Ovechkin missed Saturday's game in Vegas but was on the ice for Monday's practice and "looked good," according to head coach Peter Laviolette, making his a game-time decision Tuesday. Ovechkin will replace T.J. Oshie (personal) in the lineup if he's able to go against the Avalanche. Ovechkin is in a bit of a slump, scoring just one goal with three assists (four points) in his last seven games.
Delia allowed four goals on 29 shots (.862 SV%) as he lost to Colorado in his previous start. The 28-year-old will make his tenth appearance Tuesday, as he continues to lock down the crease while Thatcher Demko is on the mend. He is currently 4-3-0 with a 3.18 GAA and .897 SV%. He will hope to get back in the win column as he takes on Chicago, who lost their last game 2-1 vs. Los Angeles and are 31st in both goals (2.4) and shots (26.3) per game.
Georgiev stopped 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) for his third win in four starts as he beat Vancouver in his previous game. The 26-year-old has been solid in his first season in Colorado, with his 18-11-3 record, 2.64 GAA and .917 SV%. He will face the Washington Capitals, who have lost four of their last six games after a 6-2 loss to Vegas last game.
Bennett suffered a lower-body injury in Monday's loss in New York. He returned to the game briefly in the second period before retiring for the night. Head coach Paul Maurice said he doesn't expect him to be available for Tuesday's game because the Panthers don't want this to turn into something long-term. Still, he said there's a chance he could play, so consider him a game-time decision in Pittsburgh.
Makar missed the Avalanche's previous two contests but is fifth among all defensemen in points (43) and second in goals (13) but will miss Friday's game vs. Vancouver as well due to an undisclosed injury. The 2022 Norris Trophy winner is considered day-to-day as we wait for more of an update on his ailment.
Reimer allowed four goals on 22 shots (.818 SV%) for his sixth loss in seven games as he was defeated by Boston in his previous start. The 34-year-old has struggled all season, with his 8-14-4 record, .895 SV% and 3.26 GAA. He will face the Detroit Red Wings, who have lost four of their last five games after a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia their last time out.
Slavin missed the Hurricanes' previous game due to a lower-body injury and is doubtful to return to the lineup Wednesday vs. Dallas. The 28-year-old has three goals, 12 assists, 74 SOG, six PIMs and a +10 plus/minus through 45 games prior to the injury.
Rosen will be the odd man out of the Blues' lineup Tuesday as Torey Krug (lower body) returns vs. Buffalo. Rosen has five goals, eight assists, 35 SOG, six PIMs and a +13 plus/minus through 30 games this season prior to being a healthy scratch.
Leivo has four goals, eight assists, 63 SOG and 14 PIMS through 35 games but will be a healthy scratch Tuesday vs. Buffalo. Leivo is a healthy scratch due to Logan Brown (upper body) and Vladimir Tarasenko (hand) returning to the lineup.
Brown hasn't played since Dec. 29th after sustaining an upper-body injury in practice but will return to the Blues' lineup Tuesday vs. Buffalo. The 24-year-old has two assists, five SOG and a -1 plus/minus through nine games prior to the injury.
Olofsson had one goal and three assists in 13 games with Dallas but was pushed out of the lineup with Roope Hintz returning on Monday. Olofsson heads back to the AHL, where he has 12 points (4G / 8A) in 28 games this season.
Buchnevich has 15 goals, 23 assists, 72 SOG, 20 PIMs and a -1 plus/minus through 38 games but is week-to-week as he is expected to be re-evaluated after the all-star game on his ankle. Buchnevich underwent a minor-surgical procedure to address an infection in his ankle and will hope to be back sooner rather than later.
Tarasenko hasn't played since Dec. 31st due to a hand injury but was activated off the injured reserve Tuesday and is expected to return to the Blues lineup. The 31-year-old had 10 goals, 19 assists, 90 SOG, and a -13 plus/minus through 34 games prior to the injury.
Krug last played on Dec. 23rd due to a lower-body injury but has been activated from the injured reserve Tuesday and is expected to draw back into the Blues' lineup. The 31-year-old puck moving defensemen has five goals, 12 assists, 65 SOG, 13 PIMs and is a -20 plus/minus through 31 games prior to the injury.
Binnington was pulled after allowing three goals on seven shots (.429 SV%) as he took the loss to Chicago his last time out. The 29-year-old has fought the puck all season, with his 18-15-3 record, .891 SV% and 3.26 GAA. He will take on the Buffalo Sabres, who have won three-straight games and are second in the NHL in goals per game (3.78).
Vasilevskiy allowed four goals on 39 shots (.897 SV%) for his second-straight loss as he was defeated by Calgary in his previous start. The 28-year-old wins leader for the last five-seasons has been solid yet again this year, with his 20-12-1 record, 2.55 GAA and .916 SV%. He will take on the Minnesota Wild, who are on a two-game losing streak after a 5-3 loss to Florida last game.
Blais had five assists, 30 SOG, eight PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 38 games with the Rangers but will be assigned to Hartford (AHL) for a conditioning stint. Will Cuylle has been recalled while Blais heads to Hartford for no longer than 14 days.
Muylle had 13 goals, seven assists, 39 PIMs and a +3 plus/minus through 39 games with Hartford (AHL) and has earned his first career NHL call up to New York on Tuesday. The 2020 2nd round pick (60th overall) will make his NHL debut if he finds himself in the lineup at any time during his call up.
