Brodin did not play in the last contest for Minnesota on December 10th due to an upper-body injury and has since been played on the long-term injured reserve. He last played on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game after only 15:41 time-on-ice after an awkward hit. Brodin had nine points (1G / 8A) in 25 games this season, averaging 23:59 time-on-ice, and will be a big loss on the Wild blue line.
Merzlikins has not played since December 5th, when he was placed on injured reserve with an illness but participated in morning skate on Thursday and will likely start for the Blue Jackets after being activated from IR. Before being placed on IR, Merzlikins was playing his best hockey of the season, posting a .930 SV% during a 3-2-1 stretch. The Blue Jackets are sizeable +211 road underdogs against the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have collected at least a point in seven straight contests (5-0-2).
Kastelic has not played since November 2nd when he suffered a high-ankle sprain that has subsequently kept him out of the lineup for approximately six weeks. Kastelic had zero points in nine games before his injury, averaging 6:55 time-on-ice. At morning skate on Thursday, he skated on the fourth line with Parker Kelly and Rourke Chartier.
After serving as the backup for three straight games, Korpisalo will likely start for his third consecutive game on Thursday. The Senators coaching staff has been quick to deviate to a different goaltender after a poor performance but will stick with Korpisalo on Thursday despite allowing four goals on 28 shots (.857 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition, Korpisalo has lost three of his last four contests (1-3-0) and has only one quality start in the bunch, posting a .882 SV%. That said, the Senators are -118 road favourites against a St. Louis Blues team that has lost four straight, being outscored 20-10.
Miller had played all 26 games for the Rangers before Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he missed due to personal reasons. Miller has 12 points (5G / 7A), 34 blocks, and 24 hits this season, skating primarily alongside Jacob Trouba.
Binnington had a forgettable performance on Tuesday, allowing five goals on 31 shots (.839 SV%) but will look to redeem himself as the Blues' starting goalie on Thursday. Binnington's season has consisted of hot and cold stretches and is currently amid a cold streak, losing three straight contests (0-3-0), allowing 13 goals on 13 total shots (.874 SV%). The Blues are slight +107 home underdogs against an Ottawa Senators team that has won three of their last five outings, outscoring their opposition 17-10.
Gustavsson saved all 24 shots he faced in his last outing for his second shutout of the season and will return to the crease on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. After a horrendous 10-game stretch (1-6-2) where he posted a .864 SV%, Gustavsson has been tremendous in his last five games (4-1-0), dating back to John Hynes taking over as Minnesota's head coach, posting a ridiculous .951 SV% in the process. The Wild are -146 home favourites against a Flames team that has lost three straight and five of their last six (1-4-1).
Husso allowed four goals on 37 shots (.892 SV%) on Tuesday but was able to secure a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues and will return to the crease on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Husso has been limited to only three starts (2-1-0) in the last seven games for the Red Wings, allowing four or more goals in each, posting a .864 SV% in the process. The Red Wings are +149 home underdogs against a Hurricanes team that has lost four of their last five (1-4-0), scoring more than three goals only once.
Although in a non-contact jersey, Larkin's presence at practice was a positive sign for the Red Wings as he appears to have avoided a worst-case injury. Larkin will not play this weekend and will be re-evaluated next week. Before his injury, Larkin had eight points (6G / 2A) during a six-game point streak.
Tanev is returning to Calgary where he will be further evaluated for an upper-body injury and miss his second consecutive games. He was unable to complete a full shift, exiting Monday's game against the Colorado Avalanche after only 0:15 with an undisclosed injury after taking a hit from Ross Colton. 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.
Lindgren will likely start for the third time in the last four games for the Capitals and will look to build off his most recent performance, a 31-save shutout in a 4-0 victory over the New York Rangers, his second shutout in as many weeks. Lindgren has been a cornerstone and predominant reason why the Capitals are in playoff contention this season, boasting a tremendous 6-1-1 record and .936 SV% in his last nine appearances. The Capitals are slight +116 road underdogs against an equally surprising team, the Philadelphia Flyers, who have collected a point in six straight games (4-0-2).
Spurgeon did not practice on Wednesday and appears to be a game-time decision ahead of Thursday's contest against the Calgary Flames. Spurgeon was recently quarterbacking the top powerplay unit but if he is unavailable to play on Thursday, Brock Faber could be a candidate to slot into that role, as he had some success there earlier this month.
Knies will miss his second straight game as he continues to battle an illness. Knies has been held to just one point (0G / 1A) in his last six games, averaging 15:47 time-on-ice. On Tuesday, Knies was replaced by Noah Gregor on the top line and skated in that same spot at Thursday's morning skate.
Samsonov served as the backup in the back end of a back-to-back in the Maple Leafs last game but will return to the crease on Thursday and likely be the undisputed starting goalie for the team as long as Joseph Woll is out of the lineup. The 26-year-old Samsonov has been wildly inconsistent this season but has been significantly better lately, collecting points in each of his last five games (3-0-2) and boasting a .916 SV%. The Maple Leafs are overwhelming -239 home favourites on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have lost four of their last five (1-3-1).
Earlier this week, Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde stated that Compher could be available to return on Thursday but it looks more to be a Saturday activity after it was announced he was not quite ready after practice. After being a full participant at practice on Thursday, centring a line with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, Compher appeared to be on track to return to action but will delay that one more game. The 28-year-old Compher is pacing for the best season of his career with 19 points (6G / 13A) in 24 games.
Sonny Milano has been placed on the injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, prompting the Capitals to recall Snively from the Hershey Bears (AHL). The 27-year-old Snively has had a solid season with Hershey, posting 21 points (7G / 14A) in 25 games.
Joe Snively has been recalled from the Hershey Bears of the AHL, as Milano has been placed on the injured reserve with an upper body injury. Milano has been held to only one point (1G / 0A) in his last nine games, firing only six shots on goal and averaging 11:19 time-on-ice.
Husso allowed four goals on 37 shots (.892 SV%) on Tuesday but was able to secure a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues and will likely return to the crease on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Husso has been limited to only three starts (2-1-0) in the last seven games for the Red Wings, allowing four or more goals in each, posting a .864 SV% in the process. The Red Wings are +149 home underdogs against a Hurricanes team that has lost four of their last five (1-4-0), scoring more than three goals only once.
Manson was once again listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game vs. the Sabres but he's good to go for the 13th straight game. Manson has picked up seven points (2G / 5A) in 25 games this season but has been especially hot as of late, with two goals and four assists (six points) in his last six games.
