Johnson is expected to miss his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. Despite Johnson being doubtful tonight, he could return during the road trip which continues on Saturday and Sunday in San Jose and Los Angeles.
Drouin has missed the last six games with an undisclosed injury, but he is expected to return to the lineup tonight in Anaheim. Drouin, who had one goal and five assists in his first 14 games, is expected to skate on the second line with Vladimir Namestnikov and Nikita Kucherov.
Kenins has one assist in seven games with the Utica this season. Last year was his first NHL season, Kenins had 12 points (4G / 8A) in 30 games. He is expected to make his season debut on Thursday vs. the Stars.
Pedan played just 3:45 TOI in his NHL debut on Tuesday and has been swapped out for Ronalds Kenins with the Canucks in need of a forward and not a defenseman.
Rask allowed three goals on 27 shots in the Bruins win over the Rangers last Friday. With four days off in between games and Rask riding a three-game winning streak, he makes for a strong start tonight in Edmonton. Over his three-game winning streak he has posted a stellar 1.95 GAA and .934 SV%. His season numbers continue to climb closer to Tuukka Rask-type numbers.
Bishop allowed three goals on 22 shots in the Lightning’s loss to the Islanders on Saturday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Tampa Bay netminder. Bishop was 4-3-1 with a 1.60 GAA and .941 SV% in eight starts in the month of November. Bishop’s numbers on the season are very strong, but the Lightning are still struggling offensively—they’ve averaged just 2.20 goals per game over their last 10.
Sutter has been sidelined since November 12th and now be out until early-to-mid-January. Sutter had eight points (4G / 4A) in 16 games prior to the injury. With Sutter being out for an extended period of time, young centremen Bo Horvat and Jared McCann will continue to log big minutes for the Canucks.
Crawford allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Blackhawks loss to the Wild on Tuesday. Crawford played well, but his teammates were stymied by Devean Dubynk. Over his last three outings, Crawford has turned aside 84 of 90 shots (.933 SV%) and on Thursday he draws a good matchup against a banged up Senators squad. Crawford has gone 5-4-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .900 SV% on the road this season.
Allen was pulled after allowing three goals on 15 shots in the Blues loss to that Panthers on Tuesday. Brian Elliott started last night in Brooklyn, but Allen will be back in goal tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. Allen has gone 6-3-1 with a 2.03 GAA and .924 SV% this season and should be an excellent start tonight vs. a Toronto team with two AHL goalies.
Letestu was not on the ice for the Oilers’ morning skate and is not expected to play on Wednesday vs. the Bruins. Latest has two goals and three assists in 25 games this season, so he isn’t a great fantasy option regardless. If Letestu likely out, look for Luke Gazdic to be back in the lineup.
Pouliot was not on the ice for the Oilers’ morning skate and will be held out of the lineup on Wednesday with the Bruins in town. With Pouliot out, Ilro Pakarainen will get a look on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Teddy Purcell. Pouliot is listed as day-to-day.
Gibson stopped all 25 shots that he faced in the Ducks shutout win over the Canucks on Monday. After back-to-back losses, Gibson responded with a stellar performance and should make his fourth consecutive start on Wednesday. He has posted a 1.82 GAA and .936 SV% since being recalled, so he can be trusted tonight vs. the Lightning who are 3-3-1 in their last seven.
Folin has been a yo-yo recently, being recalled and send down. With Folin being sent down, the Wild have recalled Mike Reilly.
Reilly, 22, has registered two goals and seven assists in his first 23 AHL games with the Iowa Wild. He as a great offensive-defenseman in his time at the University of Minnesota and now it looks like he will get a crack at the NHL.
Nilsson allowed two goals on 25 shots in the Oilers loss in Toronto on Monday. Nilsson has lost three of his last four starts despite posting 1.98 GAA and .934 SV%. Tonight he will make his sixth start at home—he has gone 2-2-1 with a 3.32 GAA and .874 SV% at Rexall Place this season. He will take on a Bruins team that is on a roll right now. They come in winners of their last five games.
Anderson allowed three goals on 32 shots in the Senators 4-2 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday. Anderson has now lost two in a row while giving up a combined seven goals on 51 shots (.863 SV%). Tonight Anderson will face a Blackhawks team that has lost four of six, but still represent a dangerous opponent. Anderson is 4-3-3 with a 2.42 GAA and .922 SV% at home.
Orpik continues to battle his lower-body injury and will miss his 10th and 11th game when the Capitals go out on their two-game road trip. His next chance to return would be next Tuesday vs. the Red Wings.
Bournival has not appearaed in a game this season and has been placed on waivers for purpose of assignment to St. John’s (AHL).
Lack allowed one goal on seven shots after replacing Cam Ward in last Friday’s loss in Buffalo. Lack’s first season in Carolina has not gone well in the first two months. The 27-year-old sits at 1-4-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .874 SV%, which is not what the Hurricanes thought they were getting. He has gone 0-3-0 at home, but draws a good home matchup tonight with the low-scoring Devils in town.
Zibanejad left Tuesday’s game with an apparent head injury after taking a hit to the head by Flyers’ defenseman Radko Gudas. Zibanejad was reportedly feeling better on Wednesday, but remains doubtful for Thursday’s game.
