NHL Hockey Player News

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.

Luukkonen has not played since Dec. 3rd due to an illness but was back in the starter's crease Wednesday at Buffalo's morning skate. The 24-year-old has taken over the starting job for the Sabres due to his strong 6-5-1 start to go along with his 2.81 GAA and .907 SV%. He will head to Colorado to take on the Avalanche, who won their last game in a thrilling 6-5 victory and are fourth in the NHL in goals peer game (3.54).

The Devils' goaltending carousel will continue Wednesday as Vitek Vanecek gets his second-start in three games Wednesday vs. Boston. The 27-year-old netminder has struggled mightily this season despite his decent 10-5-0 record, as he has a 3.49 GAA And .879 SV%. He hosts the surging Boston Bruins, who have won four of their last five games and are 11th in the NHL in goals per game.

Murray appeared in only one game for the Sabres and played 10:47 TOI but will return to Rochester (AHL) as Alex Tuch (lower body) returns from the Injured Reserve. The 25-year-old defensemen returns to the AHL, where he had two goals, five assist, 11 PIMs and a -7 plus/minus in 12 games prior to his promotion.

MacEachern had four goals, 12 points, eight PIMs and a -4 plus/minus in 22 games with Springfield (AHL) this season and has earned his first call-up to St. Louis on Wednesday. The 29-year-old forward did not appear in any regular season NHL games in 2022-23 but did appear in eight games in the playoffs with Carolina, picking up a goal and an assist to go along with his +4 plus/minus.

Lettieri had four goals, eight point and four PIMs in 10 games with Iowa (AHL) and has been called up back to Minnesota where he has spent most of this season. The 28-year-old is in his sixth NHL season and has two goals, an assist, four PIMs, 15 SOG and a -3 plus/minus in 13 games played.

Hunt had a goal, eight assists, nine PIMs and a +3 plus/minus in 14 games with Iowa (AHL) and has been recalled to Minnesota Wednesday. The 21-year-old defensemen was Minnesota's 2020 3rd round pick and made his first NHL appearance earlier this season, appearing in five games with no points while averaging 8:36 TOI.

Mermis will head back to Minnesota after a short stint in Iowa (AHL) which saw high collect two assists in five games before his promotion Wednesday. The 29-year-old has appeared in 14 games with the Wild already in 2023-24, with two goals, three assists, 11 SOG, and 21 PIMs.

Nedeljkovic will get his first start in four games as the Penguins head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens Wednesday. The 27-year-old has had a resurgent and impressive season as Tristan Jarry's backup, with his 2-2-1 record, 2.18 GAA and .937 SV%. He will face Montreal on the road, who have lost two of their last three games and are struggling offensively ranking 27th in both shots per game (28.7) and goals per game (2.61).