Neuvirth stopped 29 of 31 shot in the Flyers win over the Maple Leafs on Thursday. Neuvirth has played very well since returning to the crease, stopping 67 of the 70 shots (.957 SV%) that he has faced entering Saturday’s matinee.
Niemi allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Canadiens loss in Edmonton on December 23rd. In four games since joining Montreal, Niemi has allowed eight goals on 97 shots (.918 SV%) but is 0-2-1. He catches the Capitals on the tail-end of a back-to-back, but they also come in having gone 6-1-1 in their last eight.
Shattenkirk, who has been ice cold on the Rangers blueline recently, will be sidelined for an extended period of time after suffering a meniscus tear. Ryan McDonagh will obviously be pushed back up to the first power-play and Anthony DeAngelo was recalled this morning and was practicing on PP2 in Friday’s practice.
Niemi allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Canadiens loss in Edmonton on December 23rd. In four games since joining Montreal, Niemi has allowed eight goals on 97 shots (.918 SV%) but is 0-2-1. He catches the Capitals on the tail-end of a back-to-back, but they also come in having gone 6-1-1 in their last eight.
Grubauer allowed three goals on 39 shots in the Capitals win in Carolina last Friday. With their last six games being three back-to-back sets, Grubauer has been busy recently and it looks like he will start his third game in 10 days tonight vs. Montreal. In his last five appearances, Gruabuer has stopped 151 of the 158 shots (.956 SV%) that he has faced.
Catenacci hasn’t done much in Hartford this season, picking up just 10 points (2G / 8A) in 23 games. The former third-round pick was a three-time 70-point player in his OHL days but has yet to top 30 points in four AHL seasons.
Johnston has picked up three goals and eight assists (11 points) in 37 games with the Sound Tigers this season. His call-up is likely precautionary as the Islanders head out on a three-game road-trip. Johnston likely won’t play unless someone gets banged up on the trip.
Cizikas has missed the last three games and with a three-game road trip upcoming, the Islanders move him to IR to add an extra body for the road trip.
DeAngelo has picked up 13 points (2G / 11A) in 29 games with Hartford this season and returns to the Rangers where he had one assist in eight games earlier this year. DeAngelo’s call-up suggests he replace with Steven Kampfer or Brendan Smith in Saturday’s lineup while Marc Staal works back from a hip flexor injury.
Andersson spent the first half of the season playing for Frolunda in Sweden before captaining team Sweden to a Silver medal in the World Juniors. The summer’s No.7 overall pick had 14 points (7G / 7A) in 22 games with Frolunda and will provide a big boost to the Wolf Pack and potentially the Rangers later in the season.
Baptiste has picked up seven goals and 10 assists (17 points) in 34 AHL games this season but was held pointless in four with the Sabres earlier this year. His recall suggests a forward was banged up on Thursday and Baptiste should play Saturday vs. the Stars.
Grubauer allowed three goals on 39 shots in the Capitals win in Carolina last Friday. With their last six games being three back-to-back sets, Grubauer has been busy recently and it looks like he will start his third game in 10 days tonight vs. Montreal. In his last five appearances, Gruabuer has stopped 151 of the 158 shots (.956 SV%) that he has faced.
Roslovic went back to the Moose during the Jets bye week but is set to continue his NHL career this weekend. The 2015 first-round pick (No.25 overall) has yet to record an NHL point, but he has registered 15 goals and 20 assists (35 points) in 32 game with Manitoba.
Hutchinson was called up just before the Jets’ bye week to backup Connor Hellebuyck because Steve Mason was sick, so this indicates that something is still amiss with Mason. Hutchinson could see a start during the Jets’ weekend back-to-back and he’s definitely earned it by going 14-2-1 with a 1.94 GAA and .942 SV% in 20 AHL starts.
Reimer allowed three goals on 28 shots in the Panthers loss to the Flames last Friday. After a long bye week, Reimer will get back between the pipes tonight vs. the Golden Knights. Reimer has lost four of his last five starts (1-3-1) while allowing a combined 16 goals on 151 shots (.894 SV%). Vegas sits at an impressive 30-11-3 but the Panthers catch a break as they come in on a back-to-back.
Quick allowed three goals on 21 shots in the Kings loss to the Ducks last Saturday. Quick has lost three in a row while posting a 3.75 GAA and .866 SV%. Quick has slipped recently, but has an impressive 2.34 GAA and .924 SV% on home ice this season and catches a break with the Penguins coming in on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
