Sparks missed Thursday’s game in concussion protocol and the Maple Leafs confirmed that he suffered a concussion and is out indefinitely. The Maple Leafs will likely stick with Michael Hutchinson until Frederik Andersen is ready to return.
Murray allowed two goals on 30 shots in the Penguins win in New York on Wednesday. Murray continued his dominant play since returning from injury, extending his winning streak to six games—posting a 1.48 GAA, .955 SV% and one shutout in the process. The Jets have gone 12-6-0 on the road this season and are averaging the seventh most goals per game (3.41).
Bobrovsky allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Blue Jackets win over the Senators on Monday. Bobrovsky has won five of his last six (5-1-0) while posting a 1.84 GAA, .941 SV% and two shutouts. Bobrovsky is red-hot and draws a solid matchup against a Hurricanes team that played last night and is 10-7-4 on home-ice this season.
Howard gave up four goals on 34 shots in the Red Wings loss to the Flames on Wednesday. Howard has lost each of his last five starts (0-4-1) with a 3.20 GAA and .896 SV%. Howard was red-hot in the early portion of the season but has expectedly cooled off over the last month. Tonight he faces a Predators team that is 9-8-2 on the road this year.
Bishop left the game in Philadelphia after playing just 2:15 TOI and is questionable for Friday’s game against the Blue Jackets. Greg McKegg was recalled from Charlotte (AHL) and would play if Bishop can’t go.
McKegg has scored six goals with 17 assists (23 points) in 31 games with Charlotte. The 26-year-old has 13 points (7G / 6A) in 91 career NHL games with the Maple Leafs, Panthers, Lightning and Penguins.
Staal has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury and was moved to IR to open up a roster spot for Greg McKegg to be called-up.
Rodewald appeared in three games during his call-up but didn’t record a point. The 24-year-old heads back to the AHL, where he has 11 goals and 13 assists (24 points) in 26 games.
Balcers has had a solid season in Belleville, scoring 14 goals with 12 assists (26 points) in 36 games. The former fifth-round pick could make his NHL debut this weekend after replacing Jack Rodewald on the Senators roster.
Pettersson’s leg bent awkwardly in a collision with Canadiens’ rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The Canucks did not have much of an update postgame but said that they expect him to remain with them during their road-trip. Expect a more detailed update after Pettersson is re-evaluated.
Quick stopped 22 of 24 shots in the Kings win in Colorado on Monday. Quick was given Tuesday night off so it’s not surprising that the Kings will come back to him tonight vs. a red-hot Lightning team. Quick finished December at 6-5-1 with a 2.33 GAA, .922 SV% and one shutout but should be left on the bench vs. the highest scoring team in the NHL.
Schmaltz missed Wednesday’s game with an upper-body injury and could miss an extended period of time. Laurent Dauphin has been recalled from the AHL to fill-in for Schmaltz while he is out.
Ville Husso was hurt for the Blues AHL team so acquiring Coreau adds some goaltending depth at the AHL-level. Coreau once looked like a promising young netminder but has struggled mightily at the NHL-level and is 3-6-2 with a 3.57 GAA and .895 SV% in 13 games with San Diego (AHL) this season.
Halak allowed four goals on 32 shots in the Bruins loss to the Devils on December 27th. Tuukka Rask started the Winter Classic, so they’ll come back with Halak tonight vs. the Flames. Calgary has a high-powered offence but they are on the tail-end of a back-to-back, which makes Halak a more trustworthy option tonight.
Markstrom allowed three goals on 33 shots in the Canucks win in Ottawa last night. With Thatcher Demko not expected to be called up until their next game, Markstrom will likely start both games of the Canucks back-to-back. Markstrom has won three in a row evil stopping 91 of the 98 shots (.929 SV%) that he has faced.
Pouliot has played in 13 straight games, picking up just two assists, but will be replaced by Michael Del Zotto in Montreal.
