Dzingel has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but will play Saturday vs. the Canadiens. Dzingel has enjoyed a strong stat to the season, picking up two goals, two assists and 12 shots on goal in four games.
Lovejoy will miss Saturday’s game and be re-evaluated next week. The Devils are hopeful that the injury is short-term, but Steve Santini will likely replace him for now.
Rinne gave up two goals on 31 shots in the Predators 4-2 win over the Wild on Monday. Rinne won’t start as often as most No.1’s in the league, but he should post some of the strongest numbers in the league when he starts. He comes into Friday at 3-1-0 with a 1.75 GAA, .943 SV% and one shutout in his first four starts of the season.
Zajac has had a great start to the season, scoring two goals with two assists in his first five games. Zajac was forced to leave Thursday’s game vs. the Avalanche in the second period and never returned. Zajac will be re-evaluated later next week, but the Devils are hopeful that it is a short-term injury.
Crawford allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Blackhawks loss to the Coyotes on Thursday. Crawford looked sharp in his first start since December 2017. The best news was that Crawford is feeling well enough to remain in the crease tonight in Columbus. The Blue Jackets enter play averaging the ninth most goals for per game (3.67) in the NHL.
De La Rose missed the first two weeks of the season and was claimed off of waivers by the Red Wings earlier this week. The 23-year-old had just four goals and eight assists (12 points) in 55 games with the Canadiens last year.
Gryba failed to record a point in 24 AHL games last season and has just 43 points (7G / 36A) in 279 career NHL games with the Senators and Oilers.
Schneider continues to work his way back from offseason hip surgery and will head to the AHL to get up to speed. Keith Kinkaid will continue to start for the Devils until Schneider is ready to return to the NHL.
Dubnyk allowed one goal on 32 shots in the Capitals win over the Coyotes on Tuesday. The veteran netminder has had a strong start to 2018-19, posting a 2.32 GAA and .940 SV% in his first five starts. Despite solid numbers, Dubnyk has a tough matchup against a Stars team that is 29-12-3 in their last 44 games on home-ice
Jones was originally expected to be out until early-to-mid November, but he is apparently ahead of schedule in his return from an MCL sprain. Monitor Jones’ status heading into next week.
Dillon Dube will be returning to the Flames lineup tonight, so Czarnik will take a seat for the first time this season. Czarnik has registered one goal and two assists (three points) this season.
Dube missed Wednesday’s game with an undisclosed injury, but will replace Austin Czarnik tonight vs. the Predators. Dube has recorded one assist while averaging 11:38 TOI/GM in his first five games.
Smith stopped 24 of 26 shots in the Flames win over the Bruins on Wednesday. Smith has won three of his last four starts while stopping 102 of 113 shots (.903 SV%). In his first start against the Predators, Smith stopped all 43 shots that he faced in a 3-0 shutout win.
Radulov missed Thursday's practice but was on the ice for Friday's morning skate. Despite participating this morning, Radulov is still considered a game-time decision and looks closer to doubtful. Brett Ritche is expected to skate on the top line if Radulov does not play.
Lehner stopped 28 of 30 shots before being forced to leave last night’s win in Los Angeles. Lehner left the game after getting hit in the mask and head coach Barry Trotz did not have an update on his goaltender postgame. Consider Lehner as questionable for Saturday’s game, meaning Thomas Greiss will likely get the start.
Jaskin has failed to record a point while averaging just 9:29 TOI/GM in his first three games with the Capitals. With Jaskin back in, Nathan Walker is expected to be a healthy scratch.
Holtby allowed three goals on 32 shots in the Capitals overtime win vs. the Rangers on Wednesday. Holtby has won three of his first five starts while posting a 3.18 GAA, .898 SV% and one shutout. The Panthers are currently averaging the sixth most shots for (34.0) per game, but tied for 19th in goals (3.00 GF/PG).
Plekanec has recorded one goal while averaging just 10:52 TOI/GM in three games this season, but will come out of the lineup on Saturday due to a lower-back ailment. Andrew Shaw may return from an illness in Plekanec’s spot on the fourth line.
Vesalainen recorded just one assist while averaging 6:50 TOI/GM in five games with the Jets before being a healthy scratch in the last two games. The former No.24 overall pick will look to hone his skills at the AHL level, leaving Brendan Lemieux to skate on Winnipeg’g fourth line.
