With four of their regular defensemen out with injury, the Penguins signed Yannick Weber and have recalled him from the taxi squad after he finished his quarantine. The 32-year-old has not had double-digit points in a season since 2015.
Schultz was listed as day-to-day after taking a puck to the face on Thursday night. Schultz has performed very well since being moved to PP1 in Alex Ovechkin's absence, so it would be a shame for fantasy owners if he isn't available Saturday, since his run on PP1 is coming close to an end.
Rask allowed two goals on 30 shots in the Bruins' win over the Penguins on Tuesday. He didn't dress on Thursday but is still expected to start Saturday in Washington. Rask has had a solid start to the 2021 campaign, going 3-1-0 with a 2.13 GAA and .905 SV% in his first four starts. Washington has gone 1-1-1 since Alex Ovechkin and Co. were added to the COVID-19 protocol list.
Grzelcyk's tough start to the season continues as he suffered a new injury and Thursday and isn't expected to be available Saturday in Washington. Once again, with Grzelcyk out, Charlie McAvoy is expected to quarterback the Bruins' top power-play unit, which is expected to have David Pastrnak back on Saturday.
Martinook was activated on Friday and was on the ice for an optional practice, suggesting that he could be available for Saturday's home game vs. the Stars. Martinook should replace Max McCormick and take back his spot on the fourth line for Saturday's contest.
Foegele was activated on Friday and was on the ice for an optional practice, suggesting that he could be available for Saturday's home game vs. the Stars. Foegele, who has yet to record a point in three games this season, will likely replace Steven Lorentz and skate on the third line with Jordan Staal if he's made available.
Teravainen was activated on Friday and was on the ice for an optional practice, suggesting that he could be available for Saturday's home game vs. the Stars. Teravainen figures to reclaim his spot on the top line next to Sebastian Aho and enters play with two assists in three games this season.
Zajac's addition to the COVID-19 reserve list means that he will not be available for Saturday's matinee in Buffalo. With Zajac out, Pavel Zacha will likely shift back to centre after playing the last game on Zajac's wing and the Devils may need to go to the taxi squad for a 12th forward.
Fiala was assessed a game misconduct for the first period hit and was suspended for three games on Friday. This means that the Wild will be without one of their top offensive weapons for the first three games of their four-game set with the Avalanche--he's eligible to return for the finale next Friday.
DeBrusk was not available for Friday's practice and he is not expected to be ready to play Saturday in Washington. Luckily for the Bruins, it does appear that David Pastrnak will make his season debut, which will provide a massive boost to the Bruins offence.
Reinhart missed Friday's practice and head coach Ralph Krueger said that they will make the call on his status on Saturday morning. If Reinhart doesn't play, it seems likely that Tage Thompson will suit up on the first line with Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy wouldn't go as far as to say that Pastrnak is in but said that there's a "good chance" and that they will see how he does in Saturday's morning skate. If Pastrnak does play, he is expected to be reunited with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, which would bump Charlie Coyle back into a third-line centre role.
