NHL Hockey Player News

Blais was a healthy scratch for the Rangers' previous game but will be back in the lineup Thursday as he replaces Chris Kreider (upper body). Blais has five assists, 28 SOG, eight PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 35 games played this season.

Blankenburg last played on Nov.10th due to an ankle injury but was activated off the injured reserve Thursday. The 24-year-old had two goals, one assist, 13 SOG, and four PIMs through seven games prior to his injury.

Robinson was injured on January 3rd vs. Ottawa with an upper-body injury and will be placed on the injured reserve retroactively to that date. The 27-year-old has three goals, seven assists, 47 SOG and a -9 plus/minus through 34 games prior to the injury.

Kanee was placed on the injured reserve Wednesday but is eligible and expected to still play Saturday when Chicago takes on Seattle. Kane has missed the Blackhawks' previous two games and will not return to the lineup Thursday vs. Colorado as he deals with a lower-body injury. The 34-year-old has not produced like his usual self this season, with seven goals, 20 assists, 100 SOG and a -24 plus/minus.

Hill stopped two of three shots (.667 SV%) in a short relief appearance against the Los Angeles Kings his previous time between the pipes. The 26-year-old Golden Knights backup has been very successful with his 9-3-1 record, despite having fairly average stats in his .902 SV% and 2.73 GAA. He takes on the Florida Panthers, who have won three of their last four games after a 5-4 win over Colorado last game.

Vladar stopped 13 of 14 shots (.929 SV%) in a two-period relief effort his last time out vs. Chicago. The Flames' backup netminder has enjoyed an up-and-down campaign, with his 6-4-4 record, 2.76 GAA and .906 SV%. He takes on the St. Louis Blues, who have won four of their last five games after a 4-3 overtime win over this same Calgary team on Tuesday.

Delia was pulled after allowing four goals on 13 shots (.692 SV%) in his previous start vs. Winnipeg. Other than his last start, Delia has been solid when called upon this season, with his 3-1-0 record, 3.14 GAA and .902 SV%. He will face Tampa Bay, who won their last game 6-3 over Columbus and are fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.54).

Ekman-Larsson has one goal, 18 assists, 67 SOG, 16 PIMs and -14 plus/minus through 40 games this season but will be a healthy scratch Thursday as they take on the Lightning.

Vladar stopped 13 of 14 shots (.929 SV%) in a two-period relief effort his last time out vs. Chicago. The Flames' backup netminder has enjoyed an up-and-down campaign, with his 6-4-4 record, 2.76 GAA and .906 SV%. He takes on the St. Louis Blues, who have won four of their last five games after a 4-3 overtime win over this same Calgary team on Tuesday.

Oettinger stopped 27 of 28 shots (.954 SV%) for his sixth win in seven starts as he beat the New York Islanders in his last start. The 24-year-old is third in the NHL in wins with his 19-6-3 record, 2.29 GAA and .923 SV%. He will take on the New York Rangers, who are winners of four of their last five games after a 4-3 win over Minnesota last game.

Gustafsson has five assists, 36 SOG, six PIMs and one SHP through 38 games but will miss Thursday's game vs. Buffalo due to an upper-body injury.

Matthews has 20 goals, 47 points, 173 SOG, 14 PIMs, 17 PPP and a +17 plus/minus through 41 games for the Maple Leafs but missed his first game of the season Wednesday vs. Nashville due to a wrist injury. . Head coach Sheldon Keefe said it was "something that has been bothering him for a while.” Bobby McMann will replace Matthews yet again if he is unable to go.

Geekie has four goals, 10 assists, 29 SOG, 16 PIMs and a +18 plus/minus through 31 games but will be a healthy scratch Thursday vs. Boston. Ryan Donato will replace him on Seattle's fourth line.

Donato was a healthy scratch for the Krakens' previous contest but will draw back into the lineup Thursday as he replaces Morgan Geekie on Seattle's fourth line. The 26-year-old has eight goals, five assists, 58 SOG, 23 PIMs and a +11 plus/minus through 33 games played so far this year.

Jones stopped all 21 of 21 shots for his fifth straight win and second shutout of the season as he beat Montreal in his previous start. Jones has been winning like crazy, as he is tied for third in the NHL in wins with his 19-5-3 record, but he still has an ugly .894 SV% and 2.78 GAA. He will face the league-leading Boston Bruins, who have picked up a point in at least 11 games, winning nine of those contests.