Dubnyk allowed two goals on 37 shots in the Wild’s loss in Pittsburgh on Thursday. Dubnyk has lost three in a row despite stopping 80 of the 87 shots (.920 SV%) that he has faced. Tonight he will take on the Stars for the second time this season—he stopped 33 of 34 shots in a 3-1 win in Dallas (Oct.19).
Quick allowed one goal on 28 shots in the Kings win over the Jets on Tuesday. It was an impressive way to end a three-game losing streak for Quick, who is 3-5-1 with a 2.57 GAA and .917 SV% in nine starts since returning from his meniscus injury. In his first start against the Sharks, Quick allowed three goals on 33 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss (Oct.5).
Andersen allowed one goal on 26 shots in the Maple Leafs win over the Panthers on Thursday. It was Andersen’s second win in a row, which is a bright spot in an otherwise mediocre December. He has not faced the Rangers this season but is a must-start against them at the Scotiabank Arena, where he is 8-5-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .938 SV%.
Copley allowed three goals on 29 shots in the Capitals win over the Sabres on December 15th. Copley is riding a three-game personal winning streak, stopping 80 of the 88 shots (.909 SV%) he faced. Copley has played well enough to record wins behind a high-powered offence, going 7-2-1 in 10 starts and makes a strong spot-start option tonight in Ottawa.
Hill allowed three goals on 27 shots in the Coyotes loss in Carolina last Sunday. Hill had a fantastic run as the Coyotes’ starter but has fallen back to earth in his last four starts. Hill has given up a combined 13 goals on 117 shots (.889 SV%). Tonight he faces an Avalanche team that has lost seven of their last 11 (4-5-2) and come in on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
Bergeron has been out since November 16th but he could return Saturday vs. the Predators. Bergeron, who had 26 points (9G / 17A) in 19 games before getting hurt, centred the top line with Brad Marchand and Danton Heinen on his wings in Friday’s practice.
Halak stopped 24 of 25 shots in the Bruins win over the Ducks on Thursday. Halak has been great in his last two starts, stopping 46 of the last 47 shots (.979 SV%) that he has faced. This afternoon he will face the Predators for the season time this season—he made 39 saves on 40 shots in a 1-0 loss in the first meeting (Nov.3).
Stafford has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Marcus Johansson on Friday after Johnasson was moved to IR. Stafford has just two points (1G / 1A) in nine games this season.
Johnasson was hurt in Columbus last night and was moved to IR prior to tonight’s game vs. the Senators. Drew Stafford will draw into the Devils lineup to replace Johansson.
McCabe will draw back into the Sabres lineup for the first time since November 29th. McCabe was solid before getting hurt, picking up 10 points (2G / 8A) in 25 games.
Pilut has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury but will return tonight in Washington. The AHL standout has two assists and three shots on goal in six games since being recalled.
Hutton allowed four goals on 35 shots in the Sabres loss to the Panthers on Tuesday. Hutton has played very well this season but has lost four of his last five starts while allowing a combined 15 goals on 161 shots (.907 SV%). Tonight he faces the Capitals for the second time in less than a week—he allowed three goals on 38 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss in Washington last Saturday.
DeMelo has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury but will play tonight in New Jersey. DeMelo has enjoyed a quality campaign, picking up eight points (3G / 5A), 44 SOG and a plus-9 rating in 30 games.
Bishop allowed three goals on 27 shots in the Stars loss to the Blackhawks on Thursday. Bishop has been consistent from month-to-month and comes into Saturday’s game at 3-4-0 with a 2.48 GAA and .918 SV% in December. In his first start against the Wild, Bishop stopped 33 of 35 shots in a 3-1 loss (Oct.19).
Hanzal has played in six games after a long lay-off and will sit in the front-end of a back-to-back. Hanzal has been solid since getting back to 100 percent, scoring one goal on 14 shots and one assist in six games.
Spezza has missed the last two games with strep throat but he will be back in the lineup on Saturday. Spezza has five goals and 13 assists (18 points) in 33 games this season.
Bunting has one goal in three games with the Coyotes this season. He gets recalled after scoring six goals and 12 assists (18 points) in 20 games.
