NHL Hockey Player News

Luukkonen will likely start for only the third time in the last seven games for the Sabres despite being terrific in his last two. Luukkonen has saved 58 of the last 61 shots he's faced (.951 SV%), winning both contests, snapping a previous skid of six straight losses (0-5-1) where he had an abysmal .839 SV%. The Sabres are -120 home favourites on Thursday against an Ottawa Senators club that has lost four straight, scoring three or fewer goals in each contest.

Sorokin will continue his hold on the Islanders' crease on Thursday, marking appearances in eight straight games as Semyon Varlamov remains out of the lineup due to an injury. However, his increased workload has not resulted in improved play. In his last seven games (2-4-1), Sorokin has allowed four or more goals four times, posting a subpar .888 SV%. Sorokin and the Islanders are +115 home underdogs on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, despite defeating them 4-3 less than a month ago when Sorkin saved 37 of 40 shots (.925 SV%).

A well-rested Kochetkov, who has not played since January 5th, will likely return to the crease on Thursday in search of his fifth straight victory. The 24-year-old Kochetkov has been tremendous during his four-game winning streak, allowing two or fewer goals in each contest, posting a terrific .936 SV%. Kochetkov and the Hurricanes have a favourable matchup as -335 home favourites against an Anaheim Ducks squad that snapped a five-game losing streak in their most recent contest, a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators.

Scott Sabourin will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Labanc to re-enter the Sharks' lineup. Labanc will appear in only his third game since the Christmas break and has been held without a point in four straight contests, recording a -5 plus/minus and six shots on goal.

Ty Emberson will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Vlasic to play for only the second time since the Christmas break. In his last contest, Vlasic played under 12 minutes, recorded a -1 plus/minus, and fired two shots on goal.

Blackwood was serviceable entering the Sharks' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in relief on Tuesday, saving 22 of 25 shots (.880 SV%), but with the outcome already predetermined, there was very little he could do to help his squad avoid a defeating 7-1 fate. The Sharks have lost 12 straight (0-12-0), largely due to the Sharks' inability to score as they have been outscored 31-8 in their last seven games. That said, Blackwood hasn't been horrible lately, posting a .898 SV% in his last three games (0-2-0).

Bussi has been recalled from the Providence Bruins of the AHL, indicating that Linus Ullmark will be unavailable after exiting Tuesday's game in overtime with a lower-body injury. Jeremy Swayman is expected to take the reigns in the crease, while Bussi will serve as his backup. In 20 games with Providence (10-6-3), Bussi has a 2.97 GAA and .901 SV%.

Zucker served the final game of his three-game suspension on Tuesday and will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. Zucker had been held without a point in seven of his last eight games before being suspended.

Bobrovsky had the night off on Tuesday, but it was no issue for the Panthers as they won their eighth straight game in a convincing 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The red-hot Panthers have excelled regardless of who is between the pipes lately, but Bobrovsky has been especially impressive, allowing fewer than three goals in four of his last six games (6-0-0), posting a .920 SV%. The Panthers are -136 home favourites against a struggling Los Angeles Kings team riding a six-game losing streak (0-4-2).

Bjornfot will get the chance to play on Wednesday after all as the Golden Knights will be forced to dress seven defensemen as Michael Amadio is unavailable due to illness. Bjonfot made his Vegas debut on Saturday and is yet to register a point in two games this season.

Amadio was a late scratch from the game with the Golden Knights only announcing his absence 30 minutes before puck drop. The Golden Knights will likely be forced to dress seven defensemen in Amadio's absence.

After being confirmed to start earlier in the day, Hill was a surprise late scratch for Wednesday's game in Colorado, as it appears he's still not ready to return from his undisclosed injury. His next chance to return to the crease will be tomorrow night when the Golden Knights host the Bruins.

Patera will be the surprise starter on Wednesday after all after Adin Hill was a late scratch due to his undisclosed injury. Patera hasn't played since December 10th, when he allowed four goals on 38 shots enroute to a 5-4 victory over the Sharks. He'll have his hands full on Wednesday as the Golden Knights travel to Colorado to take on Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche.

Raska will take a seat on Wednesday as Nic Petan draws back into the lineup. Raska is yet to register a point in two games this season.

Petan will take the place of Adam Raska, who is a healthy scratch on Wednesday. Petan has played five games this season, registering zero goals and two assists.