The Leafs were forced into making a decision on Soshnikov; they had a full roster and, upon activating Soshnikov from injured reserve, would have had to place one of Soshnikov, Josh Leivo, or Matt Martin on waivers. Soshnikov has 0 points in 3 games with the Maple Leafs this year, but has 17 in 19 games with the Marlies (AHL).
After back-to-back strong performances against Calgary and Winnipeg, Lundqvist allowed three goals on just 29 shots (.897 SV%) in Tuesday’s loss to the Wild. Lundqvist has struggled in the month of February, posting a 2-5 record and a .897 SV%. He will be in tough to turn it around tonight against the high-scoring Isles.
Talbot allowed an abysmal six goals on 39 shots against the Panthers on Monday, including three in the third period. Talbot is 3-4 with just an .895 SV% in his last seven starts. He draws a seemingly terrible matchup tonight on the road in Vegas, though he is 2-0 with a 2.00 GAA and a .933 SV% against the Golden Knights this year.
Nilsson stopped all 20 shots he faced in relief of Jacob Markstrom last night vs. the Panthers. Nilsson has struggled this season, posting a 3.39 GAA and a .906 SV%, and remarkably hasn’t won a game since November 30th against Nashville. He draws an awful matchup tonight as the Canucks are on a back-to-back in San Jose, who are expected to experiment with Brent Burns on their top forward line.
Jones turned in a strong performance in a losing effort against the Coyotes on Tuesday, stopping 24 of the 26 shots he faced. Jones had made some strides in his game of late, posting a .923 SV% across his last seven starts. He draws an excellent matchup tonight against the Canucks, who are travelling on a back-to-back after losing at home to Florida last night.
Subban injured his left hand at the Sharks' morning skate on February 8th. The Golden Knights aren't scheduled to play on a back-to-back until the 27th, setting up nicely for Marc-Andre Fleury to start the next five games.
Sanford, who had shoulder surgery in September, hasn't played a game all season, hence the Blues decision to send him down for a conditioning stint. Sanford registered five points (2G/3A) in 13 games with the Blues last season.
Fleury will make his fifth straight start on Thursday. He turned away 29 of 31 shots in the Golden Knights’ 5-2 victory over Chicago on Tuesday. Fleury has continued his dominant play of late, going 7-3 over his last 10 starts. He draws a strong matchup tonight as Vegas plays host to the Oilers.
Bernier allowed four goals on 32 shots against the Sabres on Sunday. After a strong start to the new year, Bernier’s game has faltered of late, with a .899 SV% across his last five starts. He should have a difficult time turning it around tonight against the Jets.
Gibson failed to pick up the win in Detroit on Tuesday despite facing just 16 shots. He’s played relatively well in the three games he’s played since returning from a lower-body injury, posting a .931 SV%. He has a good chance of getting back in the win column tonight in Chicago.
Mackinnon appeared to be ready to return as he was a full participant at Thursday's practice, but shortly after the Avs announced he would not be travelling to Winnipeg. His next chance to return is Sunday vs. Edmonton.
Brent Burns is expected to move up to forward tonight and play on the top line alongside Pavelski and Meier. Meier is expected to take Hertl's spot on the top powerplay unit. Hertl should be considered day-to-day at this time
Raanta stopped 37 of 38 shots en route to a 6-1 victory over Chicago on Monday, and stopped 12 of 12 in relief of the injured Scott Wedgewood on Tuesday. He’s allowed just four goals on 93 shots (.957 SV%) in his last three appearances. He’ll have a good chance to keep it rolling tonight against the lowly Habs.
With Jeff Glass being sent down to Rockford (AHL), Forsberg is the last man standing in Chicago's crease until Corey Crawford is cleared to return. Forsberg has lost his last three starts, stopping just 53 of 63 shots (.841 SV%) over that stretch. He could be in for another challenging game tonight against the Ducks.
Grubauer hasn’t played since February 4th against Vegas, where he stopped 27 of 31 shots (.871 SV%) in a losing effort. Grubauer has proven to be a serviceable backup this season, but he has a difficult task in front of him tonight in the form of the Minnesota Wild.
Bishop had a disappointing game against the Canucks on Sunday, stopping just 16 of 20 shots before being pulled in favour of Kari Lehtonen. It was an unfortunate end to a strong stretch of games for Bishop, who had been 6-3-1 with a .934 SV% over his previous ten starts. He has a decent matchup tonight at home against the Blues.
Boyle was forced to leave Sunday’s game vs. the Bruins and is day-to-day with a right shoulder ailment. He skated on his own Thursday but did not join the Devils for their morning skate.
