Andreoff, 27, was drafted in the third-round (No.80 overall) in 2011 and has picked up just 24 points (13G / 11A) in 159 career NHL games. Andreoff, who had nine points in 45 games last season, will have to fight among one of the deepest forward groups for playing time in Tampa Bay in 2019. Andreoff may take the spot of Chris Kunitz, who will be a free agent in July, on the Lightning’s fourth line.
Carpenter is expected to come out of the Golden Knights’ lineup in Game 5 with David Perron drawing back in. This will likely be the last you see of Carpenter, because should Vegas win and extend the series, you have to assume they will stick with the same lineup.
Reaves has picked up two goals and 18 PIMS in 10 playoff games this postseason, but it looks like he will sit in Game 5 with Will Carrier (undisclosed) returning to the lineup.
Perron was a healthy scratch for Game 4, but it looks like he will replace Ryan Carpenter on the Golden Knights’ third line. Perron is still searching for his first playoff goal since April 23rd, 2016—a span of 27 games—but he has eight assists in 14 games this postseason.
Golden Knights’ head coach Gerard Gallant would not confirm any lineup changes, but based on the morning skate it looks like Carrier will replace Ryan Reaves. Carrier has yet to record a point in nine playoff games but brings a physical edge to the fourth line.
Holtby allowed five goals on 33 shots in the Capitals loss in Game 1. Holtby has battled some rebound issues over his last few outings and he will need to bounce-back in a big way in Game 2. The Golden Knights are 2-1 while averaging 2.67 goals for per game in their three game 2’s.
Fleury allowed four goals on 28 shots in the Golden Knights 6-4 win over the Capitals in Game 1. Fleury wasn’t at his best in Game 1, but he has been brilliant all postseason and is now 3-0 against the Capitals this season. Fleury has stopped 102 of 108 shots (.944 SV%) in three Game 2’s in the playoffs.
After starting the 2017-18 season with the Blues, Paajarvi was claimed off of waivers by the Senators mid-season and finished with eight points (6G / 2A) in 35 games with Ottawa. Paajarvi figures to be among the Senators’ top-12 forwards when the 2018-19 season rolls around.
Subban missed the Golden Knights’ practice over the weekend and head coach Gerrard Gallant said that he won’t backup Fleury tonight. With Subban battling an undisclosed ailment, Maxime Lagace will serve as Fleury’s backup in Game 1 vs. the Capitals.
Fleury stopped 31 of 32 shots in the Golden Knights win over the Jets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on May 20th. Fleury has dazzled throughout the postseason, going 12-3 with a 1.68 GAA, .947 SV% and four shutouts in 15 games. The 33-year-old netminder was 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .939 SV% in two starts against the Capitals during the regular season. Fleury has posted a .918 SV% in 13 career Finals appearances.
Coyle underwent surgery to repair a tear in each of wrists after they bothered him in the second half of the season. Coyle is expected to need one month to be fully healed, so he’ll be more than ready-to-go for next year’s training camp.
Sieloff, 24, had one goal and nine assists (10 points) in 58 games with Belleville (AHL) last season. The former second-round pick (No.42 overall in 2012) has not made a big impact on the NHL level, but he has scored a goal in each of his two NHL games. As a player who has never topped 12 points in an OHL or AHL season, Sieloff likely won’t have any fantasy impact if he ever becomes a full-time NHLer.
Following a disastrous start to the 2017-18 season with the Penguins and Panthers, Niemi settled in in Montreal. The veteran netminder went 7-5-4 with a 2.46 GAA, .929 SV% and one shutout in 17 starts and two relief appearances with the Canadiens. He will likely be back as the Habs’ primary backup behind Carey Price next season.
