45.5%, the lowest total of his career.
Nedeljkovic will start on Monday after allowing three goals in relief of Tristan Jarry on 21 shots (.857 SV%) in Saturday's 7-0 blowout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Discounting Saturday's relief appearance, Nedeljkovic has been tremendous when called upon lately, posting an excellent .946 SV% in his last four outings (2-1-1). The Penguins are -120 home favourites on Monday as they will be desperate to rebound against a Minnesota Wild team that has won three straight games but is averaging only 1.8 goals per game over their last five contests (3-2-0).
Markstrom has not played since December 2nd due to a fractured finger but will return to his role as the starting goalie on Monday against the Florida Panthers. Before his injury, Markstrom recorded a point for his team in six of eight games (5-2-1) but was only able to salvage a .894 SV% in the process. That said, Markstrom has played well against the team that drafted him, posting a 3.10 GAA and .910 SV% in nine career games against the Panthers (4-4-1).
Gustavsson will start for the fourth straight game on Monday and look for his fourth straight victory in the process. The Swedish goaltender's turnaround this season has been remarkable. Gustavsson has followed up a 10-game stretch (1-6-2) where he posted a .864 SV%, with an astounding .954 SV% in his seven games since (6-1-0). Minnesota is a slight +101 road underdog on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be playing desperately after being embarrassed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in their last contest, a 7-0 blowout loss.
Rakell has missed 12 straight games due to an upper-body injury but could return to the lineup for the first time since November 19th. Before his injury, Rakell was pacing for the worst season of his career, with only four points (0G / 4A) in 17 games. His zero goals on 44 shots rank worst among all forwards with over 30 shots this season.
Ruhwedel could make his return from a 13-game absence due to a lower-body injury, playing his first game since November 19th. The 33-year-old stay-at-home defenseman has an assist, nine SOG, two PIMs, and a -3 plus/minus in 15 games before the injury this season.
Acciari has not played since November 30th due to a lower-body injury but could return to the lineup on Monday against the Minnesota Wild. Acciari has three points (2G / 1A), 44 hits, and 28 blocks in 22 games this season, playing predominantly alongside Jeff Carter and Matt Nieto.
Oettinger is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, paving the way for Wedgewood to serve as the Stars' starting goalie in the interim. Wedgewood entered Friday's game in the first period when Oettinger was injured and played on Saturday as well, saving 55 of 61 shots (.902 SV%) between the two appearances (1-0-1). The Stars have recalled Matt Murray from the Texas Stars (AHL), but Wedgewood will likely see the majority of action between the crease for the Stars while Oettinger is out of the lineup. The Stars are -176 home favourites on Monday against a Seattle Kraken team that has points in three straight (2-0-1), outscoring their opposition 13-3.
Sanheim did not play in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings due to an illness but is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. Sanheim was recently replaced by Cam York on the Flyers' top powerplay unit but has still managed to be productive, scoring five even-strength points in his last five games (2G / 3A).
Hanley has semi-regularly been in the Stars lineup lately and will draw back in on Monday in favour of Nils Lundkvist. Through nine games this season, Hanley has one point (0G / 1A), eight hits, and seven blocks while averaging 12:44 time-on-ice.
Faksa will be a healthy scratch on Monday against the Seattle Kraken, allowing Craig Smith to draw back into the lineup. Faksa has six points (2G / 4A) in 25 games this season and is only averaging 12:59 time-on-ice, his lowest total since his 2015-16 rookie season.
Smith will re-enter the lineup for the Stars after not playing on Saturday, as Radek Faksa will be a healthy scratch on Monday against the Seattle Kraken. Smith has three points (2G / 1A) in 26 games but still has 41 shots on goals while playing a career-low 10:34 time-on-ice in exclusively a fourth-line role.
