Vrbata has been a healthy scratch for the last three games, but he will draw back onto the Panthers’ second line tonight. Vrbata, has just 14 points (5G / 9A) in 40 games this season.
Zacha was hurt Tuesday vs. the Canadiens and will not play against Winnipeg on Thursday. Zacha has been held pointless in his last eight games, so his fantasy value has plummeted anyways. Brian Gibbons (thumb) may be ready to replace Zacha in the lineup tonight.
Darling stopped 16 of 18 shots after replacing Cam Ward in the Hurricanes loss in Minnesota on Tuesday. Darling will be given the opportunity to end a terrible stretch for the Hurricanes, but he’s come in having allowed 14 goals on the last 108 shots (.870 SV%) that he has faced. Darling gave up four goals on 30 shots in a 4-3 OT loss in his first start vs. the Blackhawks.
Kuemper was a late swap with Antti Raanta (lower-body) in Edmonton on Monday and ended up giving up four goals on 36 shots in the Coyotes overtime loss. Since joining the Coyotes, Kuemper has allowed seven goals on 63 shots (.889 SV%). One of those losses came against the Canucks, who he’ll face again tonight—he allowed three goals on 27 shots in a 3-1 loss two weeks ago.
Boucher has collected two goals in eight games with the Canucks this season and he will draw in vs. the Coyotes with Brock Boeser likely out for the rest of the season.
Markstrom allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Canucks win over the Islanders on Monday. Markstrom snapped a personal three-game losing streak and moved to 18-21-6 on the season. He has a quality matchup with the Coyotes in town—the 28-year-old stopped 41 of 42 shots in a 3-1 win over Arizona on February 25th.
Rutta has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, but will return tomorrow vs. Carolina. Rutta has had a nice season, picking up six goals and 13 assists (19 points) in 43 games.
Berube made 33 saves on 34 shots in the Blackhawks win over the Avalanche on Tuesday. Since being recalled, Berube has posted a 3.20 GAA and .913 SV% in four appearances. His two wins have come on home-ice, where he boasts a 1.00 GAA and .974 SV%. Tonight he faces a Hurricanes team on a slide—they’ve lost eight of their last 10 (2-6-2).
Anderson allowed two goals on 33 shots in the Senators win in Dallas on Monday. Anderson has won two straight, stopping 56 of the last 62 shots (.903 SV%) that he has faced. Tonight he will face the Sabres on the tail-end of a back-to-back—Anderson stopped 23 of 25 shots in a 3-2 OT win in his first start vs. Buffalo.
Rittich allowed four goals on 33 shots in the Flames loss in Colorado last Wednesday. Jon Gillies has started five of the last six games, but Rittich will get the nod in Buffalo tonight. He has struggled a bit recently, but has gone 6-3-2 with a 2.88 GAA and .910 SV% on the road this season and this matchup provides him with a chance to get back on track.
Rittich allowed four goals on 33 shots in the Flames loss in Colorado last Wednesday. Jon Gillies has started five of the last six games, but Rittich will get the nod in Buffalo tonight. He has struggled a bit recently, but has gone 6-3-2 with a 2.88 GAA and .910 SV% on the road this season and this matchup provides him with a chance to get back on track.
Jarry allowed three goals on 38 shots in the Penguins win over the Flames on Monday. After two rough starts, Jarry has won his last two starts while stopping 60 of 65 shots (.923 SV%). Tonight the 22-year-old will make his third appearance against the Flyers this season—he is 2-0-0 with a 3.00 GAA and .889 SV% in the first two meetings.
Mrazek allowed four goals on 26 shots in the Flyers loss in Florida on Sunday. Mrazek won his first three starts with the Flyers while allowing just four goals on 76 shots (.947 SV%). Since then, he has lost three straight while allowing a combined 14 goals on 96 shots (.854 SV%). He’ll have a tough time tonight vs. the Penguins, who are 8-3-0 in their last 11.
Mrazek allowed four goals on 26 shots in the Flyers loss in Florida on Sunday. Mrazek won his first three starts with the Flyers while allowing just four goals on 76 shots (.947 SV%). Since then, he has lost three straight while allowing a combined 14 goals on 96 shots (.854 SV%). He’ll have a tough time tonight vs. the Penguins, who are 8-3-0 in their last 11.
Zacha played just 8:53 TOI and did not return for the third period of yesterday’s win over the Canadiens. The Devils didn’t have an update on Zacha’s status postgame, so consider him questionable heading into Thursday’s game vs. the Jets.
Nielsen was caught by a hit from David Backes during the first period of last night’s game. The hit to the head earned Backes a hearing with the Department of Player Safety and is likely going to keep Nielsen out “for a little bit,” according to head coach Jeff Blashill.
