NHL Hockey Player News

Walker played the last two games for Minnesota but has been reassigned to Iowa (AHL) with news that Adam Raska has been recalled. In 28 games with Iowa, Walker has 19 points (5G / 14A).

Sammy Walker has been reassigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL, corresponding with Raska being recalled on Friday morning. The 22-year-old Raska was traded to the Wild organization earlier this season but has spent all of his time in Iowa, scoring one point (1G / 0A) and tallying 61 penalty minutes in 20 games.

Studnicka played the last nine games for the Sharks, scoring zero points and being limited to only seven shots on goals. Before being acquired by the Sharks, he played nine games with the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL this season, scoring seven points (1G / 6A) in nine games.

Kuznetsov has been recalled from the Calgary Wranglers (AHL).

Lindgren is progressing from his lower-body injury and could return to the lineup as early as Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings. That said, after Sunday's matchup, the Capitals are off until Thursday, so they may opt to give Lindgren a few extra days of rest. Before his injury, Lindgren saved 56 of the last 59 shots he faced (.949 SV%), posting a 1-0-1 record.

Kuemper will return to the crease on Friday for a Capitals club that has lost five of their last six (1-3-2). In his last outing, Kuemper played well, saving 32 of 33 shots (.914 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but has allowed three or more goals in three consecutive games (1-2-0), posting a miserable .863 SV%. The Capitals are +158 home underdogs against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have won four straight, outscoring their opposition 19-8.

Heineman was reassigned to the Laval Rocket of the AHL last week but has been recalled by the Canadiens on an emergency basis. In 10 games with Laval, Heineman has six points (2G / 4A) and a -7 plus/minus rating.

Hendrix Lapierre will draw back into the lineup for the Capitals on Friday, relegating Phillips to the press box as a healthy scratch. Phillips was held without a point in 11:51 time-on-ice in his last outing while playing on a line with Dylan Strome and Max Pacioretty.

Matthew Phillips will be a healthy scratch for the Capitals on Friday, allowing Hendrix Lapierre to re-enter the lineup. In his last game, Lapierre recorded an assist in 8:27 time-on-ice, snapping a five-game streak without a point.

Sandin is battling an illness and did not participate in practice on Friday and will miss Friday's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes as he recovers. Sandin has five points (0G / 5A) in his last five games, most recently skating alongside Ethan Bear. He is considered day-to-day while he recovers.

Kuemper will likely return to the crease on Friday for a Capitals club that has lost five of their last six (1-3-2). In his last outing, Kuemper played well, saving 32 of 33 shots (.914 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but has allowed three or more goals in three consecutive games (1-2-0), posting a miserable .863 SV%. The Capitals are +158 home underdogs against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have won four straight, outscoring their opposition 19-8.

Sandin is battling an illness and did not participate in practice on Friday, making him a game-time decision ahead of the Capitals' contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. Sandin has five points (0G / 5A) in his last five games, most recently skating alongside Ethan Bear.

Vanecek has served as the backup to Nico Daws in two of the last three games, both wins for the Devils, but will likely return to the crease on Friday evening. Before allowing five goals on 31 shots (.839 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins in his last outings, Vanecek won two straight games, saving 48 of 53 shots in the process (.906 SV%). Vanecek and the Devils are overwhelming -432 home favourites against a Chicago Blackhawks club that has lost four straight, being outscored 15-2 in their last three (0-3-0).

Heiskanen played 14:38 TOI before departing Thursday's game vs. the Avalanche. He got hurt in a collision with Scott Wedgewood and makes him questionable to play Saturday vs. the Predators.

Kirkland has spent most of his eight-year professional career in the AHL, making his NHL debut last season with the Anaheim Ducks, being held without a point in seven contests. Kirkland has 13 points (1G / 12A) this season in 12 games with the Tuscon Roadrunners (AHL).

Rodrigues left after blocking a shot with his lower leg and did not return. In addition to Rodrigues, the Panthers also lost Aleksander Barkov in the first period, so they could be short-handed for Saturday's game in Colorado. Head coach Paul Maurice said he expects to have an update on Rodrigues on Friday.

Barkov took an elbow up high from Alec Martinez in the first period of Thursday's 4-1 win in Vegas. Barkov left after playing just 4:54 TOI and did not return to the game. In addition to Barkov, the Panthers also lost Evan Rodrigues in the game, which could leave them shorthanded up-front for Saturday's game in Colorado. Head coach Paul Maurice said he expects to have an update on Barkov on Friday.

Anderson-Dolan will be the odd-man out on Thursday as Arthur Kaliyev re-enters the lineup. Anderson-Dolan has no goals and two assists in ten games this season.

Kaliyev will re-enter the lineup on Thursday after sitting out Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs. He has six goals and eight assists in 30 games this season.

Petry will slide back into Detroit's lineup on Thursday as they opt to dress seven defensemen in the absence of Andrew Copp (lower-body). Petry has one goal and nine assists in 29 games this season.