Merrill has two goals, eight assists, 39 SOG, 30 PIMs and a -3 plus/minus through 65 games played but will be a healthy scratch Saturday vs. Chicago. The 31-year-old is being replaced by Calen Addison in the Wilds' lineup.
Addison has been a healthy scratch for the Wilds' previous three games but will draw back into the lineup Saturday as they take on Chicago. The 22-year-old has three goals, 25 assists, 73 SOG, 22 PIMs and a -16 plus/minus through 59 games played this season.
Gustavsson stopped 47 of 48 shots (.979 SV%) to snap a three-game losing streak with a spectacular performance and victory over the New Jersey Devils in his last start. The 24-year-old has been one of the NHL's best goaltenders this season in his first year in Minnesota, proven by his 18-9-5 record, 2.04 GAA and .932 SV%. He will take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who have lost six of their last eight games and are last in the NHL in goals per game (2.45).
Georgiev allowed four goals on 44 shots (.909 SV%) to snap a five-game winning streak as he was defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in his last start. The 27-year-old has been excellent in his first season as a starter and with the Avalanche, with his 32-15-5 record, 2.56 GAA and .919 SV%. He takes on the Arizona Coyotes, who have lost their last two games and are last in the NHL in shots per game (25.7).
Greig has a goal, five assists, 21 SOG, 10 PIMs and a +1 plus/minus through 16 games played and will now be a game-time decision Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. The Senators should provide more of an update by game-time Saturday.
Chychrun left the Senators' previous game after just 18:07 TOI due to an undisclosed injury and is now doubtful to play Saturday vs. New Jersey. The 24-year-old has nine goals, 24 assists, 144 SOG, 30 PIMs and a +7 plus/minus through 48 games between Arizona and Ottawa.
Walker had a goal, and seven SOG, through eight games played but will head back down to Iowa (AHL) Friday after being reassigned. The 23-year-old will return to Iowa, where he had 25 goals, 20 assists, 23 PIMs and a +17 plus/minus through 50 games this season.
Luukkonen allowed seven goals on 25 shots (.720 SV%) for his fifth-straight loss as he was destroyed by Boston in his last start. It has been a tough second season for the 24-year-old netminder, who is 15-11-4 with a 3.62 GAA and .891 SV%. He takes on the New Jersey Devils, who's lost three of their last four games after a 2-1 overtime loss to Tampa Bay their last time out.
Hutchinson allowed five goals on 36 shots (.861 SV%) for his third-straight loss as he was handled easily by the Anaheim Ducks last start. The 33-year-old has struggled mightily since being acquired at the trade deadline a few weeks back, with his 0-2-1 record, 4.17 GAA and .875 SV%. He takes on the New York Islanders, who have won three straight after a 7-2 win over Toronto last game.
Poirier did not see any action with the Dallas Stars and has been loaned back to Texas (AHL) on Friday. The 21-year-old heads back to the AHL, where he was 5-3-2 with a .913 SV% and 2.48 GAA.
McKown had 21 goals, seven assists, 30 PIMs and a -19 plus/minus through 38 games with Colorado College (NCAA) and will make his NHL debut Friday. The 20-year-old was an undrafted free agent who signed last week to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Luukkonen allowed seven goals on 25 shots (.720 SV%) for his fifth-straight loss as he was destroyed by Boston in his last start. It has been a tough second season for the 24-year-old netminder, who is 15-11-4 with a 3.62 GAA and .891 SV%. He takes on the New Jersey Devils, who's lost three of their last four games after a 2-1 overtime loss to Tampa Bay their last time out.
Laine's season of incredibly bad luck continues as he suffered a tricep strain in practice Thursday and will not be forced to miss 2-4 weeks. The 24-year-old left winger had 22 goals, 30 assists, 184 SOG, 16 PIMs and a -12 plus/minus through 55 games this season prior to the injury.
Hutchinson allowed five goals on 36 shots (.861 SV%) for his third-straight loss as he was handled easily by the Anaheim Ducks last start. The 33-year-old has struggled mightily since being acquired at the trade deadline a few weeks back, with his 0-2-1 record, 4.17 GAA and .875 SV%. He takes on the New York Islanders, who have won three straight after a 7-2 win over Toronto last game.
