The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.
Hintz has seemingly been a game-time decision for two months. He's missed six of the last 12 games as he continues to battle a lingering lower-body injury. Monitor his status when the Stars hit the ice for warmups.
For the second straight game, Marino will be a game-time decision. He skated on the third pair and PP2 in the morning skate, which is a good sign that he'll be available but monitor his status when the Penguins hit the ice for warmups.
Daccord left Wednesday's game vs. the Canucks with an apparent leg injury and is expected to miss some time. Daccord had been playing well, stopping 77 of the last 85 shots (.906 SV%) in his last three appearances. With Matt Murray also hurt, Filip Gustavsson becomes their No.1, but Ottawa is off until Monday.
Stenlund has been held pointless in his last seven games and has just one goal in his last 13. Stenlund will be replaced by Stefan Matteau.
Bemstrom was hurt in Wednesday's practice and was placed on IR on Thursday, meaning he'll miss at least seven days. Mikhail Grigorenko will replace him in the Blue Jackets' bottom-6.
Thursday will be Matteau's second game of the season, replacing Kevin Stenlund in the lineup. The 27-year-old has two goals and one assist in 10 career games with Columbus.
MacInnis appeared in 10 games with the Blue Jackets last season but will make his first appearance on Thursday. He opened the season in the AHL, scoring one goal with one assist in five games with Cleveland.
Grigorenko, who recently cleared waivers, will play for the first time since February 23rd. Grigorenko will replace Emil Bemstrom, who was placed on IR with a lower-body injury. In his first 18 games with the Blue Jackets, Grigorenko has two goals and five assists.
Zacha was on the ice for the morning skate but was unable to finish the session, making him questionable to play Thursday. If Zacha can't play, look for Michael McLeod to draw back into the lineup.
Saros has missed the last seven games with an upper-body injury but will at least serve as the Predators backup on Thursday. While Saros was out, Pekka Rinne went 2-4-1 with a .879 SV%.
Soucy was suspended for one game for his hit on Conor Garland on Tuesday and will not be available for Thursday's game in Colorado. With Soucy out, Brad Hunt will likely draw into the lineup.
Texier missed Wednesday's practice due to illness and under NHL COVID-19 protocols, he was unable to join the team on their two-game road trip. With Texier out, Ryan MacInnis is expected to make his season debut on Thursday.
