Witkowski had one assist in his last four games and has just that one assist in eight games with the Lightning this season. The 26-year-old returns to Syracuse, where he has three assists in 11 games this season.
Conacher has picked up four goals and 11 assists (15 points) in 18 games with Syracuse this season. He failed to pick up a point in his only game with the Lightning this season.
Murray stopped all 32 shots that he faced in the Penguins’ shutout win over the Avalanche on Monday. Murray has won four straight games while posting a 1.98 GAA, .931 SV% and one shutout. Murray has asserted himself as the top option in the Penguins’ crease and is a great option while they’re scoring at an insane rate.
Grzelcyk, 22, was a third round pick (85th overall) in 2012 and he could make his NHL debut tonight in Pittsburgh. Grzelcyk has one goal and 11 assists (12 points) in 25 games with Providence this season.
Lazar has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, but will be back in the lineup vs. the Sharks. In nine games sine being called-up, Lazar has no points, two penalty minutes and nine shots.
Versteeg has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but is nearing a return, so there’s a chance that he plays vs. the Lightning. Versteeg has 11 points (4G / 7A) in 19 games this season.
Semyon Varlamov will not suit up for Wednesday's game because of a groin injury, so Martin has been recalled and will serve as Calvin Pickard's backup. The 21-year-old netminder has gone 11-7-0 with a 2.31 GAA ad .924 SV% in 18 games with San Antonio.
Varlamov is coming off of his best performance of the season, having stopped 51 shots in a win over the Maple Leafs. Varlamov is dealing with a groin injury and will not dress for Wednesday’s game. In his absence, Calvin Pickard will get the start and Spencer Martin has been recalled to be the backup.
Johnson allowed two goals on 28 shots in the Flames’ win over the Jets on Saturday. Johnson has won six consecutive games while posting an unreal 1.48 GAA, .951 SV% and one shutout. What a revelation Johnson has been this season and he is a must-start regardless of matchup until he cools down.
Pickard was pulled after he allowed four goals on 20 shots in Colorado’s 10-1 loss in Montreal on Saturday. With Semyon Varlamov out with a groin injury, Pickard will face the red-hot Flyers tonight. Philadelphia has won nine in a row while averaging 3.56 goals for and 2.11 goals against per game.
Niemi gave up five goals on 39 shots in the Stars’ loss in Pittsburgh on December 1st. Kari Lehtonen has started the last five games, but it looks like Niemi will go tonight vs. the Ducks. Niemi allowed two goals on 35 shots in the Stars’ 4-2 win over Anaheim back in mid-October.
Budaj allowed one goal on 20 shots in the Kings win over the Senators on Saturday. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Budaj, who will make his 23rd start tonight in Buffalo. Budaj has gone 3-5-1 with a 2.20 GAA and .914 SV% in his previous nine starts on the road. The Sabres have lost three of their last four.
