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.
Bishop has just one goal and one assist in 15 games with the Hurricanes this season. The 22-year-old heads back to Charlotte, where he has five points (3G / 2) in 13 games.
Hyman suffered an ankle injury in New Jersey and missed Thursday’s game. Head coach Mike Babcock told reporters post-game that Hyman tried to play through it but it is serious enough to keep him sidelined until at least early-January.
Dumba was hurt against the Flames on December 15th and the injury will require surgery next week. This is a massive blow to the Wild blue line and fantasy teams alike. Dumba was having an excellent season, scoring 12 goals with 10 assists (22 points) in 32 games before getting injured. The Wild don’t have an exact timetable for his return but Dumba will be out long-term.
Smith was pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots in the Flames loss to the Flyers on December 12th. It was an ugly end to a six-game winning streak for Smith, who will face the Blues for the second time this afternoon. Smith was yanked in the first meeting after he allowed five goals on 24 shots in a 5-3 loss in St. Louis (Oct.11).
Hart stopped 31 of 32 shots in the Flyers win over the Predators on Thursday. Hart was called-up to be the Flyers saviour and so far so good for the 20-year-old netminder. Hart has stopped 51 of the first 54 shots (.944 SV%) that he has faced. He will look to stay hot his afternoon vs. a Blue Jackets team that is 9-5-1 on the road.
Holtby allowed two goals on 30 shots in the Capitals loss to the Penguins on Wednesday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Holtby, who has gone 8-3-0 with a 2.43 GAA, .923 SV% and one shutout in 11 games since returning from a minor injury. Tonight he faces a Sabres team that is 9-6-3 on the road this season.
Zadorov will miss both games of Colorado’s back-to-back on Friday/Saturday. Mark Alt could dress in Zadorov’s absence against the Blackhawks.
Hellebuyck surrendered three goals on 30 shots in the Jets loss in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Hellebuyck, who has gone 5-2-0 with a 2.40 GAA and .921 SV% in seven starts in December. Tonight he will face a Sharks team that has won five in a row and seven of their last eight while averaging 4.25 goals for per game.
Rinne allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Predators loss in Chicago on Tuesday. Rinne has dropped two straight starts but is 4-2-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .902 SV% in December. Tonight he faces a Flyers team that is under .500 and with a rookie netminder making his second career start. Rinne is 3-3-1 with a 2.43 GAA and .925 SV% on the road.
